17/07/2026
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His Voice Devotional
Text: His Voice Devotional
FRIDAY, 17 JULY, 2026
TOPIC: HIDDEN MOTIVES
Text :1 Samuel 16:7
"The LORD told Samuel, 'Don't look at his appearance or his height, for I've rejected him... Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.'"
Human judgment is limited. We often evaluate people by what we see, hear, or feel. A number of times, a pleasant smile may hide a deceitful heart, while a rough exterior may conceal a sincere and faithful spirit.
*Appearances can be misleading and deceptive, but nothing is hidden from God. He sees every thought, every motive, and every intention of the heart.
When Samuel went to anoint the next king of Israel, he was impressed by Eliab's appearance. He looked every bit like a king. Yet God corrected Samuel, teaching him (and by extension, you and I) a timeless lesson: God's choices are based on the heart, not outward appearance.
David, the overlooked shepherd boy, was God's chosen king because his heart pleased the Lord.
The story of Herod is another striking example. When the wise men arrived in Jerusalem, Herod pretended to be interested in worshipping the newborn King. He said, "Go and search diligently for the child... so that I, too, may come and worship him" (Matthew 2:8).
Herod's words sounded humble and sincere, but his heart was filled with jealousy and murder. God, who knew his true intentions, warned the wise men in a dream not to return to him, thereby protecting the infant Jesus.
What appeared to be a noble request was actually a deadly plot.
The Gibeonites also deceived Joshua by wearing worn-out clothes and carrying old bread to pretend they had come from a distant land (Joshua 9).
Israel judged by appearances and failed to seek God's counsel, resulting in a covenant they could not revoke.
These and many more examples were recorded in the Bible to remind us that we cannot depend on human perception alone. We need the Holy Spirit's guidance.
As we walk closely with God through prayer, His Word, and obedience to His instructions, He will grant discernment. He will expose hidden traps, reveals false motives, and leads us in the path of safety.
God may not always reveal every secret, but He faithfully directs those who trust Him.
Do not be captivated by appearances or persuasive words. Seek God's mind before making decisions, entering relationships, or trusting people.
The One who sees the heart is able to guide His children away from the hidden intentions of evil men.
Remember, it is wisdom to commit your ways to Him who knows the end of all things from the very beginning. (Isaiah 46:10).
Selah!
Bible Reading:
Matthew 2:1-12.
PRAYER FOCUS
Father LORD, Please, give me a discerning heart, and let Your Holy Spirit guide every decision I make. And lead me away from the hidden intentions of evil men in Jesus name.
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