Yay for the new kitty house!
đ±
Bible in a Year :
People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.
To reduce food waste, a supermarket chain in Singapore sells slightly blemished fruits and vegetables at lower prices. In one year, this initiative saved more than 850 tons (778,000 kg) of produce that previously wouldâve been thrown out for not meeting aesthetic standards. Shoppers soon learned that outward appearancesâscars and quirky shapesâdonât affect flavor and nutritional value. Whatâs on the outside doesnât always determine whatâs on the inside.
The prophet Samuel learned a similar lesson when he was sent by God to anoint the next king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:1). When he saw Eliab, the firstborn son of Jesse, Samuel thought he was the chosen one. But God said: âDo not consider his appearance or his height . . . . People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heartâ (v. 7). Out of Jesseâs eight sons, God chose the youngest, Davidâwho was tending his fatherâs sheep (v. 11)âto be the next king.
God is more concerned with our hearts than with outward credentialsâthe school we attended, what we earn, or how much we volunteer. Jesus taught His disciples to focus on purifying their hearts of selfish and evil thoughts because âwhat comes out of a person is what defiles themâ (Mark 7:20). Just as Samuel learned not to consider outward appearances, may we, with Godâs help, examine our heartsâour thoughts and intentionsâin all that we do.
Reflect & Pray
When have you done a âgood thingâ with the wrong motive? How can you ensure that whatâs in your heart is pure?
Dear God, please help me to do what honors You.