God Looks at our Heart by Ann Elaine Broughton

“But the Lord said to Samuel, …………………….The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7 NIV).
We are currently buying a house that looks brown on one side and gray on the other side. It seems a owner tried to paint the siding and it faded. Now we could have rejected the idea of even looking at the inside of the house by looking at the outside, but we decided to check it out. We were surprised to find that the inside of the house was completely remodeled and in excellent condition. We are buying it because it really felt like “home” when we looked around in the inside.
This is an example of how God looks at us. We have a tendency to be very self critical when we look at our outward appearance. We find faults and even wonder sometimes why we were born. But even with all of our outward flaws, God loves us because He looks at our hearts. It is more important that we have surrendered our hearts to Christ and His plan for us than worry about wrinkles and everything else that age brings.
Our words should resemble David’s as he wrote this Psalm:
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you” (Psalm 51:10-13 NIV).
We need to concentrate on where our relationship with Christ is right now. When Satan puts thoughts in our heads that we are imperfect and that our lives don’t mean anything, we need to think about how much we mean to the Lord and how he needs us to show others the way to eternal life.
So do a heart test and check and see if Christ is first in your life. Make sure that when he examines your heart He will be thrilled at what he sees.
Dear Lord,
Help us to have a pure heart so that you will be pleased when you look upon it. Help us not to be so self critical but to lift our concerns and cares to you so that you can give us peace about everything. Thank you for loving us in spite of our faults. Help us to do the same for the people around us.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen

Persevere by Ann Elaine Broughton

"And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance, and perseverance, proven character, and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us" (Romans 5:3-5 NIV).

Now isn't that interesting how tribulation is linked with perseverance? What is even more of a challenge is to exult in our tribulations. I think it is very difficult for most of us to praise God when we are in the middle of tribulation but that is exactly what Paul is telling us. As you read on you will see that if you do your character will be transformed.
To persevere means: steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., esp. in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement. I would like to paint a picture of you of perseverance.
Several years ago I was watching a triathalon and was totally amazed at this one woman's desire to go across the finish line no matter how bad she felt. She was at the point of total exhaustion and was literally losing control of her bodily functions as she staggered across the finish line collapsing into the arms of friends. I couldn't believe she had pushed herself that hard just for a race, but something was driving her to get across that line. The picture of her crossing that line was in many papers. She didn't win the race but I think for her just getting across the line was a big achievement. I think I would have quit if I would have been in her shoes. She had endured a tremendous amount of pain and duress, but she had her goal in sight and nothing could stop her. That is perseverance.
Now let's associate that with our Christian walk. When we have tribulation we are to praise God and persevere through it. Just as this lady did, we are to keep our eyes on the goal ahead of us and keep trudging through knowing that with Christ within us we can overcome any obstacle that comes our way. If Jesus could persevere and die on a cross for us, we can persevere through our trials with His help. He understands what we are going through and will give us strength to make it across that finish line and it will be His arms that we will collapse into one day.
Dear Lord,
Help us as we daily meet challenges that test our faith and give us the strength to keep on going when we want to quit. We know that the race in life will be difficult but with your help we can persevere. Help us to keep our eyes on you and not look back. Thank you for the hope of the Holy Spirit within us to guide us.
In Jesus' name,
Amen

Covered by His Hand by Ann Elaine Broughton

"When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by" (Exodus 33:22 NIV).

In this selection God is speaking to Moses after Moses has asked God to show him His glory. He tells Moses that nobody can see God's face and live so he protects Moses in a way that we can envision it. To me it is a tender hand that covers Moses so that he will not die. It is this hand of God that is full of compassion.
Just as Moses was covered by God's hand, I like to envision God's hand covering me in protection when the world seems caving in around me with hardships, sickness, or anguish. When troubles abound and there seems no place to hide from them, it is nice to know that we are in God's hands and that he will see us safely through them if we trust Him. After all, even Jesus when He was dying, called out to His father saying, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." Jesus knew that His father would take care of Him and we too should follow Jesus' example. We must surrender ourselves into God's hands and believe He will cover us with his love and compassion. Another verse of reassurance that will help you during life's tough times is Psalm 91:14 "Because he loves me," says the Lord, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him."
Instead of he and him put your own name in these verses. The Lord cares about you and you must believe that you are covered by His hand and will deliver you.
Dear Lord,
It is so comforting to know that during each day you are with us and that you are covering us with your hands full of love and compassion. Help us to trust you with our lives each day and commit our lives to you just as Jesus did.
In Jesus' name,
Amen