Introduction:

The Heart Check exercise can be very hard to do because it shows who we really are or what we really value. The truth is, a lot of us regularly take time out to evaluate our life goals, which is a good thing, but rarely do the same for our heart. As Children of God, the heart check should be a constant and daily exercise. As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart. Proverbs 27:19 NIV

Proverb 4:23 NIV says “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Another verse says, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he…” Proverbs 23:7 AMP. 

What is the Heart? 

According to google, the heart is a muscle that pumps blood to all parts of your body to provide it with the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function.

Just like our physical Heart pumps blood into our bloodstream to deliver oxygen and nutrients to every part of our body, so also our spiritual Heart is the pump that brings the Life of God through every part of our soul. That being said, it is important to do a spiritual Heart Check as we race through this journey of life. 

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death” Proverbs 14:12 NKJV. 

It is so easy to lose track of who we are or where our heart is when we are living the so-called “good and righteous life.” However, when it is not obvious to see who we really are, we are unable to correct or check our character. “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’” 1 Samuel 16:7 NIV.

We are chasing after the things of this world and somewhere on the chase, they have become idols in our lives. We recently started a new sermon series titled “Unintended Idols.” I was so excited for this series because the Holy Spirit had been convicting me on this topic pre-Covid and I felt like this was the best season to re-evaluate my heart and have a Heart Check. In part two of the series: The IDOL Called Self (check it out here) PWal told us to ask ourselves the following questions to determine if we have Unintended Idols in our lives: 

1.       Do you compromise your faith for it?

2.       Does it control you?

3.       Do you value it over people?

4.       Does it push you closer to GOD or does it pull you away from GOD?

Like I mentioned earlier, this exercise might be uncomfortable, but God is holding us to a higher standard; especially from the perspective of the heart because it affects every part of our lives. He has called us to be the salt and light in this world. For Him to trust us with such a huge task, our heart has to be right with Him. Matthew 6:21 NLT says “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” When you think about the world, have you ever realized that most of world’s greatest problems are a HEART issue:

• Terrorism 

• Racism 

• Inequality 

• Economic Crisis

• Global Warming 

• Political Corruption

All of these sprung up from various selfish and perverted human activities. It makes sense because "The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?” Jeremiah 17:9 NLT. The depths of the deceit humans are capable of is quite scary if you really think about it.  

Psalm 139:23 NIV says “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts…” I know this is a long read but, I want you to take your time on this part to meditate on these words and make it personal with the help of the Holy Spirit. This should not simply be a surface level exercise. It requires us to open our heart to God to help us in this process of the Heart Check. As you go about you day today,  pray and meditate on the this bible verse as a way to open your heart to God:  

Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me;  Cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I’m about;  See for yourself whether I’ve done anything wrong— then guide me on the road to eternal life -Psalm 139:23-24 MSG

Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; 

Cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I’m about; 

See for yourself whether I’ve done anything wrong— 

then guide me on the road to eternal life -Psalm 139:23-24 MSG

The Message version of this verse hit home for me because it reminds me of the background check process I had to go through to secure a contract position with the government. They were investigating and digging for information from my past including: where I had traveled to in the last 7 years, who I spoke to for my trips, why I spoke with them, and why. They also asked for the contact information of my trip contacts! This was an ongoing process until they were satisfied with the findings. This search alone causes a lot of people to run away from applying for positions with such an invasive review. They have a tendency to expose things from our past that we may not want other people knowing. 

A simple way to do a quick heart check is to look back at when you’ve wanted something desperately or felt any of the following ways: hopeless, harmful, frantic, careless, perilous, wild, uncontrollable, all of which are signs of desperation.

-Heart Check: Is it really growth/accomplishments you are working towards or is it power you are really seeking for? Are we really seeking for more money to save more, to give More OR is it really just greed? This can entail coveting another person's attributes or possessions, think envy and/or jealousy, which most times leads to sin. Example: King David killed Uriah after sleeping with Uriah’s wife. Remember the Bible says the heart of man is desperately wicked. 

