Category Archives: Attitudes & Behavior

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March 24, 2014

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Attitudes & Behavior, Money & Wealth, Obedience

What Does God Want from Us?

What should I bring when I come to the Lord’s presence, when I bow in front of the God of heaven? [Micah 6:6a (GW)]

In spite of all the rules regarding temple offerings in The Old Testament, the sacrifices of calves, oil or grain were hardly the most important thing in the Jews’ relationship with God. I’m not sure God is all that impressed today when we “sacrifice” (often reluctantly) our time, talents or money to the church today. There is only one sacrifice He really wants at His altar: a living sacrifice of our hearts, souls and minds.

Your mortals, the Lord has told you what is good. This is what the Lord requires from you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to live humbly with your God. [Micah 6:8 (GW)]

So brothers and sisters, since God has shown us great mercy, I beg you to offer your lives as a living sacrifice to him. [Romans 12:1a (GW)]

 

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March 22, 2014

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Attitudes & Behavior, Family, Friends & Fellowship, Forgiveness

People Who Live in Glass Houses

Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. [Matthew 7:1-2 (MSG)]

Father, thank you for the reminder that the only condemning I should be doing is of me, not of my brothers and sisters. May I always remember that old phrase, “People who live in glass houses, shouldn’t throw stones!” Keep me from a critical frame of mind so I always think the best of others, as I hope they do of me.

What we really want is to evaluate those around us with a divine justice, while we want them to evaluate us with a divine compassion. [From “Pieces of Eight” by Sidney Harris]

It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you,’ when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor. [Matthew 7:3-5 (MSG)]

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March 21, 2014

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Attitudes & Behavior, Love & Works, Spiritual Gifts

Each in HIs Own Way

In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. [Romans 12:6a (NLT)]

Some of us are like Martha, busy doing for others, and some are like Gideon, reluctant servants. Some are like John the Baptist, loudly exhorting, and others are like Martha’s sister Mary, quietly listening and worshiping. Some of us are leaders, like Peter, and others are like Thomas, searchers for the truth. Some, like Paul, are dedicated evangelists and others, like Solomon, have great wisdom. Isaiah had the gift of prophesy and John had the gift of love.

Thank you, Lord, for the variety of gifts you’ve given to us, your children. May we never fail to use our gifts to your glory and may we always respect the way that other people serve you.

Just as our bodies have many special parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. [Romans 12:4-5 (NLT)]

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March 16, 2014

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Attitudes & Behavior, Faith & Hope

When Others Aren’t There to Speak for Themselves

You should defend those who cannot help themselves. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice. [Proverbs 31:8-9 (TLB)]

We were over 100 feet in the air, eight of us enclosed in a small gondola cabin for nine minutes. Instead of the usual chit chat about snow conditions, the man across from me spoke in a derogatory way about a certain group of people. The silence that followed his vitriol was deafening. All sorts of thoughts went through my head: do I ignore him or defend them, how should I do it and what should I say? I finally spoke, somewhat timidly, and was surprised when others joined me, including members of his own family. This man was lovingly and gently brought to task and, hopefully, enlightened just a bit. I spoke up that day but, unfortunately, there are many more times that I don’t.

Lord, forgive us for those times we’ve remained silent when we should have spoken. Forgive us for not trusting you to supply the words that need to be said. Show us how to depend not on our knowledge or rhetoric but on your divine assistance. Give us the words, the ability to say them gently and the sense to know when we should speak and when we should not.

“You must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!” Then the Lord reached out and touched my mouth and said, “Look, I have put my words in your mouth!” [Jeremiah 1:7b-9 (NLT)]

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March 13, 2014

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Attitudes & Behavior, Temptation & Sin

The Devil Made Me Do It!

If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. [1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (NLT)]

“The devil made me do it!” was the excuse comedian Flip Wilson’s character Geraldine always used. “It’s not my fault!” is such an easy excuse for us all. We need to remember, however, that Satan can’t make us do anything we don’t want to do. We are the one’s responsible for our own behavior. A certain vigilance on our part is required if we hope to avoid sin. Being tempted is not the sin; yielding to temptation is! Lord, help me recognize temptation and, with your help, turn away from it.

So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. [1 Peter 2:1 (NLT)]

 

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March 9, 2014

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Attitudes & Behavior, Temptation & Sin

Time to Change Our Clocks and Attitudes

You were taught to change the way you were living. The person you used to be will ruin you through desires that deceive you. However, you were taught to have a new attitude. You were also taught to become a new person created to be like God, truly righteous and holy. [Ephesians 4:22-23 (GW)]

Today, we start daylight saving time. In an effort to take advantage of the sun’s light, we move our clocks one hour forward. While we change our clocks, perhaps we want to check and see if we need any change of attitude as well. With a little adjustment of our mindset, we may be better able to enjoy the Son’s light!

Please, God, give me the desire to put away my old behavior. The old way is so familiar and I’ve become comfortable in some long-standing bad habits. I know there are changes I need to make in my life, help me to make them. I want the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t act out of selfish ambition or be conceited. Instead, humbly think of others as being better than yourselves. Don’t be concerned only about your own interests, but also be concerned about the interests of others. Have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. [Philippians 2:1-5 (GW)]