Today’s Reading: John 7:10-24
Hearing God’s Voice for Today:
“If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority. The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood.”
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If your will is to absolutely do the Father’s will, you will know who Jesus is. You will know that his teachings are true. You will know that he doesn’t speak on his own authority, but by the authority of the one who sent him.
Or do you seek your own glory in life? Do you speak with your own authoritative opinions—ones ensnarled in nothing but your own perspectives? If so, you will never know that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. You will never know the glory of the Father revealed in him.
The Father alone is worthy of all praise. Through him alone you live and move and have your being. He will not share his glory with any frail, fallen, and feeble human being.
If you believe in Jesus, you will desire to obey him. If you love him, you will obey his commandments. In your head and heart, you will know that he is God’s Son who came to forgive the sins of the world— and your personal sins. Obedience to his teachings will be the proof of your love for and commitment to him.
Obey the Lord today. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. But also remember: All your life choices greatly affect who you are and the person you will become.
Why do you make certain choices? Are they motivated by your feelings? Or by your circumstances? These things are fleeting and transitory. They change by the moment. If your feelings or circumstances determine your choices, you are most likely seeking your own glory and not the Father’s.
Or is culture influencing your decisions? Don’t rely on it. It is always changing as well. It shifts with the whims and fancies of the masses. It’s nuanced by negativism. It’s driven by the cult of personality. It focuses on self-fulfillment.
Rather, trust the immutable Father of the universe. He never changes. Obey based on who Jesus is and what he says. His authority comes from heaven. What he commands you to do is rooted in the changeless principles of a changeless God.
When you obey Jesus’ commands, you are doing his will. It proves you believe he is the truth. It proves you love him. It shows you have wholeheartedly made him Lord of your life.
Follow all that Jesus teaches you. When you do, it proves you belong to him.
It also gives the Father in heaven all the honor, glory, and praise— from this day forth and for all eternity.
Glorify him. Enjoy him forever.
This is your chief reason for living.
[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]