Written by REVELATIONS FOR TODAY by Pastor Michael Obata
Acts 13:22 – GOD’S Word Translation (GW)
22 God removed Saul and made David their king. God spoke favorably about David. He said, ‘I have found that David, son of Jesse, is a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do.’
The state, desire and motive of one’s heart determines their worship. And in turn determines the manifestation of GOD’S blessings in their physical life. True worship starts from the heart. The outward appearance or profession of an individual may be deceptive to man, but not to GOD. That is why a Christian must allow the word of GOD to impact their spirit, which in turn impacts their words, actions and lifestyle. GOD looks at the heart of a man (Proverbs 20:27). The bible tells us in 1 Samuel 16:7, “So it happened, when they had come, he looked at Eliab [the eldest son] and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before Him.” But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
We shouldn’t be Christians who are interested only in the acts of GOD and not HIS ways. We are created to worship HIM – to be the expression of HIS love and Glory. Let us therefore put HIS will and purpose in first place in our life’s agenda. GOD does not exist to do our bidding. Our love and service to GOD is not only important when we are faced with challenges. The big question is: would you still have zeal for GOD even when everything is blissful?
CHRIST JESUS in Matthew 15:8 says, “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honour Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.” This can be likened to religious practice with no true worship. We shouldn’t be Christians that the only time we worship the FATHER in spirit and truth is when there is a gathering of the saints. We are the children of GOD and, as such, the light of this dark world. Let our light continue to always shine in every place. We shouldn’t be Christians who are too busy with secular activities like parties, socializing, career and putting their obligations to the things of GOD least in their agenda. These are practices that cause a child of GOD to lose sight of true repentance and what it means to be Christ-like (a true Christian and not a hypocrite).
A true Christian is one who lives for CHRIST (Galatians 2:20). One whose sole purpose is to seek after the FATHER’s will and purpose, and not seek the FATHER only when he/she is in need. Genuinely seek GOD’s will & purpose through fervent study and meditation of HIS word. Continuous fellowship with the HOLY SPIRIT through praying in the spirit will cause our hearts to be pure. Then we shall experience the Power and Glory of GOD in everything that concerns us. Be a true Christian: after GOD’S heart!
Scripture meditation
James 4:3, Mark 1:14-15 (AMP), Matthew 5:8, & Psalms 103:7.
Prayer
Glorious FATHER, thank you for a glorious life in CHRIST JESUS. I ask for an increase in spiritual knowledge and understanding that shall purify my heart, which will cause me to put You first in all things and fervently seek Your will and purpose for my life always. In JESUS NAME. Amen!
Confession
I receive the Grace to be CHRIST- like, putting first the LORD’s agenda always!