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I KINGS 8:39

"GOD KNOWS YOUR HEART"

Intro: This thought may bring you comfort or uneasiness. In the scriptures
       the heart  represents that deepest area of your being. As the mind
       is considered the seat  of the soul, so the heart is considered
       the seat of the spirit.

I. GOD IS INTERESTED IN YOUR HEART, HE WANTS YOU TO GIVE YOUR  HEART TO
   HIM.
        A. Knowledge is in the area of the mind.
                1. You may know the right things & not be saved.
                2. Just as you may know all about parachutes.

a.  You may know how to fold them.
b. The aerodynamic principles involved.
c. You may strap one on your back & leap out of a plane at  12,000 feet.
d. That parachute strapped to your back can't save you unless  you now
   act.
e. On your chest is a rip cord, what are you going to do about  it?
                1. There's always the remote chance that when you pull it
                   nothing  will happen.
                2. Many doubts may fill your mind.
                3. What if at this point, because of the fear of possible
                   failure you  decide not to try it. Does that make
                   sense?
        3. Knowledge alone cannot save you. You must act on right
           knowledge.
                1. From knowledge comes belief, but belief even correct
                   belief alone  cannot save.
                        a. You may believe in God.
                        b. You may believe in Jesus Christ.
                        c. You may understand the atonement and death by
                                substitution.
                2. The scripture speaks of believing in your heart.
                        a.. What is the difference between believing in
                            your mind &  believing in your heart?
                                1. You can believe in your mind & never
                                   act.
                                2. The heart is the area of your will.
                                3. This is where actions are prompted.
                                4. When you give your heart to something,
                                   you give  your whole self.
                                5. Purpose & will are now involved.

II. GOD COUNTS WHAT IS IN THE HEART.
        A. The action may not be fulfilled.
                1. David in his heart had purposed to build the temple.
                        a. Because of his over all actions, God
                           restrained him.
                        b. "Whereas it was in your heart you did well
                            that it was in your  heart" vs. 18.
                2. Abraham was called upon to sacrifice his son.
                        a. God never intended the action to be
                           consummated.
                        b. When there was no doubt that Abraham was
                           willing to give  God his dearest treasure,
                           God counted it done and did not  require it.
                3. Cheryl's serious illness.
        B. Our weak flesh also hinders proper actions at times.
                1. Romans 7.
                2. Jesus to Peter "The spirit indeed is willing."

Ill. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS WHAT IS IN YOUR HEART THIS DAY.
        A. Have you given your heart to God?
                1. He would rather your attitude be right & your actions
                   wrong than  your actions right and your attitude wrong.
        B. God knows your heart today.