1 Samuel 16:7

Scripture: 

1 Samuel 16:7 (NASB) “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 

Observation:

We called the counterfeit coins “slugs.” While managing a local video arcade business, one of the main jobs I had was to check the machines for “slugs” that people tried to use to play the games. They looked like regular coins, but they were made differently and would get stuck in the machines making the machines unusable.

Today's verse speaks of how God looks at the heart and not at the outward appearance as man does! I couldn't help but think that sometimes in life; we look like we are real, but in actuality we are slugs - not doing what we are called to do. We look real on the outside but inside we are fake. I know it is a pretty hard message, but I wanted you to think about how we labor. Are we real or are we faking it? The Lord knows as He looks at our heart. Let's be real out there even if that means being honest if we are hurting, sad, or struggling. Being real can bring the healing and help we need.  

Application:

1) Think about what you just read.

2) Ask the Holy Spirit for clarity and insight.

3) Share this with someone who would benefit from reading it.

4) Make sure others see Jesus in YOU today.

TOM SEMBER has been involved in ministering to men for over 20 years. He is an ordained minister with the AG in the NY Ministry Network. Tom lives with his wife, Carolyn, and children in New York. You can connect with Tom on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.