Gracious Test

/ Devotional

Grace Notes – Gracious Test

“The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; Who can understand it? I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give to each man according to his ways, according to the results of his deeds.”

Jeremiah 17:9-10 NASB

What does this passage say to you about grace?

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Grace Perspective:

This passage of scripture is unapologetic in God’s assessment of our hearts. Yet grace is offered to those who humbly acknowledge that apart from Christ, there is nothing good in us. Romans 7:18, 24-25a says, “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of good is not…Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!”

Death is the penalty for our sin, but in Christ Jesus, our debt is paid so we may live for Him. We simply need to receive the grace that Christ died upon the cross to give. Today, ask the Lord to examine your heart and test your mind to see where you stand. Healing for a hurting heart is found by drawing close to Him.

A Touch of Grace:

What is in your heart today?

What is God calling you to do?

Grace Application:

Asking the Lord to search our hearts can be terrifying! I confess that my thoughts and words are often not pleasing to God. Yet, He wants us to ask Him to examine our hearts. Psalm 139: 23- 24 says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.” He knows our hearts intimately and still desires our friendship. Such grace! Dear friend, He wants to cleanse us from all unrighteousness and create in us a clean heart. The way to start the cleansing process is by confessing and repenting of our sin. The next step is getting His word into our hearts. I often write a verse on a notecard or a sticky note and keep it where I can see it throughout the day. This helps me focus my thoughts on what is truly important and reminds me of Truth.

Prayer for Grace:

Gracious Father, cleanse me and give me a heart filled with Your truth. You alone know the depths of my struggles. You have designed them to show me that, apart from Christ, there is nothing good within me. Yet, You want me to call on You. Like the Psalmist, I ask, “Let my cry come before You, O LORD; Give me understanding according to Your word. Let my supplication come before You; deliver me according to Your word. Let my lips utter praise, for You teach me Your statutes. Let my tongue sing of Your word, for all Your commandments are righteous. Let Your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen Your precepts. I long for Your salvation, O LORD, and Your law is my delight. Let my soul live that it may praise You, and let Your ordinances help me.” (Psalm 119:169-175) In the precious name of Jesus Christ my Savior, Amen

 **Today, as you read the Word of God, I pray each of you will know for certain you are in Christ Jesus. If you have any doubt, please call out to God so all doubt may be erased. Today is a good day to be assured of salvation in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions, please contact me at graceisdawning@gmail.com**