Attitude—The Difference Maker #12: Problem Solving

 Jesus said, “...In this world you will have trouble…” (John 16:33)

The Bible speaks of the man named Job as one of the most godly individuals to have ever lived. Yet he experienced a great deal of hardships through life.  He began as a very wealthy man, who was blessed with a big family and was widely honored throughout the land. However, one day a messenger came and told him that his wealth was gone. While he was standing there another messenger came to him and told him that his sons and daughters had all been killed in a storm. Then not long after, his health was taken as well. Meanwhile, instead of comforting him, his friends said that it was all his fault that he was experiencing the suffering that he was. And his wife told him to just curse God and die (probably most people would want to die if they had a spouse and circumstances as he did). So Job said, “Man born of woman is of few days and full of trouble” (Job 14:1).

It is natural to consider all the struggles and hardships that this life throws at us and naturally have a bad attitude about things!  Job could have very easily had a bad attitude given all that he went through. Yet somehow in spite of all of Job’s loss and suffering, he was able to maintain a proper perspective and an amazing attitude. How was he able to do that?

Job embodied seven principles for problem solving that not only can solve your problems but also help to maintain a good attitude through it all. First, if you are going to overcome the problems of life that come your way, you need to begin with identifying what the problem is. Often, it can be easy to get sidetracked with issues that are not the real problem, rather they are only symptoms of the problem. The symptom might be stress that is beyond what you can bear, but the cause is unrealistic expectations that others have placed on you or that you have placed on yourself. The symptom might be marital strife but the cause is a lack of communication. The symptom might be a lack of money to meet your monthly expenses, but the cause is the desire to live beyond your financial means. This could be the result of not budgeting or a lack of contentment in the things that you do have (see Phil. 4:11-13). Thus, if you truly want to solve the problems that you are wrestling with, you have to be able to clearly identify what the root cause is.

The second principle is to expect problems to happen. Now this does not mean that we should be all doom and gloom all the time constantly thinking that everything is going to go wrong. Yet it is about expecting problems in advance that way you can be better prepared to handle them when they do come your way. In this, you may actually be able to prevent problems because you are looking ahead to what possible problems could occur.

A certain college student sent an email to his parents which read, “Flunked out of school and coming home tomorrow. Prepare Dad.” After just a short while, this young man received back a response from his mother: “Dad prepared. Prepare yourself!”

The former owner of the Oakland Raiders football team, Al Davis said, “A great leader doesn’t treat problems as special. He treats them as normal.” If you are working, expect problems. If you are dealing with family, expect problems.

  In every area of your life it is good to expect problems and rejoice when things go well. Yet even in the problems we can rejoice. James 1:2-4 NLT says, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” So when you anticipate problems, you can be better prepared for them, not frustrated when they do come, and looking at them as an opportunity rather than a burden.

Third principle of problem solving is to face it. Denying the problem may feel good for a period of time. This is similar to the people continuing to play the music on the Titanic. The music may have helped to calm their nerves; but it was not going to prevent them from drowning. The simple fact of the matter is that a problem exists, and it is impossible to solve if we are unwilling to face it. Facing a problem is really about being willing to do whatever it takes to overcome it.  Beth Moore said, “So that thing you were so excited about turned out to be harder than you dreamed. Things that matter always are. Endure.”

A fourth principle of problem solving is evaluation. We need to take time to examine the situation at hand. What is the issue? Where did the problem originate? Is it of critical importance to overcome? What would be the outcome if left alone? What potential does this problem present? In other words, what benefits or opportunities can be acquired by facing this issue? President John F. Kennedy was once asked how he became a war hero. To which he responded “It is quite easy. Somebody sunk my boat!” The greatest opportunities often spring from the greatest challenges.

Once you have personally taken the time to evaluate the issue it is a good idea to enlist help. How do other people who are closest to me view the problem? What are possible solutions to this problem? Grenville Kleiser said, “To every problem there is already a solution whether you know what it is or not.” Odds are, someone knows what the solution is. And as Christians, we know Someone who does know the solution to every problem. James, Jesus’ brother said, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5). Therefore, what does God’s Word have to say about issues similar to what you are going through?

Beyond that, God often places people in our lives who can help us in our problems. So, how have others been able to overcome this issue? Would someone be willing to help you through the issue? As Christians, we are blessed with others who will do just that. Meanwhile, we are called to do the same for others. “Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2). 

