Dr. Stanley Devotional for July 25
July 25
A Heart for God
King David made several big mistakes in his life. Yet he was called a man after God's own heart and was mightily used by the Lord to lead the Israelites. What set him apart was the priority he placed on his relationship with the heavenly Father.
David delighted in knowing God and sought Him earnestly. Writing, "My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You in a dry and weary land," he declared that God's love was better than life and pledged to praise Him all his days (Ps. 63:1, 3-4).
David viewed the world from a God-centered perspective. He marveled at the Lord's creative power in the world, relied on Him for protection and strength, and proclaimed allegiance in his writings. He also prayed fervently and frequently, lifting requests in the morning and expectantly awaiting a response (Ps. 5:3). At night he'd continue communing with God (Ps. 63:6).
Both actions--praying and meditating on God's character--fueled his trust in the Lord. His faith sustained him throughout life: when he was a shepherd boy protecting sheep from attacks by wild animals, a young man defeating the giant Goliath, and the nation's anointed leader escaping King Saul's murderous plans. Whatever his cir****tances, he sought the Lord and gave priority to their relationship.
The Psalms record David's desire to know God and be known by Him. He sought the Lord's guidance through prayer and had a heart for Him. Jesus invites us to draw near and spend our time learning from Him (Matt. 11:28-29). Have you made following Christ the priority of your life?
Albert Schweitzer
When she was 15, we helped her raise money, support from friends from church and others, to go to Tunisia to be a nanny for a missionary friend. She was gone from the third week in June, till the third week in August, turning 16 while there. When she got off the plane, she said, "I want to go back."
In college, she was active in Campus Crusade for Christ, now called Cru. Cru is a ministry that reaches out to college students, helping them see their need for Christ, and discipling them to become Christian leaders. Colleen went on Spring Break trips to Daytona Beach, Florida, and one summer she went on a Cru missions trip to Lake Tahoe. Cru guided Colleen into becoming a Christian leader.
Now that she is a Mom, she is raising my grandchildren to know the Lord, and teaching them the importance of His Word. My biggest regret is that when I was her age, I lacked the same faith she has now. It has taken me a long time to grow into the woman she could look up to.
Now, to pray for my sons, that they would hunger and thirst for the same relationship with Christ. I'm hoping that now that Sean, my youngest, would see his need for Christ in his recovery from drugs and alcohol. He has not spoken against what I've mentioned so far.
Sorry this is so long. My prayers for my kids are constant. I'm sure if you are a Mom or Dad, you share the same burden for yours.
Trish
Albert Schweitzer
I'm also praying that this will open doors for Sean too!
Stacy B. · 8 replies · 950 views
