The Heart Of The King- Bishop D. Mcleod

Devotional

Day 1: The Pure in Heart Seek God’s Presence

A pure heart is marked by integrity, moral courage, and a deep desire for God’s presence above all else; such a heart is blessed and will see God. Those who are pure in heart do not seek their own gain or recognition, but long for God’s presence to guide every step, knowing that true spiritual maturity comes from a continual pursuit of God. This kind of heart is not content to move forward without God’s leading, echoing Moses’ plea to not go anywhere unless God’s presence goes with him. The pure in heart are those who allow God to filter and cleanse their motives, making them vessels fit for His use and recipients of His nearness. [01:00:28]

Matthew 5:8 (Amplified Bible)
“Blessed [anticipating God’s presence, spiritually mature] are the pure in heart [those with integrity, moral courage, and godly character], for they will see God.”

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to pause and ask God to purify your motives, so that you are truly seeking His presence above your own desires today?

Day 2: A Heart After God: Obedience and Humility

God honors those who have a heart after Him—marked by obedience, humility, and a willingness to seek His counsel before making decisions. The contrast between Saul and David reveals that God is not impressed by outward status or self-reliance, but by a heart that is willing to obey, repent, and depend on Him. David’s life demonstrates that even when he fell short, he returned to God with humility, seeking forgiveness and guidance, while Saul’s self-centeredness led to loss. A heart after God is one that says, “God, I need You; I cannot do this on my own,” and is quick to seek God’s will above personal ambition. [01:07:30]

1 Samuel 13:13-14 (ESV)
“And Samuel said to Saul, ‘You have done foolishly. You have not kept the command of the Lord your God, with which he commanded you. For then the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.’”

Reflection: Before making a decision today, will you intentionally pause to seek God’s counsel and ask Him to reveal if your heart is truly aligned with His will?

Day 3: Maintaining a Healthy Spiritual Pulse

A healthy spiritual heart is maintained by regularly coming to God for cleansing, allowing Him to renew and steady your spirit, just as David did when he recognized his own need for God’s intervention. Like a physical pulse reveals the condition of the heart, our actions and attitudes reveal the state of our spiritual heart—jealousy, unforgiveness, or pride are signs of an irregular spiritual pulse. David was not too proud to ask God to create in him a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit, understanding that only God can restore spiritual health and joy. When we allow God to examine and heal our hearts, we become able to teach and encourage others, pointing them to the true Cardiologist who can make them whole. [01:16:44]

Psalm 51:10-12 (ESV)
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.”

Reflection: What is one unhealthy attitude or emotion you need to bring before God today, asking Him to create in you a clean heart and renew your spirit?

Day 4: Follow the Pattern: Imitate Godly Leadership

God calls us to honor and imitate the faith and reliance on God demonstrated by our spiritual leaders, recognizing that their example is meant to guide us into deeper trust and obedience. Leaders who walk closely with God, teach His Word, and model Christlike character are gifts to the church, and we are instructed to consider the outcome of their lives and follow their pattern of faith. This means not only listening to their teaching but also observing their conduct, their reliance on God, and their commitment to the gospel, so that we too may become effective disciples and ambassadors for Christ. [01:27:11]

Hebrews 13:7 (Amplified Bible)
“Remember your leaders [for it was they] who brought you the word of God; and consider the result of their conduct [the outcome of their godly lives], and imitate their faith [their conviction that God exists and is the Creator and Ruler of all things, the Provider of eternal salvation through Christ, and imitate their reliance on God with absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness].”

Reflection: Who is a spiritual leader in your life whose faith and reliance on God you can intentionally imitate this week, and what is one specific way you can do so?

Day 5: Honor and Support Faithful Leaders

God’s Word instructs us to honor and support those who faithfully lead, teach, and care for the flock, recognizing their sacrifices and the weight of their calling. Faithful leaders are worthy of double honor, especially when they labor diligently in preaching and teaching, often at great personal cost. Supporting and encouraging our leaders is not just a kind gesture but a biblical mandate, as their work is vital for the health and growth of the church. When we lift up and honor our leaders, we participate in God’s design for the body of Christ and help sustain those who shepherd us with love and dedication. [01:36:31]

1 Timothy 5:17 (Amplified Bible)
“The elders who perform their leadership duties well are to be considered worthy of double honor [financial support], especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching [the word of God concerning eternal salvation through Christ Jesus].”

Reflection: What is one practical way you can honor or support a spiritual leader in your life today, whether through encouragement, prayer, or a tangible act of service?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered to honor and celebrate the gift of godly leadership, recognizing the profound impact that faithful shepherds have on the body of Christ. True leadership is not measured by accolades or titles, but by the life lived and the heart that beats in alignment with God’s own. As we reflected on the words, “May the work I’ve done speak for me,” we were reminded that the legacy of a leader is found in their sacrificial service, their love for God’s people, and their unwavering commitment to the call of Christ.

