How many times do we have this certain “mold” of a person that God would call to a task and if the person doesn’t fit the mold, then certainly God didn’t call them? Maybe its yourself and you’ve felt God tugging on your heart to do something but because of something in your past you’ve convinced yourself that God wouldn’t call you to do that task. Maybe its someone you know who feels called but because you know them well and know what they’ve been through in the past you can’t believe God could ever use them. Let me remind you about this story in 1 Samuel 16.

At this point, God instructs Saul (through Samuel) to wipe out Amalek. He was given very detailed instructions – no one or nothing was to be left alive. Saul takes his army and wipes them out, but he keeps the king alive and they keep all the best, of the sheep and oxen. As a result God reject Saul as king. God then tells Samuel to go Bethlehem to the family of Jesse and anoint a new king. When he arrives at Jesse’s home, he has Jesse bring all his sons in and Samuel waits for God to point out the one he is to anoint. One by one, seven of Jesse’s sons are present to Samuel – but none of them are God’s choice. In fact as the first son is present, Samuel says to himself, “Certainly the Lord’s anointed one is here before Him.” But God was quick to tell Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or his stature, because I have rejected him. Man does not see what the Lord sees. for man sees what is visible, but the Lord sees the heart.”

When God looks for a person to do a task – he’s not looking for the best looking, or the best fit, or the best dressed, or the best speaker. He’s looking for the heart that is “in tune” with His. In fact, after all seven of Jesse’s son were presented to Samuel, Samuel says to Jesse, “Are these all your sons?” Jesse’s response was “There is still the youngest,” he answered, “but right now he’s tending the sheep.” God chose the youngest, most unlikely of Jesse’s sons to be anointed as king in Saul’s place.

So before you judge yourself or anyone else as to whether or not God has called you or them, remember that God doesn’t look at the outward appearance. He doesn’t’ look at what’s in the past (especially after the past has been covered with forgiveness). What God looks at is the heart of a person and is that heart in tune with His.

If you are hung up on your own past or someone else’s past remember that God often uses those trials to grow us into what He wants us to be. He can use the things others have done to us for our good and his glory. If you doubt that, just look at Joseph. Joseph’s own brothers sold him into slavery, but God used that to save the family from a severe famine that would occur some years later. God likes to use people who are willing to be used and who are people that typically would not be seen as the kind of person one expects God to choose. Why? Because then God gets the glory for the work He does through that life.

So what is the heart that God chooses? A heart that is humble, obedient, and willing. He’s looking for the heart that is burdened for the lost. He’s looking for the heart that loves without discrimination or judgement. He looking for heart that is willing to serve others. He’s looking for a heart sold out to Him no matter the cost.

Father, give us eyes to see as you see. Help us to break the “mold” we have set for the type of person you call to serve you and help us to remember that its the heart that matters.

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Today, pray for Arizona:

#Chronovirus #fastandpray #judgement #repentance #revivalin2020 #WCM

Don’t forget to learn this week’s memory verse:

Memorize and hide in your heart one memory verse each week in 2020. If you didn’t start the challenge at the beginning of the year, just jump in now and be sure to sign up to get our weekly Memory verse in your email so you don’t miss a week.

In 2020 our emphasis is on revival for America with three key words: revive, renew, and redeem. You will begin to see the elements of our website and posts reflect this emphasis. We hope you’ll join us in praying for God to pour out the Holy Spirit with a mighty rushing wind of revival for our nation and around the world.

Our key verse for revival is 2 Chronicles 7:14. “If my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land. For the past few weeks, we have been focusing on repentance. This week, we look at the spiritual transformation that takes place when we surrender our heart to God.

This week’s memory verse:

Matthew 28:5-6

^{“But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.”}

#Easter #resurrection #Hesalive #emptytomb #revivalin2020 #WCM

Based on the Bible story of the shepherd leaving 99 sheep to find one lost sheep – and when you’re the lost one there is nothing illogical, irrational, or senseless about it.

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Anxious for Nothing, Softcover

By Max Lucado / Thomas Nelson

High anxiety is prevalent in our fast-paced society—but here’s a biblical prescription for it! Inviting you to reflect on Philippians 4:6–7, Lucado offers insights into ways God will help you cope with life’s inevitable calamities. Discover how to view bad news through the window of God’s sovereignty, discern Satan’s lies, recognize the truth, and more. 240 pages, softcover from Nelson.

Putting an X Through Anxiety: Breaking Free from the Grip of Worry and Stress

By Louie Giglio / Christian Book Distributors

Fighting anxiety can be so overwhelming it makes you feel like David confronting Goliath. But Giglio says you can slay that giant! Assuring you that God has already won the battle, he equips you with a mighty weapon—the cross of Jesus—to help you face your fear, let it go, and trust that God’s got your back. A companion to Giglio’s book, Goliath Must Fall.

Fundamentals of the Faith: 13 Lessons to Grow in the Grace & Knowledge of Jesus Christ

By John MacArthur / Moody Publishers

“On Sunday mornings at Grace Community Church, small groups of people gather together in ‘Fundamentals of the Faith’ classes to use this manual of thirteen lessons, which blend basic biblical truths with personal obedience and service. Many young believers take these classes to grow in their understanding of biblical truths.”

For the first time ever, Fundamentals of the Faith is available to the trade. With topics ranging from “God: His Character and Attributes” to “The Church: Fellowship and Worship,” this workbook is ideal to disciple new believers or help more mature Christians sharpen their understanding of key doctrines and equip them for evangelism.

Each of the thirteen lessons comes with a link to a required free downloadable message from John MacArthur.

Praying for Your Prodigal

By Kyle Idleman / David C Cook

Have some of your loved ones wandered far from their heavenly Father’s embrace? Ask God to lead them back home! In this companion guide to his best-selling AHA, Idleman offers heartfelt petitions that speak to the spiritual needs of your family members and friends who are still seeking the Way, the Truth, and the Life. 96 pages, softcover from Cook.