Communion Message
A Heart after God
August 1, 2004
Pastor Leighton Sheley

King David was described in the Scriptures as having a heart after God, and many of the psalms record expressions of praise and adoration from him. Taking from various passages today, he says, One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.

The LORD is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.

For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.

Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me I pray. My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek. Do not hide your face from me. Do not turn your servant away in anger. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior. Even though my father and mother might forsake me, the LORD will receive me.

Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD," and you forgave the guilt of my sin.

Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; for surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.

Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.

The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making even the simple man wise. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, even honey straight from the comb. By them is your servant warned; and in keeping them there is a great reward.

Forgive my hidden faults. And keep your servant also from willful sins; that they may not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.

Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

Expressions from the heart of a man whose heart was after God. The Scriptures say at times like this we should examine ourselves, our heart. I'd like to invite you, if you're physically able, to join with me now as we kneel in the presence of our Lord and Savior.

Blessed is the man whose transgressions are not count against him. Lord, we are sinners, each and every one of us, and we sin each and every day. We transgress against you. Lord thank you for your word that says if we confess our sin you're faithful and just and will forgive us our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Lord the elements that we hold remind us of the price that has been paid because of our sin. Sin is not a trivial issue. Thank you Lord for your love and your mercy and your graciousness towards us. The elements that we now partake of, we take of in remembrance of you. Let's partake of the bread, and also the cup.

Thank you Lord, thank you Lord. In Jesus' name we pray and all God's people said ...amen.