FAITH CAPSULE: The heart is the prime target for the devil to attack.

Luke 22

A heart not kept diligently is like a playground for the devil.
Invariably, faith will fail when the enemy attacks the heart.
The Bible describes the heart: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9) 
“This is an evil in all that is done under the sun: that one thing happens to all. Truly, the hearts of the sons of men are full of evil; madness is in their hearts while they live, and after that, they go to the dead.” (Ecclesiastes 9:3)
Judas spent time with Jesus, but his heart is a testimony of one who was a victim of the act of Satan in his life.
The Bible records, “Then Satan entered Judas, surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered among the twelve. So he went his way and conferred with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray Him to them.” (Luke 22:3-4) 
Satan went after the vulnerable heart of Judas, and he was able to establish his plan to betray Jesus. 
Invariably, faith will fail when the enemy attacks the heart.
Peter was close to Jesus, but he was not immune to becoming a victim of the devil. 
Once, Jesus said to Peter: Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren. (Luke 22:31-32) 
The heart of a man is always a target for the strike of Satan.
Ananias and Sapphira were not forced to sell what belonged to them, but lied about the proceeds of their sale. 
Acts 5:3 records the response of Peter to Ananias and Saphira, when they lied: Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep part of the price of the land for yourself? (Acts 5:3) 
A heart that is engaged by meditating on the word of God will keep the heart from negotiation with the devil. 
Determination is not enough to keep focus from giving in to Satan.
Why?
It was a determination that failed Peter in his attempt to deny Satan, not to deny Jesus. 
Thank God that Jesus prayed for Peter because He knew that determination is not enough against the devices of Satan. 
In your daily journey, to be diligent in keeping your heart away from devices of Satan, pray as David prayed before God: Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10)
In this challenging world of wickedness, what is the state of your heart? 
Prayerfully, meditate on God to be the keeper of your heart diligently, so that you do not become the devices of Satan.
God answers prayer.

Prayer for today: Ask that God will enable you, that you will not become a victim of the devices of Satan.