I don’t know about you but there are times that my attitude really sucks. Life happens and sometimes it just doesn’t go the way I want it go. I find myself sinking into a pit of self pity and before I know it I’m mad at the world and they aren’t even aware of it.
Our attitudes are key to success in life and they are totally in our control. Most of the time we let out attitudes take control of us which, at times, produces negative results…depression, anger, fear, anxiety, and even doubt. But in saying that we have the capability to flip that script if we consciously take notice of the negativity before it settles in. Attitude is a choice. It always will be and regardless of our circumstances it’s our decision to ultimately make. Will we let negativity reign over us or will we take a step of faith to the possibility that better things are waiting just ahead of us if we’ll just hold on a little bit longer?
The Apostle Paul tells us in Philippians that we are to be content in all circumstances and not to be anxious or look back but to strain forward to better days.
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:11-13
I read that and want it to be that easy but let’s face it, it’s just not. Sometimes there are situations that we go through that take us down to a place where it feels like rock bottom is actually a looking up from where we are in that moment. There are times when we feel so defeated by life and people that we just can’t see any light at the end of the tunnel and our hope fades to a color we’ve never even heard of. That’s the exact moment that we need to realize that what we are going through is really meant for us to “grow through.” When we flip our mindset from dread to thankfulness and look for meaning in our mess instead of feeling sorry for ourselves, the winds of change in our attitude shift over to the positive side. Over time of flipping the script we will release the death grip a negative attitude has over our thinking and we will slowly resonate the fact that everything really does happen for a reason and this was all part of the plan.
I know something that really helps to change my attitude into the positive is when I do something for someone else. When I take my attention off of myself and place it on showing compassion toward another person I instantly feel a little better. Sometimes a lot better. Another way I force myself to change my crappy attitude is to go for a walk in the woods and quiet myself long enough to listen to the birds chirp and all the little sounds of the critters around me. There is nothing that humbles me more that to be in the middle of God’s grandeur and remind myself that it’s not all about me and there’s greater work that’s being done and I’m not the one in control. He’s got a plan and it’s my job to sit tight and see how it unfolds.
“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11
How can I be anxious or have a bad attitude when I know God has something so much greater just waiting for me?
I don’t have the magic formula for inner peace or being content in any given circumstance, let alone all circumstances, but I do know what works for me and that is shifting my focus off of myself and my struggles and pointing them toward compassion and doing for others, even in the smallest of ways. I believe we are supposed to use our lives, the struggles and mistakes, to make someone else’s life better and to inspire them to do the same.
Tips That Will Not Only Get You On Your Way To Learning How To Read The Bible But Will Also Make It Enjoyable
Learning how to read the Bible does not have to be a daunting task. It can and IS fun if you will quiet your mind and learn how to LISTEN to what God is trying to tell you through the words on the pages…HIS WORD.
With an ever-changing world that seems to be turning uglier by the day, it’s not surprising that so many people are doing an “about-face” and turning toward God. And turning away from the constant negativity that it seems we’re witnessing in our culture.
I don’t know if it’s just my imagination but I see a tide-turning. Several Hollywood elitists, rappers, and sports figures, are turning to Christ and professing their newfound faiths.
It makes my heart happy to see Kanye West.
Not only is he giving his life to Christ but also rolling up his sleeves and getting out there to bring others to God. Through his new music and testimony, Kanye is changing others’ lives with his life.
He is leading by example. And in doing so he is showing others the Truth of the Gospel and is bringing people to follow Jesus.
How awesome is that? And in doing so, don’t you know that all those new believers are heading to Lifeway and Mardel, purchasing new Bibles and trying to get it all figured out.
It wasn’t that long ago that I was one of those people. I was a foreigner to understanding the Bible, and didn’t know which one to purchase or where exactly to get started.
Although I had amazing support surrounding me, I still had to actually do the work of understanding it. I had to wrap my head around just exactly what it was that God was trying to say.
Everyone has their own way of learning and understanding, I would like to share with you what works for me.
Learning to read and understand the Bible is not hard at all. I’ve had so many people over the years say to me “it’s too hard to read” or “I just can’t understand it.”
However, my favorite is “the Bible is boring and it doesn’t pertain today.”
If there has ever been a time that the Bible truly pertains to…it’s NOW! And boring? The Bible is a far cry from boring. It’s full of as much drama and dysfunction than any mini-series.
If you think the Bible is old, frumpy, outdated, and boring then it’s high time you open it up. I’ll show you just how to get started.
