Spiritual Warfare: 'God even Examines Your Secret Motives'

God's Power for Our Battles — Monday, May 11, 2026

The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.
— Jeremiah 17:9-10 NLT

Today's Prayer

Lord, You made me, and You know me - inside and out. You know my faults, my shortcomings, and all my many weaknesses. I know I can hide nothing from You, even if I tried. Others judge me falsely, but You always know the true reasons for what I do. You know what I'm thinking. Forgive me, Lord, for I want to be clean and pure in Your sight. Keep me far from deceit and wickedness. Help me to have a clean heart and good motives. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

4 Related Resources by Heartlight

Jeremiah 17:9-10
Devo: Today's Verse
"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...."
The Heart
Illustration of Jeremiah 17:9-10
Inspirational illustration of Jeremiah 17:9-10 --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 deser
Mortality: Trying It on for Size
Article by Rubel Shelly
A test run at death? Rubel Shelly talks about a Korean project to help folks not commit suicide by helping them understand what death might be like.
Let Jesus ...
Article by Phil Ware
What do these words mean and whose words do we trust? Phil Ware weaves in the 7 sayings of Jesus on the cross with the sense of forgiveness and mission that should be ours in the cross and resurrection of Jesus.

Illustration

Illustration of Jeremiah 17:9-10 NLT — The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, May 11, 2026

What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'His Disciples See a Glimpse of His Glory'
"When the master of ceremonies [at the wedding celebration] tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course,...."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Don't Leave!' (Ac. 1:4)
"Once when [Jesus] was eating with [the disciples], he commanded them, "Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'We Are Witnesses!' (Acts 2:32)
"[Peter continued his sermon:] "God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this.""
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Larry Burkett:
"Satan's number one weapon is pride. God's number one defense is humility."

About This Devotional

Spiritual Warfare is a daily devotional about God's power for our battles.

The Prayer for Spiritual Warfare is written by Steve Hemphill.

More Spiritual Warfare