Of all the things you wear, your expression is the most important.

Attitude – An outward expression of an inward feeling.

What is an attitude?

It is the “advance man” of our true selves.

It’s roots are inward but it’s fruits are outward.

It is our best friend or our worst enemy.

It is more honest & consistent than our words.

It is an outward look based on past experiences.

It is a thing which draws people to us or repels them.

It is never content until it is expressed.

It is the librarian of our past.

It is the speaker of our present.

It is the prophet of our future.

The good news is that we can choose our attitude! As we grow older, our attitude transitions from being formed by conditions to being formed by choice.

Two construction workers sat down to have their lunch. One opened his lunch box and angrily screamed, “I can’t believe it! Baloney again! I hate baloney sandwiches! This is the 4th time this week I’ve had baloney! I can’t stand baloney!” His friend tried to settle him down, “Take it easy. Why don’t you just tell your wife that you don’t like baloney sandwiches? Ask her to fix something else.” “Wife?” Replied the 1st man, “I make my own lunch!”

The fact is, most of the baloney in our lives, we have put there ourselves. It is possible for us as Christians to have the “older brother” attitude concerning others, as we see in the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15. Note the following negative possibilities:

First, it is possible for us to assume the place & privilege of a son while refusing the obligations of a brother. The older brother outwardly was correct, conscientious, industrious and dutiful, but look at his attitude. Also note that a wrong relationship with the brother brought a strained relationship with the father.

Second, it is possible to serve the Father faithfully yet not be in fellowship with Him. A right relationship will usually cultivate similar interests & priorities. Yet the older brother had no idea why the father would rejoice over his son’s return.

Third, it is possible to be an heir of all our Father possesses yet have less joy & liberty than one who possesses nothing. The servants were happier than the older son. They ate, laughed, & danced while he stood on the outside demanding his rights.

A wrong attitude kept the older brother away from the heart’s desire of the father, the love of his brother, and the joy of the servants. Wrong attitudes in our lives, will block the blessings of God and cause us to love below God’s potential for our lives.

My Time With God

1.) Preparation Time

List the areas in which your attitude needs improving:

2.) Waiting Time

Think about the Father’s incredible love for the prodigal son and the older brother.

During your waiting time, let God…

Love You

“God, I feel your love today, especially in the area of…”

Search You

“God, You have permission to reveal any wrong attitude in my life.”

Show You

“God, is there anything that I need to know as I enter this day?”

3.) Confession Time

When our attitude begins to erode like the older brother’s, we should remember two things:

Our Privilege: “My child, you have always been with me.” (Vs. 31)

Our Possessions: “All that is mine is yours.” (Vs. 31)

Confess your ingratitude to God & what He has provided for you.

4.) Bible Time

We can never pray out of God’s will when we pray God’s Word.

…Read Philippians 2:3-8 slowly a couple of times.

…Close your eyes & allow a main truth to surface in your heart.

…Pray the Scripture & allow God to minister to you.

In this passage, Paul talks about the attitudes we should possess as Christians.

5.) Meditation Time

After praying the Scriptures, write down the thoughts that God has impressed upon your mind.

6.) Intercession Time – Praying for Others

Begin this time with a prayer of blessing & thanksgiving for the people for whom you will now intercede.

Name Request

7.) Petition Time – Praying for Yourself

How to Petition God Properly

A. Talk to Him about the “little things.”

B. Be honest with God.

C. Pray “Thy Will be done.”

Prayer Requests

8.) Application Time

The smallest obedient act is better than the greatest intention.

Q: What is the main thing that God has impressed upon me today?

Q: What am I going to do about it?

Steps to take in my obedience to God

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

9.) Faith Time

Faith is our positive response to what God has said. Spend a few moments praying, through your eyes of faith. Tell God the positive things you see happening because of His goodness!

10.) Praise and Thanksgiving Time

Praise God by recognizing WHO HE IS.

Thank God by recognizing WHAT HE HAS DONE.

David’s Three-fold Process of Praise – Psalm 34:1-3

1. Praise begins with the will – “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” (Vs 1) His attitude reflects a determination to rejoice, regardless of the situation.

2. Praise flows to the emotion – “My soul shall make its boast in the Lord.” (Vs. 2) Now David is praising the Lord not only because it’s right, but also because he feels like it.

3. Praise spreads to others – “The humble shall hear it and rejoice. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.” (Vs. 2-3) David demonstrates that the desired performance — “praise” — begins with an attitude that is determined to do it.

The conclusion of the chapter records David’s triumphant “The Lord redeems the soul of His servants…”

This Week’s Memory Verse – (Philippians 2:3-4)

This Week’s Time Alone With God

Monday – This lesson

Tuesday – Choose a friend and evaluate their attitude. Write down several words that describe it. What is their performance indicator as a result of that attitude? Now do that for yourself.

Wednesday – List two problems that are presently a part of your life. Beside the two problems, write down your present reactions to them. Are they negative? Your challenge: Discover at least 3 possible benefits from each problem. Now attack the problem with your eyes on the benefits, not the barriers.

Thursday – Challenge: For one week, treat every person you meet, without a single exception, as the most important person on earth. You will find that they will begin treating you the same way.

Friday – Our attitude does not remain stagnant. A balloon half blown up is full of air but is not filled to capacity. A rubber band pulls the object it holds together and is effective only when stretched. What are you encountering that demands the stretching of your attitude? Are you adjusting? Write a statement that identifies what you feel will be your next “storm.” Now think through the strategy you’ll use to counter a possible bad attitude regarding that situation.