Attitude

I don't know why I should be surprised that God's timing is perfect, but I AM!
Let me elaborate. On our daily drive to work, Timmy and I usually take that time to talk about the "to do's " for the day and the week. This morning was no different except for a small part. I just had this overwhelming "bothered" feeling. "What is the matter with me?"

I had a really chaotic time last night. Timmy and I both go to the gym and we have to work out our days around what all it going on for that particular day ALONG with the responsibilities with having children. I had worship practice early, and I had all these to do's at home waiting for me I kept thinking about. I just got overwhelmed and S.T.R.E.S.S.E.D out! Why do I do that to myself? Why can't I just take each obstacle, using patience and a sane mind to work it all out?

This morning, 1st thing, I woke up just feeling "UGGGGH" You see, I went bed feeling stretched, irritated and just in a foul mood! So of course, with out fail, conviction came over me. God spoke to me on our drive to work this morning. I just heard Him say, if you don't confess this, then I can't help you and you won't be able to move on. I had to admit to that I was being "not so nice" last night and totally in the wrong for my behavior. There is a word that I could use, but I won't! I think you get the picture. I had to ask for forgiveness!

So here is the part that just blows my mind (why it does I don't know, but it does) God's timing is perfect. I receive a daily devotional and this is what today's was about.....take a little time to read it if you can. I feel totally humbled!!

Father God, Thank you for always knowing exactly what I need. Thank you for speaking to me and reminding me of your love. Thank you for giving me "2nd" chances daily when I mess up. Thank you for forgiving me and molding me to be what YOU would have me be for your kingdom. Help me to remember that my time here is not about me, but about You. Remind me daily of how blessed my life is because of You. In Jesus precious' name I pray-Amen

What Has God Done For Me Lately?

11 Feb 2009

Tracie Miles

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." Philippians 2:5 (NIV)

Is the glass half full or half empty? Is it partly sunny or partly cloudy? Perspective makes all the difference.

Even for strong Christians who are grounded in their faith, discouragement can easily sneak its way into hearts and minds as life deals us chaos. As we struggle with the challenges and difficulties of everyday life, or things that happened to us that were unfair or unwarranted, it is easy to get pulled into a habitual mindset of negativity. Just like that old song from the ‘80s says, we may find ourselves asking God, "What have you done for me lately?"

Our answer to that question will depend entirely upon our perspective. God does more for us each and every day than we deserve, but it 's so easy to lose sight of the good, because we are caught up in the reality of the bad. How do we combat this perfectly human attitude?

Prayer.

Resolve to have an attitude like Christ.

Take inventory of our every blessing.

Life. Your every breath. Your every heart beat. A spouse or loved one. Children. Clothes that need to be washed because God gave you clothes to wear, and a way to wash those clothes. Good health to help those whose health is failing. Trusted and educated doctors to treat you when you are facing health challenges. A house that needs cleaning. A car to drive. The ability to purchase gas for the car. A job to go to. The ability to be a stay at home mom or wife. Healthy kids who can play music or sports. Friends. Family. Freedom. Jesus. Eternal life.

What is on your inventory list today? If you were honest with yourself, would you say you have been looking for the positive aspects of the situations in your life? Are you considering how God could be using those things to draw you closer to Him? Or have you been primarily focused on the negative?

During times of negativity, we actually become our own enemy. We wage a battle in our mind because we look at our situation from our own perspective, instead of what God may be doing through our situation. So in order to change our minds, we have to choose to change the way we think – our perspective. Attitude is a choice.

Winston Churchill once said, "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." What do you usually see?

To quote an old cliche©, today is the first day of the rest of your life, and it is never too late to become an optimist! I have heard it takes 21 days of doing something for it to become a new habit. The more you practice challenging your thought patterns, the more automatic it will become. Changes may not take place immediately, but over time, the challenge gets easier, and optimism becomes the norm instead of the exception.

Are you willing to take the challenge to become an optimist today? The rewards of looking for God's goodness in every situation will be a healthier and happier heart.

Dear Lord, help me with my human tendency to be critical or look for the negative in situations. Forgive me for a lack of gratitude for all You have given me. Thank You for Your patience with me as I strive to be a Godly example. Guide my heart to recognize You at work, instead of seeing things from an earthly perspective. Lead me into a closer relationship with You by helping me remember to count my blessings every day. I n Jesus' Name, Amen.

Power Verses:
1 Peter 1:1-3, "Since Jesus went through everything you're going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you'll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want." (The Message)