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“Messiah's Ongoing Truth Instructs Valiantly, Enhancing Scripture!" (M.O.T.I.V.E.S)

Ramesh C. Reddy
Publisher

SCRIPTURE:
"It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice." (Philippians 1:15-18)

Approach Question:
What has your reason been for preaching the Gospel and what has been the outcome?

Observations/Interpretations:
I asked myself what are the false motives for preaching the Gospel?
1. Out of envy
2. Out of rivalry
3. Selfish Ambition
4. Not sincerely
5. Stir up trouble for others.

I asked myself what are the true motives for preaching the Gospel?
1. Out of goodwill
2. Out of love.
3. Taking the place of others who are unable to.

Observations/Interpretations:
I asked myself what is Paul more concerned about and why is that significant?
Paul is more concerned about having the Gospel preached regardless of people's motives. He even says, 'But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice'

 It is more than likely that the Philippians must have complained to Paul that there were those who were preaching the Gospel with false motives. Paul agrees with them in v.15 'It is true' but he wants them all to see the big picture.

We have to remember that Paul used to be a Pharisee and was well grounded in the Jewish law and commandments. He may have remembered an important fact from Isaiah 55.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways,' declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:8-11)

Paul knew that God's Word will not go void but accomplish its purposes regardless of individuals own motives. Because the Gospel was being preached, Paul rejoiced.

Implications:
I asked myself, what is the purpose of today's study to apply in my life?
I saw important implications for my own life. I am not commended to preach the Gospel out of envy, rivalry, selfish ambition, with non sincerity, and to stir up trouble for others. I need to preach the Gospel  out of goodwill, out of love, and to take the place of others. Preaching the Gospel is not a popularity contest about who can do the best, who can win more converts, who can fill the most pews, etc. God forbid that is not why God's Word should be preached, taught, or ministered to others for. I need to use God's Word for the sole purpose of the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to change lives.

The purpose of today's devotional is for me to understand that motives in preaching the Gospel are very important and the results can affect our own lives positively or negatively even if those the Gospel reaches are affected positively.

I ask you now dear friends, how are your motives in life?
Dear friend, your motives for doing something can be for the right reason or the wrong reason. What I have realized is that even when we think we are doing good, if our motives for doing it is wrong, it will not bring us happiness and contentment in the long run. This can be in any area whether it is academics, relationships, career, etc. Take your motives to the Lord in prayer and allow Him to help you. He will; my friend. Yes, He will, for He loves you so much. Oh, yes He does!

If you are doing ministry and your reasons for being in ministry are false motives, it is important to ask God for forgiveness and refrain from operating on false motives. God's Word can go out from you to others and God can bless other people's lives but God will not be pleased with you for doing things with false motives. In this case, it would be hard for you to see God's blessings in your own life. If you are thinking about ministry, please continually pray to the Lord and let Him work through you rather than doing it with your own selfish ambitions.

Motives are not limited to ministry alone but our motives need to be checked in all areas of our lives as we depend on Christ to lead us, guide us, and teach us. Praise the Lord! Amen!

If you are reaching out to others with the Gospel and do not see results in their lives right away, please do not give up. You are the sower but God is the One that makes the seed grow in people's lives. His Word will not go void and you should claim that promise! Amen!  Messiah's ongoing Truth instructs valiantly, enhancing Scripture!  Amen!

"Messiah's Ongoing Truth Instructs Valiantly, Enhancing Scripture!" (M.O.T.I.V.E.S)/"How are your M.O.T.I.V.E.S in life?"

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, we thank you for your abundant love for us. Thank you so much Lord Jesus how much you love us and care for us. Thank you for dying for our sins and coming back to life to save us. Lord have mercy; Christ have mercy. We confess that we have sinned. Lamb of God wash away our sins. I thank you Jesus for forgiving us and cleansing us with your precious Blood. Help us to live our life for thee and may we always have true motives as we serve thee. Help us please to proclaim your Word and not think that our pastors will do it or missionaries will do it but help us to be obedient to your Great Commission. Thank you so much Jesus. For you called each of us whatever our profession we are in to be Ambassadors for you Christ. Thank you so much that your Word never goes void. Thank you Lord for the promises we can claim from your Word! We turn our lives to thee and to the usage of your plans. We ask you to be in control of our lives. Thank you so much Jesus! We rest in thee Lord and walk with thee. Thank you that you have heard our prayers and answered us! Whatever your will is please give us the willingness and strength to bear it. Thank you Jesus! In Your Name We Pray Jesus! Amen!!!

May the Lord Jesus guide you in His love leading you! Amen!

No matter what you feel in your heart, know that Jesus has come in and resides with you! You are not alone! To make your walk strong with the Lord, spend time in prayer talking to Him as you would to a friend. You don’t need special words to talk to the Lord. Spend time in His Word reading Psalms and turniLOVINGg them into prayer. Next allow God to heal you and speak to you through the Gospel of John or Gospel of Mark before moving on to other Books of the Bible! Slowly, let the Lord show you to which Scriptures He wants you to go to next. It is also important to be part of a body of believers to help you grow in the faith. Find a Bible believing church that preaches the Word of God from Genesis to Revelation proclaiming Jesus Christ our crucified and risen Lord who brings us hope, healing, and help by His grace alone!

