This message comes from 1 Samuel 16:7:  …God does not see the same way people see. People look at the outside of a person, but the Lord looks at the heart.

Tell the story of 1 Samuel 16 in your own words. Then talk about how David became king because he had a heart for God. God cares more about us having a heart for Him than he does about how you look, or how talented or popular you are. God chose David because of his heart. In 1 Samuel 13:14, God calls David a man after His own heart.

This Valentine’s Day, challenge your children to have a heart for God by giving them “The Heart Test”.

Have you asked Jesus into your heart?

When you look for me with all your heart, you will find me. (Jeremiah 29:13 NIRV)

You can’t have a heart for God unless Jesus is living inside your heart.

What you say shows if you have a heart for God.

For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.   A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.”    (Matthew 12:34-35 NKJV)

If you say things that please God and help people, that shows you have a heart for God. If you say mean things or curse, you might not have a heart for God.

What you spend your time and money on shows if you have a heart for God?

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:21 NKJV)

If you have a heart for God, you’ll want to spend time with Him and you’ll want to give to Him and others.

Are you passionate for the things of God or lukewarm?

So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.   (Revelation 3:16 NKJV)

God wants us to be excited about praising Him, reading our Bibles, going to church, and praying.

Do You Live In Sin and Unbelief?

So brothers, be careful that none of you has an evil, unbelieving heart. This will stop you from following the living God.    (Hebrews 3:12 ICB)

If we have a heart for God, we won’t want to sin or doubt anything in God’s Word.

Check the Word to see what is in your heart?

God’s word is alive and working. It is sharper than a sword sharpened on both sides. It cuts all the way into us, where the soul and the spirit are joined. It cuts to the center of our joints and our bones. And God’s word judges the thoughts and feelings in our hearts.    (Hebrews 4:12 ICB)

If you are still not sure if you have a heart for God, ask God to show you through the Bible.

Do you follow the most important commandment?

Love the Lord your God. Love him with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. (Mark 12:30 ICB)

Challenge your students to make a commitment to love God with all their heart.