Norman Vincent Peale said, “Positive thinking is how you think about a problem. Enthusiasm is how you feel about a problem. The two together determine what you do about a problem.”

Sixth principle in solving a problem, after you have taken the time to consider the situation both by yourself and with the input of others, it comes time to determine the best possible way to solve the situation. There was a certain woman who was being tried for the murder of her husband. During the trial, a lawyer asked, “What happened to your first husband?” “He died of mushroom poisoning,” she answered. “How about your second husband?” “He died of mushroom poisoning as well,” she said. “Well then, what about your third husband” asked the lawyer. “He died of a concussion.” How did that happen?” asked the attorney. “He wouldn’t eat the mushrooms. :)

So what is the best possible solution to your problem? (And no, it is not to kill your spouse) There is always a solution to your problem, it is just a matter of going through the process that we have discussed in this article that can help you in discovering that answer.

Lastly, move into action. Focus on the task at hand. Carry out the solution in specific, measurable, concrete actions that you can realistically do, one step at a time, and in a timely matter. Ask the Lord to let you be flexible to adjusting the planned solution and be open to the leading of the Spirit as you move forward.

Overcoming the problems that arise can transform your life and possibly our world. Often this will require removing any distraction that could hinder you. Procrastinating about the problem is not going to solve it.

In His service,

Matt

(Portions from John Maxwell, The Difference Maker)

“Forget” . . . . . . & “Remember”

 Well, I for one am glad we have turned the page on an old year and I am looking forward to new challenges in 2021.  I am glad to leave Covid, political bickering, and other issues that have divided the country.  I'm reminded of the words of Paul in Philippians 3:13-14

“…but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,  I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”  

Paul here reminds us to forget what we can't do much about but to focus on what really counts, aligning our lives with the upward call of God.

We are called to remember what God promises to us.  In chapter 4, Paul reminds us “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  

Let’s live 2021 in happy contentment believing what is written in Philippians 4:19 “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”  

—Alan

Attitude—The Difference Maker #11: Perspective on Problems

 “For me to live is Christ to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21).

One’s perspective is vitally important. Therefore, as we begin this new year, I think that it is a good time to make sure that our perspective is properly aligned. This is especially true related to one’s attitude. Take for example the following story. A shoe salesman was sent to a remote part of the country. When he arrived, he was dismayed because everyone was barefooted. He wired his company, “No prospect for sales. People don’t wear shoes here.” Later another salesman went to the same territory. He too immediately sent word to the home office, but his telegram read, “Great potential! People don’t wear shoes here!”

Thus, in this article, I’d like us to consider five facts about the problems we experience in life, and how maintaining a proper perspective can help us to overcome our problems and have a proper attitude even through the worst of situations.

First, it is important to realize that everyone has problems. It can be so easy to see others whom we admire as having perfect lives without the problems that we deal with. Yet all people experience problems just the same even if they are different problems from what we are battling with. People tend to think that the grass is greener on the other side. We look to people who might have something that we are missing and think that their lives must be perfect. However, if you were to talk with those who have the lifestyle that you long for, they would tell you of the problems that they are struggling with. Often, the problems that we deal with are not as bad as the problems of those who have the lifestyle we long for. Regardless, the point is, everyone has problems.

Second, it is important to realize that our perspective on our problems is usually what determines whether we succeed or fail. Consider the following differences between a right and wrong perspective: 

 

Wrong Perspective	Right Perspective
Problems are unsolvable.	Problems are solvable.
Problems are permanent.	Problems are temporary.
Problems are not normal.	Problems are a normal part of life.
Problems make us bitter.	Problems make us better.
Problems control us.	Problems challenge us.
Problems stop us.	Problems stretch us.

 

 The most common reason that people struggle with the wrong perspective is a matter of proximity to the issue at hand. Often overcoming our problems and/or gaining a proper perspective on our problems requires us to take a step back and look at things from a different angle. This could include asking others for their perspective on the issue at hand.

Third, it is important to realize that there is a difference between identifying the problem and solving the problem. Identifying a problem is most definitely an important part of problem solving, yet stopping there accomplishes nothing. Cartoonist Ashleigh Brilliant remarked, “I don’t have any solutions, but I certainly admire the problem.” Frankly, that is the way a lot of people operate. It can be very easy for most people to identify problems, especially in other people's lives whom they tend to be critical of. And for many of us, it can be easy to identify our own problems. However, finding a solution is a completely different story! Therefore, if you are trying to help another person with their problems, please consider possible solutions before informing them of their problems, this will help their forward progress in overcoming their problems.

