Have a Great Attitude" But it's Not Fair!

An Excellent Spirit
“Do everything readily and cheerfully - no bickering, no second-guessing allowed.”
Philippians 2:14(MSG)

Joseph lifted the heavy bowl filled with the dirty dish water and poured it out on the grounds at Potiphar’s home.

This is grunt work. Father never made me work like this. I was his shining star  It’s my brothers’ fault. They’re to blame. I’ll tell you one thing, If I ever get out of this prison I’ll make a bee line to Canaan and tell Father what they did to me. Oh, yeah. That’ll be the end of them! I’m living for that day! Just the thought of revenge keeps me going”

Six months before

Rejected by his jealous brothers, a very sad Joseph was taken from the land he loved and sold into slavery in Egypt.  The brothers didn’t like his dreams. Some day he would be a ruler and they would bow to him. Never!

Rejected by his brothers, a very sad Joseph was sold into slavery and taken to a land far away—Egypt. 

                                                      That’s not fair!

But Joseph’s dreams did come true. His brothers bowed, Joseph forgave, and the nation of Israel was saved. How could it be? One word sums it all up. Attitude!

                                                            

                                                    He didn’t get even?

No. Joseph kept his eyes on God and the Bible says that God was with him. He was going to prosper.

Just keep looking at me, Joseph. I’ve got a plan.
 

And that’s what Joseph did. He had troubles galore but His attitude was clean and bright because He looked at Father God! He trusted His heart. 

The day came when Father God opened the door and Joseph sat down on the throne of Egypt second only to Pharaoh. Imagine that!

Could this be your story?  I tell you, this is your story. Not everyone is going to ooh and ah about you and your dreams. You can expect it! Only check—your attitude and look—to God. He is waiting to amaze you!

Dear Lord,
Forgive me when I grumble. My life is yours. I choose to trust you.

Serving  God

Pray for Others...Even When It 's Hard
“When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person.”
Luke 6:28 (MSG)

  
 The school was buzzing with the news. Students to perform in the special Christmas ensemble choir had been chosen. Beth's name was not to be found on the selected list.  Her heart sank. Not chosen...Why?

Beth hung her head. Didn’t she have a gift? Didn’t others say so—besides her parents?  She felt like a loser…hurt like one…acted like one.

Rehearsal was every day. Until the night of the Christmas program,  Beth would have to sit with others in the school wide choir and watch the special ensemble practice. She was crushed. Her friends in the ensemble  choir were rather prideful about their superior position and Beth could feel their snubs, their coolness toward her.

One day she shared her disappointment with her very wise grandmother. “Pray for the choir, Beth. Start praying for them and their performance. Love never fails. Love isn’t proud. Love is kind, and it never thinks evil of others.”

It was perfect advice. It came from the Bible…of course it was good!

And that’s what Beth did. As she watched the ensemble practice she prayed for them. As she prayed, God changed her heart. She genuinely cared for their success. The anger she once felt melted away and joy came on its heels.  On the night of the Christmas program Beth’s face beamed. Smiling, she told her grandmother, “Didn’t the ensemble do a wonderful job?”

Great people pray for the success of others.

They are not afraid to serve God with their prayers.

Two years later Beth was awarded the school’s music award. Only one student was selected for this prize. Beth had learned a secret. Serving by praying for those who fared better than herself brought joy—brought peace—brought reward!

Dear Lord, Who needs my prayer today? Show me...I will pray for them!