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1 Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

God is more concerned about WHY we do something than WHAT we are doing. God examines our heart and we should take the time to do the same. Here’s some questions to ask:

1. Why am I doing this? What is my motivation?
2. Would I do this if nobody ever found out?
3. I’m I doing this simply to make myself look good and to impress others?

It’s not about rules and it’s not about rituals. It’s about loving God and loving people. That’s it.

This truth is so simplistic, yet so profound. We tend to muddy it with so many other things and loose sight of it’s importance.

Love God. Love People.

Tonight my wife and I are opening up our home to about 25 volunteer leaders from our church. We are looking forward to hanging out with them and getting to know them as we spend time together. This morning I read a passage of scripture that talks about having dinner with God. Could you imagine? In Psalm chapter fifteen David talks about what it takes to get on the guest list and how to avoid the blacklist. Listen to how the Message Bible describes it:

“God, who gets invited to dinner at your place? How do we get on your guest list? Walk straight, act right, tell the truth. Don’t hurt your friend, don’t blame your neighbor; despise the despicable. Keep your word even when it costs you, make an honest living, never take a bribe. You’ll never get blacklisted if you live like this.”

These are some pretty challenging prerequisites, some are more challenging than others for me personally. Could you imagine the impact our lives would have if we lived everyday like we are going to have dinner with God?

The next day the huge crowd that had arrived for the Feast heard that Jesus was entering Jerusalem. They broke off palm branches and went out to meet him. And they cheered: Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in God’s name! Yes! The King of Israel!

Jesus got a young donkey and rode it, just as the Scripture has it: No fear, Daughter Zion: See how your king comes, riding a donkey’s colt. The disciples didn’t notice the fulfillment of many Scriptures at the time, but after Jesus was glorified, they remembered that what was written about him matched what was done to him.

John 12:12-16