God's "Attitude Changers"

The Great Depression that crashed America’s economy in 1929 changed forever the attitude that “what exists today will last indefinitely.” The ten plagues that struck Egypt were also an “attitude changer.” The plagues demonstrated to Pharaoh and the Hebrew people the extent to which God would go to free his people.

The Israelites yearned for deliverance but were unaware of the hardships and temptations that lay ahead on their journey to God’s Promised Land. The Pharaoh would have to be convinced he was neither a god nor all-powerful and was no match for Jehovah God. It was up to him to choose whether to be blessed or cursed.

Pharaoh swayed back and forth in being convinced of God’s power and resolve to free his people. He would agree but then change his mind. Stubbornness in resisting God's plan and purpose may result in hardships or even disaster. On the other hand, compliance with God's will and plan creates a sense of security and peace of mind that endures.

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[The Lord says,] “I will instruct you. I will lead you the way that you should go. I will advise you as my eyes watch over you. Don’t be stubborn like a horse or a mule. [They need] a bit and bridle in their mouth to restrain them or they will not come near you.”

~Psalm 32:8-9 God’s Word Translation 

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Fightings Within, Fears Without: Come to God - Part 2

Internal struggles are often related to unexpressed resentment and perhaps to striving to live up to the expectations of others. A young woman in her last year of medical school abruptly resigned, much to her parents’ dismay. For her, each day of medical school had been a battle. The war existed between what her parents expected of her and the realization that medical school was not her passion.

Even gifted and talented people get stuck in unlikable careers, often out of necessity. Job 3:26 clearly identified the young woman’s position: “I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, only turmoil.” The surgery rotation convinced her beyond a shadow of doubt that being a physician was not in her future.

While she had to face her parents, friends and extended family, the young woman believed God had a place for her where she could be at peace within herself. Her choice was a step of faith and trust after prayer and counsel with her professors. Internal peace comes by making peace with God and being in his will, which he desires for each of us.  

Allow Your Conscience to Accuse or Excuse - Part 1

If everyone has a consciousness of God, what drives people to resist his presence? Romans 2:15 reminds us that God’s laws are written within everyone, and so the conscience accuses or excuses them. What does it take to bring an awareness of God into submission with his kindness and love? For some it takes a crisis that creates hardship and pain.

The consciousness of God should produce basic moral convictions. Remember, our choices determine what has priority, and underlying our choices exist powerful motives. Proverbs 20:27 from the Living Bible makes an interesting observation. “A man’s conscience is the Lord’s searchlight for exposing hidden motives.”

God’s wants us to understand that secret motives give energy to unacceptable thoughts and actions. When God’s searchlight zooms in on areas of your life that are out of compliance with his will, permit his light to direct you back to his purpose for your life. God will find you if you are willing to be found.