Get Your Music on Amazon!
Get Your Music - and everything else - on Amazon! All purchases made on Amazon through this link earn a commission for Jesusfreakhideout.com!

JFH Devotionals by J.M. Farro


Don't Live for the Praises of Others


"Of course you're unable to believe in Me. For you live for the praises of others and not for the praise that comes from the only true God" - John 5:44 TPT

One way that people, including Christians, can get off track where fulfilling their God-given purpose is concerned, is by living for the praises of other people. Well-meaning people can try to get us involved in their agendas, which may sound good on the surface. However, when we take a closer look and hold them up against the truth of the Gospel, we realize that they conflict with God's agendas. Some of these people who want us to stray from what the Bible teaches will see themselves as enlightened, and us as closed-minded. They may even try to make us feel guilty when, in their eyes, we are not being loving, because we refuse to accept the sinful lifestyles that a corrupt society approves of.

Jesus said: "Your approval or disapproval means nothing to Me, for as I know so well, you don't have God's love within you." (John 5:41-42 TLB) You and I have to be extremely wary of people who have no real love for God. Christ had no desire to try to please them, and neither should we. The Savior goes on to say: "I have come to represent my Father, yet you refuse to embrace Me in faith. But when someone comes in their own name and with their own agenda, you readily accept him." (v. 43 TPT) Sadly, there are many people today who readily accept the worldly agendas of their own society and culture, and refuse to embrace Christ and His Gospel. Then Jesus reveals: "Of course you're unable to believe in Me. For you live for the praises of others and not for the praise that comes from the only true God." (v. 44 TPT) Living for the praises of others, rather than of Christ, will ultimately destroy our faith and our witness, and prevent us from fulfilling our God-given destiny.

In Luke 16, Jesus says: "You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God's sight." (v. 15) The Passion Translation says, "The very things that you approve of and applaud are the things God despises." Look at some of the vile things that many are approving of and applauding these days. It's up to you and me to stand against these things that "God despises." As Christ's representatives, it's our job to be champions for biblical commands and principles in this world. Scripture says: "What people say about themselves means nothing. What counts is whether the Lord says they have done well." (2 Corinthians 10:18 ERV) When we live our lives in a way to receive the praises of God, He will bless us and use us in mighty ways for His glory!

Prayer: Lord, help me to avoid getting involved with worldly agendas that conflict with Your Word and Your laws. When given a choice to offend You or other people, help me to choose to offend others every time. Thank You that as I concentrate on pleasing You in all things, You will see that I fulfill my God-given purpose and potential in Christ!

- J. M. Farro

 

go to main Devotionals page
go to Devotionals archive

 

 

                 
Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

Search JFH



This Friday, March 14, 2025
ALBUMS
Shout Praises Kids! Español Buen Dios [Integrity]
UPPERROOM 1350 (Live) [Capitol CMG]

SINGLES
1K Phew All I Need - Single [Reach]
Anchor Hymns Walk With Me/How Precious Your Presence (feat. Caroline Cobb, Sarah Kroger, and Stefan Cashwell) - Single [Integrity]
AZ Christlike Greater Works - Single [Syntax]
Big Daddy Weave Let It Begin - Single [Curb]
Blanca This Won't Take My Praise (feat. Taylor Hill) - Single [Curb]
Jekalyn Carr Don't Faint - Single [WayNorth]
Clemency Whole Heart - Single (independent)
Coqui only Idol - Multi Single [DREAM]
Just Cordell Wait - Single (independent)
Adriel Cruz We're Not Alone - Single [Syntax]
Grace Graber, Daniel Spriggs My Favorite Part - Single (independent)
Illustrate, Procyse Mask Off (Daniel DeGree Remix) - Single [Polished Arrow]
Knaladeus Your Love - Single [Syntax]
LO CLOUD Stars Align - Single (independent)
Newsboys How Many Times (oh how You love me) - Single [Capitol CMG]
Blessing Offor Lift Me Up - Single [Capitol CMG]
Nate Parrish Small - Single (independent)
Josiah Queen Yesterday is Dead - Single [Capitol CMG]
Emmy Rose Tend (Live) - Single [Bethel]
Tedashii Heavy Heart - Single [Reach]
Todd Tilghman Holy Place - Single [StowTown]
Brandon Watson Too Far Gone - Single (independent)

Next Friday, March 21, 2025
ALBUMS
Kayla Berry Soar - Single (independent)
Diatheke ...And The Word Was God [Rottweiler]
Ellie Holcomb Sing: Spring Songs [Capitol CMG]
Jesus Culture Worthy of Hallelujah (Live) [Capitol CMG]
Tauren Wells Let The Church Sing - EP [Capitol CMG]

SINGLES
Pat Boone ONE - Voices for Tanzania - Single [Lamb & Lions]
Faith Worship Arts The Lifter (Live) - Single [DREAM Worship]
Life.Church Worship Christ In Me - Single (independent)
Seph Schlueter Turn It To Praise - Single [Provident]



For all release dates, click here!
 

Check out the newest JFH Metal compilation - FREE!
Get JFH's 13th free indie compilation now!
Check out depositphotos for royalty free images