A Heart Like God's

1 Samuel 13:14
"...a man after God's own heart."


1 Samuel 21 
David Runs to God
David runs from Saul and seeks help from Ahimelech the priest.
The question is where do we run when we face fear?
Do we run to God first for help like David?
If you and I are honest with ourselves we don't always choose to run to God first for help and peace.
What a great reminder to run to the one who is faithful and true and always with us in every situation.
Proverbs 18:10 "The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run into it and they are safe."
APPLICATION:
LORD, help me learn to run to You first for my comfort when I face fear and disappointment.


1 Samuel 22 
David Escapes and Takes Care of Others
David escapes to the cave of Adullam and makes arrangements for his parents to be protected during this uncertain and unsafe time. The king of Moab commits to protecting David's parents during the conflict with Saul.
Let's stop for a moment and recognize what David has just done in verses three and four.
Like a lot of us, David had elderly parents who needed taken care of and he makes certain they are protected while he is gone and in battle.
Question:
Why did God allow these two verses to be written in Scripture for us to read.
Answer:
God wants us to know that taking care of the elderly and being concerned for them is important to Him.
Ephesians 6:1-3 and Leviticus 19:32
APPLICATION:
God, help me to be aware of the elderly and their needs.
Holy Spirit remind me to pray for my parents and the elderly.


I Samuel 22: 11-19
Here is another example of Saul's anger out of control. In these verses we read how anger takes over Saul's emotions and he has 85 priests slaughtered including their entire families.
Innocent people were killed due to the sin of anger, pride and jealousy in Saul's life.
We need to strive to keep our anger in check with the Holy Spirit and teach others to do the same.
APPLICATION:
GOD, forgive me for my pride that leads to anger. Give me a heart that desires to be more like you.




1 Samuel 23:2,4,9,12
David prays first and then takes action.
We read in this chapter four different verses where David specifically prays and asks the Lord for direction and the Lord answers.
APPLICATION:
1. Always go to the Lord in prayer first when seeking direction and guidance.
2. Pray specifically. Ask God with the full details and He will give you detailed answers.


1 Samuel 23:16-18
Jonathan encourages David one final time.
Jonathan specifically searches for his friend David with the only purpose to encourage him in his faith. David hears Jonathan say the very same words that God gave to Moses "Don't be afraid."
These two men made a covenant between God and themselves as friends. With God's help they will be friends forever. Proverbs 17:17 "A friend loves at all times."
APPLICATION:
Lord, help me to be a godly friend on a daily basis. Give me positive and encouraging words to speak.
Thank you Lord that You are my best friend for eternity and I will trust You with all of my life.