Let’s Get Started: Picking Out a Bible
The first thing you need to do is to go online or into your favorite bookstore and purchase a Bible that is easy for you to understand. NIV is my favorite translation although I have purchased several different ones because I like to compare.
If you’ve ever been to a Christian book store or looked online at Mardel or Lifeway then you know that there are a plethora of Bibles and different translations to choose from. My personal preference, however, is the NIV, the New International Version.
I’m not knocking any other version or translation, I just prefer the NIV because it’s easier for me to understand. I own what is known as a “parallel Bible” which has two versions that are columned side-by-side for easy comparison.
I continue to purchase new Bibles “in the midst of a moment” but always return to this one. I’ve even bought the EXACT same Bible in a different color, thinking I would use it more. I always return to the one I originally bought.
Next Up: Cute Little Supplies
I am all about being set up with supplies before I begin anything. It helps even more if they’re cute. Highlighters are a must when it comes to learning and studying. If you haven’t been to the store lately, there are some super cool ones out there.
My favorites are the Bible Gel Highlighters. These highlighters are acid-free and do not bleed on your pages. There are 10 different colors so you can highlight different themes.
Do NOT be afraid to write or highlight in your Bible. It’s yours. I used to think it was going against God if I wrote in my Bible. Not at all. In fact, I think God jumps for joy when he sees us so involved in learning the Bible that we’re marking in it in order to remember His Word.
Another item I have a lot of are magnetic bookmarks. Amazon has a bunch to choose from. personally, I like the ones that have scriptures on them. It makes it easier to try and memorize my favorites.
Christian Art Gifts has a pack of 12 that are really cute and at an affordable price. The great thing about the magnetic bookmarks is that they never fall OUT or fall DOWN.
You can’t really lose them. They’re easily moved from one page to another without the fear of ripping or tearing. An absolute must!!!
Bible Study Guides Make It Fun and Easy
Personal Bible studies make it not only easy but FUN to learn the Bible!! I pick up a different one each time I go into the store. Although I’ve overloaded my donkey on Bible studies, I’ve given myself a HUGE selection to study from whenever I decide to change it up a bit. Bible study guides are easy to use and they take it slowly so you can take your time without feeling rushed or bog down with information.
Studying the Bible with someone is an excellent way to spend time. And also to learn something you didn’t know before.
When you’re sharing the learning process with another person it just seems a little bit more fun. You remember not only the content but the silly memories made along with it.
My daughter, Kirsten, and my daughter-in-law, Ali, and I have completed several Bible studies. We meet up weekly at coffee shops and talk about that week’s lesson.
It’s a great way to make time to be together plus fellowshipping in the presence of God.
My daughter, Kirsten, and my daughter-in-law, Ali, and I have completed several Bible studies just meeting up weekly at coffee shops and talking about that week’s lesson.
I’ve got certain authors that are my favorites. Kelly Minter, Priscilla Shirer, Beth Moore, Lysa TerKeurst, and Lisa Harper are a few of the women that I love to study from.
“The Armor of God” by Priscilla Shirer is the first study guide I ever did. It was based on Ephesians 6:10 and putting on the armor of God to ward off the enemy’s fiery darts. It’s one of my very favorites that I highly recommend.
My all-time favorite will probably always be “David – Seeking A Heart Like His.” This study was on King David from his beginning to his death.
I actually cried when we finished this one. It’s funny how you can spend 11 weeks on something and miss it terribly when it’s over. David felt like he was part of my family when we got to that last page.
Kelly Minter’s No Other Gods Bible Study Guide
Media and Apps Are Also An Option For Really Digging In And Learning to Understand the Bible
Although I don’t really use any Bible apps, I know that there are a few out there that are popular. I, personally, like having my big, old bulky cumbersome Bible with me. If you want to keep in simple use a smart device to do your learning. You’ve got some great options.
Tecarta and Daily Bible Verse are two that I’ve used. If you click here you can see a complete list of the most popular out there today.
Online is where I go to watch sermons and Youtube has it all. Elevation Church is a church out of Charlotte, North Carolina, and it’s Pastor is Steven Furtick.
I LOVE this pastor and the sermons that he preaches. I’ve never heard a pastor who brings the Bible to life as he does.
I’ve probably learned more about the Bible from him than anyplace else. I actually put visiting Elevation Church on my bucket list. Last summer, while in North Carolina, I was able to attend a service there. I was on cloud nine and the sermon was just what I needed to hear that day.
Elevation Church has an online store where you can purchase DVDs with sermons on them for ANY amount. If you don’t have access to the internet these are perfect to put in your DVD player to watch. That makes it easy and gives you no excuses.
