A Prayer for Motivation
By Dr. Tony Evans
The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. – (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
You don’t have to go to seminary to know that the two most important things that God would have you do on earth are to love Him with all of your heart, soul, and mind, and to love others as you love yourself. Understanding these authoritative principles governs your personal life. In the words of Solomon, “Fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person” – (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
Since God’s Word is the authority in our personal lives and since He has specific instructions for us to keep, where do we get the motivation to keep His Word? To the unrighteous it will be fear of judgment.
The motivation for the righteous is appreciation for God’s grace. You and I keep God’s Word out of gratitude because we recognize it’s by His grace that we are even here. All the motivation Israel needed to keep the Ten Commandments was provided back in Exodus 20:2, before the commands were given: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.”
If you know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, He has set you free. Duty ought to rise out of devotion. He shouldn’t be begging you to keep His commandments. Not only that, the motivation comes in knowing that God only backs His own Book. If you want God’s authority and power to override your circumstances rather than continually being under your circumstances, then start aligning your personal life according to His Word.
Heavenly Father, help us to keep your commands and reflect your love to our neighbors. Give us the motivation to be the good and faithful servants you have called us to be. Help us have the passion and perseverance to get up and live out your commands every day. Let us be disciples who yearn to celebrate your glory. Amen.”
*Editor’s Note: The following is an abridged version of Our Motivation by Dr. Tony Evans. To read the full devotional, just follow this link!
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For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Colossians 1:9 NASB
For this reason – Would you like others to pray that you might be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding? That’s what I want. I want others to pray for me that I will know God’s will and know God, not just know about Him, but really know Him and be aware of His presence in my life. Paul wanted the same thing for his brothers in Colossae.
But why would anyone pray for these things for you or me, or for the followers of the Way in Colossae? Paul provides an answer to this question about motivation. It’s an answer that helps us judge whether or not we are worthy of such efforts by others.
Paul introduces his intercession with the phrase dia touto, literally “through this.” As a result of something he and others had witnessed, Paul is driven to offer intercessory prayers. What did he observe? He observed all of the following: the reputation of reliability (faith) according to the ways of Yeshua HaMashiach that embraced the whole community (all the saints), the expectation of continual residence in the place of God’s abode according to the truth of the good news, constant fruitfulness which continues to increase and benevolence toward others at cost to yourselves (love in the Spirit). These things cause Paul to make intercession.
Notice what is not on the list. Needs! Everything on this list is about what these people are doing for others, about their public reputation, about their consistent walk with God. There is not a single mention of economic conditions, political persecution, personal struggles or any private concern. Paul is motivated by the effect these people are having on others and the way that they uphold God’s name. Struggles are not in focus.
Of course, that doesn’t mean that we should not pray about needs. Of course we should and we are instructed to do so. But I think it is telling that Paul’s motivation for a deeper experience and comprehension of God and God’s will does not come from life’s struggles. Struggles are just part of every human life. What Paul sees of noble character, of character so noteworthy that it demands intercessory prayer, is impact! Impact for God. Impact on others. If those are in place, everything else seems to follow.
Once again we ask: “Do you want others to intercede on your behalf so that you know the will of God in fullness of wisdom and understanding?” It seems you must first ask, “Am I living in such a way that others recognize my walk with God, my devotion of community, my actions of grace and compassion? Do I ‘love in the Spirit’?”
Topical Index: prayer, dia touto, motivation, Colossians 1:9
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Let’s face it, studying is not what you want to be doing right now. You want to be playing video games, reading up on your celebrity gossip, hanging out with your friends or watching movies. Even cleaning your room would trump preparing for your exams right about now!
Exam stress is tough but if you want to get somewhere, you have to put the work in. Just like when you’re in the gym and your instructor shouts motivational comments to keep the pressure on, these motivation to study quotes will help you boost your study motivation to get you over that final hurdle.
No matter what type of student you are, these study motivation quotes will help you focus and see the big picture. Also, check out the top tips at the end for more ways to help you study or have a gander at these good habits for a serious student. Here you have the best inspirational quotes for students:
1. For the student who is extremely productive at unimportant things:
2. For the student who needs a reality-check:
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3. For the student who is the master of excuses:
4. For the student who can’t stop procrastinating:
5. For the student who is struggling with their self-belief:
6. For the student who has big ambitions:
7. For the student who can only see a mountain:
8. For the student who can’t see the end of the road:
9. For the student who needs to think about the future:
10. For the student who doesn’t understand the purpose of mistakes:
And finally………..for every type of student:
When you’re struggling to learn how to motivate yourself to study, the key thing is to think about your long-term goal. Some students even find a way to have their goal in front of them; whether it’s on a post-it note, the front page of your notebook, or even the screensaver on your laptop or phone!
Whatever works for you, share it with us in the comments below so others can try it!
Top Study Motivation Posts:
- Best Time to Study? Day Vs Night
- 12 Apps for Students You Don’t Want to Miss!
If these inspirational quotes for students don’t set you running for your study notes, try our free online learning tools at GoConqr. Our new assessment tools allow you to track your progress so you can understand your learning journey, boost your confidence and keep your motivation levels high.
Transform your learning into an active process with Mind Maps, Flashcards, Quizzes and more here:
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