Saturday, July 19, 2008

Verse of the Day - Proverbs 29:25

The fear of human opinion disables; trusting in God protects you from that.
~ Proverbs 29:25 (The Msg)

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Wow -- this is pretty telling, isn't it?

How many of us have fallen into the trap of trying to please people over God, of worrying about what others think, instead of what God thinks?

Being a people-pleaser is a weight that's hard to bear. No matter how hard we try, we will never measure up to people's standards and opinions, which are often unrealistic, unbiblical and self-motivated. You will never please all people all the time...or even some of the people some of the time. God says that's a trap, and I'm sure you can attest to that.

Where does our self-worth and significance lie? In man's opinion, or God's? Where does our loyalty lie -- with man, or with God?

God says that He's the One we need to be concerned with, not mere man...

Don't be bluffed into silence by the threats of bullies. There's nothing they can do to your soul, your core being. Save your fear for God, who holds your entire life—body and soul—in his hands. ~ Matthew 10:28 (The Msg)

Whether it's approval we're after, or an avoidance of uncomfortable pressure, we need to trust and obey God over man. He is the one we're accountable to, above all else. And if we're in His will, we have nothing to fear...the rest is just gravy.

Peter and John had in right...

...they called the apostles back in and commanded them never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.” ~ Acts 4:19-20 (NLT)

I pray that you can trust God for your significance and your safety, as you walk with Him and talk of Him. Being a follower of Christ is not always popular in public opinion...but it's the safe place to be. Safe and secure with God.

Love,
Joelene

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