Day 2 - Today I will be VERY aware of having a positive attitude. Watch for any negative thoughts or talk and correct it immediately. Look at the good in everything.I'm starting my day with this scripture - I loved "The Message" version of it. I think it clearly describes what I need to do today. :) I'm really excited about what this day will bring. I just read some great comments from my sweet friends which has already given me a great start to a positive day. I will be keeping note of any negativity that tries to creep in today and how I will turn it around. (a life renewed from the inside out!)
But that's no life for you. You learned Christ! My assumption is that you have paid careful attention to him, been well instructed in the truth precisely as we have it in Jesus. Since, then, we do not have the excuse of ignorance, everything—and I do mean everything—connected with that old way of life has to go. It's rotten through and through. Get rid of it! And then take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you. Ephesians 4:20-23 (The Message)
I could not wait to get on here and do this post! What a great day! Was it because I woke up with a determination to be positive? Was it because I specifically picked a scripture to walk with me through the day? Was it because I knew I would reporting my progress tonight? I really don't know, but I do know that I had a different perspective today. It was an average day - not any great ups or downs but I was aware of being in a happy, joyful and positive place. By the time my hubby came home...he always asks me how my day was...and my usual response is.."It was Ok" or "It was a regular day"....but today when he asked me that I blurted out, "It was a GREAT day!" He looked at me a little strangely and said, "Good".... :)I also have been so blessed by all the comments, emails and phone calls of all you following this and getting good results. This is only Day 2 but so far I'm really lovin this and it's working for me.
I guess this really shouldn't be so surprising, as the Word tells us, "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." -Philippians 4:8
So when we do this we are going to walk in peace and joy.
Tomorrow - A day of Gratefulness - I am going to really center in on things that I don't usually notice or maybe have taken for granted. I will give you my list and my verse tomorrow. Be blessed and let me know how your doing!
4 comments:
The joy of The Lord is my strength. Did you notice, Kathy , that when you are walking in joy, you don't get tired, or weary. Like the mind and spirit are too busy being happy to get tired. :) More gets done, and you want to do more. Thank you, Lord. :)
Distilling Kathy’s thoughts on Day 2 –
1. Think on things that will keep you joyful.
2. Inner renewal
3. Blessed with what was received
4. Concentrating on truth
Unlike Kathy, the more that I delved into this pursuit of thought, the more troublesome my day went. The notes that I kept had me following a rather circuitous route of discovery leading me to think “where is this all leading and will I get a satisfactory outcome?” Each scripture that I followed on joy left me with more questions. I sat down and wrote them out in sequence as I received them and only then did I see what God had spoken. The information was given to me backwards. I will try to give you the short version. See if you follow His thoughts as I saw them.
1st words – CHOICE – I can choose to be happy/joyful in how I see the situation. This takes it outside of myself – I can separate the internal emotional need for my head to catch up to my soul (not my heart). I am content in the process of achieving joy, fully knowing I will possess the outcome.
Now the scriptures –
Phil 2:2 joy is complete when there is the same mind, united spirit, the same intent on one purpose. (when we join with God’s mind, spirit and plan)
Matthew 25:21 parable of the talents – being faithful to what is entrusted to you by your master allows you to enter his joy – you get to enjoy what is His because He redeemed and ransomed it for us (Is 35:10).
Psalm 51 various verses
6 Thou dost desire truth in the inner most being and in the hidden part Thou wilt make me know wisdom.
8 Make me hear joy and gladness (Joel 1:16 with everlasting joy on their heads)
10 Create in (for) me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast (an upright) spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me away from Thy presence, and do not take Thy Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy (Ps 13:5) of Thy salvation, and sustain me with a willing (Ps 110:3) spirit.
Psalm 13:5 I have trusted in Thy lovingkindness.
Psalm 110:3 willing = to volunteer freely
Conclusions –
Trusting in His lovingkindness allows you to enter into your master’s joy.
Rejoice in all your undertakings in which the Lord your God has blessed you. (Deut 12:7)
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You! (Isaiah 26:3 NLT)
Prayer – Lord, give me a willing heart and help me keep my focus on You. Trusting in Your lovingkindness towards me, I will be at peace.
So it took me a bit longer to come to similar conclusions with Kathy.
It will be curious to see where tomorrow leads.
Bettsy, So true, I have really been energize these last few days. I had gotten somewhat in a slump and changing my thoughts and perspective have made a big difference. I know that in my head but sometimes you need something to get you on the right track
Juliette,
Thank you for all the great scriptures on joy - I am always amazed at what you are able to see in what someone is saying. I don't think I stated my thots like the 4 points you point but they are totally correct. Can't wait to hear how your gratitude day went!
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