Motives are what makes us do what we do.

According to dictionary.com the word motive means:

“Something that causes a person to act in a certain way; do a certain thing; an inner drive, impulse or intention that causes a person to do something or act in a certain way.”

Motivation to a Christian is like gas in the tank of your car.  It gives you what’s desired and/or necessary to be a success in your Christian life.

Motivation unfortunately is not a class you take in school.

Motivation can’t be inherited.  It’s not hereditary.  It can’t be passed from parent to child no matter how hard we try.

Motivation is not circumstantial or environmental. . .it’s an inner working.

It’s also important to point out that motivation can be good or ungodly.

Here are examples of seven Biblical characters and what motivated them to accomplish their God-given goals.

Understand what the will of the Lord is…

Ephesians 5:15-17 in the English Standard Version says:

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

The scripture warns us to be careful how we walk out our Christian life.  There are plenty of unwise people in the world. But we are able to walk in wisdom of His will if we choose to do so. 

There are three main keys that lead us to the will of the Lord.  

The first one is reading the Bible.  If we want to know how and what God thinks, we need to read His book.

Many people say they want to but they don’t know where to start.  If you’re wondering where to start, start at the beginning.  If you think it’s too long, remember the old saying… the best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time.

Remember, life is not a sprint, it’s a life-long journey.

Reading through the Bible in a year is okay if you don’t feel rushed.

There’s an old saying “what a difference a day makes.”

In fact, it was made into a great song by the late Dinah Washington . . .but it’s so much more than a song.

Every day we have the opportunity to make a difference.   How can we make a difference in our days?

William Arthur Ward, well-known for his inspirational quotes, offered some pretty good advice when he said:

“Do more than belong: participate. Do more than care: help. Do more than believe: practice. Do more than be fair: be kind. Do more than forgive: forget. Do more than dream: work.”

There are 149 days left in this year . . .each one a unique opportunity for us to make 2021 the greatest year of our lives.

Here are seven success habits to make a difference in the 149 days that lie ahead.

First, walk in the perfect will of God.

Have you ever heard someone refer to another person as someone with a strong will?  If so, that could be a spiritual problem unless the person is passionately pursuing the will of God. 

We’re not put on this earth to fulfill our will or that of a domineering parent or a controlling spouse or anyone else. 

Here are eight things. . .we need to know about the will of God.

# 1    We’re on planet earth for one reason. . .and that’s to do the will of our Heavenly Father.

John 6:38 in the New Living Translation says:

Let’s establish a couple of facts.

First, no matter how anemic your bank account may be. . .you’re not broke.

Second, even though your money may run out before the month does. . .you’re not broke.

Before going any further. . .let’s define the word broke which according to dictionary.com it means: “without money, penniless.”

I know people who have a six-figure income who talk about how broke they are.

And by the same token, I hear from people receiving government assistance talking about how broke they are.

If you’ve ever said that or felt that way , let’s figure out why and eliminate it from your life.

Let’s start with several questions.   

Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 in the Message Bible says:

“After looking at the way things are on this earth, here’s what I’ve decided is the best way to live: Take care of yourself, have a good time, and make the most of whatever job you have for as long as God gives you life. And that’s about it. That’s the human lot.

“Yes, we should make the most of what God gives, both the bounty and the capacity to enjoy it, accepting what’s given and delighting in the work.

“It’s God’s gift! God deals out joy in the present, the now. . .”

Reading and re-reading theses verse again. . .we knew God was giving us a powerful revelation we were to share with His children.

Here are seven questions to help us discover God’s plans for us.

1.  Where do you want to go?

The key to success is to determine why you are where you are. . .where God wants you to be. . .create a plan to get there. . .and start where you are with what you’ve got.

Hosea 14:9 in the Message Bible says: