"ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE"

(EPHESIANS 5:16-20)
"Redeeming the Time"... is to get the most out of every day and every situation. (verse 16)

The will and wisdom of God teaches us right attitudes. (verse 17)

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SEVEN PLATITUDES OF AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

1   My Attitude of Gratitude at the beginning of a task effects the outcome more than anything else.(Matthew 8:13)

2   My Attitude of Gratitude towards others determines their attitude towards me.(Proverbs 18:24)

3   My Attitude of Gratitude influences othersmore than my actions.

4   My Attitude of Gratitude is either my best friend or my worst enemy.(Joseph -vs- Jonah)

5   My Attitude of Gratitude can turn my problems into blessings.

6   My attitude and not ability will bring lasting success because my attitude is who I am.(Joshua 14:10-14)

7   Attitude is always a choice.

"HAVING A GIVING HEART"

(Luke 6: 27- 38)

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1. BE GOD MOTIVATED
     Proofs:Enthusiasm
                  Thankfulness
                  A Giving Heart


2. BE PEOPLE FOCUSED


3. BE TRANSPARENT: REALLY LOVE


4. HAVE HIGH EXPECTATIONS(John 13:34,35)


5. BE ENCOURAGING(John 14:12)


6. HAVE WINS UNDER YOUR BELT


7. GIVE FOR THE RIGHT REASON(Luke 6:32-34)
        WRONG REASONS TO GIVE
            Because they give to you
            For the praise of people


        RIGHT REASONS TO GIVE
            Because it's what God expects
            Because it's what God has modeled


REMEMBER: "You reap what you sow"

"BECOMING A FAMILY BIBLE CHURCH"

ACTS 11:23 - 26



THREE MUSTS FOR EFFECTIVE CHURCHES
     I. MUST BE GROUNDED IN BASIC PRINCIPLES OF GODS WORD.


       THE WORD OF GOD IS:
       1. Creative Action from the beginning.(Gen 1)
       2. Power of God given to man.(John 15:7)
       3. Truth of God for liberation of man.(John 8:32)


We see the truth about God, about our world, about ourselves


     II. MUST BE ANTICIPATORS OF GODS BLESSING AND ACTION.
(ACTS 11:24)
Anticipators of God, good, and growth


     III. MUST BE ENCOURAGERS OF GODS PEOPLE.
       This requires: Love, acceptance and forgiveness.

" Dream On"

Psalms 37:4
I. God creates Dreams
God calls Dreamers

II. Tomorrow's Dreams are determined by todays choices.
        Phil. 4:10-13

Seven Choices that help make our Dreams come true:
     1. Accept Gods timing and the seasons of life(Ecclesiastes 3:1)

     2. Put people first

     3. Learn to enjoy things without owning them.

     4. Don't let things control you.

     5. Be thankful.

"For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving."

     6. Write down what really makes you happy.

     7. Don't confuse temperal benefits with eternal ones.

III. Realize to receive your dreams.

You must give them away.
Matthew 10:8

"Free Indeed" John 8:32 & 36

"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
..."If therefore the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed"

I. Freedom from poverty
     CHRIST gives us his riches. (2 Cor 8:9)

II. Freedom from sorrow
     CHRIST gives us his joy. (John 16:20; 2 Cor 7:10)

III. Freedom from trouble
     CHRIST gives us peace. (John 14:27)

IV. Freedom from hatred
     CHRIST gives us love. (John 15:25)

V. Freedom from rags
     CHRIST gives us his righteousness. (Isa 64:6;2 Cor 5:21)

VI. Freedom from death
     CHRIST gives us his life. (Romans 5:15; Ephesians 2:5)

VII. Freedom from shame
     CHRIST gives us glory. (John 17:22; Psalm 113:7-8)