Matthew 16: Externally Focused Disciples
The Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.
1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV)
Every person’s way is right in his own eyes, but the Lord examines the hearts.
Proverbs 21:2 (NASB)
Throughout their three-year training period, the disciples of Jesus were challenged to see with their hearts.
But believing God's invisible truth while denying the appearance of truth is a test all true believers must pass.
To see Bread not as bread, but Christ's Body!
To see Wine not as wine, but as His Blood!
To see Jesus as a Man, and as God!
To see sinners not as trash, but treasure!
To see idols not as treasure, but trash!
To see wealth not as their own, but the Lord's!
To see small kids not as foolish, but wise!
To see proud men not as wise, but foolish!
To see worldly gain as nothing at all!
To see simplicity as close to Christ!
To see love as God’s overriding law!
To see death as eternity’s doorway!
To see life now as a critical path!
To see each day as a calling to serve!
To see hardship as a comeback story!
To see lack as a paring down process!
To see anguish as a birthing process!
To see waiting as a building process!
To see Satan as already conquered!
To see mountains shrink as faith is applied!
To see darkness as overcome by light!
To see sadness as overcome by joy!
To see hatred as overcome by love!
To see thugs as transformed by forgiveness!
To see Hollywood as a mission field!
To see its stars rising to proclaim Him!
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
Excellent vision begins in the heart, because external things will pass away. They're simply signs on a super-highway, of little use… as we pass beyond them.
So many signs are false advertising, while others are detours we dare not take. Rest stops are needed, but don’t get stuck there!
Do keep watch for people who are stranded. Ask God’s advice and help them as He prompts you.
Cling to God’s Word as your no-fail Compass and the Lord’s Spirit as your no-fail Guide. Because the things we can see with our eyes often deceive, distract, or delay us, unless God reveals the deeper meaning (which He surely will every time we ask.
Matthew 16: Externally Focused Disciples (Part 6)
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God– to multiply them in the world for His glory.
P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.
WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!