-Heart check: Do you seek for material things because you desire to improve your life or is it just a way to oppress others and show-off (make others feel lesser)? 

Remember that we shouldn’t be seeking for position in life. As Jesus said in Matthew 19:30 NIV “But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.” 

-Heart Check: Have you ever thought about why you wanted to be different? 

For instance, when we go shopping for clothes, cars or material things, we tend to seek unique items to stand out. But how easy we forget that we are already one of a kind, created distinctly by God. “We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” Isaiah 64:8 NIV.

-Heart Check: You wish your body looked a certain way; is it because you’re comparing yourself to someone? 

If you agree that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, 1 Corinthians 6:19 NIV, then, you’ll not wish it were different. Because if the Holy Spirit can dwell in it, it is valuable and good. All we need to do is maintain/preserve that space and keep it sanctified at all times. God is looking for a content heart (a state of satisfaction, peace, and joy) in all of us. 

Heart Check: As a child of God, are you really living a “holy life” or a self-righteous life? Do you feel like you are better than others? Or do you think you’ve worked harder at salvation?

Remember that salvation comes through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ as a “gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV. 

-Heart Check: Do you often have problems with people around you but fail to look inward first? 

Most of us love examining other people and identifying their shortcomings while ignoring or giving our own shortcomings a pass. Don’t be quick to forget that “love covers a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8 NLT

If your actions can’t point to God’s actions or His character, you need to check your heart.

Today, listen to the song “Search My Heart” by Hillsong United and let the lyrics take root in your heart as you let God search within you. Listen Here

Search my heart

And search my soul

There is nothing else

That I want more

Shine Your light

And show Your face

In my life

Lord have Your way

Hear my cry

And hear my prayer

Draw me close

I know you're near

Give me strength

And give me grace

To walk with You

Lord, all my days

So with all my heart and all my soul

With all I am, Lord, I will follow You

You took the cross, You took my shame

Restored my life, now I live to worship You

Without You I am nothing

Without You I am nothing

Without You I am nothing

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways submit to him,

and he will make your paths straight.

Prob 3:5-6 NIV

Concerning every area of our lives, do we trust God in some areas, or do we trust God in every area? The truth is, knowing and unknowingly, we have tend to hold some parts of our lives away from God because we feel like we already have the answers. But really, where did you get your knowledge from? It could only have come from two sources: a good source or a bad source. 

We have put our trust in the world, and given into the world's standard. Hence the reason why the Bible reminds us that we are not of this world. We can’t accustom ourselves and our beliefs to the patterns of this world because the enemy made this world his after the fall of man. The enemy’s plan is to pervert (turn/change) all of God’s plan for our lives and feed us lies or counterfeit and most times because we are so desperate, we believe the lies as truth without checking their source. 

We need to trust that God is in control of our lives and he never leaves us hanging dry. 

God is interested in every part of our life as little as the food that we eat. Do we trust God on the next meal, or do we try to figure out how to earn meat all by ourselves? 

We say we’re “trusting God” for something but, most of the time, we seek out information, like how much they pay for the role, how convenient of a drive it is, and what the job description is. Of course all these are good information to seek out but we get caught up in only getting the world’s perspective or opinion, without coming back to God to confirm if the job is in His plan for your life. He has a plan and purpose for our lives and we should trust fully in Him because he knows our future. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV. 

We forget that the world can only predict (give an estimate of what will happen) the future and not prophesy (saying a specific thing “that will happen” in the future). So would you rather go with an estimate or the Lord's sure word? Let’s get back to trusting God with all our heart, in the little things and put Him in control of everything. In times when we doubt, let us meditate on the scripture “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV. 

Over the years, we have put all our trust in this world and the systems of this world. But the truth is no one (except God) could have foresaw that the world could shut down like it has due to Covid-19. Everything has had to adjust or come to a standstill. 

