What are motives?

The reason for a certain course of action, whether conscious or unconscious; an emotion, desire, physiological need, or similar impulse that acts as an incitement to action.
(Source: The Free Dictionary)

Motives are the reason WHY you do something. It is the ENDS to your means.

Though there are many things we may do that seem to be good, God inspects not the outward appearances, but the inner...

1 Samuel 16:1-7 (KJV) - And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons. And Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hear it, he will kill me. And the LORD said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the LORD. And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will shew thee what thou shalt do: and thou shalt anoint unto me him whom I name unto thee. And Samuel did that which the LORD spake, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably? And he said, Peaceably: I am come to sacrifice unto the LORD: sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he sanctified Jesse and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice. And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD's anointed is before him. But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

1. CHECK THE FOUNDATION OF YOUR HOUSE.

There are works that will not return a reward, but allow for one to enter into eternal life...

1 Corinthians 3:12-17 (KJV) - Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

There are works that will not allow for one to enter into eternal life...

Matthew 7:21-27 (KJV) - Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

The foundation was the difference for each instance. Ensure that you build on the right foundation.

2. CHECK THE MATERIALS YOU USE TO BUILD.

1 John 2:15-17 (KJV) - Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

How can someone love the world?

Lust is translated as a desire, craving, longing, desire for what is forbidden...

• Lust of the Flesh. Expressions of sin (see Mark 7:14-23; Galatians 5:19-21; James 1:12-15).



• Lust of the Eyes. Also translated as the eyes of the mind. Eyes are never satisfied…Proverbs 27:20. You must ensure you are walking in integrity and enduring temptation, so that you look upon the right things.



• Pride of Life. Pride is translated as empty, braggart talk; an insolent and empty assurance, which trusts in its own power and resources and shamefully despises and violates divine laws and human rights; trusts in the stability of earthly things. Money, fame, position, status (Matthew 23:1-12; 1 Timothy 6:10).

In what ways can these trap a minister of the Lord in today's church?

2 Timothy 3:1-8 (KJV) - This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

2 Timothy 4:2-5 (KJV) - Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

In ministry, it is very important that you make full proof of your ministry (see 2 Corinthians 13:5 as an example). Continuously check your motives for accomplishing the work you are doing and let things go (and repent where needed) as you know your motives are not with pure intent. Yield to the Spirit and walk after Him (Galatians 5:22-25).

Sometimes motives runs on a very thin line...allow your END to be pure so that your means will be with accomplished with integrity.

Here is what you can add to your faith to make your election and calling sure:

2 Peter 1:1-11 (KJV) - Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

3. FILTER ALL MOTIVES THROUGH GOD.

Proverbs 16:2 (KJV) - All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.

Do not deceive yourself (1 Corinthians 3:18-19).

You may justify why you do something, but it would be wrong in the Lord's eyes. You want to be able to see things as He see them...because God will filter them one day. See the audio series on Justifying Sin for additional information.

Romans 12:1-2 (KJV) - I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Sunday message from Greater Grace Apostolic Assembly. Message text came from James 1:22-25.

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

Part 4:

Part 5:

Part 6:

The scripture reference I could not remember in the study is Proverbs 24:17-18 (AMP) - Rejoice not when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles or is overthrown, Lest the Lord see it and it be evil in His eyes and displease Him, and He turn away His wrath from him [to expend it upon you, the worse offender].

Sunday Service message on Intervention (Hebrews 12:1-14):

Intervention (Part 1):

Intervention (Part 2):

Intervention (Part 3):

Intervention (Part 4):

To glory God is to exalt and honor His name. In what ways can you glorify the Father?

1. Produce much fruit (John 15:8). It will prove you are a true follower of Jesus.
2. Let your light shine, so other can see your good works (Matthew 5:14-16).
3. By exalting Him after being delivered in the day of trouble (Psalm 50:14-15).
4. Making a commitment to exalt His name forever (Psalm 57:5, 86:12; Hebrews 13:15).
5. Join with others in unity (one mind and mouth) to exalt God’s name (Romans 15:5-6).
6. Live (word and deed) in such a way that others will glorify God through your good works on the day of His visitation (1 Peter 2:12).
7. Exalt God’s name in the days of persecution for He shall bring shame upon them as He appears in your joy (Isaiah 66:5).

