October 9th, 2025
Thursday, October 9th
Approved by God, Not Food Lion
By: Sheila Sonon
Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:21, “but test everything; hold fast what is good.” Sounds simple—until you stop and ask, “Okay, but what exactly is the definition of good?”
So, I did what any modern believer does: I asked my friend Google and she replied, “Good: to be desired or approved of.” But I asked myself—whose approval am I chasing? For too long, it was family, friends, even strangers in the grocery store. (Including the cashier at Food Lion who gave me side-eye for buying three Ben & Jerry’s pints. Don’t judge me, ma’am—they were on sale 3 for $10!)
That constant approval-chasing? Exhausting and here’s the kicker: Satan is the king of lies and deception. He’d love for me to believe that if people aren’t happy with me, then God isn’t either. That’s why Paul’s words matter—test everything. Don’t swallow every thought or opinion. Discernment is about measuring everything against God’s Word, because Scripture is truth in a world full of counterfeits.
Today, my focus is different. I crave God’s approval. Sometimes I get tripped up and I worry, “Am I doing this right? Does God look at me with pride, or is He up there with His holy head in His hands going, ‘Oh child… again?’ I asked a friend recently, “Do you think God is happy with me?” Their reply stuck: “God knows your heart. He knows you love Him and honor Him—so yes, He’s happy with you.”
That answer matters because it lines up with what Scripture tells us about God’s character—He is good. Not just “Google good,” but eternally good. When I cling to Him, I’m safe from the lies of the enemy. Honestly, that’s better than any approval any person or the Food Lion cashier could ever give me.
Approved by God, Not Food Lion
By: Sheila Sonon
Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:21, “but test everything; hold fast what is good.” Sounds simple—until you stop and ask, “Okay, but what exactly is the definition of good?”
So, I did what any modern believer does: I asked my friend Google and she replied, “Good: to be desired or approved of.” But I asked myself—whose approval am I chasing? For too long, it was family, friends, even strangers in the grocery store. (Including the cashier at Food Lion who gave me side-eye for buying three Ben & Jerry’s pints. Don’t judge me, ma’am—they were on sale 3 for $10!)
That constant approval-chasing? Exhausting and here’s the kicker: Satan is the king of lies and deception. He’d love for me to believe that if people aren’t happy with me, then God isn’t either. That’s why Paul’s words matter—test everything. Don’t swallow every thought or opinion. Discernment is about measuring everything against God’s Word, because Scripture is truth in a world full of counterfeits.
Today, my focus is different. I crave God’s approval. Sometimes I get tripped up and I worry, “Am I doing this right? Does God look at me with pride, or is He up there with His holy head in His hands going, ‘Oh child… again?’ I asked a friend recently, “Do you think God is happy with me?” Their reply stuck: “God knows your heart. He knows you love Him and honor Him—so yes, He’s happy with you.”
That answer matters because it lines up with what Scripture tells us about God’s character—He is good. Not just “Google good,” but eternally good. When I cling to Him, I’m safe from the lies of the enemy. Honestly, that’s better than any approval any person or the Food Lion cashier could ever give me.
Recent
Archive
2025
January
Paralysis of AnalysisA Daily CommitmentChild Like FaithThe Battle of the MindGPSSTOP. THINK. ACT. REVIEW.Let. It. Go.Choosing the Path of MercyQuick to Listen, Slow to SpeakPeacemakersBe Careful What You Wish ForRunYour Old Self Vs. The NewOn Not Loving the WorldLove One AnotherTreasure ChestsWho Sets the Bar?Be the You God Made You to BeTread a PathSo Much Better
February
Trust and ObeyA Pivotal MomentOh to Be the Mama of JesusA Fresh StartVictory or DefeatThe Edge of the CliffAuthorityHis Personal TouchForged by FaithSabbath - Setting You FreeHave You Prayed About It?Don't Build Your House on Sandy LandThe Centurion's FaithDon't Be OffendedWe All Need ItLighthouseIt's a Family ThingWhere the Ministry isHolding on by a Thread - and That's EnoughTraveling Essentials
March
Better is One DayDivine Interruption3 QuestionsThe Childlike ApproachThe Ignored ParableLost in the WoodsGathering or Scattering?Hindering InfluenceWhen Faith Gets a Performance Review"More"Knock KnockA Clear Call to ReadinessSowing SeedsThe Narrow DoorAgainst the GrainDo You Want ItI Once Was LostThe Unjust ManagerActs of Service, Echoes of EternityJust "Thank You"Soon and Very Soon
April
July
Categories
Tags
no tags
No Comments