Fourth, it is important to realize that the size of the person often is proportional to the size of the problem. The greater and more successful a person becomes is completely indicative of the obstacles that they have had to face in order to reach that level of success. Or worded another way, the greater the problems, the greater the opportunity.

There’s a world of difference between a person who has a big problem and a person who makes a problem big. It’s said that legal immigrants here in the United States are four times more likely to become millionaires than native born Americans. The reason for this seems to be very clear, they have already faced numerous challenges in just coming to this country: language and cultural differences that they had from their home country, financial issues, separation from friends and family members, prejudice issues, and lack of support.

The bottom line is this, the greater the things that you want to accomplish in life, the greater the obstacles that you must overcome in achieving these great things. Scripturally, we can see that those whom God did/does the most through are the ones who have had to face the largest obstacles.

Lastly, it is important to realize that responding correctly to our problems often puts us in a place to accomplish extraordinary things. Joseph was a man whom God had given an incredible vision for his life. God told him through a vision that one day Joseph would be a great leader, ruling over his people. Little did Joseph know that the path to that vision becoming a reality would include being beaten by his brothers, thrown in a pit, sold as a slave, estranged to be dead by his beloved parents, younger brother and friends, thrown into prison for a crime he did not commit, forgotten by those he helped, and left in prison for years. Yet all of those problems prepared him for a life of extraordinary significance! Then in a moment, he went from the prison to the palace, seeing the fulfillment of his God given purpose for life.     

So I don’t know what problems you are currently facing. Yet I know that a proper perspective on them can make all the difference in the world!

In His service,

Matt

(Portions from John Maxwell, The Difference Maker)

Matt’s Matters: A Covid 19 Christmas

             The Apostle John said in Revelation 6:8 NLT “I looked up and saw a horse whose color was pale green. Its rider was named Death, and his companion was the Grave. These two were given authority over one-fourth of the earth, to kill with the sword and famine and disease and wild animals.”

As a pastor, a question that I have received from several people over the past several months of this global pandemic is this. “Matt, do you think that the Coronavirus is a judgment from God?” In order to properly answer that question, a careful understanding of Scripture is required. Throughout Scripture, God warns over and over again that any country that sins against God by rejecting Him or by being unfaithful to Him will be judged regardless of whether there are righteous believers among them or not (Lev. 26:14-16; Ezek. 14:12-13; Rev. 6:1-8). These few righteous will ultimately be saved, but they may still experience some suffering on behalf of the majority.

Therefore, my simple answer is yes. I do believe that God has allowed our world to experience the Coronavirus as a means to wake us up before something worse happens. In fact, this is the very reason why the judgments of the book of Revelation take place, to get people to repent (Rev. 9:20-21; 16:9-11).

It is important to note that at times in Scripture even God’s holy people experienced suffering from God’s judgment upon non-believers (Ex. 8:16-19; 7:17-25; 8:5-15; Acts 14:22; Rev. 1:9). Thus, if you are a devoted Christ follower who has or is suffering with Covid 19, I am not at all saying that this is God’s judgment on you. No, not at all!

On the other hand, God does allow His people to experience suffering in order to test, refine, and purify them in their walk with Him (2 Cor. 12:6-10; Heb. 12:5-6). God also allows us to experience suffering in order to enable us to know Him better as God in the flesh, Jesus Christ suffered greatly for us (Job 42:5; Phil. 3:10).

Knowing these things, how should we live this Christmas as the pandemic rages on? There are three principles that should guide our lives during this time.

First, don't test the Lord. This is the whole idea, "Don't you believe that God can keep you safe from the Coronavirus?" Absolutely, but I am not going to go play around with it either! This is the whole adage, if you play with fire, eventually you are going to get burned. When Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, one of his attacks was very similar to this. "The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If You are the Son of God,” he said, “throw Yourself down from here. For it is written: “‘He will command His angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test" (Luke 4:9-12).

