Morning Devotional 100221 Seeing Through the Lens of Your Heart!

Liz’s Morning Devotional based upon Upper Room

October 2, 2021

Read 1 Samual 16:1-7

4 Samuel did what the LORD instructed. When he came to Bethlehem, the city elders came to meet him. They were shaking with fear. “Do you come in peace?” they asked. 5 “Yes,” Samuel answered. “I’ve come to make a sacrifice to the LORD. Now make yourselves holy, then come with me to the sacrifice.” Samuel made Jesse and his sons holy and invited them to the sacrifice as well. 6 When they arrived, Samuel looked at Eliab and thought, That must be the LORD’s anointed right in front. 7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Have no regard for his appearance or stature, because I haven’t selected him. God doesn’t look at things like humans do. Humans see only what is visible to the eyes, but the LORD sees into the heart.”

Good Morning! This is the day that the Lord has made!

This is the story of the anointing of David, Jesse’s youngest, who wasn’t even important enough to be called to the gathering. After all, he is just a boy, and his older brothers are strong and rugged and have all the markings of a leader. As we read and reread the Bible, we are reminded that God’s ways are not our ways, and God’s thoughts are not our thoughts.

As children, most of us were probably taught to never judge a book by its cover. This is another way for us to open our eyes and look past what is visible. God does not look at our outer coverings because how we present ourselves to others isn’t always who we are on the inside. God looks into our hearts to see “who” we are.

Purity of spirit can reside where it seems least likely. It may be found deep within the homeless, the outcasts, the poor, the uneducated. This is not to say that those of means who are well-dressed and/or well-educated can’t have purity of spirit. However, Jesus tells stories describing the difficulties that can exist. The rich and powerful often become the target of evil because it is easier to corrupt the thinking of those who have much to lose.

When Jesus calls us to drop everything and follow Him, the more possessions we have clouds what is in our hearts. We hear and we want to believe, but . . . . Open your hearts and see as God sees. Focus on what is inside others, not all that glitters on the outside. Look into the heart of someone today and be blessed.

Loving God, Thank You for loving us. Thank you for looking past our outward appearance and flaws. May we practice seeing others as you see us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: I can reflect God’s love by taking time to notice others.

May your eyes see clearly! Pastor Liz