Are you a disciple whom Jesus ______

What does it take to get the title “The disciple whom Jesus loved”? When Peter saw Jesus for the first time, he leaped out of the boat and ran through the water to see Jesus. If Jesus was standing on the shore and you were in a boat what would you do? I love how John calls himself the disciple whom Jesus loved. John 13 tells us that “the disciple whom Jesus loved” leaned on Jesus’ chest. He was the disciple who wanted to be closest to the heart of God. As a result of desiring to know God’s heart, John earned the title “The disciple whom Jesus loved.” What do you think God desires? What is most important to him? What is preventing you from getting to closer to his heart?

David experienced God’s favor in many ways because he was known as the man with a heart after God’s own heart. Because of David’s humility, God took the kingdom from Absalom and gave it back to David. When he returned to Jerusalem, several people confessed that they had sinned against him in the way that they treated David when he left. David forgave Shimei for cursing him and pelting him with rocks when he fled from Absalom. David didn’t even succumb to peer pressure from the leaders to put Shimei to death. How do you respond to those who curse you? What would you do if you had the power to put them to death? On the other hand, Sheba outright rebels against David’s authority to rule. David has to pursue him to end his threatening behavior. Are you in rebellion to someone that God has put in authority over you? Is there a lesson that God wants you to learn while you are under that person’s authority?

My prayer today is that I will submit to God’s law and bless those who are in authority over me. I pray for a heart like  Shimei and to admit quickly when I have done wrong. I pray for wisdom in leadership to know when to show mercy and when to punish rebellion. Most of all I pray for heart after God’s own heart. God please give me a strong desire to know and act upon what is in your heart. Thank you for the awesome people in my life.