A Heart for His House

Are you living to be remembered—or to make God known?

Guest Speaker: Lee Cummings
Date: April 19, 2026

Wealthy people build for their own legacy—David lived for God’s. Which will you choose? Dive into this message from Pastor Lee Cummings on cultivating a heart of gratitude for God’s house.

Here's a 5-day devotional guide based on this sermon:

Day 1: The Foundation of Gratitude

Reading: 2 Samuel 7:18–29

Devotional: David's response to God's promise reveals the transformative power of gratitude. "Who am I, O Lord God?" he asks, overwhelmed not by what he deserves, but by what he's received. Gratitude shifts our perspective from entitlement to wonder. When we remember our lowest moments—the guilt, the impossibility, the distance from God—we recognize the magnitude of His rescue. Today, pause and recall your life before Jesus found you. Let that remembrance cultivate thankfulness in your heart. Gratitude isn't just a feeling; it's the master implement that plows up apathy and plants devotion. When we're truly grateful for God's salvation, our hearts naturally turn toward honoring His house and His purposes. Where has God brought you from?

Day 2: Building Legacy, Not Just Success

Reading: Psalm 127:1–2; Matthew 6:19–21

Devotional: David reached the apex of success—king over all Israel, dwelling in a palace, enemies defeated. Yet his first thought wasn't about expanding his own empire but honoring God's name. There's a profound difference between success and legacy. Success focuses on what we accumulate; legacy focuses on what outlives us. Jesus taught that our treasure reveals the true location of our heart. When we invest in God's kingdom—through tithing, serving, and prioritizing His house—we're not just giving money or time; we're planting seeds for eternal impact. David wanted permanence, not for his own name, but for God's presence among His people. What are you building? Your retirement portfolio or God's kingdom? Your personal brand or His fame? Evaluate where your treasure is going, because that's where your heart will follow.

Day 3: The Priority of God's Presence

Reading: Psalm 27:1–6; Psalm 84:1–4

Devotional: "One thing have I desired," David declared, "that I might dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life." In a world of endless options and competing priorities, David had a singular focus: God's presence. When life was chaotic, when enemies pursued him, when he lived in caves—God's house became his refuge. The tabernacle wasn't just a religious building; it was where David encountered the living God. Today, we often treat church as optional, something we do when convenient. But David understood that God's house is vital—a place where hearts are transformed, songs are renewed, and hope is restored. Is church a priority or an afterthought in your life? Does your schedule reflect that God's house matters? Make encountering God's presence your "one thing" today.

Day 4: From Consumer to Contributor

Reading: Malachi 3:8–12; 2 Corinthians 9:6–11

Devotional: "Bring all the tithe into the storehouse, so that there might be food in my house." God wasn't hungry; the food was for others who needed to be fed spiritually. When we tithe, we shift from being consumers of God's blessings to contributors to His mission. David didn't ask, "What can God's house do for me?" He asked, "What can I do for God's house?" This heart transformation moves us from convenience to commitment, from secondary to vital. Tithing is more than a financial transaction; it's a declaration that God's priorities are our priorities. It's trusting that when we honor Him first, He'll provide everything we need. Your heart follows your treasure. If you want passion for God's house, start investing in it. Today, examine your giving. Does it reflect gratitude for what God has done and faith in what He'll do?

Day 5: Living for His Name, Not Yours

Reading: Philippians 2:1–11; Ephesians 2:19–22

Devotional: David's greatest desire was to make God's name great, and in response, God established David's throne forever through Jesus Christ. When we live to elevate God's name rather than our own, we step into eternal significance. Paul reminds us that we're no longer strangers but members of God's household—fellow citizens with the saints. This isn't just about attending church; it's about belonging to a family with a multi-generational legacy. Are you building your own brand or God's kingdom? Are you seeking your fame or His? The chairs you sit in at church today could be where your grandchildren encounter Jesus. The neighbor you invite could start a family legacy of faith. Your life is either a monument to yourself or a testimony to God's goodness. Choose today to live for His name.