The Baker New Testament Commentary explained these verses like this. “Daily life all around us affords abundant illustrations of false confidence, similar to that which the devil urged Jesus to exercise. A person will earnestly beseech the Lord to bestow upon him the blessing of health; however, he neglects to observe the rules of health. Or, he will ask God to save his soul; however, he neglects to use the means of grace, such as the study of Scripture, church attendance, the sacraments, living a life for the benefit of others to the glory of God. Again, someone will plead with the Lord for the spiritual as well as physical welfare of his children, but he himself neglects to bring them up in the way of the Lord. A church member, admonished because at a circus he had eagerly rushed into a corrupt side show, defended himself by saying, “I cannot deny that I went there, but while I was there I was constantly praying, ‘Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity’” (Ps. 119:37 KJV). “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test” is the answer to all of this.”

By this point in time, it is very hard to deny the reality of the Covid 19 virus. It is real; and a lot of people have died from it; however, praise God most don’t. Yet just because most people don’t die from it is not a very wise reason to live as though it does not exist! So what are you saying Matt? I think that taking some precautions is not a bad thing: washing your hands frequently, if you are sick, stay home. Don’t look down upon others if they want to wear a mask, etc. Otherwise, you are just encouraging others to test the Lord, which Scripture commands against.

The second principle that should guide us through the global pandemic this Christmas season is to remember God’s promises, don’t be fearful. Over and over again, the Bible commands us to not be fearful of anyone or anything other than the Lord. Healing is part of the very nature of God, and in His grace, He offers it to those who fear Him: “To you who fear My name the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings…” (Mal. 4:2 NKJV). 

Pastor John Piper shared the following personal testimony. John said, “I recall being told on December 21, 2005, that I had prostate cancer. For the next several weeks, all the talk was about odds. Odds with waiting to see. Odds with medications. Odds with homeopathic procedures. Odds with radical surgery. My wife, Noël, and I took these numbers seriously. But in the evening, we would smile at each other and think, Our hope is not in the odds. Our hope is in God. We did not mean, “It is 100% certain God will heal me, while doctors can only give me odds.” The Rock we are talking about is better than that. Yes, better than healing.

Even before the phone call from the doctor telling me I had cancer, God had already reminded me in a remarkable way about the Rock under my feet. After my usual annual exam, the urologist had looked at me and said, “I’d like to do a biopsy.” Really? I thought. “When?” “Right now, if you have the time.” “I’ll make time.” While he was going to get the machine, and while I was changing into the typical unflattering blue gown, there was time for me to ponder what was happening.

So he thinks I may have cancer. As my future in this world began to change before my eyes, God brought to my mind something I had read recently in the Bible. Here is what He said to me in that urologist’s office as I waited for the biopsy that would confirm that I had cancer. “John Piper, this is not wrath. Live or die, you will be with Me.” That’s my paraphrase. Here’s what he actually said: “God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with Him” (1 Thess. 5:9–10). Awake or asleep—that is, live or die—I will be alive with God. That is very different from playing the odds with cancer—or with the coronavirus. This is the firm Rock under my feet.” 

When you have Jesus as the Rock under your feet you have nothing to fear. “But now, this is what the Lord says—He who created you, Jacob, He who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior” (Isa. 43:1-3a).

Thus, I want to encourage you as a faithful follower of Christ to continue to live your life. Don’t allow this virus to stop you from living. For example, my family recently took a trip to Washington D.C. and several places between here and there. We called ahead, and took the necessary precautions, yet we were not going to allow a virus to prevent us from living.

Likewise, I want to encourage you to continue to make the most of the opportunities that God places before you. So, continue to love and serve others. Just be wise about it. An illustration of this comes from our recent Community Thanksgiving Dinner. We as a church delivered meals to people who had the Coronavirus at that time. They knew that we were coming. We placed things by their door. And let them know via a text or phone call that it was there, and left. Therefore, the person delivering was not exposed, and yet God’s love was shared. 

The third principle to guide us through the global pandemic this Christmas season is to be faithful to the Lord. This goes right back to where we started. Yes, I believe from Scripture that God has allowed our world to experience this pandemic in order to bring judgment upon the world, calling non-believers to repent, and that God is using it to purify His people, drawing us nearer to Him. The question is though, will we remain faithful to Him?

 Studies have shown that pretty much across the country, church attendance is down by at least one third, and many places more than that. Yes, many churches either have gone online, or offer online church services as a possibility. No doubt for some, that is the best option. Yet are you truly connected in that? For some the answer is yes. They do virtual meetings, and communicate frequently by one means or another. Even in that, we need to be willing to open up and share our burdens with others and to help carry their burdens as well.