Last year, I decided to take a break from running my own business and look for a standard office job. I was using the information I found to identify where I should start from (entry level). Of course since I hadn’t been in the job market before I figured I was right to follow what was out there. I applied for a year without getting anything. It was not until I gave up my strategy and put the process in Gods hands fully trusting in His plans that everything changed, I started getting interviews and eventually got a job that I didn’t apply for. With no formal work experience, I started in a senior level role with a six figure salary. You and I both know that’s not possible based on the “worlds standards”. But thank God He only operates based on His. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV. 

In this season of the pandemic, I know it can be difficult to still trust God with all our heart especially with everything happening: loss of lives, social injustice, natural disasters, and rising Covid Cases. On one hand you want to trust God, but on the other, you are not sure what the rest of the year, or even the future, holds. But I want to assure you that our God was, is, and will forever be in control. Let the Peace of Christ Rule in Your Hearts- Colossians 3:15 NIV. Another word of God says: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NV. 

 It is important to trust in God who is our maker, our source, the all-powerful and all-knowing God that has the manual for our lives in His hands and can make a way for us in every area of our lives.  

Today, let this song “Trust” by Hillsong Young & Free be your prayer for trusting God with all of your heart despite what is going on around you. Listen here

When it doesn't go my way

I know that it is not the end

I'm trusting you have better plans

I haven't even dreamt of yet

I know that You are for me

When everything's against me

I put all my hope in You

Jesus I will trust You

I will trust you

I know you never fail

I will trust you

Jesus I will (I will)

Jesus I will (I will)

I don't know how the story ends

But I know that You finished it

I'll close my eyes and just let go

And fall into my only Hope

There's safety in the falling

When I surrender fully

I put all my hope in You

Jesus I will trust You

I will trust you

I know you never fail

I will trust you

Jesus I will (I will)

Jesus I will (I will)

The only thing I know

Is God you're in control

In every little detail

You are close

I'll never be alone

Here in the unknown

The power of Your Presence

Fills my soul

Now everything I know

Is God you're in control

In every little detail

You are close

I'll never be alone

Here in the unknown

The power of Your Presence

Fills my soul

Jesus I will trust You

I will trust you

I know you never fail

I will trust you

Jesus I will (I will)

Jesus I will (I will)

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23 NIV.

Based on medical standards, the heart is said to be the most delicate part of the body. It is valuable and people guard whatever is valuable to them. 

Before making a huge purchase like buying a car or house in America, a credit check is conducted to find out your credit history and determine your creditworthiness. Unfortunately, some people have been victims of identity theft, usually stemming from unauthorized access to personal information like a password or credit card/bank account number. What happens within a split second of not being on guard can take years to fix. 

Be on your guard and stay awake. your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack 1 Peter 5:8 CEV. Michael Hyatt, in his article about the heart, says: we are in constant battle especially when it comes to the matter of the heart. “Many of us are oblivious to the reality of this war. We have an enemy who is bent on our destruction. He not only opposes God, but he opposes everything that is aligned with Him—including us.” 

The enemy has different weapons that he uses to attack the heart. One such example of this, in this day and age is non-clinical depression. Depression or depressive ideologies have become very rampant lately amongst Christians and non-Christians alike because we have laid down our heart guard and conformed to the patterns of this world through the media. The bible even tells us to be on guard against what we consume:  

• What we watch/see-…the Eye is the door gate to your Heart/the eye is the lamp to the body- Matt 6:22 NIV so what you see remains in your subconscious.

• What we hear- Faith comes by hearing the word of God Romans 10:17 NKJV we need to be careful of everything we hear because it will eventually seep into beliefs.

• What we say- Out of the overflow of your heart the mouth speaks Matthew 12:34

• What we do- What are the worldly things we do? Envy/ Coveting/disobedience So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. James 4:17

• The Relationships or company we keep- Do not be misled because “Bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33-34 NIV

Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life. Proverbs 4:23 CSB 

Your heart overflows into thoughts, words, and actions.

Therefore, it is important to check the condition of our heart. 

