This is our new Quick Tips, which will be coming to you on Thursdays. The Monday MAXimizer will continue as usual, this is a boost for later in the week! 1. Be thankful. "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus," I Thessalonians 5:18. Live with a thankful spirit. Get out a sheet of paper, or use the left margin, and list ten things you are thankful for at this moment. When you complete the list, pray and thank God specifically for each item.
The challenge made by the Holy Spirit in this verse is that our circumstances should not dictate our thankfulness. Since all things work together for good for those who love the Lord (Romans 8:28), blessings and curses ought to cause thanksgiving.
2. Lose sight of self. "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or ill conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourself. Each of you should look not only on your own interests, but also the interests of others," Philippians 2:3-4. If you are like me, you would rather have your way than not have it. Satan envelops our hearts with selfishness and if we don't get what we want we get bitter, which is the opposite of joy.
To keep a spirit of joy surrounding you, find ways to make another person's day. Leave encouraging notes around the office. Volunteer your time to help people who are not as blessed. When we lose sight of self and place it on others, we place our eyes on God at the same time.
3. Give. "Just as you excel in everything - in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us - see that you also excel in this grace of giving," II Corinthians 8:7. Giving may mean time or money or both.
Jesus made it clear; there is more blessing, more joy, in giving than receiving (Acts 20:35).
Your Partners in Ministry,
Paul & Al
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Thursday, January 11, 2007
Youth Ministry Thursday
