The Sacred 'Real Deal'

1 Sam.16:7But 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 does not see as man sees, since man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” Decorated facadesLike pretty cakes, appeal...(but the truth of the matter is, this pretty frosting could be covering something delectable or extremely vile! The outside doesn't tell...) Below is a photo my daughter sent me today, of a cake she made for a school fundraiser(used with permission) It looks great!And I have tasted enough of her baking to be sure it will taste great!However 'it looks great' alone is not enough!It's what is under the countenance that counts🙏 Thought soon gives way to voiceThe invisible genesisOf love turns into choice Thought's word and deed unfoldsLike leaves on many treesYet, countenance that gaze beholdsIs not what God’s eye sees Eden’s forbidden fruitWas pleasing to the eye Thought entertained That Cunning BruteThen partook of his lie Pride mocks God, true and goodThe evidence of thoughtIs always clearly understoodThrough fear of Him, or not Decorated facadesLike pretty cakes, appealBut beneath what visage applaudsIs the crucial 'real deal' Therefore, we ought to heed Thought's hotbed of designEre aftermath of scattered seedHangs heavy on the vine For as we think we areThen, pray this is our pleaThat meditations of the heartAre pleasing, Lord, to Thee © Janet Martin Ps.141I call upon You, O LORD; come quickly to me.Hear my voice when I call to You.May my prayer be set before You like incense,my uplifted hands like the evening offering.Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth;keep watch at the door of my lips.Do not let my heart be drawn to any evil thingor take part in works of wickednesswith men who do iniquity;let me not feast on their delicacies.Let the righteous man strike me;let his rebuke be an act of loving devotion.It is oil for my head; let me not refuse it.For my prayer is ever against the deeds of the wicked.When their rulers are thrown down from the cliffs,the people will listen to my words,for they are pleasant.As when one plows and breaks up the soil,so our bones have been scattered at the mouth of Sheol.But my eyes are fixed on You,O GOD the Lord.In You I seek refuge;do not leave my soul defenseless. Keep me from the snares they have laid for me,and from the lures of evildoers.Let the wicked fall into their own nets,while I pass by in safety.