Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, Saviour and soon-coming King! It's my prayer that each of you that reads this are children of God. If you are not, I pray you�ll come to God before it is too late. It�s a joyous thing to wake up each day and know that we serve the same God that parted the Red Sea for the children of Israel � and they didn�t even get their feet muddy! The same God that shut the mouths of those hungry lions so ol� Daniel could spend the night and testify another day � that�s the same God we serve today! Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego went in the fiery furnace and that fourth figure there (God was there!) kept them from even so much as one little singe from the fire! That same God was with each of them through every trial, every valley of death, and every fire. In Isaiah 43:
1-2, God says that He has redeemed us and called each of us by name � that was done at Calvary. He promises that the rivers won�t overflow us, nor the fires burn us. That�s a promise, the personal guarantee for every blood-bought Christian. In Malachi 3:6 He says, �For I am the Lord, I change not...� God is always the same. God has the same attitude toward sin and the same attitude toward us as He did in the beginning of time. He has the attitude of Father and Master. His attitude never changes, but ours does. The title of this message is �Attitude Check�!
I pray that each of you will study this out and pray for discernment concerning �attitude�. You see, I�ve taken several whippings lately concerning my �attitude�. It seems my attitude is not always God�s attitude. God has sent me to the Word and taught me about this. I�m sure I�ll still fall short from time to time, and I pray that I won�t; but I know if I do, my Father has an attitude of love and forgiveness all for the asking. My sweet wife has put up with much lately while I�ve been going through this �Attitude Check�. Thank you Kim and thank You Jesus!
In Colossians 3, beginning at verse 22, I started receiving some training concerning my attitude at work. Verse 22 says, �Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God.� Today we can apply that as servants = employees and masters = employers. Let�s read verse 23, �And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.� Oh praise God, we better continue on through verse 24: �Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.� You better start listening now � that job you have or that position in church ain�t just for no paycheck at the end of the week. It sure ain�t for no praise in man�s eyes. If that�s what you�re seeking that�s all you�re gonna get! Oh but if you do that job, or if you sing, or if you play your instrument for Jesus, and not for what man has, then you will receive your reward in Heaven. Back up to verse 17: �And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father by Him.� See, you�re representing Jesus and your attitude is to reflect that. Your attitude is to be Christ-like. He never walked around wanting to be served, He desired to be the servant! In Philippians 2:14-15 we are told, �Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.� Amen! What that�s saying is don�t argue and gripe about something but be quiet and do it! Humble yourselves and do it as to God so this wicked world will find you without fault, and it will be a testimony to them. And, having a little light is fine; but let me tell you, you can shine like giant spot lights if your attitude is right! Do you need an �Attitude Check�?
During these battles I�ve been in, I�ve often found myself speaking �short� to Kim. Our attitude to our spouses is so very important. Everytime we address a Christian husband or wife, we�re speaking to Jesus. Colossians 3:19 says, �Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.� How can we say we love the Lord if an attitude of bitterness comes forth to our spouse, our children, those around us? I�ve had to do much repenting in this area and I�m so glad God has given me a wife full f love and forgiveness. Husbands, love your wives, and more than ever in the valleys. Some of my family has really come against me since my Mom died, but I�ve found that God placed my help-meet at my side to help me through the valley. I encourage each of you to do an �Attitude Check� concerning your spouse. And this shoe fits both men and women�s feet. In the trials is where you find some things that need to be left behind, cast off.
In this day of so much teaching concerning prosperity, I find many people that don�t know how to pray to God. They�ve heard so many talking about how you can get a mansion here or a Lexxus, and all you have to do is tell God. There�s a big problem with that! Yes, we are �joint heirs� to the kingdom of Heaven, because our Lord Jesus paid the price, that we could be �SONS OF GOD� (that covers you sisters too)! Only, first people have to learn what attitude in which to come before God. He said, �Ye have not; because ye ask not.� Notice that key word, �ASK�! Too many people take an attitude of pride and demanding, like the prodigal son did in Luke 15:12. Then some come like the Pharisee in Luke 18:9-12, with an attitude of self-trust, self-righteousness, and all they�ve done is make a lot of noise. They won�t receive anything from God because they�ve exalted themselves. The Pharisee in Luke 7:36 invited Jesus to his home only to be seen. He didn�t truly welcome Him in because he didn�t kiss Jesus or offer him water to bathe His feet. His attitude was wrong and he received nothing. Oh, but the sinful woman! She cam humbly, weeping, and annointed Jesus� feet, wiping them with her hair. She was bowed knowing she wasn�t worthy to stand before Jesus. She did receive because she had a humble attitude. Back over in Luke 18:13-14, look at the publican. He was humble and knew he was a sinner. Jesus said he went to his house justified � why? � because of his attitude. If you continue on to verses 15-17, you�ll see the attitude God is looking for: gentle, childlike, humble, ready to receive spiritually, simple and teachable before God. Yes, I�ve learned that attitude is very important before God, and as we represent Him before men, strangers, and family. We are heirs, co-owners to all God has in Heaven � but it�s ours for the asking, not the demanding! Don�t be surprised if you get a little test to see if you�re mature enough to keep what He can give you. That�s when God will give it to you � when you can keep it. So expect a little �Attitude Check�! Praise the Lord!
In Christ, Bro. Don George
NOT ALONE ~Author Unknown
Don�t think when you have troubles, your neighbor goes scot-free
Because he shows a smiling front and battles cheerfully,
No, man! He, too, has troubles but herein the difference lies,
While you go idly moping round, the other fellow tries.
Don�t envy other people; maybe, if the truth you knew,
You�d find their burdens heavier far, than is the case with you.
Because a fellow, rain or shine, can show a smiling face,
Don�t think you�d have it easier,if you could take his place.
�Tis hope and cheery courage, that incite one to retrieve
One�s past mistakes, to start afresh, to dare and to achieve.
So smile, and if perchance you light the spark of hope anew
In some poor sad and burdened heart, all honor be to you.