However, for most, online only creates a consumer mentality Christianity where it is all about what I can receive rather than what I can give. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Likewise, it sets us up to not really be involved with the Bride of Christ, aka, the church. Therefore, “Let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near” (Heb. 10:25).

The more a person walks away from the church the more they begin to live like the world. Unfortunately, we know from a careful examination of Scripture that just prior to Jesus’s second coming, there will be a great falling away of God’s people (Luke 18:8; 1 Tim. 4:1-3; 2 Tim. 3:1-3; 4:3-4; Rev. 11:7-11). However, may we remain faithful. “Therefore tell the people: This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'Return to Me,' declares the LORD Almighty, 'and I will return to you,' says the LORD Almighty” (Zech. 1:3). So may we do as Exodus 23:25 states. “Worship the LORD your God, and His blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you.”

Thus, may these principles guide us this Christmas and all our days. So may we live wisely, not foolishly testing the Lord. May we not fear the Coronavirus or anything/anyone. And may we remain faithful to the Lord

Merry Christmas!

Matt

Attitude—The Difference Maker #10: Changing Times

 “Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God” (Matt. 3:8 NLT).

No doubt, this past year has been one of the most challenging years we have ever faced. The Coronavirus pandemic, shut downs, economic upheaval of many businesses, protests and riots etc., have made many people long for a new year—minus the struggles. For my family personally, 2021 will bring about many changes with the expectant arrival of our third child in late February. Yet as much as we like the idea of change, typically the only ones who truly want it are wet babies.

Therefore, most people tend to resist change. When we resist change, our attitudes are naturally affected. And more importantly than that, God calls all of us to change as we daily turn from our sinful desires to follow Him. Yet change is not easy for there are several reasons why we resist change.

  First, we resist it because we fear having personal loss. I remember when I was a kid, the factory that my dad worked at shut down, which meant that my dad, along with about 600 people were out of a job, not to mention the affect that it had on all of their families. For us, it meant that I would have to move. I had never moved before and so was fearful of it. I was fearful about leaving behind my friends and having to downsize my possessions that I held dear.

Another reason we tend to resist change is because of our fear of the unknown. One writer said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself—and possibly the bogeyman.” Ironically, it’s the “bogeyman” who often causes us to resist change. It’s what we don’t know that makes us afraid.

People often cling to what they know, even if they are not satisfied with it. Fear holds us back, yet the only way to overcome the fear is to do the thing that we fear.

Third, people resist change because the timing could be wrong. One of John Maxwell’s 21 irrefutable laws of leadership states, “When to lead is as important as what to do and where to go.” Thus, it is a wise thing to carefully consider timing for change.

Fourth, people resist change because it feels awkward. Change is often going to require you to step outside of your comfort zone. Likewise, most people don’t like to rock the boat. Yet sometimes it takes rocking the boat to get it unstuck.

And fifth, people resist change because of tradition. Many people cling to tradition. The assumption is that if something is tradition, it must be a better way. But that’s not necessarily so. Jesus rebuked the religious leaders of His day by saying, “...you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition” (Matt. 15:6 NKJV). As was quoted at the beginning of this article, we are all called to change—it’s called repentance. And if you think that you don’t regularly need to repent, it shows what you need to repent of—pride.

Therefore, how can we move forward in the direction that God would have for us—even if we don’t like change? The keys to dealing with change successfully are having a good attitude toward it and being prepared to meet it. So the following four things can assist you. 

First, ask God for help. Throughout the Bible we can find numerous examples of God transforming people in mighty ways, and He does the same thing today. He gives courage to the fearful, strength to the weak, success in the place of failure, comfort to the hurting, joy in place of sadness, life to the dead and dying, and thus, hope to the hopeless. When a Samaritan woman came to Jesus, He took her past reputation that had caused her shame and used it to produce joy and dignity. So ask Him for help with the changes that you need to go through.

Second, to help overcome the struggle with change, realize that change is unavoidable. If you doubt that simply look in the mirror. :) We all experience it whether we like it or not. And the simple fact of the matter is that things will always be changing. So the sooner that a person can learn to accept that fact the easier that the change will be.

Third, to help overcome the struggle with change, make the commitment to change. The simple fact of the matter is that much of life is hard, but we make the choice to go through the struggles that we know are worthwhile. As someone once said, “Marriage is hard. Divorce is hard. Choose your hard. Obesity is hard. Being fit is hard. Choose your hard. Being in debt is hard. Being financially disciplined is hard. Choose your hard. Communication is hard. Not communicating is hard. Choose your hard.  Life will always have things that are hard. But we can choose our hard. Pick wisely.”

