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 🙂
“Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and daughters, and your wives and home.” – Nehemiah 4:14
My heart is heavy this morning as I make my daily post because today is a day that I remember every year…my son’s birthday. Because I am an advocate for using our lives to make a positive difference in the lives of others, I have to believe in using both the good stuff and the not so good stuff…those trials and tribulations that we all experience.
Funny that during hard times I don’t always think about others, more about myself. But today my hope is that God will use my pain to help another mom or dad who is struggling with being estranged from their grown child/children and maybe bring light to someone’s dark situation. I ask you to grab a hold of my hand, join forces with me, and let’s fight for our children together 🙂.
Although my battle has been ongoing for almost 4 years now, I try not to lose hope as hard as that is sometimes. God’s Word and fervent prayer really are key to any battle plan.
Luke 12:53 tells us that in the last days families will be divided. Anybody else feel like we’re in the “last days” when you’re watching the news or scrolling through your social media accounts? I definitely do.
“They will be divided, father against son, son against father, mother against daughter, and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law, and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”
Although that looks bleak we don’t have to fear it because God is all knowing and He’s in control.
In Matthew 10:21 we’re told that “Brother will betray brother to death and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death.” I don’t know about you but at times, although I am not actually dead, it sure feels like my heart has quit beating. Our kids can sure rip our guts out.
“He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, nor turn…and I would heal them.” Do you ever feel like your child’s eyes are blinded to you and that they are looking at you through eyes of someone else? I know I do. But we must stay the course and pray like never before and learn God’s Word and those scriptures that we can use in battle. We are soldiers!!!
The armor of God can be found in Ephesians 6:10-17. I love the book of Ephesians!!! So powerful and so much information in these few verses:
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power, Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark work and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything to, stand. Stand firm, then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.”
Fighting for our families is hard work and at times it seems like it’s for nothing. But it’s not for nothing…it’s for something…something BIG. The devil comes to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10) but Jesus comes to give us life abundant. Satan knows his time is limited so he’s going to wreak as much havoc as he can in the short time he’s on earth. That’s why we have to be alert and have a plan of battling him in place. Remember that we’re not fighting our children, we’re fighting against darkness. It helps if we can remember that and then use our weapons (armor of God) to fight the enemy successfully…with God’s Word. Memorize scripture and then rebuke the devil with those Words. Yell them out loud if you want to. My favorite part of the movie “War Room” is when the mom is yelling at the devil and rebuking him from her family! I love that part!!
Remember that souls are on the line. Satan wants as many as he can take with him when his time is up! And I believe it’s getting close! But God is a MIGHTY God and He’s tougher and more powerful than anything and He is ALMIGHTY!!! We all know how this story plays out!! Not good for the devil.
Let’s join together in prayer and please know that you are not alone in your struggles. Others are where you are and fighting the same fight. If you would like for me to pray for you personally, I would love to. Send me a message and I’ll get started on it immediately. Prayers and lots of love and hope for all reading this!!! We are warriors!!! Get that armor up!!!
*While typing the scriptures, my IG account and computer have shut down several times. This also happened to me the other day while posting scriptures. That’s a sign to me that ol’ liar Satan is trying to keep me from getting this message out. Go figure!
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Jeremiah 17:9 says “The heart is deceitful above all things and wicked.” Proverbs 4:23 tell us to guard our heart. “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” However the world tells us to FOLLOW our hearts and do whatever we want, whenever we want. As a human being, that is a lot to process because