Feel free to email me at reddy4hisglory2004@yahoo.com if you want to meet to study the Bible, pray with, talk about Spiritual issues or whatever is on your mind! My number is 412-641-9426

"This is my work and I can do it only because Christ's mighty energy is at work within me." (Colossians 1:29, TLB)

Express Your View

2011 DEVOTIONALS:

Philippians 1:12-14: "What have the C.H.A.I.N.S done to you in your own life?" (June 02, 11, 7:41 a.m.) By Ramesh C. Reddy

Philippians 1:12: "How can you feel S.P.E.C.I.A.L when things are going so wrong in your life?" (June 01, 11, 9:26 a.m.) By Ramesh C. Reddy

Philippians 1:9-11: "What is your L.O.V.I.N.G response be based on?" (May 31, 11, 9:01 a.m.) By Ramesh C. Reddy

John 12:24: "Why should M.E.M.O.R.I.A.L day not be limited to a Picnic/BBQ Holiday?" (May 30, 11, 7:47 a.m.) By Ramesh C. Reddy

Philippians 1:8: "Why cannot you be in a loving R.E.L.A.T.I.O.N.S.H.I.P in life?" (May 28, 11, 12:34 aPm.) By Ramesh C. Reddy

Philippians 1:7: "Why cannot you be saved by G.R.A.C.E alone?" (May 27, 11, 9:23 a.m.) By Ramesh C. Reddy

Philippians 1:6: "Where are you C.O.N.F.I.D.E.N.T in?" (May 26, 11, 1:03 p.m.) By Ramesh C. Reddy

Philippians 1:3-5: "How can you attain a P.A.R.T.N.E.R.S.H.I.P in the Gospel?" (May 25, 11, 10:15 a.m.) By Ramesh C. Reddy

Philippians 1:3: "How will others R.E.A.C.T towards God when they remember you?" (May 24, 11, 10:50 a.m.) By Ramesh C. Reddy

Philippians 1:1-2: "What do you do to B.L.E.S.S others in life?" (May 20, 11, 9:18 a.m.) By Ramesh C. Reddy

Philippians 1:1: "Why bother to let others T.R.A.I.N you when you are already a leader?" (May 19, 11, 10:42 a.m.) By Ramesh C. Reddy

Philippians 1:1: "Why should you believe you are H.O.L.Y instead of being a sinner?" (May 18, 11, 8:31 a.m.) By Ramesh C. Reddy

Philippians 1:1: Who will you be a S.L.A.V.E to in life? (May 17, 11, 7:21 a.m.) By Ramesh C. Reddy

Philippians 2:8: "Why bother with the C.R.O.S.S. when you are living in the 21st century?" (April 23, 11, 1:32 a.m.) By Ramesh C. Reddy

2010 DEVOTIONALS:

John 12: "Will you be the offspring of the S.E.E.D cultivated?" (Mon, March 29, 10, 10:09 a.m.) By Ramesh C. Reddy

John 12:3: "What costly S.A.C.R.I.F.I.C.E will you make for Jesus remembering His stinky/dirty feet?" (Sat, March 27, 10, 11:06 a.m.) By Ramesh C. Reddy

Proverbs 23: "What  has  A.L.C.O.H.O.L done to you in life?" (March 20, 10, 9:17 a.m.) By Ramesh C. Reddy

Mark 10: "What do you do with an I.N.T.E.R.R.U.P.T.I.O.N in life?" (March 13, 10, 11:40 p.m.)

Mark 10:13: "Why S.H.A.R.E Jesus with others in life?" (March 09, 10, 4:59 a.m) By Ramesh C. Reddy

Mark 10:13: "Why B.R.I.N.G Doggy Poo to Jesus?" (March 08, 10, 9:01 a.m) By Ramesh C. Reddy

Mark 10: "When have you become an A.D.U.L.T.E.R.E.R in life and what now?" (Feb 24, 10, 9:31 a.m.) By Ramesh C. Reddy

Mark 10: "Why D.I.V.O.R.C.E the one you marry in life?" (Feb 22, 10, 12:15 p.m.) By Ramesh C. Reddy

Mark 10: "What do you do with what is P.E.R.M.I.T.T.E.D in your life?" (Feb 20, 10, 10:08 a.m.) By Ramesh C. Reddy

1 Corinthians 13: "How will you be someone's V.A.L.E.N.T.I.N.E using 16?" (Feb 13, 10,  12:16 p.m.) By Ramesh C. Reddy

Mark 10: "Who do you become an A.T.T.R.A.C.T.I.O.N to and why?" (Feb 05, 10, 9:43 a.m.) By Ramesh C. Reddy

Mark 9: "How can you be a S.A.L.T in someone's life today?" (Feb 04, 10, 11:27 a.m.) By Ramesh C. Reddy

Mark 9: "What do you help your friends E.S.C.A.P.E from?" (Feb 03, 10, 12:30 p.m.) By Ramesh C. Reddy

Mark 9: "Why bother with H.E.L.L in life?" (Feb 02, 10, 2:39 p.m.) By Ramesh C. Reddy

Mark 9: "When are you planning to cut your hand, foot, or eye to escape Hell?"" (Feb 01, 10, 1:41 p.m.) By Ramesh C. Reddy

 Mark 9: "Why heed Jesus' W.A.R.N.I.N.G in your life?" (Jan 30, 10, 12:41 p.m.) By Ramesh C. Reddy