Recently, I found "My Heart Check," a free online heart health check provided by the Heart Foundation. There are certain things to consider related to the condition of your heart in a physical sense and the same is true in a spiritual sense. 1 Samuel 16:7b reads, "For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." Acts 13:22b reads, "[God] gave testimony and said, 'I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.'" David's son, Solomon, writes in Proverbs 4:23, "Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life." Let's look at three issues in 1 Chronicles 29 that reveal much about the condition of your heart.

First, there is the issue of worship. Note David's desire for the house of God (1 Chronicles 29:1-9). Not only did he desire to be there (Psalm 27:4), he desired for it to be better than his palace (2 Samuel 7:1-17). While God declined his offer to build a new temple, He did allow David to provide materials for the new place of worship. It is estimated that David's gift to build the temple was $450 million in silver and $17 billion in gold, not to mention the other things he gave. He challenged others to give, and they too willingly gave with great generosity. John W. Everett cautions, "Carnal men are content with the 'act' of worship; they have no desire for communion with God."

Second, there is the issue of ownership. Note David's declaration of the honor of God (1 Chronicles 29:10-16). This prayer of David provides a great perspective. For example, David prays, "Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, The power and the glory, The victory and the majesty; For all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, And You are exalted as head over all" (1 Chronicles 29:11). Asaph presents God's word to Israel in Psalm 50:12b, "For the world is Mine, and all its fullness."

Third, there is the issue of stewardship. Note David's dedication through the hope of God (1 Chronicles 29:17-20). The hope David expresses is a confident expectation that God will bless and reward those who trust in Him. Stewardship is a matter of the heart as it is a test. 1 Corinthians 4:2 reads, "Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful." Each believer will give an account of his or her stewardship. It should be our desire to receive the Lord's commendation as a good and faithful steward.

Dear believer, it is important to pray with David, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:23-24). May you settle these issues in your heart.

Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, of Robertsdale, is the author of "Don't Miss the Revival! Messages for Revival and Spiritual Awakening from Isaiah.