Tag Archives: positive attitude

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – The Positive Power of Confidence

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Philippians 4:4-13

Paul was a confident man. During his earlier years, the apostle’s positive attitude came from trusting in his credentials—namely, his background, education, and position. However, his encounter with the Lord (Acts 9:1-6) caused him to realize those things were worth little. So what was the source of his new boldness?

Paul’s relationship with Jesus became the new foundation for his life. Viewing his former ways as a chapter that had ended, he embraced his new life in Christ. Not only did Paul recognize the inadequacy of everything he had previously relied upon—his knowledge, achievement, and authority—but he also relinquished any notion of living independently of God. The apostle became a man of action, who lived his life through total reliance upon the Lord (Gal. 2:20).

Paul’s unwavering trust in God’s faithfulness also played a key role. He believed God’s promise to strengthen and equip him; to guide him in every situation; to meet all his needs; and never to leave him. In facing trials, Paul experienced the power of the Holy Spirit flowing in and through him. Because he took God at His word, he could meet adversity with boldness. His confidence was not in himself but in the Lord’s presence, provision, and power; that’s why it remained strong.

Do you see why we can be confident followers of Christ? What matters isn’t who we are, what we believe about ourselves, or what strengths and abilities we have. Developing a wholehearted trust and reliance on Jesus is what brings about confidence. How much do you trust Him?

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Faith is Trusting God

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For it is by free grace (God’s unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God; not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law’s demands], lest any man should boast. —Ephesians 2:8

I like to define faith in a very basic, easy-to-understand way: living with a positive attitude that comes from a deep trust in God. Living by faith is looking at everything in a positive way and trusting in the power of God, Who loves us and wants the best for us. When we have faith, we can say with confidence in our hearts:

“I don’t know what to do, but God does.”

“I don’t understand what’s going on in my life, but God will make a way for me.”

“I don’t know how I can pay my bills this month, but God will provide.”

“This trial I have doesn’t feel good; I don’t like it, but I believe God works all things out for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose” (see Rom. 8:28).

“I don’t like the situation I’m going through, but what Satan means for my harm, God intends for my good” (see Gen. 50:20).

These statements and the attitudes they represent demonstrate faith. Having faith means always trusting in God’s love and looking beyond where you are to see the end result. Having faith means always being hopeful and refusing to accept defeat. People who live by faith can enjoy every day of their lives.

Trust in Him What are you currently facing that is uncomfortable or that you don’t understand? Choose to have a positive attitude about your situation and trust God to work it out for good.

 

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Joyce Meyer – Be Humble

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Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you. —1 Peter 5:6

Joseph dreamed of having authority and being a great man. However, he was young and impetuous. Joseph’s brothers hated him and sold him into slavery. God used the situation as an opportunity to test and train Joseph. He even spent thirteen years in prison for something he didn’t do, but whatever happened to Joseph during those years definitely equipped him for his God-ordained role in history. Joseph rose to power with only Pharaoh himself being greater. He was placed in a position to feed multitudes of people, including his father and brothers during seven years of famine.

Peter had to be prepared by going through some very humbling experiences; he was a powerful man but a proud man as well. The Lord had to humble him before He could use him. Most strong leaders have a lot of natural talent, but they are also full of themselves (pride) and have to learn how to depend on God. They have to trade in their self-confidence for God-confidence.

Your pain can become someone else’s gain. Your mess can become your ministry if you will have a positive attitude and decide to let everything you go through prepare you for what is ahead.

Lord, I humble myself before You and recognize I can do nothing of lasting value apart from You. Work through all that’s going on in my life to prepare me for what is ahead. Amen.