Category Archives: Attitudes & Behavior

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April 19, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Love & Works, Obedience

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS

Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone – especially to those in the family of faith. [Galatians 6:10a (NLT)]

We’re to do good whenever we have the opportunity, not just whenever it is convenient or when we feel especially benevolent. It doesn’t matter if we like or know the people needing our help or if our actions are advantageous to us or will bring us public admiration. It’s quite simple; do good whenever the opportunity arises!

Lord, make me willing when opportunity knocks!

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April 14, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Love & Works, Obedience

A TALL ORDER

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. [Matthew 5:44 (NLT)]

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. [Romans 12:14 (NLT)]

Although we may not have armed foes, we do have “enemies.” We all have people in our lives who wound our hearts and souls. It may be a boss or a client, a neighbor or a “friend,” an in-law, a child and even a spouse, or simply some stranger met by chance.

Whoever these “enemies” are and whatever it is they might have done to hurt us, Jesus tells us how we are to respond: with love! It doesn’t matter that their behavior is totally unjustified; we are supposed to pray for them. It doesn’t matter how much they have hurt us; we are to respond with love. Instead of condemning them, we are to reach out and bless them. That’s a tall order; are we up to the task? For whom should we pray today?

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April 10, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Prayer

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. [Psalm 19:14 (NLT)]

Thank you, God, for this day. Direct my thoughts, monitor my speech, and prompt my actions. Inspire my petitions and hear my prayers.

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April 7, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Obedience, Temptation & Sin

WE ARE GOD’S SERVANTS

Live as free people, but don’t hide behind your freedom when you do evil. Instead, use your freedom to serve God. [1 Peter 2:16 (GW)]

Thank you, Lord, for reminding me that you are not there to serve me; rather, I am here to serve you! I may be free, but I’ m not the one in charge. Accept me as your enthusiastic servant so that I can serve you willingly and joyfully now and forever.

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April 4, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Sharing Our Faith, Thanks & Praise

GET THE WORD OUT

I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. … Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together. [Psalm 34:1,3 (NLT)]

O Lord, do I glorify you in the way I behave? Do I acknowledge my faith in the way I speak? Do I reveal your Holy Spirit in the way I interact with others? Would someone recognize you when they see how I conduct myself? Would anyone want to know you when they hear my words? Lord, let my words and actions glorify you today and every day.

I bless God every chance I get; my lungs expand with his praise. … Join me in spreading the news; together let’s get the word out. [Psalm 34:1,3 (MSG)]

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March 27, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Forgiveness, Obedience

GET RID OF IT!

Get rid of your bitterness, hot tempers, anger, loud quarreling, cursing, and hatred. Be kind to each other, sympathetic, forgiving each other as God has forgiven you through Christ. [Ephesians 4:31-32 (GW)]

Forgiveness: that’s not a suggestion, but an order! And while we’re at it, let’s remember to forgive ourselves. Forgiveness frees us from the past and gives us hope for the future!