Why do I always have to go through trials and temptation? I don't want to continue facing the same things over and over and over AND OVER again! I just want to be free.

Have you ever felt like that? Have you ever felt like the Apostle Paul when he said that when he wants to do right, sin is right there (Romans 7:21)? OR the things you want to do you don't do, but the things you don't want to do...THAT you find yourself doing (Romans 7:15)? Many of us can relate to Paul's statements of temptation and sin, but we often stop there without going any further. We continue to live in a cycle that goes from temptation-sin-repentance-temptation-sin-repentance...and it never seems to stop. We want to get off the merry-go-round, but it doesn't seem like we ever can. Why do I have to go through this? Why can't God just take it away...because He knows I want to serve Him. If I didn't have this 'sin' issue, I could just run for Him.

Many of us feel this way and we continually find temptation drawing us right back into sin. We want to be free and we don't understand how it will ever be possible because God isn't helping us. (Let's be honest: some people will blame God because they feel He hasn't done something about it.) However, God IS doing something about, but not in the manner in which we expect.

There are a few things I'd like for you to understand within this message. It is important that we understand what the Lord is doing and what our response should be toward Him.

So, what do you need to know?

1. God loves you. He loves you so much that He gave His life for you (Romans 5, 6:23). Though you deserved death (eternal separation, lake of fire), He came to save you from sin. He knows exactly what you are going through and He wants to help you overcome and live for Him.

2. God wants you to love Him. The evidence of our faith and love comes through our obedience to Him (Matthew 22:34-41; John 8:51, 14:23-24, 15:10). It is a conscious choice that we make to live as He intends. As we read through the scriptures, it is those that overcome the flesh that win the crown and receive eternal life (Proverbs 19:16, Matthew 7:21, 12:50, John 5:24; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; James 1:12; 1 John 2:17, other examples in Revelation 2-3). This overcoming begins as we place our faith and belief in Jesus and hold fast to Him and His word for our eternal security. Our love for Him is shown through our obedience to Him.

2. God works with us. Paul writes in Philippians 2:12-13, Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Also, he writes in the first chapter that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6). Lastly, Jesus declared to His disciples that the Holy Spirit would come into them to convict them of sin and guide them into all truth (among other things) - John 14:16, 17, 26, 15:26, 16:8-13.

3. Work with God or against God. In your life, you can either work with God or against God. You can work with Him to become an overcomer or against Him and remain a child of disobedience (Ephesians 2). Many people assume that if they say 'I believe' and live like they don't...they'll be in heaven, but there are a number of scriptures that speak against that (Matthew 7:21-23; Galatians 5:19-21; Revelation 21:7-8).

YOU MUST UNDERSTAND THIS!

Working with God is a 'process' where we go to Him (via prayer, reading the Bible, wise counsel, etc.) to live a righteous life before Him - to be an overcomer (working out your salvation with fear and trembling). See, as children of Adam, we are born into the nature of sin and come to Jesus with sins (that are very real) - Psalm 51:5; Romans 5:12. Regardless of how we measure big and small sins in our own eyes (and throughout society), they each work disobedience to God.

Many people come to God expecting that He would take away all of their problems. They get excited about God moving in their lives after they first believe. However, after a bit of time, things may not move or happen as fast...and it seems that God (and heaven) has gone silent to their prayers and cries for help. The same nature and problems they had seem to reappear and they wonder what they are to do and whether or not they're even 'saved' in the first place. Then sadly, many of them live their lives in a deceived state, where they cycle back-and-forth in and out of sin.

4. How it goes down. There will be two things that will seek to keep us bound to sin (1) Satan and (2) the flesh. Satan roams around seeking how he can devour us (using what's in us to tempt us). He seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). The lust of the flesh pulls from the same innate things that once captured our attention...and/or still does (toward sin) - 1 Peter 5:5-11. James says that every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust and enticed (James 1:14-15). It's what's in us that can tempt us. This is why there are some things that can get someone's 'attention' (temptation) in one area and not another. It's what's in us that can be used against us. If you're being tempted (read James' definition above), it's because there's something left inside of you that needs to be addressed and overcome.

