God Sees Differently

"The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." - 1 Samuel 16:7b NLTh

Why do we do what we do? What is our motive when we do something? Will we still do what we are doing if we are not recognized? Is to be seen by men or is to honor God by obeying His word. Many today have become attention seekers, have selfish motives and are so focus on themselves. Yeshua was not an attention seeker. At times when Yeshua performed a miracle, He would tell the person, don’t tell anyone what He did. God will not share His glory with anyone.

“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Matthew 6:1-3 NLT

Yeshua warns us, not to make a public announcement when we are helping others. There is no need to draw attention to oneself. Whatever we have come from God; for He is the one who gives power to get wealth – Deuteronomy 8:18. Therefore, the praise and glory should go to God and God alone. Those with sincere faith, who do good deeds out a genuine love for God and other people with no expectation of getting anything in return, will receive far greater rewards from God.

When we do acts of kindness, we should do so out of a pure heart. Though people are unable to see or know our motives for doing something, God does, and we cannot fool Him. For God sees our heart. He knows the true motive and intentions of our heart. Even though we are not looking to be compensated, God is not unjust. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you – Matthew 6:4 NLT.

For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do – Hebrews 6:10 NLT.

e Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7b NLT

Who Is This Man?

The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!” Matthew 8:27 NLT

Imagine being on a boat, in a storm; afraid and fearing for your life. Then, there is that one person on the boat who is asleep through it all. What thought would go through your mind?

The disciples were in a bad storm and were afraid they would lose their lives. Remember, Yeshua told them, let’s go over to the other side. Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth – Luke 8:22 KJV. After all this was Yeshua, the Son of God who had performed many miracles, signs and wonders. The disciples should not have been afraid.

Let’s not be quick to judge the disciples. I’m sure many of us have been there before. We have experienced God in a supernatural way and yet when a storm arises in our lives, we become afraid and panic. God wants us to trust Him. No matter what we are facing, we must trust, be confident that God will grant us the victory.

Yeshua spoke to the wind and the sea and they obeyed Him. This tells us that Yeshua is all powerful. Even the natural elements obey Him. Since we are one with Him, or in Christ, why are we still afraid when something happens? It’s human nature to be afraid or frighten when something happens. We were created with this emotion. However, one thing that is required of us is that we must know who Yeshua is.

During Yeshua’s time on earth, Yeshua asked His disciples, whom do men say that I the Son of man am? The disciples answered, some say that you are John the Baptist, some, Elias; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. Then Yeshua asked the disciples, the crucial question, who do you say that I am?  Simon Peter answered and said, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God – Matthew 16:13-17. Peter got a revelation of who Yeshua is.

We too need to get a revelation of who He is; so that when the storms of life try to knock us down, we will not be shaken or moved, because we know who Yeshua is. Yeshua said, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth – Mattthew 28:18 KJV.

Trust & Credibility

Queen Esther replied, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, grant me my life as my petition, and the lives of my people as my request." - Esther 7:3 BSB

Queen Vashti had defied King Ahasuerus. When he asked her to show off her beauty at a banquet, she wouldn’t cooperate. He became incensed and removed her as queen.

Through miraculous circumstances, Esther became the new queen. She knew what had happened to Vashti and seemed keenly aware of her limits. When Haman, the king’s advisor, sought to eliminate the Jews, her uncle, Mordecai, urged Esther to use her position to save them. But Esther was reluctant. She had not been summoned to the king for 30 days, and she knew the consequences of displeasing him.

After much prayer, Esther acted in faith and approached the king. As a result of her efforts, the Jews were able to defend themselves, Haman was eliminated, and Mordecai was elevated to prominence. Instead of defeat, they celebrated victory!

This courageous act would not have been possible if Esther had not gained credibility with the king. She accused the second most powerful man in the kingdom! But Ahasuerus chose to believe her because she had proven herself to be a trustworthy person of integrity.

You must gain credibility if you want to influence people for Yeshua.

Esther’s testimony demonstrates why our character and reputation are so important. With others watching us and evaluating how we live, we must obey God’s Word and be faithful, honest, and trustworthy. Make your life a testimony to the truth of the Gospel.

Yeshua, I want to have a consistent testimony. Let others see You in me and be impacted for the Gospel. In Your Name, Amen.