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In 2026, I am on a mission to return to my first love.
I have been apprehended by God the Holy Spirit to “lay it all down (again)” and draw close to Him.
The sixteenth chapter of the Old Testament book of 1 Chronicles is the focal point of my biblical studies.
The chapter deals with King David’s return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem.
Thus far, I have done a deep dive into:
Returning to your first love: the act of worship,
The Importance of worship,
Worship: The act of returning to my first love.
This next section caught me off guard because it shifted the focus from worship to Israel.
As I pondered it, my eyes were open to understand the heart of God—my God.
“Seed of Israel, his servant! Children of Jacob, his first choice!
He is God, our God; wherever you go, you come on his judgments and decisions.
He keeps his commitments across thousands of generations, the covenant he commanded,
The same one he made with Abraham, the very one he swore to Isaac;
He posted it in big block letters to Jacob, this eternal covenant with Israel:
“I give you the land of Canaan, this is your inheritance;
Even though you’re not much to look at, a few straggling strangers.”
They wandered from country to country, camped out in one kingdom after another;
But he didn’t let anyone push them around, he stood up for them against bully-kings:
“Don’t you dare touch my anointed ones, don’t lay a hand on my prophets.”
1 Chronicles 16:13-22
The Message
Since the beginning of human history, God has focused on one group of people.
God’s focus on this group was not because of their extraordinary ability, likability, or prominence. No, God says, “You’re not much to look at, a few straggling strangers.” They did not even have a place to call their own, but “wandered from country to country, camped out in one kingdom after another.”
God chose Israel.
“Seed of Israel, his servant! Children of Jacob, his first choice! He keeps his commitments across thousands of generations, the covenant he commanded, the same one he made with Abraham, the very one he swore to Isaac; He posted it in big block letters to Jacob, this eternal covenant with Israel””
They are God-chosen and God-blessed.
God told them, “I give you the land of Canaan; this is your inheritance.”
This reference speaks about modern-day Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, and parts of Jordan and Syria.
God gave it to Israel, and Israel will possess it. It is a biblical truth that will happen precisely as God said it would.
Agree or disagree does not change the fact that God spoke it, and it will be.
Understanding the heart of God
The wisdom of Solomon gives us insight into how God’s delight in Israel reveals God’s heart.
“Humans are satisfied with whatever looks good; God probes for what is good.
Put God in charge of your work, then what you’ve planned will take place.
God made everything with a place and purpose; even the wicked are included – but for judgment.
God can’t stomach arrogance or pretense; believe me, he’ll put those upstarts in their place.” Proverbs 16:2-5
The Message
God sees beyond the outward veneer and probes the heart. He found something he liked in the heart of Abram, the man God chose to begin the Jewish people.
The heart of God is revealed by understanding that none of your outward expressions gets God’s attention when the intent of your heart is focused on something else.
In one place in scripture, it says something like, “It may make for good theater, but it doesn’t impress God.”
- Understanding the heart of God means revealing what is in your heart.
“There’s a way of life that looks harmless enough; look again – it leads straight to hell.
Sure, those people appear to be having a good time, but all that laughter will end in heartbreak.”
Proverbs 14:12-13
The Message
Humanity was not created to be naïve, but to have a discerning heart. It seems that today, whatever looks or sounds good gets the applause of humanity.
This is especially true as we enter the end of this age.
The New Testament writings of James put it this way.
“Your greedy luxuries are a cancer in your gut, destroying your life from within. You thought you were piling up wealth. What you’ve piled up is judgment.”
James 5:3-4
The Message
The fact that it “looks” good is an indicator that you need to look deeper.
- Understanding the heart of God means probing beneath the appearance to discern the intent.
“God smashes the pretensions of the arrogant; he stands with those who have no standing.
God can’t stand evil scheming, but he puts words of grace and beauty on display.”
Proverbs 15: 25-26
The Message
Do not be deceived into thinking you will get away with anything unrighteous. God will settle the score before it’s all said and done.
“Don’t ever say, ‘I’ll get you for that!” Wait for God; he’ll settle the score.”
Proverbs 20:22
The Message
God stands up for those who are down and out—like Israel—he looks after them, taking care of them.
- Understanding the heart of God means willingly accepting his help and guidance.
God takes care of Israel because one man (Abram) found favor with him. Understanding his heart means realizing he will take care of you when your life finds favor with him.
These three simple steps show you how to find God’s favor. It starts with a heart (intention and desire) willing to obey and follow him.
It continues with a heart that refuses to become arrogant or proud, thus turning away from him.
It concludes with a heart that returns to him, as your first love did.
Humanity has entered a time of historical proportions, and being close to God will mean the difference between finding spiritual freedom or a deepening of spiritual bondage.
Stay close.