We had a meeting yesterday at Crossroads Community Church and it was exciting being with the ladies again. Seeing the older women dance and sing was excellent. Many testimonies came through of how God is working in their lives. I then shared on “A Heart That Obeys” taken from Elizabeth George’s book, A Woman After God’s Own Heart.
Summary: The focus was on 2 kinds of hearts - David and Saul’s heart.
God’s description of David: “I have found David……..a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.”
Speaking on behalf of God, the prophet Samuel rebuked Saul, the reigning King of Israel for:
- Failing to obey God’s specific instructions (1 Samuel 13).
- Again and again, Saul overstepped his boundaries – the ones set by God. On several occasions he specifically disobeyed God. Although he was careful to offer prescribed sacrifices to God, Saul failed to offer God the ultimate sacrifice – Obedience – from a heart wholly devoted to God. (1 Samuel 15:22) Clearly, Saul was not responsive to God or His laws.
- After one extremely serious act of disobedience, God sent Samuel to Saul with a two-fold message: “Your kingdom will not continue” and “The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14)
David on the other hand
- Was willing to obey God
- He served God
- Was concerned with following God’s will
- His heart was centered on God
- Even though David didn’t always obey God, he had what mattered over the long haul – a heart after God.
- Although David was well-known for his physical prowess and might as a warrior, he was humbly dependent on God, trusting in Him and acknowledging, “The Lord is the strength of my life” (Psalm 27:1)
How do we follow after David in our devotion to God? The key to living a life of obedience is the heart. If we keep our heart, if we diligently attend to it and guard it, ten all of the issues, the actions, the “on-goings and out-goings” of life will be handled God’s way.
A heart responsive to God and His ways leads to a life of obedience.
I urged the women to be serious about God and follow after Him.
Response: The women received this VERY WELL and discussion followed. It’s amazing listening to all the “things” or reasons that are hindering some of the ladies from following HARD after God – all real and genuine.
At our next meeting we will continue to explore these real life issues and concerns – lay them on the table and pray into them. I’m confident that God can break through these and any other difficulties.
By Molly Manhanga
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