Daily Devotional

-August 3, 2021-

Good morning, happy Tuesday,

-God Sees And Values The Heart-

“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’”

When God sent the prophet Samuel to anoint King Saul’s successor, He sent him to Bethlehem to Jesse to choose one of his eight sons. One by one, they passed before Samuel, and one by one God rejected the first seven. There was one left, the youngest, David, a shepherd boy who was out in the fields caring for the sheep. As soon as he came in, God revealed His choice of David.

1 Samuel 16:12 says of David, “So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with bright eyes, and good looking. And the Lord said, ‘Arise, and anoint him; he is the one!’” David was short, and not impressive from a physical standpoint. Throughout Scripture, the ones God chose to use were not the most gifted, talented, educated, or impressive in the eyes of man. Someone once said, “God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called.”

God does not see or value what man sees or values, for man looks at the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart; man only values the present, God sees the future potential. God looks at our hearts, our character, and how He can teach and train us, so that He can fill us and use us for His glory. God uses those who are humble, with a contrite and willing heart, and are completely dependent on Him. Thus, all the glory goes to God.

The Olympics are going on in Tokyo, Japan. Many of the greatest young athletes in the world are competing for their country and for themselves. The Olympic motto is, “Faster, stronger, higher.” These great athletes are so physically impressive. In a few days after the Olympics end, they will hold the Paralympics at the same site.

To me, these physically challenged athletes have even more courage, grit, and determination than those whom we are watching right now; their life stories are even more impressive. They are well worth watching.

Only God can see the heart, the true man or woman. David is called, “A man after God’s own heart.” The hymn writer Mary E. Maxwell wrote, “How I praise Thee, precious Savior, that Thy love laid hold of me; Thou has saved and cleansed and filled me that I might Thy channel be. Channels only, blessed Master, but with all Thy wondrous pow’r flowing through us, Thou canst use use us every day and every hour.”

Let us then be those who hearts are fully surrendered, committed, and dedicated to our Lord Jesus Christ. We may not be the most impressive in the eyes of the world, but we will be in the eyes of God.

Have a blessed day serving the Lord with all your heart and pleasing Him. Stay safe and healthy.

In His grace,

Dean