Jer 17:9-10 (NIV) The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? “I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve.” Jesus, the world has taught me to follow my heart. They told me that if it “feels” good, do it. They asked me: “How can it be wrong, when it feels so right?” Show me how it can be wrong even if my heart feels like it is so right: Prov 16:25 (NIV) There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. Help me heed this warning and be willing to allow You to teach me HOW to win over my heart.

Jesus, teach me that when the Bible talks about my heart, it isn’t talking about that organ that pumps my blood all over my body. It is talking about a powerful area in my spirit that communicates with me by giving me strong feelings and emotions. Help me see that it is the area where all my emotions and my attitudes and character reside. Teach me that this Biblical term, heart, is in reference to that area which represents what I am basing my life, decisions, choices, and actions on now; my heart does not think logical thoughts; it just gives me feelings based on certain past experiences and current belief systems.

Rom 2:5 (NIV) But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant HEART, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when His righteous judgment will be revealed. Jesus, make it clear to me that my heart is more powerful and influential than my mind. It can make me do things I really don’t want to do; and, it can keep me from doing things I do want to do. I need You to do a lot of work on my heart; but, it is my heart; it may contain things I really like about it. When You try to get me to repent, I may not want to. Teach me that this makes Romans 2:5 apply to me: Because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant HEART, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath

Rom 2:6-7 (NIV) God “will give to each person according to what he has done.” To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, He will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. Jesus, make it clear to me that my spirit can’t make sure I do the right things; my spirit can WANT to do the right things and HATE doing the wrong things; but, that’s all it can do. Help me see that I will have to “do what it takes” to get Your help. Show me that I, as a spirit being, need to learn how to work together with You so YOU can help me have persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality so You will give me eternal life.

Rom 1:24 (NIV) Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their HEARTS to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. Help me understand that this is where I was heading even though I may not think I ever would. Show me that affairs, adultery, fornication, and lust have a way of growing in my heart. Help me understand the principle in Matthew 5:27-28 (NIV): “You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I (Jesus) tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Teach me that the important thing is for me to NOT trust my heart. And, teach me another thing: I must NOT trust my determination, my good works, my ability to resist temptation, and my will-power.

Jesus, empower me to do what 2 Timothy 2:15 (AKJV) says: “Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Make it clear to me that if I will allow You to train, empower, and help me with my heart, You have a way for me to win over all those things that are fighting me. Teach me that I am a child of God; I am here to learn how to live in the spirit realm; I, as a spirit being, need to learn how to use spiritual tools, principles, and truths. Show me that just like I have had to study hard to learn how to do the things I do on this planet, I need to get ready for eternity; teach me that it takes Your training. 2 Th 3:5 (NIV) May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.