Why is it that we struggle with idols of the heart? Often we pursue the lusts of our hearts instead of desiring to know God in a deeper richer way. In James 4:1-3 we see three reasons that we struggle with our desires: First, in verse one we see that we do what we do because of our desires. The chief among those desires is the desire to bring pleasure into our lives. Second in verse 2 we see that envy and jealousy (covetousness) become the motive for our behavior. We want what we want, and because of this we will sacrifice what we know to be right, for what we want. And third, in verse 3 we struggle with selfishness. Life is not about “ME” it is about service. Unfortunately, the desires of our hearts cause me to want what I want! We must learn to evaluate our heart as we come before God.… READ MORE

Until we are able to examine our hearts, we are not able to understand the struggle that is in our hearts. We look back at the Old Testament and see that they served many gods, as idols were spread throughout the land. We feel a sense of pride that we do not have statues in our homes that illustrate our worship of other religions. However, our struggle is that our idols are much more insidious, and dangerous, because they are idols of the heart. They are things that we have placed in our lives that motivate us to do what we do. It can be a simple as the “idol of peace” which is the idol that a husband craves when he does not take the leadership role he should in his house, or the wife may choose to worship when she refuses to deal with the behavior of the sinning child. We do what we do, because we want what we want. Our choices reveal what we are truly worshipping. James 4:1-10 gives us a call to examine our hearts, we need to take time to evaluate our heart motivation and what we are truly worshipping.… READ MORE

The Folly of Rebellion is that it is a destructive force in our hearts. Rebellion ruins everything it touches, Parents we are foolish if we allow our children to become companions with rebels. Proverbs 13:20 says He that walks with wise me shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. Not only this but Rebellion sews a crop that will one day be reaped (Galatians 6:7). If not in this world in the next. We do not get away with our acts, we will be answerable to the Lord for all that we do. As a result we come to regret the rebellious acts that has controlled our actions (Lamentations 1:20), unfortunately many times rebels realize to late what the consequences of their actions are (Hebrews 12:17), So what are we to do? If we recognize the rebellion of your heart, we need to consider two very important passages of Scripture: 1. Daniel 9:9 “To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against Him.” And Second, 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” We … READ MORE