If going to church becomes a duty

. . . instead of joyful worship, you surely have a spiritual heart ailment. God sees your heart, but you don't always know what is there.

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit and of the joints and marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

God uses the Word to enable us to see the sin and unbelief in our own hearts; and then, if we trust Him, the Word enables our hearts to obey and claim His promises.

This is why believers must read the Bible and apply it to their lives. In the Word we see God, and we also see how God sees us. We see ourselves as we really are. The experience enables us to be honest with God, to trust His will, and to obey Him.

Search me, oh God, and know my heart today;Try me, oh Savior, know my thoughts, I pray.See if there be some wicked way in me.Cleanse me from every sin and set me free.