E-votional - Our Heart, His Eye
March 11, 2002
Verse:

"But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."

1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)

Thought:

   Disfigured and convinced that he was unlovable, Erik is driven underground. The story of the Phantom of the Opera, along with the story of David's anointing reminds us that there is more to us than how we are judged in human terms. Yet sometimes we buy into the notion that it is the outward that counts, the human terms that matter, leading us to repress and forget the inside.

   Hear the Good News, just as God chose David over the favored son Eliab, we are not to be counted or to count another on outward appearances. We do not know God's plans, nor do we know another man's heart, all we can do is to seek God's direction in our life. It has been six months since the attacks on America, and still we do not what is in store for the future, yet we are to have faith that God is with us as we focus on life. You see, for me, the attacks, that is the outer, the distracting element to the inner, life. Live life, live it faithfully and fully, doing anything and everything in the honor of God.

Prayer: 

   Gracious God, You know my heart and that knowledge itself give me great relief and hope. I what my inner self to be reflected outwardly. Let love and grace walk before me and let peace and compassion greet all I encounter. Let my life be pleasing to You, Father. Thank You for all that You have done in my life and all You will continue to do, for ask this through Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.