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 man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7 NIV

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     God had singled out the family of Jesse of Bethlehem from which to choose the next king. Samuel was sure that the oldest son Eliab was the chosen one. He was the oldest and was tall and handsome, as Saul had been. But God’s choice was the youngest son, David, who though ruddy and handsome himself, had a heart for God.
     David was in God’s plan before time began. His descendant would be our Lord Jesus Christ. This was the king the people of Israel would have been given in the first place, if they had just waited on God. God’s timing is always right, and his choices are based on what is inside the heart.

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     Lord, help me to teach my children to look for qualities of character, rather than just outward appearance. Forgive me when I set a bad example in judging others by the way they look. Help me to wait patiently for Your plan for our lives, knowing that Your timing is perfect.

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     He was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, "Rise and anoint him; he is the one." 1 Samuel 16:12 NIV