Seeking praise from man - One source of personal misery and sin

When we want honor from man it can lead to an internal turmoil that can make us angry and unhappy. This inward turmoil can lead to sinful thoughts and sinful actions. King Saul was someone that wanted honor from man ( 1 Samuel 15:30 ). And when returning from battle the singers gave more honor to David in a song than King Saul (1 Samuel 18:6-8). The fact that he did not receive the highest honor made Saul upset and angry. And it caused him to look at David with suspicion from that point forward. It certainly played a role in King Saul wanting to put David to death.

Scripture quotations taken from the "NASB" (www.lockman.org)

Good deeds must have good motives

Good deeds must have good motives

In a previous post ( Developing a heart that rejoices - Part 2 ) we talked about doing good and then rejoicing in the good we have done. In this post we are going to fine tune that a little further. We need to make sure that each good action also has a good motive.

Philippians 1:15

15  Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will

In the scripture above a good thing is being done. Christ being preached is a good thing. But notice how the verse shows that a good thing can be done with pure motives or it can be done out of selfish motives. So this tells us that we must always attach a good motive to a good action.

We are warring against our sinful nature. As a result it can be very easy to start doing a good thing with pure motives and then drift over to selfish motives. I need to do something to help keep those selfish motives under control. My friend gave me a picture of Jesus smiling and I put it by the front door where I see it all the time. If I am going to show someone a kindness I try to wait before I go outside. I pause and look at that smile and say I will do this to please God and I will do this to show kindness to this person. It doesn't take long. Just take a moment to do some self talk and it will help you keep on the right track.

Scripture quotations taken from the "NASB" (www.lockman.org)

Weary? Come to God, learn from Him and find rest for your soul

Matthew 11:28-30

28"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.

29 "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS.

30 "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

Are you weary and heavy-laden? Do you want to find rest for your soul? The one who promises you this rest is Jesus. The starting point of that rest is accepting him into your heart as Lord and Savior. You need to accept Jesus into your heart as Lord meaning that with His help you will turn away from sin and learn to walk in obedience to the Bible. You need to accept Jesus into your heart as Savior so your sins can be forgiven.

If you have never accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and would like to do so now then please pray with me, " God I know that I am a sinner. And I know I can't enter Heaven unless my sins are forgiven by your son Jesus. Jesus I ask you into my heart as Savior and Lord. Forgive me all my sins and help me to turn away from sin and obey what your Bible teaches."

If you just prayed that prayer please contact me I would love to hear the good news.

Scripture quotations taken from the "NASB" (www.lockman.org)