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“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’” – 1 Samuel 16:7 In 1 Samuel 16, God sends Samuel to anoint the next king of Israel. When Samuel arrives, he sees David’s older brothers, men who were stronger, taller, and more impressive by human standards. But God tells Samuel that none of them are “the one.” Instead, David, the youngest, the one left tending sheep, is chosen. David wasn’t the most popular, wasn’t in the spotlight, and didn’t have a prestigious title. But God saw something in David that others didn’t—his heart. Being ‘the one’ isn’t about where you started or how others see you. It’s not about having the best childhood, being the most successful, or even having everything together. It’s about having a heart that is after God. David’s story shows us that God doesn’t choose based on what the world values but on what He sees in us, even when others overlook us. You may have experienced hardships, rejection, or felt left out, but God has a way of pulling you in. He chooses you not just because He loves you, but because you love Him. Your struggles, setbacks, and imperfections don’t disqualify you from being chosen; they qualify you because they’ve drawn you closer to God.

But being the one goes even deeper. Just like the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:4-7), we see that we aren’t just the ones chosen by God—we are the ones He pursues. When we stray, He leaves the 99 to bring us back. When we wander, God doesn’t give up on us. He comes after us, showing that His love is relentless, no matter where we are or what we’ve done. Today, remember that being “the one” means you’re chosen by God, not because you are perfect, but because your heart is open to Him. If you’ve been blessed with a good life, thank God and use your blessings for His glory. If you’ve faced rejection, pain, or felt forgotten, know that God has chosen you and is pursuing you, right where you are. Lord, thank You for seeing my heart when others may not. Help me to remember that being ‘the one’ doesn’t depend on my past or others’ opinions, but on Your love and my pursuit of You. Thank You for chasing after me, even when I wander. May I live each day as one who is chosen, loved, and called by You, in Jesus’ name, amen.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2 (NIV) As followers of Christ, we are called to live lives that reflect the principles and values taught by Jesus. This means that our lives should stand out as distinct from the patterns and practices commonly seen in the world around us. The world often promotes values such as materialism, self-centeredness, and instant gratification, but as Christians, we are called to pursue a higher standard—a life that is marked by love, humility, and service to others.

The transformation Paul speaks about in Romans 12:2 is not merely a superficial change, but a deep, internal renewal that affects our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. This renewal is a continual process, driven by our relationship with God and the work of the Holy Spirit within us. As we align our minds with God’s truth, we begin to see the world through His perspective, which empowers us to make decisions that honor Him.

Living in a way that reflects God’s will doesn’t mean that life will always be easy or that we will be free from challenges. However, it does mean that we can have confidence in God’s guidance and trust that His will is perfect, even when we don’t fully understand it. By committing to this path of transformation, we grow closer to God, experience His peace, and become better equipped to fulfill the purpose He has for our lives.

In a world that is constantly changing, the principles found in God’s Word remain a steadfast foundation. By renewing our minds daily and seeking to live according to His will, we not only experience personal growth, but also become a beacon of light to others, showing them the hope and truth found in Christ.