The heart of a righteous leader is one that seeks after God above all else. Drawing from Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God,” we see that spiritual maturity and integrity are the marks of those who truly desire God’s presence. Like Moses, who refused to move without God’s presence, and David, who was called a man after God’s own heart, the pure in heart are those who continually seek God’s guidance, confess their need for Him, and humbly submit to His will.

We contrasted the lives of Saul and David, two kings with very different heart postures. Saul’s self-interest and disobedience led to his downfall, while David’s humility, repentance, and love for God brought him favor and elevation. David’s willingness to seek God’s counsel, his passion for worship, and his honest prayers for a clean heart (Psalm 51) serve as a model for all who desire to lead well. A healthy spiritual pulse—marked by humility, obedience, love, and forgiveness—reveals the true condition of our hearts.

Leadership in the kingdom is not about personal gain, but about serving others, feeding the flock, and imitating Christ. We are called to honor those who labor among us, recognizing that their sacrifices often go unseen but are never unnoticed by God. As we follow the pattern set by faithful leaders, we too are invited to cultivate hearts that are steadfast, pure, and wholly devoted to God’s purposes. In doing so, we participate in the ongoing work of making disciples and advancing the kingdom, trusting that God will reward every act of faithfulness and open doors beyond what we can imagine.

Key Takeaways

1. The Legacy of Leadership Is Measured by the Heart True leadership is not defined by outward achievements, but by the inner life—a heart that seeks God, serves others, and remains steadfast in love and humility. The work we do for Christ, when done from a pure heart, will speak for us long after we are gone, echoing in the lives we’ve touched and the souls we’ve led closer to God. [51:26]
2. Fellowship and Community Are Essential for Spiritual Growth The early church thrived because of their commitment to fellowship, sharing resources, and prioritizing the needs of others above personal gain. Genuine community is a reflection of Christ’s love and is vital for the health and growth of the body. When we come together in unity, we accomplish far more than we ever could alone. [54:13]
3. The Condition of Our Heart Determines Our Effectiveness Just as a steady physical pulse indicates a healthy heart, a steady spiritual pulse—marked by humility, obedience, and love—reveals our readiness to be used by God. When jealousy, unforgiveness, or pride are present, they signal spiritual heart disease that must be addressed through repentance and the renewing work of the Holy Spirit. [80:08]
4. God Rewards Faithful, Pure-Hearted Leadership with Elevation God sees every sacrifice and act of service done in His name. Those who remain spiritually seasoned, keep their character intact, and seek God’s presence will experience elevation and open doors that only God can provide. His rewards often exceed our petitions, reminding us that He is able to do abundantly more than we ask or think. [64:22]
5. Follow the Pattern: Imitate Christlike Leadership We are called to honor and imitate leaders who model reliance on God, integrity, and sacrificial love. Their example points us to Christ, the ultimate Shepherd, and challenges us to cultivate the same heart posture. As we follow their faith and obedience, we become more effective disciples, equipped to make an eternal impact for the kingdom. [87:11]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[50:51] - Honoring Leadership and Sacrifice
[53:18] - Prayer for God’s Presence
[54:13] - The Power of Fellowship
[54:56] - The Blessing of Community
[57:21] - The Heart of a True Disciple
[59:05] - A Leader’s Generosity and Christlike Heart
[60:28] - The Pure in Heart Will See God
[62:29] - The Promise to Righteous Leaders
[66:27] - Saul and David: Two Types of Hearts
[70:20] - David’s Heart After God
[76:44] - The Need for a Clean Heart
[80:08] - Signs of a Healthy or Unhealthy Heart
[84:55] - The Influence of the Holy Spirit
[87:11] - Following the Pattern of Godly Leadership
[92:40] - Love Made Visible: Feed My Sheep
[96:31] - Double Honor for Faithful Leaders
[99:57] - Blessings for Those Who Trust in Jesus

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 5:8 (ESV) — > “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”

1 Samuel 13:13-14 (ESV) — > And Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the command of the Lord your God, with which he commanded you. For then the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.”

Psalm 51:10-12 (ESV) — > Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.

Observation Questions

According to Matthew 5:8, what is the promise given to those who are pure in heart?
In 1 Samuel 13:13-14, what was the main difference between Saul and David’s approach to leadership?
What does David ask God for in Psalm 51:10-12, and why does he make this request?
In the sermon, what are some signs mentioned that show whether someone has a healthy or unhealthy spiritual heart? [[01:20:08]]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Jesus connect purity of heart with the ability to “see God”? What does this mean for someone’s relationship with God?
What does it mean to be “a man after God’s own heart” as described in the story of David and Saul? How does this relate to leadership in the church? [[01:08:05]]
Why is David’s prayer for a clean heart in Psalm 51 so important for leaders and anyone serving God? [[01:16:44]]
The sermon talks about a “spiritual pulse.” What does it mean to have a steady spiritual pulse, and how can things like jealousy or unforgiveness affect it? [[01:20:08]]

