Men of the Bible Series - David (I Samuel 13:14; Acts 1:22)
I Samuel 13:14, “But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the Lord hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the Lord hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the Lord commanded thee.” Acts 1:22, “And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave their testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.” The Scriptures reveal to us that David followed after God’s own heart (I Samuel 16:7). God testified as to David having a heart after His own (Acts 13:22). In Numbers 15:39, God warned the children of Israel not to seek after their own hearts. The whole book of Judges can be summed up in one verse, “every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25). Many today are doing what is right in their own eyes, but God warns us in Proverbs 14:12, “the end thereof are the ways of death.” The Scriptures reveal to us several things that the heart follows after: false gods (I Kings 11:2; Ezekiel 20:16); the Lord (II Kings 23:25); our own eyes (Job 31:7); strange women (Proverbs 6:25); imaginations of an evil heart (Jeremiah 3:17; 9:14; 13:10; 16:12). 1. The Lord wants us to have an Honest Heart (Psalm 51:10). Psalm 51:10, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” A clean heart is the first step toward having a heart after God (Psalm 32:11; 51:10). When our hands are clean and hearts are pure, we are allowed to draw nigh to God (James 4:8). 2. The Lord wants us to have a Holy Heart (Psalm 89:20). Psalm 89:20, “I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him”. God called David His servant. David wanted to do (fulfill all) the will of the Lord (Acts 13:22). David was God’s possession to do with as He pleased. You cannot hide what you are following because what you are following is manifested by whom you obey. 3. The Lord wants us to have a Healthy Heart (Psalm 119:11). Psalm 119:11, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Many verses speak of David keeping God’s Word in his heart (Psalm 37:31; 40:8; 119:34, 36, 69, 80, 112, 161). What you choose to place in your heart is the only thing that is sure to be with you 24/7. Keep God’s Word within you (Proverbs 22:17-21). 4. The Lord wants us to have a Humble Heart (Psalm 131:1). Psalm 131:1, “Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.” David was a humble servant. When he was confronted with sin, he admitted to it. You cannot have a heart after God and be proud because God resists the proud (James 4:6). 5. The Lord wants us to have a Harmonious Heart (Psalm 91:1). Psalm 91:1, “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” You cannot help but to speak well of the one you love. David wrote psalms of praise (Psalm 86:12; 111:1; 138:1). Love and loyalty are traits that have birthed and blossomed from our heart. David was a man of prayer who always sought a deep relationship with God. He had great boldness because he had great faith in God from his youth (I Samuel 17:34-37). He was a man of deep spiritual hunger and passion for God. David was not perfect nor flawless. David caused God grief on several occasions. Yet even during this time in his life, David continued to show the true presence of a humble and teachable spirit. He had an unshakable confidence in God’s faithfulness and purpose for his life. He worshiped God with his whole heart and life and directed all of Israel to do the same (I Chronicles 15-16). He was a man of character, courage, (I Samuel 16:18) and loyalty and inspired these traits in others (I Samuel 20:2; II Samuel 9; I Chronicles 11). David’s heart should be an example for all of Christ’s followers today. God is still looking for men who are after His heart. Those who seek to please God and not others, who will do God’s will and not their own! Men who want to know the mind of God about serving, giving, doing His will, and raising of family. PRAYER: LORD, help me to cultivate a heart after Yours. One that pursues You daily and that is aligned with You. May I love and desire You passionately. Help me to follow after the example of Your Son. Help me daily to find a quiet place with You. May my inward life be pure that my outward life will glorify You. In Jesus name, AMEN! If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com
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AuthorDr. Blackman is passionate about helping others grow in the grace of the Lord. His devotions are centered on how to grow closer to the Lord through a personal relationship with Christ. Archives
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