Has God Given You a NEW Heart?

I said in my heart with regard to the children of man that God is testing them that they may see that they themselves are but beasts. 

Ecc 3:18

Mayhem dominates our news most nights. If its not war or killing, it's crime, scandalous affairs, immorality, fraud, and much more.  We look at the news and often in disgust think of how horrible people must be. Yet, I have to remember, I am a "people!"  My own sin is not any better than any one of these, and how much of what I have done myself, has caused untold pain, anguish, heartache and misery in the lives of others?  And people ask, "If God is all-powerful, why doesn't he just stop our sin before it gets ugly?"

God doesn't keep us from sinning (besides wanting to give us a free choice) is that he wants us to realize how much we need Him. Animals don’t have a conscience, they do whatever feels good at the time. If they want to kill another animal, they do so. If they want to take another animal’s lunch, they’ll do so without regard for the life or feelings of the other. They don’t have a conscience. But we do! Humans have the capacity to make decisions based on what’s right and wrong. That ability is a gift from God. Without God, we behave just like the animals. Without God, life is a disaster.

When we were created by God, God didn't want us to be subject to animalistic desires and behaviors. God created us to live above those desires, so God breathed into us and we became a "soul."  Yes, we all have areas of our lives where we still live out those animalistic, carnal desires. Everyone does.  However, God provided Jesus to us, to teach us that we don’t have to stay like that or behave like that. You may think you can’t change on your own. You’re right! - You can’t.  If you could have, you would have, but you haven't, so you won’t. And we will not until we recognize that change comes from within.  Psa 51:10 states, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me."  

We are admonished in Pro 4:23  "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." The truth is, we need God in our life and we need a Savior. Psa 32:9-11 states, "Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you.  Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD. Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!" 

In what areas of your life do you deal the most with the carnal, animal desires of life? Have you given these to God? Have you asked God to create a new heart in you?  If not, start today!