Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Change Your Perspective Part 2

Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV) “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!     Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

Let’s review Part

Proper Perspective:

A. Sees Problems as Possibilities: Matthew 14:13-21 (Feeding of 5000)

B. Sees Failures as Stepping Stones: Biblical examples of failure as a stepping stone.  (Abraham, Moses, David, Peter)
________________________________________________________________________

A little boy was playing outside and was stung by a bee.  He went into his house crying and said to his mother, "I hate bees! I wish God had never made them." The mother eased his pain, then sat him down at the table and gave him some toast and honey.
The little boy said, "This is great!"
"You really do like honey, don't you?" the mother responded,
"Like it?" the little boy replied, "I love it!"
The mother then said, "The same bee that stings also produces the honey you are enjoying right now."
Her son thought for a minute and said, "I never realized there was a good side to that bee!"
We can view a bee as an enemy that stings or as a friend that produces honey.  And that's the way it is with everything in life.  We can choose to look at the plus side in every situation, or we can choose to look at the minus side.  The difference will be one of living a life of depression or a life of rejoicing. (Kent Crockett, The 911 Handbook, Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 2003, 83-84)
C. Sees Conflicts as Opportunities for Grace: John 18 (The Arrest of Jesus)

John records the arrest of Jesus in Gethsemane.  Jesus and his disciples had gone to the garden so Jesus could pray.  John tells us that while they were there Judas Iscariot lead a group of soldiers to arrest Jesus.  When the soldiers came up to Jesus, Peter draws his sword and cuts off the ear of the High Priest’s servant.  Jesus tells Peter to put his sword away.  Jesus could have led a rebellion against the soldiers or called down angels to wipe them out but instead he extended grace in his behavior toward them as well as showing grace toward the servant by healing his ear. 

How often when a conflict arises in our lives do we look for ways to retaliate or do we react in anger?  Conflict is our opportunity to extend the grace we have received to those, who like us, don’t deserve it. 

D. Sees the Word as the tool for transforming our thought life and perspective.

Following is a chart listing some possible perspectives we may have followed by God’s promise 
relating to that perspective.  There are also Verses to reflect on in relation to each one. 

My Old Perspective                     
God’s Promises                                                 
Bible Verses To Reflect On
                                                                     

It's impossible                         
All things are possible.                                    
Luke 18:27

I'm weary and tired.                
I will give you rest.                                          
Matthew 11:28-30

I'm not loved.                           
I love you unconditionally.                              
John 3:16, 34

I can't keep going.                  
My grace is sufficient for you child.               
2 Corinthians 12:9,   Psalm 91:15                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
I don't know what to do with my life.                        
I will direct your ways as you seek Me.                   
Proverbs 3:5-6


This is too hard for me.           
You are able to overcome using My strength.
Philippians 4:13  

I'm not able.                            
I am able                                                         
2 Corinthians 9:8

I'm discouraged.                    
I am here with you child.                                
Romans 8:28

I can't forgive myself and those who have hurt me.                      
I died on the cross for you my child so you can live in freedom.                                     
1 John 1:9,
                                                                                                              
Life is too hard.                        
I will provide for you.                                      
Philippians 4:19

I'm afraid.                              
I have not given you a spirit of fear.              
2 Timothy 1:7

I'm worried about my life.      
Bring your cares to Me in prayer.                  
1 Peter 5:6-7

I'm not smart enough.              
I will give you wisdom, insight and courage.
1 Corinthians 1:30-31



All Scripture is NLT unless otherwise stated.

No comments:

Post a Comment