Author: Bryan Gibson

Weekly Bulletin
September 27, 2020

What Does God See in Your Heart?
by Bryan Gibson
“God left him alone only to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart” (2 Chronicles 32:31, NAS). King Hezekiah of Judah is the subject of this passage, but forget him for a minute. What does God see in YOUR heart? These five contrasting hearts should help you answer that question (these examples come from kings of Israel or Judah, during the divided kingdom period).
Contrast #1: Prepared or Unprepared?
Does He see what He saw in Rehoboam’s heart? “He did evil, because he did not prepare his heart (“did not set his heart”—ESV, NASV) to seek the LORD” (2 Chronicles 12:14).
Or, does He see what He saw in Jehoshaphat’s heart? “Good things are found in you, in that you have removed the wooden images from the land, and have prepared your heart to seek God” (2 Chronicles 19:3).
Contrast #2: My Ways or His Ways?
Does He see what He saw in Jeroboam’s heart? “So he made offerings…in the month which he had devised in his own heart” (1 Kings 12:33).
Or, does He see what He saw in Jehoshaphat’s heart? “And his heart took delight in the ways of the LORD” (2 Chronicles 17:6).
Contrast #3: Hard or Tender?
Does He see what He saw in Zedekiah’s heart? “He stiffened his neck and hardened his heart against turning to the LORD God of Israel” (2 Chronicles 36:13).
Or, does He see what He saw in Josiah’s heart? “Because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before God when you heard His words against this place…you tore your clothes and wept before Me, I also have heard you” (2 Chronicles 34:27).
Contrast #4: All or Holding Back?
Does He see what He saw in Jehu’s heart? “But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of the LORD God of Israel with all his heart” (2 Kings 10:31).
Or, does He see what He saw in Josiah’s heart? “Now before him there was no king like him, who turned to the LORD with all his heart, with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses…” (2 Kings 23:25).
Contrast #5: Lifted Up or Lowly?
Does He see what He saw in Uzziah’s heart? “But when he was strong his heart was lifted up, to his destruction…” (2 Chronicles 26:16).
Or, does He see what He saw in Hezekiah’s heart? “Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart…” (2 Chron. 32:26). And in Manasseh’s heart? “Now when he was in affliction, he implored the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly…”
Conclusion: “I am He who searches the minds and hearts” (Revelation 2:23). Let’s make sure God finds in us a humble heart; a heart that delights only in His ways; a heart completely set on following His ways; a heart devoted to following ALL His ways; and a heart which is ever tender, toward both His commandments and His correction.

Contact Information
	P.O. Box 680872 / Prattville, AL 36067
	(334) 365-5887 / (334) 868-0801
	prattmont@gmail.com / prattmontchurchofchrist.org

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The Prattmont Church of Christ is just what the name suggests, a church that belongs to Christ. We are not a denomination; we are simply a group of Christians trying very hard to practice the teachings of our Head, Jesus Christ. The New Testament offers a complete pattern for what each local church should be like—its organization, its worship, its work, etc. We are committed to following that pattern. We cordially invite you to attend our services. We would also welcome any comments or questions about this bulletin.

TIMES OF SERVICES:
(temporary during pandemic)
Sunday
Worship 10:00 A.M.
Wednesday:
Bible Study 7:00 P.M.