So as you consider how to make the changes needed to improve and grow, it is important to measure the cost of change compared to the cost of status quo. Change equals growth. And change equals grief.

Lastly, a simple understanding of the Gospel message can help us to deal with change. One writer explained it like this: “When we believe the gospel, we accept the truth that we need to change. We know we are broken people whom God is making new through Christ. Not only us as individuals, but we believe that God is going to make all things new. There is also a cosmic change coming.
God not only wants to change your status—from non-Christian to Christian—but also to change you. He wants to make you like His Son Jesus” (Erik Raymond, Change is Good). This is exactly what Romans 8:29 teaches. “For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers.”

I wonder if you’ve thought about your Christian lives through the lenses of change. Are you aware of this change? Are you resistant to it? What are you doing to pursue it? As we seek to pursue the transformation that God has for us, it naturally changes our attitudes for the better!

In His service,

Matt

(Portions from John Maxwell, The Difference Maker)

Elder’s Corner: Is Patriotism Still Alive?

I was reading an article from Reader's Digest last month about Alexander Scammell. He was an American Revolution soldier who was writing a friend of his to explain why the war against the crown must be pursued. Here is the body of the letter: “My friend, tyranny and oppression wield their iron rod over our country; they begin to shake the very foundation of our constitution. Whilst the voice of our forefathers' blood cries to us from the ground, to define the rights, the liberty, and the territory which they so dearly purchased by their crimson gore and treasure. . . .Every man of true honor and virtue will rather contend for the honor of first spilling his blood in so glorious a cause…yours Alexr. Scammell.”  A few years later, at the Battle of Yorktown, Scammell did indeed spill his blood for the cause he held so dear. This dear country has had a myriad of soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, in the years since our initial freedom, for the liberties which we sometimes (too often) take for granted.

This got me thinking about a Christian's responsibility to vote, to support our countries' leaders, and to be in active support of our government. Let me share some scriptures: Titus 3:1 “Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed.”  Romans 13:1 “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.”  This passage continues talking about those who obey the authorities have no reason to fear, but those who are evil have a reason to fear because the laws were made to protect people and property. He concludes that it is a citizen's duty to pay taxes to whom due. Then in verse 8 a higher command is reinforced, one that Jesus himself not only taught but also lived out. “Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.” Can you imagine what would happen in government, in cities, in the country if we as a nation just obeyed that higher calling?

1 Peter 2: 13-17 “Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by Him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.”

Once again I marvel at how current, this book that God wrote to us, and how relevant it is in today's political situation. So I would urge you to do your duty and vote for the candidate that you believe most closely reflects God's will for our nation.

I would be remiss if I didn't also remind you of a quote from Abraham Lincoln “Stand with anyone who stands right, Stand with him as long as he is right, and depart from him when he goes wrong.” This quote reminds me of many other scriptures which demand that a Christian oppose a government that stands in opposition to the principles of God. See Acts 4:19; and Acts 5:29. When Peter was called in on the carpet for disregarding the “Council” he replied, as we should “We must obey God rather than men.”     

—Alan 

Attitude—The Difference Maker #9: Obstacles in the Path

"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing” (James 1:2-4 NLT).

I recently came across some humorous ways to know if you would have been better to stay in bed than to get up and face the day. You know it’s going to be a bad day when…

 

· You turn on the morning news and it’s showing you emergency routes out of town.

· The sun comes up in the west.

· Your boss tells you not to bother taking off your coat.

· You jump out of bed and you miss the floor.

· The bird singing outside your bedroom window is a vulture.

· You wake and your dentures are locked together.

· Your car’s horn gets stuck while you’re following a group of Hell’s Angels.

· You call to get your messages and are told it’s none of your business.

· Your tax return check bounces.

· You step on the scale and it says “tilt.”

· You call suicide prevention, and they put you on hold.

 Perhaps you have your own list as to when you know it is going to be a really bad day. Yet regardless, it is important to know that we should not be surprised when we experience obstacles in life. All who achieve worthwhile success in life will have to endure great trials; and these trials can make it challenging to keep a good attitude. To be more specific, there are five big attitude obstacles: discouragement, change, problems, fear, and failure. Each of these five are worth considering individually to better understand how you can make it through while maintaining the difference maker, a right attitude.

