MATTER OF THE HEART

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Today’s Reading:

1Sam. 16:1-7 (7)

“… for the Lord does not see as man sees. For man looks on the outward appearance but the Lord looks on the heart.” (v. 7)

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From our periscope we can deduce three things:

a. Saul as the first King in Israel had failed God

b. Samuel was grieved and mourned for Saul

c. God wanted another King for Himself.

Samuel was still crying over spilled milk but God told him that He has moved on. Though there is nothing that caught God unaware yet there is a provision. Samuel obeyed God and went to the family of Jesse. He looked on Eliab and said, surely the Lord’s anointed is before Him. What an error in the sight of God! Let me quickly remind you some of the contents in the Curriculum Vitae of Eliab. Eliab was the first born of Jesse, as the first born he has accessed to double portion of his father’s inheritance. Eliab was among the soldiers of the nation at that time. He was experienced and of age. The appearance was appealing and the stature fantastic. If it were to be men looking for the next King there is every likelihood that Eliab would be selected but the crux of the matter is that God doesn’t look the way man looks. The requirements or qualification of divinity is far different from that of humanity. Man judges by outward appearance which is temporal, ephemeral and deceiving but there is a greater yardstick used by divinity which is lasting and reliable.

The verdict of God is that He is looking for a man who is correct at heart. Once the heart of a man is correct his life will be correct and his service to God would be acceptable. The bible says: Guide your heart with all diligence for out of it come the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23). Jesus said it is not what goes in that defile a man but what comes out of that man for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34). Friends, if God should search your heart now as you read this piece what will he find? You can deceive people with your physique, eloquence and dressing that you are a saint but God knows the true color of your heart.

As I conclude, God saw into the future and knew what Eliab and David would do if they were opportuned to become King. You are also praying for promotion and greatness in life but it seems heaven slow it down possibly because your heart is not in direct proportion to the mandate of God. X-ray our heart with the Word of God and approach Him for cleansing.

ALADE ADESINA

Prayer:

1. Oh Lord, search my heart and take away any iniquity hindering my walk with you, in Jesus name.

2. I receive grace to guide and guard my heart daily as I journey to heaven in Jesus name.

3. Anything in me now or in the future that will make heaven to reject me Oh Lord by your fire remove them, in Jesus name.

4. Every heart possessed by the devil in the church today, Oh Lord, deliver them, in Jesus name.

5. Oh Lord, let the heart of our leaders be turned unto you, in Jesus name.