II Sam. 15:6– And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.
Absalom was important, impressive, and an impostor. He used his personification and talents to gain influence and stature. His selfish desires drove him the security of his father to a shameful and early death. As tragic as that was, he led many others to their premature deaths as well by stealing their hearts and loyalty from the king. This begs me to ask a question…
What’s Stealing Our Hearts?
*from…
1. Presenting ourselves in Submission to Jesus?
Rom. 12:1-2– I BESEECH you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
2. Participating in Worship?
3. Progressing in Faith?
4. Private Closet Prayer?
Matt. 6:5-6– And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
5. having a Persistent Godly Presence in our lives?
6. Pining for a Move of God?
Oh that we’d do a better job of guarding our hearts and remain loyal to Jesus! –Pastor Doug Foster
Comments