We must trust in God

"After God's Own Heart"
King David is referred to as a man after God’s own heart (I Samuel 13:14). What does it mean to be after God’s own heart? It means putting others before ourselves in all things and having a humble spirit. It means doing the heavy lifting behind the scenes, desiring no recognition. David exhibited this when he continued his shepherd work despite knowing the anointing that was on his life. He had the humbleness of spirit to remain where he was and continue operating in his calling until it was time to do more. Even after David became King, he remained humble and respectful to God and others.

 
We must trust in God as well as be humble. We ought to trust in Him just as much during the good times as in the bad. Trusting in God means obeying His commandments even when we do not agree. At the end of the day, our Savior knows what is best for us and for His Kingdom. David trusted in God despite his circumstances. David was being hunted by King Saul and never wavered in his faith, but remained faithful to God, knowing that the Lord had called him to greater things, and He would bring him out of his situation. If God has called you or told you something is going to come to pass, then it will happen.

 
Finally, love the Lord with all your heart. This means loving everyone around you because we are all the children of God. It can be hard to show a godly love for those who have hurt you, so give your hurt over to God in prayer and He will repair your heart. Loving the Lord means having a relationship with Him daily. David loved the Lord deeply and had a personal relationship with Him which can be seen throughout the book of Psalms. When David messed up, he humbly turned to the Lord in repentance. He acknowledged that he had sinned, turned from his ways, and restored his relationship with God.

 
We can be men and women after God’s own heart by being humble, trusting in the Lord, loving the Lord with all our hearts, and serving Him each day in our thoughts and actions. Decide for yourselves to follow the example set before us by David and you too could be described as being “after God’s own heart.”

 
Sarah Smith
WNOP Administrative Associate II
(Info from: Prayer Connect Newsletter - World Network of Prayer - floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com)

A clean heart

"Create in Me a Clean Heart"
In the Bible, King David's request for a "clean heart" is mentioned in Psalm 51. David composed this psalm after the prophet Nathan had confronted him regarding his sinful affair with Bathsheba, and the subsequent murder of her husband, Uriah.

David realized the gravity of his sins and was overwhelmed by guilt and shame. He deeply desired forgiveness and the restoration of his relationship with God. In Psalm 51:10, David pleaded with God, saying, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me."

Prayer is significant in a Christ-centered life because it allows believers to establish and deepen their connection with God. It serves as a means of communication with the Father, allowing individuals to express their gratitude, seek forgiveness, ask for guidance, and build a personal relationship with Him.

Heavenly Father, we come before you with hearts filled with gratitude for the lessons taught by King David about true repentance.

    Help us recognize the areas in our lives where we have strayed from your path and grant us the courage to turn back to you.
    Lord, just as King David exhibited humility in acknowledging his mistakes, we humble ourselves before you.
    Teach us to be humble in our thoughts, actions, and interactions with others; recognizing that true greatness lies in serving and honoring you.
    Gracious God, we acknowledge the transformative power of your forgiveness.
    Just as you forgave King David, cleanse us from our sins and restore us to a right relationship with you.
    Help us experience the freedom and joy that come from being forgiven by your grace.

Dr. Margaret Banks-Butler
WNOP International Harvest Prayer Evangelism Coordinator
(Info from: Prayer Connect Newsletter - World Network of Prayer - floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com)

I have walked before thee in truth

The Bible says...

In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.

2 Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the Lord, saying,

3 I beseech thee, O Lord, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.

4 And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the Lord came to him, saying,

5 Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the Lord.

6 And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant Davids sake.

7 And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered.

8 And Hezekiah said unto Isaiah, What shall be the sign that the Lord will heal me, and that I shall go up into the house of the Lord the third day?

9 And Isaiah said, This sign shalt thou have of the Lord, that the Lord will do the thing that he hath spoken: shall the shadow go forward ten degrees, or go back ten degrees?

10 And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees.

11 And Isaiah the prophet cried unto the Lord: and he brought the shadow ten degrees backward, by which it had gone down in the dial of Ahaz.

READ: 2 Kings 20:1-11 KJV