December 9, 2024 – God’s X-Ray of the Heart
Acts 5:1-5
Sermon: 2282 Living Supernaturally or Superficially, Part 1
Pray Over This
“But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, ‘Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.’ Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things.”
Acts 5:1-5
Ponder This
Did you know you can’t lie to God? He knows your heart. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” There is the penetrating power of the Word of God. He knows when you’re lying; He can tell when you’re faking it.
I wonder if my heart were on display, what you would notice. Would I want my heart on that screen for you to see? Would you want your heart up there for everybody to see? There’s nothing hidden that will not be revealed. Things that are spoken in secret will be shouted from the rooftops. One day, hypocritical and half-hearted religion and pretended devotion will be made known. Paul said, when our Lord comes, He will “reveal the counsels of the hearts” (1 Corinthians 4:5).
Perhaps there are things in your heart you don’t even know are there. Every morning, I put myself at God’s X-ray. We should all do this and pray, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:22-24).
- What are some things in your life that you wouldn’t want people to see?
- Have you heard the people around you when they have shown you lovingly an area in which God needs to work?
Practice This
In prayer, explore areas of your life you have hidden from God. Tell Him about your struggles, temptations, and hopes.
For more from Love Worth Finding and Pastor Adrian Rogers, please visit www.lwf.org.
You can also listen to Adrian Rogers at OnePlace.com.