If I had to do without any of my references, DVDS would NOT be on the list. If I can’t get to my YouTube or my DVD’s, I’m lost.
I’d like to add that while playing back this video after I had downloaded it, I noticed a HUGE mistake that I actually said THREE or MORE times. I said in the video that the story of David is in 1 Kings and 2 Kings. I must have had “the kings” on my mind because the information I said is incorrect. The story of King David actually begins in 1 Samuel and ends in 2 Samuel. My bad!!!! Forgive me lol!! I LOVE the story of David, and I can NOT believe I messed that up!!!! I was going to redo my video but it took WAAAAY too long to upload.
Last But Not Least And My Favorite: Prayer Journals
Prayer journals are important. Having a journal to write my prayers and sermon notes has had an impact on how I retain scriptures.
I have already completed several prayer journals, which is a feat in itself. I’m bad about starting a journal and then never finishing it. I’m proud to say that I’m on “Number Four.”
I like Tuscany leather journals. I love the smell and the feel. After watching “War Room” I decided that I wanted to start writing my prayers down. Prayers led to sermon notes which then led to writing down and highlighting my favorite scriptures.
It’s interesting to go back to your first journal. You’ll see just how much you’ve evolved in your walk with Christ. It’s also fun to see how God answered some of my prayers.
Coffee shops and scones make the best spot for holding a Bible study with family and friends.
Whatever avenue you choose to go down, I can guarantee that it won’t be boring. You might just have some fun.
Surround yourself with like-minded people. Make sure that you have a strong support system helping you find your way on your path.
Reading the Bible and actually understanding it takes patience with yourself. Set aside quiet time to be able to hear what it is God’s trying to impress upon your spirit.
Most of all enjoy the journey. It’s not meant to be rushed. Take bite-sized pieces and chew slowly. Savor the flavor of God’s Word and let each scripture resonate in a place in your heart.
You’ll find favorite scriptures and you’ll share and pass them on to people who need them. And best of all, before too long you’ll be like me, sharing what you’ve learned, with folks just like you…Baby Christians.
Inspire others and use your life to lift up another person. Light the way for someone living in a dark place 🙂
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.”
You know, that damn devil does prowl around. He prowls around looking for strong people, strong families and knows where you’re weak and he’ll do everything in his power to distract and immobilize you. He will get you to question your faith in God in order to steal your soul.
I love the phrase “sober mind” in this scripture because although it means self controlled mind, I believe there are times when we are tempted to turn toward “numbing mechanisms”, such as alcohol, to temporarily alleviate pain in a situation we’re trying to handle alone..
First, and foremost, DON’T go there. Don’t go down that road. Nothing good ever comes from being incoherent, or out of your rational mind. You need to be ALERT to be one jump ahead of that devil.
Consequently, generational alcoholism runs deep in my family and I’ve watched all too well how that avenue leads to more misery and pain. Just don’t. It’s NEVER an answer!!!
Secondly, and most importantly …YOU ARE NOT FIGHTING YOUR SITUATION ALONE! In fact you aren’t even the one fighting your battle…God is! Exodus 14:14 says ” The Lord fight for you, you need only to be still.”
If I’ve learned anything from studying the Bible, it’s to have my favorite verses to pull out when I need them. Satan is vying for your soul. I hate to be blunt but he is. He will distract you, feed you lies, try and destroy your relationships, and prey on those places you are weak. Right now, recognize your weak spots.
For me, he knows he can’t tempt me with typical addictions. I’m strong in my faith but I can be easily offended so my relationships are where he hits me the hardest.
Although, I KNOW THIS, I still forget it most of the time and fall for his lies and deceiving more times than I should.
We have weapons, tools, to battle him and ward off his fiery darts. If you have never opened a Bible I’m telling you that Ephesians 6:10-17 is a great place to get started. ❤
It’s a new month and the first day always brings about setting goals and creating new, positive habits in our lives. It’s a little like the first day of a new year. We’re full of enthusiasm for new resolutions that we set our minds and heart on sticking with. Unfortunately sometimes the zeal we start with fizzles out and we end up failing which turns to feeling bad about ourselves. Today it is my hope that I can inspire you with my own life experience that will
Today is the kick off of something I do in a Facebook group I have…a daily inspiration…Sowing Seeds Saturday!!! When I came up with the idea of sowing seeds I had the intention of “we reap what we sow”, sooooooooo we probably ought to be sowing seeds of kindness, wouldn’t you say?
