A Healthy Outlook on Life
Jerry Watts
Philippians 4:4-7
Consider this statement, ''Outlook determines Outcome.'' It's not good news for many people because they have bad attitudes, pessimistic tendencies, and generally find the bad inside the good.
By the way, 'if you are looking for the bad in this life, you can find it.' Spoke to a friend of mine a few years ago and she told me she received a phone call to get a reference on a friend being considered for pastor and, in her words; it was obvious that the caller was looking for dirt. May I offer you a couple of thoughts about this; a) If you are determined to find something bad, you will generally come to believe you have found it, whether in fact you have or not. In other words, the danger of a negative spirit is that you will become self-deceived. b) A negative, pessimistic, always looking for the bad 'spirit' doesn't honor God and does not please Him. In fact, for the one who carries this attitude there is question about whether they walk with God or not, and c) a negative spirit is a dangerous thing. It tends to make one see the world through a fog. The world is depressing enough without you and me adding to the dilemma.
If anyone would have reason (not excuse) to become negative, it would be Paul. Here he is sitting in a Roman jail, shackled to a Roman guard, and having a good idea that the end of his life on earth is near. It is in this environment that Paul writes the words we have read. Paul gives us 4 things-said:
Be Glad - (Verse 4) When I read the word 'rejoice' in scripture I am mentally always taken to the Matthew 2 where I am reminded of the Wise Men. They saw the baby, stared, and then ''REJOICED'' with GREAT JOY. I am reminded in Luke 1 in the Magnificat of Mary where she sings, ''My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.'' Also, I am taken to the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus says, ''When people bully you for my sake, REJOICE and be GLAD, for did the sam ...
Jerry Watts
Philippians 4:4-7
Consider this statement, ''Outlook determines Outcome.'' It's not good news for many people because they have bad attitudes, pessimistic tendencies, and generally find the bad inside the good.
By the way, 'if you are looking for the bad in this life, you can find it.' Spoke to a friend of mine a few years ago and she told me she received a phone call to get a reference on a friend being considered for pastor and, in her words; it was obvious that the caller was looking for dirt. May I offer you a couple of thoughts about this; a) If you are determined to find something bad, you will generally come to believe you have found it, whether in fact you have or not. In other words, the danger of a negative spirit is that you will become self-deceived. b) A negative, pessimistic, always looking for the bad 'spirit' doesn't honor God and does not please Him. In fact, for the one who carries this attitude there is question about whether they walk with God or not, and c) a negative spirit is a dangerous thing. It tends to make one see the world through a fog. The world is depressing enough without you and me adding to the dilemma.
If anyone would have reason (not excuse) to become negative, it would be Paul. Here he is sitting in a Roman jail, shackled to a Roman guard, and having a good idea that the end of his life on earth is near. It is in this environment that Paul writes the words we have read. Paul gives us 4 things-said:
Be Glad - (Verse 4) When I read the word 'rejoice' in scripture I am mentally always taken to the Matthew 2 where I am reminded of the Wise Men. They saw the baby, stared, and then ''REJOICED'' with GREAT JOY. I am reminded in Luke 1 in the Magnificat of Mary where she sings, ''My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.'' Also, I am taken to the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus says, ''When people bully you for my sake, REJOICE and be GLAD, for did the sam ...
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