As I stated previously, you can work with God to get your life in check or work against God. Many people choose not to work with God because they feel it may be too hard; they'll never overcome; or they simply want to continue in the sin - don't want to give it up. This is the working 'against' God. You grieve the Holy Spirit and quench the Holy Spirit's purpose for your life when you do (Ephesians 4:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:19).

5. Working it out.

Titus 2:11-14 (KJV) - For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

The grace of God seeks to teach us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and we must be willing to allow the Holy Spirit to have free course in our lives. God wants us to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age as we await Jesus' appearing. He is our husband that washes us with the Word to present us to Himself a church without spot or blemish (Ephesians 5:24-32). He is very concerned about our lives in Him.

To address this part, we'll go over some instructions given through 1 Peter 5:6-10:

• Be humble under the mighty hand of God (1 Peter 5:6). He will exalt you in due time - which would be His timing, but it will come. This could is concerning the resurrection (v.10).



• Cast all cares upon Him for He cares for you. This is an awesome thing as we'll need to continue seeking the Lord for help. Help and deliverance is not a one-day, one-situation thing. We must continually cast our cares upon Him. He cares for you...think about that. God cares for you. Just read Psalms to see the display of those that cast their cares upon the Lord and the relationship, commitment, and intimacy that develops.



• Be sober, be vigilant (1 Peter 5:8). The devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. This is why we must be sober and vigilant...the devil is looking for the perfect time and opportunity to strike. Ever wonder why temptation comes at the moment you're stressed, mad, or filled with all types of emotions? When you're sober and vigilant, you know what's going on around you and paying attention to the condition and path of your life.
  
  Being vigilant is someone that is active and on the offensive. They are waiting and prepared for any battle of temptation. They are careful to watch for the things going on around them and not living haphazardly. They take notice of people, conversations, entertainment, etc. They will not put themselves in a position that will cause lust to manifest. This means you will have to cut some things out of your life (i.e. TV, movies, music, bad friendships/relationships). Far too many people want to live the exact same way with the same friends, doing the same things. But you'll find out that you can't and live a righteous and faithful life for Christ. Something will have to give... Now, the question becomes...how badly do you want eternal life?
  

  Matthew 18:8-9 (KJV) - Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.

  If you understood how important eternal life is, you would do whatever it took to receive it. Yet, many live for those things that will not last beyond the next few years. How badly do you want eternal life?
  
  Read Ephesians 6:10-20 about the schemes of the devil and what we need to have to prepare ourselves (via the armor of God). Learn how to use your weapons of warfare...for your life does depend on it.



• Resist the devil in the faith (1 Peter 5:9). Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). The substance we hope for is the heavenly city (Hebrews 11:13-16) and the evidence is the proof of our lifestyle (fruit being bore, Matthew 7:15-20; Galatians 5:22).
  
  Peter also gives several items to add to our faith: virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity (2 Peter 1:4-11). He says that if we do these things we will not be unfruitful or barren in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if we lack them, we are nearsighted and cannot see afar off (i.e. eternal life). However, if we do them, WE WILL NEVER FALL...and we will receive an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom (2 Peter 1:10-11).
  
  If we say we're hoping for heaven, our lives should reflect this. Only when we do not resist the devil do we encounter problems. We fail to see the hope of our calling afar off and we allow sin to have its way. We become unsettled in our faith (in what we said we believe) and are tempted into sin.
  
  Please remember that the same afflictions you face are the same that our brothers around the world deal with. There is no temptation that is not common to man (1 Corinthians 10:13). Let us support our brothers and sisters in the faith to live wholly for God and bear the burdens of others (Galatians 6:1-2).



• We will be called into eternal glory by Christ Jesus after we have suffered a while. He will make us perfect and will establish, strengthen, and settle us (1 Peter 5:10). This is an awesome promise for each of us as we faithfully endure (overcome) temptation.

