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NIV is used unless otherwise noted.



It’s Your Choice

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2:5

  
How many times have we read or heard the above Scripture yet gave little thought to what Jesus’ attitude might be? How can I know His attitude? It’s a simple answer, but it does require a choice and a commitment. We can only know His attitude by studying His word, especially those words that He spoke directly.

Pope Francis was quoted recently as suggesting three simple attitudes: “hopefulness, openness to being surprised by God, and living in joy.” What kind of attitude shall we begin with?

How high do we want to fly? I think that the Pope would be glad for you to use his words if you don’t have some flitting around in your mind.

Hopefulness = Living with hope, not with doubt or fear.
Openness to being surprised by God = Surprising us with a whisper, and sometimes with a hug. How long has it been since God surprised you? Did you miss it?

The Pope’s last suggested attitude was living in joy. Do you live in joy? If you don’t, will you make a decision to live in joy? Kay Warren, wife of Rick Warren, wrote a book which she entitled, Choose Joy because Happiness isn’t Enough.
A cancer survivor with a life long battle with depression, she shares her choice of living in joy.

Jesus knew about joy. John 15:11 gives us a jump start into a life of joy. Read it aloud, print it on a card, or even sing it. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

Heavenly Father, as I read Jesus’ words, I find many directions to the life that He came to give me. I am asking You to whisper to me when my attitude isn’t even close to the mind of Jesus.


          Lynda S.          

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