There are five keys that can help us to overcome discouragement. First, take you discouragement to the Lord. 1 Peter 5:7 tells us to cast all of our cares upon Him because He cares for us. A lady named Hannah in the Bible experienced a great amount of discouragement. Hannah had good reason to feel discouraged and bitter: She was unable to have children. She shared her husband with a woman who ridiculed her. Her loving husband could not solve her problem. Even the high priest misunderstood her motives. But instead of retaliating or giving up hope, Hannah prayed. She brought her problem honestly before God.

Each of us may face times of barrenness when nothing comes to life in our work, ministry, or relationships. It is difficult to pray in faith when we feel so ineffective. But, as Hannah discovered, prayer opens the way for God to work (portions from The Handbook of Application). Therefore, as the old hymn proclaims, we should never be discouraged as we take it to the Lord in prayer. Then we will recognize that we have a friend in Jesus who lifts us up out of the pit of despair.

God has the strength we need to face our challenges. When our resources are limited and insufficient, He is more than enough. Annie Johnson Flint wrote, “He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater, He sendeth more strength when the labors increase; To added afflictions He addeth His mercy, To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance, When our strength has failed ere the day is half done, When we reach the end of our hoarded resources Our Father’s full giving is only begun.

Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision, Our God ever yearns His resources to share; Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing; The Father both thee and thy load will up bear. His love has no limits, His grace has no measure, His power no boundary known unto men; For out of His infinite riches in Jesus He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.”  We must simply ask of Him in prayer.

The second key to overcoming discouragement is to consider the big picture. Often when trials go our way they can make us forget to step back and see things from a bigger perspective. The trials that we struggle with in the moment tend to seem so insignificant after a short amount of time. This reveals the struggle of making mountains out of mole hills. Yet when we take a step back, we are better able to understand our obstacles, and in so doing, we are better able to see ways of getting past those discouraging times.

Author Helen Rice wrote, “And together we stand at life’s crossroads and view what we think is the end, but God has a much bigger vision and He tells us it’s only a bend. For the road goes on and is smoother, and the pause in the song is a rest. And the part that’s unsung and unfinished is the sweetest and richest and best. So rest and relax and grow stronger. Let go and let God share your load, your work is not finished or ended, you’ve just come to a bend in the road.”

If you can maintain that perspective, you can overcome discouragement and move beyond it. No one need be held captive to it.

Third, if you want to overcome discouragement spend time with successful people. This can be done through personal interactions, listening to them on the radio, TV, internet, or through reading their books. It has been said that you are the person that you will be five years from now with exception of the books that you read and the people that you associate with. The more time that you spend with people who are a little further down the road of life in an area that you would like to be successful in, the more you will naturally be able to follow in their footsteps.

The book of Proverbs has a lot to say about the value of associating with wise people and struggles associated with spending time with those who will not build you up. Proverbs 13:20 ^NCV says, “Spend time with the wise and you will become wise, but the friends of fools will suffer.”  Proverbs 27:17 ^NLT says, “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” So surround yourself with people who are going to lift you higher. Thus, “The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray” (Pro. 12:26). 

 The fourth key to overcome discouragement is to speak life. The Bible says that the power of life and death are in the tongue (Pro. 18:21). If your best friend said the things you say to yourself, you would punch them in the face. The fact of the matter is that we tend to be our own worst critics.

Dr. Martin Lloyd Jones said, “Most of your unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself rather than talking to yourself” (Spiritual Depression: Its Causes and Cure, p. 20). In other words, by speaking down to ourselves, we naturally drag ourselves down. Yet when we speak to ourselves and to others things that are meant to build us up and encourage us, we are better able to discover ways out of our despair. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

And lastly, the fifth key to overcome discouragement is to refuse to quit. One writer said, “Ninety percent of those who fail are not actually defeated. They simply quit.” Proverbs 24:16 ^GW says it like this, “A righteous person may fall seven times, but he gets up again. However, in a disaster wicked people fall.” Additionally, the Bible encourages us to remain on the course God has for us and in the end we will reap a harvest of blessings if we don’t give up (Gal. 6:9).

Thus, no doubt, sometimes it can be very challenging to maintain a positive attitude, especially in the face of discouragement. Yet discouragement does not need to weigh us down, as you were made to soar above it!

 In His service,

Matt

(Portions from John Maxwell, The Difference Maker)