You can overcome Satan and the flesh...and live! You don't have to give into sin. You can be an overcomer! Allow the Holy Spirit to help you live completely for Him!

There is a Day of Rest coming for all believers that overcome in the faith (Hebrews 4 (read chapter 3 as well); Revelation 21:1-7). Live as a child of the day (light) for we know not when the Day will come that the Lord will return (or we will go to meet Him) – 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11.

There are many reasons why we justify committing a specific sin. These short messages identify some of the basic reasons why and what we can do about it.

Justifying Sin (Part 1):

Justifying Sin: Consequences (Part 2):

Justifying Sin: Anger (Part 3):

Allow your heart not to be hardened by hatred and unforgiveness...for if you do and say you love God, and do not love your neighbor, you are a liar and a murderer (1 John 3:15, 4:20). Murderers and liars do not have any inheritance in eternal life (1 John 3:15, Revelation 21:8, 22:15). Consider the condition of your life today. Do you want to allow hatred to consume you to the point that you're willing to spend an eternity in the lake of fire (...this is where hell is going)?

It's not worth it...the price is too high for your life and mine.

1. Grow in Intimacy.

This is the most important for us as believers. Our connection with the Lord must be strong and sound...where He is our first source and not people. Learn how to have an intimate relationship with Him. Meditate on the Psalms to witness lives that were dependent upon the Lord (in the good and tough times).

2. Grow in the Word.

Allow the Word of God to become your source for all aspects of your life...it is the most important 'book' you will ever read. Understand the entire message of the Bible and how each inspired writing ties into the plan of God and your life. Use study resources (i.e. study guides, commentaries, and dictionaries) that do not inject a lot of personal opinion.

3. Grow in the Spirit.

Live a spirit-filled life that produces good fruit (Galatians 5:22-23). You are growing because you are bearing the very fruit of God's character.

4. Grow in Wisdom.

Meditate on Proverbs...and be sensitive to the Lord's counsel…for true wisdom comes from the Lord. Starting with Proverbs 9:10...

5. Grow in Character.

A testimony of godliness is priceless...it must be built up and guarded. It takes a long time to build it and one situation to destroy it. See 2 Peter 1:3-11.

Blogging has become an exposive entity on the web. Blogging has provided a 'voice' for individuals to connect around the world. Depending on what you're looking for, there's a blog for almost every imaginable topic through many different people and organizations. At times it seems hard to find a good blog that meets your need, and if you consider blogging, you may feel that one more voice on the web isn't needed. However, I wanted to share a couple of points to consider why blogging (regardless of one's following or content) is important for today's disciples of Christ. Here's a few of reasons why blogging is important.

1. Record your thoughts.

This is the basic premise of blogging. How many times have you wished you remembered or wrote down an important teaching or message? Even if you are not ready to start an online blog, please consider journaling your thoughts.

2. Be ministered through the word given to you from the Lord.

The Lord speaks to us in many ways throughout any given day. If we're not careful, some of the most profound things the Lord shares with you can be forgotten - it does happen.). Writing down the things the Lord shares with you (even in a journal) help to preserve every instruction and detail for you to follow for years to come.

3. Easily share a wealth of teachings/thoughts with others (even years afterward).

Much of what we receive from the Lord is first for ourselves, then others - though it seems the other way around. As you continue along your walk with the Lord, you will find there are many others around you going through much of the same situations and experiences. Instead of trying to recall years of instruction, you can point them to the writings the Lord used to encourage, correct, and direct you. This is especially important if you have children...you never know what your recorded thoughts today can do for them tomorrow. You have an opportunity to impart a legacy that will last far beyond your life upon this earth.

4. You are special and unique in the world.

There is only one you. Though there are millions upon millions of people on the web, each of them are unique with their own story to tell. No one story is less important than other and your story may be able to reach people that others may not. Just be the best you possible.

5. There's no better time to begin than today.

Time waits for no one...so make the greatest use of your time, talents, and life to be fed and feed others. People need to know about you and the 'awesomeness' that make you unique in the eyes of the Lord.