Category Archives: Attitudes & Behavior

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October 17, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Holy Spirit, Temptation & Sin

Paul’s Good Advice

…There will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! [2 Timothy 3:1b-5 (NLT)]

Unfortunately, Lord, the Apostle Paul’s words seem to describe people in these troubled times. Guide us as we check our conduct against his list. Let your Holy Spirit fill and lead us so Paul’s words will never describe our behavior. May we always heed his advice to “Stay away from people like that!”

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October 13, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Holy Spirit, Prayer

This Morning’s Request

2013-10-13Open your ears to my words, O Lord. Consider my innermost thoughts. Pay attention to my cry for help, my king and my God, because I pray only to you. In the morning, O Lord, hear my voice. In the morning I lay my needs in front of you and I wait. [Psalm 5:1-3 (GW)]

Good morning, God, it is so heartening being in your presence and knowing you hear our prayers. We choose this day to be productive and positive, cheerful and forgiving, generous and loving. Let your Holy Spirit fill us, lift us, and lead us so these goals can be attained, not just today, but every day.

Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God. [William Carey, missionary]

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October 12, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Love & Works, Obedience

Never Enough Time

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. [Psalm 143:10 (NLT)]

Lord, there just never seems to be enough time in my day! Guide me in setting my priorities and help me to release those things that are not adding value to my life. Lead me to a balanced life: one that is filled with service, joy, peace and love.

 

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October 4, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Family, Friends & Fellowship, Love & Works

Compassion

Finally, everyone must live in harmony, be sympathetic, love each other, have compassion, and be humble. [1 Peter 3:8 (GW)]

Lord, stop me when I cross the line and my love and compassion become interference or control. Remind me to respect other people’s right to learn their own lessons, as painful as that sometimes may be for them (and me). Don’t let my compassion cripple the ones I love by sending a message that they are neither capable nor accountable. Keep me sensitive to the difference between empathizing or caring about someone and smothering, controlling or caring for that person.

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October 2, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Love & Works

Be of Service

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. [Philippians 2:3-4 (NLT)]

It’s often said, “The Lord helps those who help themselves.” Father, keep us mindful that the Lord helps those who help one another. By looking to the needs of others, we honor you. Today, open my eyes and give me a willing heart. May my actions serve others and glorify you.

 

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September 24, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, God's Word: The Bible, Sharing Our Faith

Get Turned On!

2013-9-24No one lights a lamp and hides it or puts it under a basket. Instead, everyone who lights a lamp puts it on a lamp stand so that those who come in will see its light. [Luke 11:33 (GW)]

We’re supposed to be lamps, but what good are we if we’re not lit? A lighthouse is of no use unless it’s glowing. If we are going to be God’s beacon, we need a power source and something to activate us. We need prayer and scripture to be our fuel and we must allow the Holy Spirit to ignite our flame.