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)
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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
God’s Promises
Bible Verses To
It's impossible
All things are possible.
Luke 18:27
All things are possible.
Luke 18:27
I'm weary and tired.
I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28-30
I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28-30
I'm not loved.
I love you unconditionally.
John 3:16, 34
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
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
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
You are able to overcome using My strength.
Philippians 4:13
I'm not able.
I am able
2 Corinthians 9:8
I am able
2 Corinthians 9:8
I'm discouraged.
I am here with you child.
Romans 8:28
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,
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 will provide for you.
Philippians 4:19
I'm afraid.
I have not given you a spirit of fear.
2 Timothy 1:7
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
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
I will give you wisdom, insight and courage.
1 Corinthians 1:30-31
(Take from: http://www.theverseoftheday.info/a-new-perspective)
All Scripture is NLT unless otherwise stated.
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