I love how this quote puts it: “Because if your heart is unhealthy, It threatens your family, your friends, your ministry, your career, and, indeed, your legacy”- Michael Hyatt

As we have guarded our heart, it is also important that we fill our heart with the word of God. Just like our physical heart pumps blood into our bloodstream which generates oxygen and nutrients to give life to every part of our body, so also our spiritual Heart should be filled with the Life of God which comes through the word of God.

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105. This gives us confidence that when we give our heart and soul to God, He will lead us and guide us, by His word, along the right path.

 Most times, we find ourselves moving at a fast pace or making decisions without having aligned our heart with the source of our life (our Maker). It is so amazing how out of place I feel when I don’t get to spend time in God’s presence. It makes sense when the bible says “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33 NKJV.  I’m naturally irritable and just feel empty without quality time with God. But when I get to spend quality time praying with worship songs in the background, I feel fulfilled, liberated, and confident.  A worship song that usually sets the atmosphere for me, is a song by three great worshippers that I admire who have a unique way of pointing the heart of people to God. “Nothing Like Your Presence” by William McDowell, Nathaniel Bassey and Travis Green.  

When our heart is focused/fixed on God, the source of life, it will be hard for the enemy to find room to lie to us about ourselves and about what we don’t have because we are too focused seeking God first.

 One of my favorite bible verses is Psalm 37:23 AMP: The steps of a [good and righteous] man is directed and established by the Lord, And He delights in his way [and blesses his path]. This is my prayer for us that we’ll be in right standing with Him and make Him Smile.

-Song as Prayer

Today, use the song lyrics below as a prayer “Come Fill my Heart” by CeCe Winans

 Fill this void,

and emptiness

Shine Your light,

on my darkness Satisfy,

and restore my soul

I long for You,

make me whole

 (Chorus) Come quench thirsting Lord

 I am ready

Here I am waiting,

come fill my heart

You are the only,

one who can fill me

 Come fill my life,

 I am incomplete

Let Your love rain down

 on me I need You more,

Lord I confess More of You,

and nothing less

Come and fill me...

I am thirsting...

For You only...

God so Holy...

Come and fill me...

I am thirsting...

For You only...God so Holy...

After going through the Heart check process you may be feeling convicted, or you might still be unpacking your thoughts. Not to worry! We have a God, a loving and compassionate God that receives us just the way we are. That on its own is comforting because we serve a Good Good Father that never condemns us. Instead, He provides opportunities for us to make things right with Him. All He seeks is a Repentant Heart, the bible says "And I will give them a heart to know Me...and I will be their God, for they will return to Me with their whole heart."  Jeremiah 24:7 KJV.

Even though, the heart of man is desperately wicked, today I want us to declare:

“Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.” Psalms 51:10 NLT because, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all wickedness

1 John 1:9 NLT.

Here is another encouraging and uplifting word of God: And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.” Ezekiel 36:26 NLT

There is truly no one like our God! Who else gives us multiple ways out of a sinful nature without holding it over our heads? Who else is there to take us back with gladness even after we fall? Who else gives us a way to make it right with Him? And at the end, who else still daily loads us with His benefits? Please, take a moment to think about this! All that He’s asking us to do is to Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and love your neighbor as yourself- Matthew 22:36-39 ESV.

Here are the benefits of a Clean and Pure Heart:

• He will bless us- “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Matthew 5:8 NIV

• He will hear us and answer our prayers- The eyes of the LORD watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. 1 Peter 3:12 NLT

• The enemy will be far away from us- In righteousness you will be established...Terror will be far removed; it will not come near you. Isaiah 54: 14 NIV

• He will guide us to end- ...guide me on the road to eternal life -Psalm 139:23-24 MSG

 As we wrap up this devotional on the Heart, let us take the time to pray to God to create within us a clean heart using the simple song below. Also meditate on the second song below to keep our hands and hearts pure while we cast down every intended or unintended idol. 

Song as Prayer:

“Create in me a clean heart oh God, and renew the right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence oh God, take not the Holy Spirit from me, restore until me the joy of my salvation and renew the right spirit within me.”

 Song:

“Give us clean hands, give us pure hearts let us not lift our souls to another” Listen here