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In this life that we are living, it is very important that we constantly
have the attitude of appreciation. It is very easy for us to look at our
negative circumstances and want to murmur and complain about how tough life
is. God in heaven has promised that when we have the right attitude, we
will overcome and be victorious over any situation. It is up to us whether
we live in victory or in defeat. The outcome for either equation is
dependent upon our attitude in that particular situation. I encourage you
to have a positive, uplifting and victorious attitude each and everyday
that you awake. Never allow the enemy to discourage your heart. Start each
new day giving praises to God and thanking Him for victories that are ahead
of you. You will see great things take place when you have the right
attitude. (Isaiah 1:19-20) (Psalm 118:24) (Hebrews 13:5-6)
This is a good story that shows how attitude has nothing to do with our
comfort level. It is a choice that each of us have; either to be happy
and appreciate our life or be pessimistic and constantly complain about
how tough things are. I hope today's message ministers to your heart and
encourages you to have a positive and right attitude of appreciation in
your everyday life.
THE RIGHT ATTITUDE
The 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud mother-in-law of my best
friend, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with her hair
fashionably coifed and makeup perfectly applied, even though she is legally
blind, moved to a nursing home today. Her husband of 70 years recently
passed away, making the move necessary.
Maurine Jones is the most lovely, gracious, dignified woman that I have
ever had the pleasure of meeting. While I have never aspired to attain her
depth of wisdom, I do pray that I will learn from her vast experience.
After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, she
smiled sweetly when told her room was ready. As she maneuvered her walker
to the elevator, I provided a visual description of her tiny room,
including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on her window.
"I love it," she stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having
just been presented with a new puppy. "Mrs. Jones, you haven't seen the
room...just wait." "That doesn't have anything to do with it," she replied.
"Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room
or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged...it's how I arrange
my mind. I already decided to love it..."
She went on to say, "It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up.
I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I
have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and
be thankful for the ones that do. Each day is a gift, and as long as my
eyes open, I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored
away...just for this time in my life. Old age is like a bank account...you
withdraw from what you've put in...So, my advice to you would be to deposit
a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories, so when you go over it
a second time, you can enjoy it again."
By Cheri Pape of Dallas, Texas
cheripape@worldnet.att.net
If life has been hard on you lately, don't allow yourself to give in to
thoughts of quitting or complaining. We are children of God and must stand
firm in times of adversity. We need to remember the Lord is our helper in
times of trouble. All we need to do is look to Him so that our strength
may be renewed. I encourage you to have a positive attitude and know that
God is with you always no matter how hard the enemy may be fighting you. We
need to always stand strong in the midst of the enemy's attacks and show
the integrity of our inner-being and the strength that is received from God
above for not giving up. Be encouraged in the Lord and never allow yourself
to get sour and not enjoy your life. Take one day at a time and give
yourself a fresh perspective of the beauties all around you.
(Ephesians 6:13-14) (Psalm 103:1-5) (1 Samuel 30:6)
I truly believe when we take time to enjoy the simple things, our problems
seem to dissipate and not look all that bad. As you go on with your days,
I encourage you to slow down and enjoy the simple things that we sometimes
take for granted and tend to not appreciate. You will be doing what God
commands of us; which is not to worry, but rather trust that God is still
in control and has the answers of our hearts cry.
(Matthew 6:25-34) (Psalm 86:5-7)
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
Psalm 92:1-4 "It is good to give thanks to the Lord, And to sing praises
to Your name, O Most High; To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning,
And Your faithfulness every night, On an instrument of ten strings, On the
lute, And on the harp, With harmonious sound. For You, Lord, have made me
glad through Your work; I will triumph in the works of Your hands."
Philippians 4:11-13 "Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned
in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know
how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full
and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things
through Christ who strengthens me."
Hebrews 13:5-6 "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with
such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you
nor forsake you." So we may boldly say: 'The Lord is my helper; I will not
fear. What can man do to me?'"
Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever
things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure,
whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there
is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things."
All scriptures can be found in the New King James Version.
Today's Selected Poem: I REFUSE TO BE DISCOURAGED
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/inpoem25.htm
Today's Selected Testimony: THE LORD ALWAYS PROVIDES
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony184.htm
In Christ's Service,
Dwayne Savaya
Gods Work Ministry |
