Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Listening to the Wrong Folks

“I do not accept glory from human beings,    but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts.   I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him.   How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God? – John 5:41-44

Whose approval are you trying to receive? Peer pressure is powerful in the lives of teens, but if we are really honest, adults are just as susceptible to peer pressure. Look at designer fashions, hot cars, house styles, popular movies, top ten books, and a host of other areas.

Can we stand with Jesus and stand up to the ridicule of others, or do we cave in, hide out, or give up our faith when it's unpopular? Sometimes our churches are stained glass museums filled with spiritually impoverished people afraid to speak up for Jesus because they're too concerned about what others think and say.

Let's pray that we may be both bold and respectful in sharing our faith in Jesus (Acts 4:31, 1 Peter 3:15-16).

Psalm 34:4

“I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”

Have you sought the LORD lately? Many of us made a commitment to turn all of our lives over to him last week; how have you done at that commitment? God promises wisdom to those who ask and don't doubt. Have you asked for wisdom recently? Let's join our hearts together, and with the Spirit's help, let's seek our Father so that we can honor and glorify him, finding our blessing in his presence.

Ephesians 5:15-16

“Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”

Even though we are God's holy children, we also need to be aware of what time it is in our world. The evil one still exercises his control over the hearts of many people. God wants us to "redeem the time," making the most of every opportunity we have to touch the lives of others with his grace and to resist the temptation and overcome the opposition of the evil one.

[Message No: 6294]

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