Monday Honor is high regard or esteem, to place value or price upon. Have you ever wondered if you’re valuable, especially to God? Often we go through the motions of believing in God from a distance. Most people would say they believe in Him, but do they really believe Him? Do they believe He is Who He says He is, has done and can do what He says He can, and that His Word is absolute truth? When we let go and believe Him, we can't help but begin realizing our value to Him. He knew us before He formed us in our mother's womb, and He valued us so much He took the time to create us all uniquely. Even identical twins have genetic differences. His plans for us are specific and good. For those of you with children, can you fathom valuing someone more than that child? God sent His only Son Jesus to earth to live among us and die, so we could be forgiven and have eternal life. Must we ever again ask if we are adored or valued by God? Read: Psalm 139:13-17; Ephesians 2:10; John 3:16-17; Tuesday David was a young shepherd boy, overlooked by his dad for potential kingship. He humbly remained in the fields during all of the commotion of Samuel's visit. He stayed about his father's business until officially invited inside, never assuming he might be considered. God saw in David what the others couldn't see: his heart. David went down in history as a man after God's heart. God honored David by setting him apart as a future leader over Israel. We honor God when we humbly submit to His calling and do what He asks. Maybe you think you have nothing to offer, no significant abilities. Give God your little bit, and He'll multiply it. When we surrender to Him, He does what we can't. David was a shepherd who became a giant-killing, song-writing, warrior-king. He surrendered every ability he had to God's use, and God turned this nobody into a somebody. He will do the same for you, if you will esteem Him with humble surrender. Read: 1 Samuel 2:29-31, 16:1-13; Wednesday Even after his Godly anointing as Israel's future king, David resumed doing all his earthly father asked of him. While his brothers were away fighting with the Israelite army, he humbly stayed behind to work as a shepherd. One day his father asked him to take food to his brothers in the army. His obedience led him to the battlefield where he discovered Israel's threat by the Philistine giant. God considered his faithfulness and used his mundane, but adventurous, experiences to prepare him to defeat the giant. With God's help, he had killed a lion and a bear single-handedly while tending sheep. He knew he was equipped to fight, and he trusted God with such audacity, he didn't hesitate stepping forward. His confidence in God led him to refuse to wear Saul's armor. God recognized David for revering Him with unstoppable courage. Goliath didn't have a chance! Realize the mundane can be a great adventure with God. It may be there that He's equipping you for greater adventures with Him in the future. Read: Proverbs 22:4; Exodus 20:12; Thursday The Israelites loved David. He made following easy because he was a respectable and humble leader. His love for God was demonstrated as he led the people in adoration and worship. David was clearly chosen by God and not man. There's a trend to choose leaders who fit a particular profile: tall, dark, and handsome; ones with a formal education; those most talented. Like Samuel, the respected man of God, we need to seek God's counsel and not man's. Our ideas about leadership may differ from God's. Even Samuel would have chosen the wrong person without God's guidance. Because Samuel honored God by listening carefully, overlooking stereotypes and the status quo, he made the right choice. We have a responsibility and high calling to hear from God when appointing leaders because He sees the heart. This will likely require overlooking social status, credentials, and appearances. Are you in a position of leadership at work, at church, or any other area where you might demonstrate godliness by leading humbly and choosing wisely? Read: 1Chronicles 29:12; Proverbs 3:3-8, 29:23; Friday The Bible tells us to esteem others above ourselves. As a young nurse, I was often put in a position of leadership over someone older or with more seniority than I had. Jealousy and bitterness made for a difficult relationship. I would go out of my way to recognize their experiences by asking them for their ideas or answers pertaining to the job. Most times, crediting them in this way would lower their resistance to me. On occasion, insecurity would win and nothing I did would change their heart towards me. After David's kingly anointing, many Bible scholars believe he waited over 20 years for this promise to come to pass. While he waited, King Saul became jealous and attempted to kill him despite the respect David bestowed him. David denied opportunities to kill Saul out of self-defense, and chose to continue defending and honoring him. If you find yourself in a similar situation, how can you consider the other person in a way that would reduce agitation and be pleasing to God? Read: Philippians 2:3-8; Romans 12:9-21; Devotions by Rivera Douthit