Posts tagged motivation
January 29, 2012 · Filed under thoughts · Tagged Apostle Paul, battle, Bible, Christian, darkness, depression, despair, disbelief, doubt, empowered, God, Holy Spirit, light, Lord Jesus Christ, love, ministry, motivation, power, strength, trials
“We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed…..” (2 Cor. 4: 8,9)
The Apostle Paul reminds us that trials will abound as we bring forth the kingdom of God as ministers of the Lord Jesus Christ. But even so, “we do not lose heart.” (2Cor. 4:1)
Sometimes the battle rages within our own selves as we are tempted to give in to doubt, disbelief and despair. Depression can descend upon us. We can feel trapped by its heaviness. Moving ahead would seem impossible.
But God promises to provide the strength we need to be empowered – by the filling of His Holy Spirit – to lift us out of the darkness of despair.
“Even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me. If I say, “Surely the darkness shall fall on me, even the night shall be light about me.” (Ps. 139: 10, 11)
The light of the Lord leads us out of any dark place because darkness cannot exist when God’s light enters in – “Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You..” (Ps. 139: 12)
As we are bathed in the light of God’s love,
“His” motivation to move ahead – will move us !
February 15, 2011 · Filed under thoughts · Tagged Bible, children, Christian, culture, dedicate, divorce, families, God, Hell, instruct, materialism, motivate, motivation, parents, possessions, responsibility, Saviour, stewardship, train
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Prov. 22:6)
Raising children requires more than providing them with food and shelter. God has given parents a role of stewardship – in which each child is dedicated to God. They need to be instructed in the ways of life that will be pleasing to God. They need to create an internal desire in their children to be motivated to do what God wants them to do.
I see out there children who are more motivated by external pleasures and material possessions than what is pleasing to their heavenly father. Parents have given up their God given stewardship to day care centers. Technology has become the “instructor” instead of responsible parents and caring mentors.
Christian families have sold out to the culture and are neglecting the responsibilities of the home. Look around, view the divorce rate and promiscuous behaviors. This is not what God had/has in mind for us – His children. If our God had neglected us, we would all be destined for Hell – without a Savior.
Take training up a child seriously –
– as serious as God has done for us……..
November 19, 2010 · Filed under thoughts · Tagged Bible, bonus, Christian, expression, fun, God, incentive, interests, Jesus Christ, joy, motivation, pleasure, serve, talents, worhip, work
Work?
I have heard it said that if it’s no fun, than that means it’s “work”. So how can work not be “work”?
Perhaps a new perspective about what work actually represents would be helpful. In the Bible, God tells us how He worked at His “creation” and then took time to rest and “see that it was good”. (Gen. 1:31)
The work that He had done was “good” – and the completion of it brought fullfillment and pleasure. We were created in God’s image, and we too can derive fullfillment and pleasure by our work.
When we find out what type of work matches our God given talents, abilities and interests, work then becomes a gratifying outlet of personal expression. We can then experience fullfillment and pleasure in our work. We can even “look forward” to work!
If we are motivated by our love for God, work can actually turn into a form of worship – to please God.
Colossians 3:23-24 tells us – “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”
Wow, working for God even includes a special “bonus” ! How’s that for some extra incentive!
Work “can” be fun !
June 9, 2009 · Filed under thoughts · Tagged action, Christ, Christian, God, intentional, Jesus, kindness, mission, motivation, procrastination, purpose, talents
Missions motivate…….
There is something about having a “mission” – a purpose – that creates motivation – the desire to take action.
Throughout my life, I have had to battle with procrastination. There would be times I had trouble seeing the “purpose” of whatever it was I thought I should do, so I would put it off for “later”…….
What a difference a clear “mission” makes ! When it is obvious that you are needed – that your presence and talents will make a difference in someone else’s life………then procrastination can give way to a proclivity for action.
When I was asked to babysit the grandkids one Saturday morning at the early hour of 5:30 am – my response was, “coffee and a MISSION ………I’d be glad to come !”
Missions come in all sorts of sizes and variations. Even the smallest acts of kindness can be meaningful. Jesus said, “For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” (Mark 9:41)
Just make sure your “mission” has the good stamp of approval by the almighty “Maker” !
January 20, 2009 · Filed under relationships · Tagged Bible, Co-dependent, direction, God, healthy, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Lord, motivation, Savior, strength, tackle
I had a “tendency” towards “co-dependency” !
Being co-dependent allowed me to depend on someone else for motivation, direction, gratification. It was a great way to avoid dealing with myself !
Although it is always good to surround yourself with encouraging people, it is not healthy to depend on others to live your life for you. Breaking away from this unhealthy tendency was a rewarding process.
Receiving Jesus as my Lord and Savior was the most important first step. Through Him I was given the Holy Spirit to guide me into the truth – the truth about myself, as well as life around me. God’s Word in the Bible and prayer helped provide the strength I needed to tackle issues.
Now, I can be co-dependent on God – and that’s a “healthy” tendency !
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