In these times we are not creating hearts as much as watching them be revealed.

The Revelation of the Heart
Romans 2:5, “But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God.” In these times we are not creating hearts as much as watching them be revealed. It is the time for the revelation of hearts. The heart is being revealed all around us. When someone says, “I can’t believe in a God that allows suffering,” that person’s heart is being revealed. They know that God didn’t cause the suffering, but they are taking occasion to blame Him. If He did take away suffering, do we honestly think that such a person would immediately repent and turn to Jesus? No, the statement or the event is simply a revelation of the heart. We will be surprised in heaven to discover all that God has done for suffering people. Just as the heart of His own Son was revealed in hardship, so have many others’ been. It is amazing to be in a place where there has been persecution, because that type of suffering accelerates the revelation of the heart and allows us to see men for what they really are. “I see men, for I see them like trees, walking around,” said the man being healed from his blindness. Do you know the hearts of those around you? They are not revealed in comfort. One day you will see that those you thought were enemies are friends and those believed to be friends were enemies. It is the time for the revelation of hearts.

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. ” Matthew 6:33NASB

My partner, Ray Andrews, says this: “If you are depressed, you should first ask what it is that you are doing that you know you should not be doing. The second thing to ask is what you would like to be doing that you should not be doing.”

It is a good point, for depression often (not always) has its roots in the desires the flesh is exercising or wants to exercise. The way of the flesh is to do what you like and hate what you are doing. This all causes depression. Depression, then, can have its root in desire. We seek God for what we desire (our will), and if we don’t get it, we get depressed. If we get it and then discover that it was not really what we imagined it to be, there is more depression.

Do you know that if you have ever prayed, “Thy will,” then “Thy will” is exactly what you are getting? But you thought that “Thy will” would be something spectacular, comfortable, and blessed as defined by the world, including harmony in marriage, obedient children, and more.

Let me explain. He is bringing to each of us the revelation of Christ that we NEED. To prepare us for that revelation so we will not be exalted and destroyed, He is giving us what we are getting today. The revelation of Christ can completely destroy us if not preceded by His will. Paul says so. He explains that a thorn was given him so that in the abundance of revelations, he would not be destroyed.

What you are getting today in “average” life is everything you need to precede His revelation. Remember, the purpose of prayer is not to change the will of God, but to give you peace as you come in line with His will. This is the greater time, wherein He is going to use the lesser (in the worldly churches’ view) believer, and this is how you are prepared.

Stand fast. Don’t be discouraged. Today’s hiccups, rejections, conflicts, abuses, and concerns are what are needed to prepare you.

“and he had his dwelling among the tombs. And no one was able to bind him anymore, even with a chain; because he had often been bound with shackles and chains, and the chains had been torn apart by him, and the shackles broken in pieces, and no one was strong enough to subdue him. And constantly night and day, among the tombs and in the mountains, he was crying out and gashing himself with stones.” Mark 5:3-5

Have you ever wondered what the day-by-day life of a demon is like? We often read the story of the demoniac in Mark 5 and relate it to the demons recognizing Jesus, the miraculous deliverance, or the hardhearted people who would rather have illegal pigs than Jesus.

However, there is something else to be gleaned from the story. There is insight into the life of a demon. They were many and therefore “strong”, yet they were confined to living in tombs, among the dead. They didn’t have a dwelling place among the living. Also, we learn that day and night they cry and gash themselves. Obviously, they are in constant pain.

I think they are somewhat like a fish out of water. They were made for heaven but chose a pit. They hate the pit and yet that is all they are suited for now. Therefore they surface into an environment (earth) that is held together by Jesus. That makes the whole world hostile to them. Earth is not comfortable for a demon. This is why we find them among the rocks, less of creation, less of Jesus to witness to them.

Why would they choose to be here? Suffering on earth, with their sworn enemy Jesus, is better than being with their leader in hell.

“Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.” Matt. 5:5

In the back of our hotel is one of the finest zoos in the Amazon. As we walk among the brightly colored macaws, I notice the less colorful, smaller birds that dart in and out of the cages at will eating their food. Such an illustration of wealth and beauty vs. comeliness and poverty. The size and beauty of the large bird makes it a trophy. The smaller bird is not noticed at all. The one that would have freedom is actually in bondage. For the smaller bird there is no cage and complete freedom.

Wealth really is bondage. So many have proven the luxury of poverty. I know of a home in the mountains, twenty-two million dollars and yet it costs five hundred thousand dollars a year to maintain it. The owners are rarely there. They must stay busy making enough money to maintain it.

Do riches bring freedom? There is so much to be said for being plain, for possessing little, for being unnoticed, and for being free. I won’t say that I haven’t questioned these thoughts when I have to pass through first class on my way to coach. I comfort myself with the fact the people in the tail are the most likely to survive!