Practicing Honor, Day by Day 79

"But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)

Today, look at yourself as God looks at you.

Are you consumed with being beautiful, wealthy, popular, strong, perfect and good enough?

Are you ever straining, trying to fit in with the “in” crowd?

Do you gravitate toward those who have money, those who have status, those who have position or are you content just being who God made you to be?

David was a lowly shepherd boy.

By man’s standards, he was not the suitable choice for king of a great nation.

His father brought forth every other son first…the oldest, the strongest, the most handsome, the most experienced.

Samuel waited until the last son was presented.

He was looking for a man who would follow after God, one who did not fit the mold of the world.

God is looking for pure hearts and willing spirits.

When He sees you does He see one who is willing to follow Him, at any cost?

Heavenly Father, thank You are seeing me as I am. Thank You for choosing me and not overlooking me. Thank You for using me, even when I am not perfect and even when my circumstances are not perfect. You for use the foolish to confound the wise. You know my heart and You will use me, simply because I am willing to be used. Here am I, send me.

Practicing Honor, Day by Day 79

"...if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)

Today, let's apply this verse to our personal relationship with God.

So often, I hear this verse used as a blanket judgment over our nation.

I am challenged to apply this verse to my own life.

If every single person who claims to be a follower of Christ would cry out to Him, humble ourselves, pray, seek Him fervently and turn from our wickedness, we would see drastic changes in our world.

We cannot live with one foot in His kingdom and one foot in the world.

We cannot flirt with sin and claim the blessings of the righteous.

We must choose this day whom we will serve.

Heavenly Father, I am ready to follow You with my whole heart. I am tired of living a life of compromise. I invite You to examine my heart and my life today. Reveal the wickedness within. Show me where I am grieving your spirit and I will choose to turn from my sin. I humble myself before You, and I trust that You will forgive me. I am willing to do my part to see healing come to this land.