Maintaining A Positive Attitude

Maintaining A Positive Attitude

SUBJECT:  ATTITUDE

CENTRAL THEME:   A  POSITIVE  ATTITUDE

Illustration: Shammah... “He stood in the midst of ‘the ground’ and defended ‘it’.....“I’ve left this pea patch my last time”...he had a change in attitude!!! and wrought a great victory for God.

Every “Christian ” can “have, and maintain, a positive attitude”   [HOW]    “by using three keys found in 1 Thess. 5”.

Key #1. Rejoice Evermore

Resource: A. 1 Thess. 5:16 - How can you rejoice when severe trials come your way???

Point 1. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing [this],

that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have [her] perfect

work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.James 1:2-4

Point 2. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of

peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.  Jeremiah 29:11

When we accept this in faith, we can rejoice in all circumstances. “Shalom” - His

thoughts towards are: completeness, soundness, safety, health, prosperity, peace.

Point 3. Jn 15:11 - These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you,

and [that] your joy might be “full”.

Resource: B. Illustration: Have you ever tried walking with a glass that’s full? It sloshes out!!!!!

Point 1. David in Adullam; he changed his attitude and his men became champions!!!!

Key #2. Pray Without Ceasing

Resource: A. 1 Thess. 5:17

Point 1. The foundation of  joy is “prayer”. It’s here you entertain the presence of God.

Point 2. Prayer implies 4 things:

·         A devotional spirit - “walking with God”

·         Declarative prayers - our thoughts rising up amid our daily occupation

·         Perserverance in prayer - not quitting until our prayers are answered

·         This prayer is to be “without ceasing”.... (the “spirit” of prayer)

·         Grk. = To prostrate oneself before God without intermission

·         Persistence in prayer is requisite to making it effectual

·         This implies constancy (Col. 4:2)  (continue in - to stick like tape; to adhere)

·         Regularity in prayer - keeping an “appointed” season of prayer

Resource: B. Illustration:  Success In Prayer

Key #3. Give Thanks In Everything

Resource: A. 1 Thess. 5:18

Point 1. In every circumstance - in joy / in sorrow

Point 2. For everything - for prosperity / for adversity

Point 3. In every place - in the house of God / on the bed of sickness

Resource: B. This is the natural fruit of  joy

Point 1. Ps. 34:1  “I will bless the Lord...”   (...when you enter His presence...)

Conclusion: To maintain a positive attitude, we must be joyful, pray w/out ceasing, and cultivate a thankful heart towards God.