Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Motivation



 


It can be good or bad. What if we compared our motivation to the people who built the tower of Babel. What would we find? What fueled their motivation?



The rains had subsided and Noah's ark landed on solid ground. God commanded Noah's three sons to be fruitful and multiply, and to increase greatly on the earth. But the time came when some of the people decided to settle on a plain in the land of Shinar.


First mistake, they didn't ask God for direction and took a different path than His choosing.



Second mistake, they decided to build a city, and a tower reaching to the heavens. Not for the sake of worshiping God, but to make a name for themselves. To keep from being dispersed throughout the whole earth. Their choice was in direct opposition to God's command.



The whole earth had one language at that time, but God confused them and they all started babbling. The people ended up scattered throughout the whole earth, which was in essence, His original plan… Still, imagine how scary that must've been.



You're friends can't understand you. You can't understand them. What chaos. And they brought it on themselves.



Their plans to build a city failed because of disobedience and pride. Their focus was off big time. What inspires our decisions?



As we start the new year, let's do a pride check. Let's make sure we're headed in the direction God has planned for us. If we're ill at ease about where we're headed, if we have doubts, it'd be a good idea to close the door before whatever's on the other side sucks us in and consumes us.



How do we know if we're on the right track? We use peace as a barometer. But we still need to eliminate doubt before we can move forward.



Scripture gives us a few options: by putting God to the test, as with a fleece (Judges 6:36-40), by searching the scriptures (Acts 17:11,12), and by believing Gods' Word (Lk. 16:27-31). While it seems simple enough, waiting is difficult for most of us. However, it's best to hold out until God confirms our desires through those who know us, and that we can trust.



Then again, there are times He simply wants us to have faith and to take action. The Holy Spirit is our guide on this journey, and God's timing is always perfect. When honoring the Lord is our focus, He will honor us and bless our efforts to serve Him.




James 1:5-6 ~ "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind."



Father, convict us if our heart isn't aligned with yours, and fill us with your Holy Spirit--our fuel for true worship. Ignite a spiritual fire within us that we burn for You, and bless the work of our hands, in Jesus name. Amen





Love & Blessings ~ Danie Marie

 


 

8 comments:

  1. An insightful post, Danie.
    I agree with your statement to use peace a our barometer as a motivation tool.

    Uplifting blesses as you blog on.

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  2. I had a great pastor friend who shared with me this tidbit of wisdom: "When in doubt, wait. God will bring clarity if you truly desire His will." Thank you for this post! God bless. :)

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  3. Enjoyed your take on the Tower of Bable experience and what it means for us. Now following you by e-mail. Blessings on your creative work.

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  4. Hi Danie, I don't know if you're doing Shannon Mullins' online Bible study or not (www.ShannonMullins.com), but she just had a video on this section of scripture. She pointed out--and I had never considered--that the people wanted to be together, not go out beyond their area. So they built it to bring them all together, but once their language was confused, they had to scatter--which was God's intention in the first place.

    God will have His way! :-)

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  5. Hi Carolyn ~ Amen, peace is our center through Jesus Christ. Love you friend!
    Danie

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  6. Hi Michael, thanks for stopping in and leaving a message. Sounds like you have a great pastor.

    Blessings ~ Danie

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  7. Cathy, thank you so much! I look forward to future communications with you sweet sister.

    Blessings ~ Danie

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  8. Hi Vonda, that had to be a God thing, because I'm not following Shannon's Bible study. We must be on the same wave length. :) Thanks, I got the idea for this post from my personal Bible study and using the devotional Heaven Calling.

    Blessings Sweet Sis! Danie

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