December 31

But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected
him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
1
Samuel 16:7

We attended the Awards night that was held at the school my kids attend. This is a ceremony to reward the students
who have had an out standing effort or have been most improved in performance throughout the year. The awards are
given in all the subjects. The ceremony ends with character awards like the Nehemiah Award for the student leaders.

To our surprise, one of the students that my family prays for on a regular basis to become a Christian received the
“most Christ-like” award. I couldn’t figure out how that happened. We know that this student struggles with any belief in
Jesus Christ and yet, this student is awarded the most Christ-like award. It was a reminder to me that there is a clear
difference between personality traits and Holy Spirit fruits. Somehow, as believers, we become confused with the
definitions. We judge by outward appearance and personality. When leaving the gymnasium, I wondered if Jesus would
have been voted to receive His own award.

All I know is that I want to receive Jesus’ reward in heaven. I want to hear Him say to me, “Well done, good and faithful
servant.” I pray that I bring Him glory and represent Him. I know that I might not receive any awards here for it on earth.
But I want to be Christ-like on earth because the Holy Spirit has empowered me to live in a manner that pleases Him
alone. I want to be God’s girl…His teacher’s pet…Jesus’ dearly beloved. God promises to reward those who diligently
seek Him. I can do that. Ask the Lord with me to pray to be His best and to be willing to be Christ- like because you
want to be like Christ. He doesn’t look at outward appearances; we can’t fool Him, He judges the heart.


Daily Disciples Ministries, Inc., founded by Tonilee Adamson and Bobbye Brooks, embraces a vision to reach the world for Christ by teaching others how to be His daily disciples. Their mission is to evangelize the lost and to re-awaken the saved to live lives empowered by the Word of God and His Holy Spirit, and to teach and to train those who desire to grow, to serve and to have all that God has for them…encouraging everyone to be a daily disciple of Jesus Christ. From Bible studies to daily devotionals to daily radio programs to a comprehensive discipleshipprogram, Bobbye  & Tonilee have a passion to help others apply the Word of God to their lives every day.