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Key Bible Verse: Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? (Galatians 1:10).
Bonus Reading:

I am told that at the Pacific Ocean Studios on Clement Street in San Francisco, there's a pipe organ called the "Chamberlain Music Master." What's different about this pipe organ is that it has a special button, and when you push it, you get a round of applause of concert-hall size. So you can play anything, press the button, and get a virtual standing ovation.

When I heard about that, I thought, That's exactly what most folks are working for—the applause of others. That's empty, meaningless and silly.

It's hard to perform for an audience that doesn't applaud, unless, of course, God is the one applauding.

Whose applause do you value the most? The only approval rating that's important is the one God gives you. Unless the applause is God's, your performance is doomed to a very bad review from the only critic who really matters.

The next time you've pleased everybody else, before you go to bed, kneel down and see if God is pleased. If He isn't, the pleasure you brought to others doesn't mean anything.

Can you hear God clapping?

—Steve Brown in Jumping Hurdles

Whose applause am I really performing for?

There is no success for the Christian other than being faithful to God's will and call.

—Mark Hatfield (former Senator from Oregon)

Adapted from: Jumping Hurdles (Baker, 1992)

For your convenience, Jumping Hurdles is available in the ChristianityToday.com bookstore.

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Prayer for the Week

Lord, help me to align my goals with Your purposes for me.

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