Who is the man – or woman – after God’s own heart? These are the words that God used to described David. In 1 Samuel 13, King Saul had been given instruction to wait seven days for Samuel to come who would then sacrifice to the Lord. But the Philistines were getting ready for battle and Saul’s army became scared and they started scattering. Saul waited the seven days, but not long enough. He chose to do the sacrifice himself. Samuel came right after it had been done. He asked Saul, “What have you done?” Saul says, “When I saw that the people were scattering from me, and that you did not come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines had mustered at Michmash, I said, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the favor of the Lord.’ So I forced myself, and offered the burnt offering.” Samuel then responds, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the command of the Lord your God, with which he commanded you. For then the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.”

For the sake of a few more moments, and Saul lost the right to be king. Waiting on God can be hard – but how often do we lose the blessing for the sake of waiting just a little longer? Saul didn’t trust or believe that Samuel would arrive on time so he overstepped his bounds and the result was losing the kingship.

So then what does a man after God’s own heart look like? If this is the kind of person God seeks – then we need to know what this person is like a strive to be like him. Let look at some of the characteristics of David to see what this person is like.

He had a love for God’s Word. David wrote in Psalm 119:11, “Thy Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against Thee.”
He earnestly sought the Lord. “With my whole heart have I sought thee” (Psalm 119:10)
He loved communicating with God. “I love the LORD, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.” (Psalm 116:1-2)
He loved praising God. “I will praise thee, Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvelous works.” (Psalm 9:1) In Palm 104:33, he wrote: “I will sing to the LORD as long as I live. I will praise my God to my last breath!”
He hated anything that went against God’s commands. “I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar. I hate all who deal crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them. I will reject perverse ideas and stay away from every evil… I will search for faithful people to be my companions. Only those who are above reproach… I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house, and liars will not stay in my presence.” Psalm 101:3-4, 6-7)
He fulfilled God’s Will. Luke wrote in Acts 13:22, “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 fulfill all my will.”

What about you? Do you love God’s Word? Do you love spending time communicating with God through prayer? Do you seek God with all of your heart? Do you love praising Him? Do you have a hatred for sin? Are you willing to fulfill all of God’s will? The person who is “after God’s own heart” is one who’s heart is aligned with God’s. Would God say you are a man – or woman – after His heart?

Father, may we strive to be people after your heart. People who long to hear from you through your Word, long to speak to you through prayer, joyfully offering praise to you, willing to follow your will, and detest anything that does not bring you honor.

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Today, pray for Virginia:

#Chronovirus #fastandpray #judgement #repentance #revivalin2020 #WCM

Don’t forget to learn this week’s memory verse:

Memorize and hide in your heart one memory verse each week in 2020. If you didn’t start the challenge at the beginning of the year, just jump in now and be sure to sign up to get our weekly Memory verse in your email so you don’t miss a week.

In 2020 our emphasis is on revival for America with three key words: revive, renew, and redeem. You will begin to see the elements of our website and posts reflect this emphasis. We hope you’ll join us in praying for God to pour out the Holy Spirit with a mighty rushing wind of revival for our nation and around the world.

Our key verse for revival is 2 Chronicles 7:14. “If my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land. For the past few weeks, we have been focusing on repentance. This week, we look at the spiritual transformation that takes place when we surrender our heart to God.

This week’s memory verse:

Matthew 28:5-6

^{“But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.”}

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Based on the Bible story of the shepherd leaving 99 sheep to find one lost sheep – and when you’re the lost one there is nothing illogical, irrational, or senseless about it.

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Anxious for Nothing, Softcover

By Max Lucado / Thomas Nelson

High anxiety is prevalent in our fast-paced society—but here’s a biblical prescription for it! Inviting you to reflect on Philippians 4:6–7, Lucado offers insights into ways God will help you cope with life’s inevitable calamities. Discover how to view bad news through the window of God’s sovereignty, discern Satan’s lies, recognize the truth, and more. 240 pages, softcover from Nelson.

Putting an X Through Anxiety: Breaking Free from the Grip of Worry and Stress

By Louie Giglio / Christian Book Distributors

Fighting anxiety can be so overwhelming it makes you feel like David confronting Goliath. But Giglio says you can slay that giant! Assuring you that God has already won the battle, he equips you with a mighty weapon—the cross of Jesus—to help you face your fear, let it go, and trust that God’s got your back. A companion to Giglio’s book, Goliath Must Fall.

Fundamentals of the Faith: 13 Lessons to Grow in the Grace & Knowledge of Jesus Christ

By John MacArthur / Moody Publishers

“On Sunday mornings at Grace Community Church, small groups of people gather together in ‘Fundamentals of the Faith’ classes to use this manual of thirteen lessons, which blend basic biblical truths with personal obedience and service. Many young believers take these classes to grow in their understanding of biblical truths.”

For the first time ever, Fundamentals of the Faith is available to the trade. With topics ranging from “God: His Character and Attributes” to “The Church: Fellowship and Worship,” this workbook is ideal to disciple new believers or help more mature Christians sharpen their understanding of key doctrines and equip them for evangelism.

Each of the thirteen lessons comes with a link to a required free downloadable message from John MacArthur.

Praying for Your Prodigal

By Kyle Idleman / David C Cook

Have some of your loved ones wandered far from their heavenly Father’s embrace? Ask God to lead them back home! In this companion guide to his best-selling AHA, Idleman offers heartfelt petitions that speak to the spiritual needs of your family members and friends who are still seeking the Way, the Truth, and the Life. 96 pages, softcover from Cook.