July 4

TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE

But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7

Memorize this Verse:
Cover the verse text and using just the first letters of each word try to recite the entire passage.
7. B T L S U S L N O H C O O T H O H S B I H R H F T L S N A M S F M L O T O A B T L L O T H

Notes on verse:

“His countenance … height of his stature”: Samuel needed to be reminded that God’s anointed was not chosen because of physical attributes. This was initially a difficult concept for Samuel as he was accustomed to a king whose only positive attributes were physical.

“The Lord looketh on the heart”: The Hebrew concept of “heart” embodies emotions, will, intellect, and desires. The life of the man will reflect his heart (Matt. 12:34-35).

Saul had been a head taller than all of his fellows and was a handsome man, but he had greatly disappointed the LORD. The LORD tells Samuel not to look at the outward man. Sometimes, those who look strong are the weakest ones, when it comes to sin. The LORD refused Eliab, because the LORD was looking on the heart. He was looking for someone who would love him with all his heart.

TODAY'S BIBLE READING

July 4
Today's Bible Reading Plan selections can be found below. If you don't have a Bible with you, just click the references to read each passage online:

Old Testament
1 Chronicles 7-9  —  7.5 minutes
Psalms 127  —  1.5 minutes

New Testament
Luke 8:1-15  —  4.0 minutes
Colossians 2:8-15  —  2.0 minutes

Total Average Read Time — 15.0 minutes