GPS-Beautiful People

SEP 14 / Sunday Read 1 Samuel 25:10-11, 30-35 / Acts 9:30-35

Overview: The “beauty” industry generated $677B in revenue last year convincing us that looks matter most. But what really makes people beautiful can’t be bought or sold. It’s a matter of soul.

15 / Mon – Beautiful qualities  |  Read Proverbs 6:16-19

When you hear the term beautiful people, what do you think of? Wealthy and/or famous people that others look up to and want to emulate? Who does God consider beautiful? It usually has more to do with inside character than outward appearance. Flip each item listed in Prov 6 to its opposite. For example: lying tongue→speaking truth. What does this reveal about those God considers beautiful? Know someone who has these good qualities? How have they influenced you in positive ways?

16 / Tue – First impressions  |  Read 1 Samuel 16:1, 6-7

Appearances can be deceiving. God’s wise words to Samuel apply to many different scenarios. Whether it is someone to fill a high-profile position in your company or someone you may consider allowing into your life as a trusted friend, what criteria do you use? Do you go with first impressions, or will you look deeper? Do you ask for discernment when faced with choices? Will you wisely stop yourself from jumping to conclusions based on your own (limited) understanding?

17 / Wed – More than skin deep  |  Read Esther 2:1-7, 17 and 4:8, 14-16 and 7:1-6 and 9:20-22

Esther was a beautiful young woman whom King Xerxes chose to be his new queen. Some might think she lived a wonderful, trouble-free life in the royal palace, but when you read her story, you can see it was a very dangerous place. If Esther had just been another pretty face, she would have given in to fear and kept quiet. But she wasn’t, and she didn’t. Her beauty brought her to the palace, but her love for God and her people made her risk everything to save them. Do you know anyone like that? What beautiful qualities do you see in them?

18 / Thu – God’s beauty reflected  |  Read Exodus 20:18-21 / Exodus 34:29-35

After leaving Egypt, Moses led the Israelites to Mt Sinai to meet the LORD. They saw His presence descend on the mountain, heard His voice, and were terrified. They begged Moses to be their spokesperson, to bring back God’s words. How did Moses’ face change after spending time in God’s presence? Have you seen that glow of the faces of godly Christians around you? Will people see that same glow shining from your face after you’ve spent quality time with the Lord?

19 / Fri – Superficial beauty  |  Read 1 Kings 18:40 and 19:1-2 and 21:15-16 / 2 Kings 9:30-33

Queen Jezebel killed God’s prophets, threatened Elijah, and had an innocent man murdered to seize his property. But when facing God’s chosen leader, she put on a beautiful face and leaned out of the window to mock him. In spite of her appearance, her words and actions showed her true nature. Have you ever been intimidated by a powerful person who seemed invincible? Remember, God not only sees the heart but also reveals it and deals with it. He is your Defender and He always wins.

20 / Sat – Beautiful feet  |  Read Isaiah 52:7 / Romans 10:14-15

In ancient Israel, foot traffic dominated everyday life. Feet took you where you needed to go, but were often dirty, and (unlike today) there was no place to go for a pedicure. So why does the Lord describe them as beautiful? In the Roman Empire, the word gospel was the good news of a military victory or the advent of a new Caesar and his plans to bring peace to the empire. Our gospel is the good news of a new King whose death and resurrection opened the door to new life under his leadership. Will you get your ‘feet’ dirty today, running to spread this good news?