Application Questions

The sermon says, “True leadership is not defined by outward achievements, but by the inner life—a heart that seeks God, serves others, and remains steadfast in love and humility.” In your own life, what is one area where you need to focus more on your heart than your achievements? [[51:26]]
David was quick to repent and ask God for a clean heart. Is there something in your life right now that you need to bring before God and ask Him to renew your heart? What’s holding you back? [[01:16:44]]
The early church thrived because of their commitment to fellowship and sharing resources. What is one practical way you can contribute to building genuine community in our church this month? [[54:13]]
The sermon contrasts Saul’s self-interest with David’s humility and obedience. Are there areas where you find yourself acting more like Saul—putting your own interests first? How can you shift your focus to serve others? [[01:07:44]]
The “spiritual pulse” of our lives is affected by things like jealousy, unforgiveness, and pride. Which of these do you struggle with most, and what step can you take this week to address it? [[01:20:08]]
The sermon encourages us to honor and imitate leaders who model Christlike love and integrity. Who is one leader (in church or outside) that you can learn from, and what is one specific quality you want to imitate? [[01:27:11]]
Jesus told Peter, “Feed my sheep.” What does it look like for you to “feed” or care for others in your daily life? Is there someone God is calling you to serve or encourage this week? [[01:32:40]]

Sermon Clips

Fellowship is so important. And I was listening to one of your prior preaching. You said a lot of times, you know, fellowship is what's lacking in the body of Christ. And you said a lot of times we speak the words, but we don't come together. We don't fellowship together. And it's so important for the growth. When we study God's word and you read the book of Acts, it was about fellowship. It was about community. It was about working together and sharing resources. And the thing about the commitment of that was that they did not look for their personal gain. Because the Bible said that they would share what they have with one another. Because they wanted. They wanted each and every individual, Lord, to be blessed, to succeed. [00:54:06] (39 seconds) #FellowshipForGrowth

He gives to us freely. He gives to us liberally. And that's what really sticks to me. This is what how I identify that this is a true man of God. So so it wasn't hard, you know, for me. I'm glad to come here today and to give the message, because immediately the Lord began to say the heart of a king. The heart of a king. And in a heart of a righteous king is a heart after God. One thing I heard the pastor say, he said this, he said, well, it's about Jesus. See a heart after God, not putting attention to himself, not trying to be flamboyant or to show his accolades off. But he said it is about Jesus. I am just happy to serve. I am just happy to help. [00:59:27] (49 seconds) #HeartOfAKing

God is the one that makes the difference in my life. God is the one that filtered me out. God is the one that allows me to be clean. God is the one that allows me to be better. God. I live and I breathe, God, because of you, God, my existence, God, it is all about you. So those that have that mindset, the Bible said you are blessed. [01:01:32] (20 seconds) #GodIsMyFilter

There are things that you are asking God for, but God said he's going to exceed your petition. There are petitions that you went to God for, but I can hear the Spirit of the Lord say, but I am going to exceed it. I am going to do. I am the same God in Ephesians 3 and 20, now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that I ask or think according to the power that worketh in you. But God said, I'm going to exceed it. [01:03:59] (25 seconds) #ExceedingAbundance

God said, I'm going to open multiple doors. You know, sometimes we're confined to limitations by this human form, but I am the God of God. I am the great I am. I can open multiple doors. I am the sovereign God, the omnipresent God. I could be here, there, and everywhere. I'm the same God that can open multiple doors and walk through each and every one of them. God said multiple doors. [01:04:46] (21 seconds) #MultipleDoorsOpen

Do you seek God before you make critical decisions? Is it that you're going to act upon your own, act upon your own accolades, act upon your own degrees, act upon, you said, well, I've been in this thing for a long time. So, I think that I could go on my own. I could make my own decisions. But that is not the case. That is not what God is looking for. So, we see David was that kind of person. He seeked God's counsel before making critical decisions. David also had a love for people. [01:09:55] (27 seconds) #SeekGodsCounsel

The signs of a good leader walks closely with the lord and seeks his guidance to remain spiritually healthy david said i want to remain please don't take your spirit of the holy spirit away from me oh god i need the holy spirit is my comforter is the paraclete's god oh god lord it's a spirit of truth that will lead me into all truth oh god you did not leave me comfortless god but you have sent me help so we see that david he wanted to remain healthy he wanted to keep a spiritual healthy life so we understand that the effectiveness of what we do is christ working in and through us the effectiveness of your leadership the effectiveness of your anointing if god don't allow it it just will not get done but david was wise enough to understand this and to know without god i could do nothing god you are god you are the source of who i am god the effectiveness of what i am able to do because there was many times i could have been wiped out i can imagine david said could have been destroyed sometimes he had to hide sometimes he had to run away sometimes he had to act like he was out of his mind but that god kept him god is keeping you right now. [01:22:11] (80 seconds) #SpiritLedLeadership

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