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Subject: Turning a Disgruntled Heart into A Grateful One
Date: November 23, 2000
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Turning a Disgruntled Heart into a Grateful One
You look around yourself and suddenly the things that you once appreciated so much look pale in comparison to what you feel you deserve. It is hard to look back and determine when your grateful heart became disgruntled - but life doesn't look fair to you at all right now. How can you turn this around into a heart of thanksgiving? Please join this discussion on this American Thanksgiving Day.
1. What hinders our attitude to being thankful?
2. How can God help us in turning a sour attitude into a grateful one?
3. Are we responsible for how our attitude influences others?
4. How do we maintain a grateful attitude at all times?
5. How can we influence others to develop a grateful attitude.
___________________________________________
well we can begin now lets just open in prayer first
cwt
Lord we thank you for this opportunity to learn about your Word tonight and what you want to teach us concerning our hearts, we welcome your Holy
Spirit into this room, amen
virtuous2
amen
cwt
now lets chat about our first discussion question
cwt
what hinders our attitude to being thankful?
cwt
I know that if I am angry or bitter my attitude shows this
cwt
what about the rest of you?
Shey
I think for me it that I'm not always happy with what I have
cwt
if we focus on circumstances instead of focusing on God our attitude is affected as well
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cwt
I have heard it put like gazing at circumstances and glancing at God instead of the other way around
Shey
that's neat
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cwt
hi virtuous, we missed you
Virtuous2
thank you
cwt
are you back for the conversational chat?
Virtuous2
yes
cwt
we had been discussion the things that hindered our attitudes
cwt
we figured that when our eyes were focused on other things and not God that this was a hinderance
cwt
so in other words, sin in our lives can hinder us, as well
Virtuous2
and gossip hinder our attitude
cwt
definately
cwt
How can God help us in turning a sour attitude into a grateful one?
Virtuous2
be thankful
cwt
when we accept Christ as our saviour, He gives us a new heart and we can worship Him and be thankful for all things
Virtuous2
giving him all the praise
cwt
when we praise and worship God that seems to affect our attitude in a positive way, why do you think this happens?
Shey
help us to see the things that a really important and those are what we should be thankful for
cwt
you are right it changes our perspective
cwt
also when we focus on who God is and His attributes it changes our attitude
cwt
what role does the Holy Spirit play?
Shey
he help focuses our eyes in the right direction
Virtuous2
keeping us holy
cwt
He does do these things
Virtuous2
keep us focus
cwt
He brings those Christ-like qualities into our lives
cwt
But we have to ask Him by faith to take control
cwt
and confess sin, making room for Him to come in
Virtuous2
and also ask God to guide our foot steps
cwt
Are we responsible for how our attitude influences others?
Shey
I think so
Virtuous2
yes
cwt
we certainly are,, no one to blame but ourselves
cwt
that is a scarey thought! We can make a difference either positively or negatively
Shey
my bad attitude can influence others thinking and feelings towards others and ideas
cwt
So what should we do in difficult circumstances when we don't feel grateful in our hearts?
Virtuous2
ask the Lord to renew our spirits
Shey
try and find some thing to be thankful for and focus on that
cwt
yes, ask for a refreshing and refilling of the Holy Spirit
cwt
good ideas
cwt
I know for myself I have to leave the place, or hold my tongue until I can get things under control and God in the drivers seat again
cwt
If I speak in situations like that it will not be positive,
Shey
I try and stay busy and think about some thing else that makes me happy
cwt
that is a good idea, to refocus on something positive
cwt
I find it makes a difference of who I am with as to how I will respond. If I am with negative people it is easier to act that way myself. Do you find this as
well?
Shey
for sure
Virtuous2
yes
cwt
and the opposite is also true, it I am with people who are upbeat and Godly I am far more careful how I would react
cwt
so what does that say about influencing others?
Shey
I actually try and keep my distance from people that are too negative
cwt
good for you, they are actually quite draining to be around
Shey
we have a lot of influence of others and should watch how we act
cwt
negativity saps the joy out of things
cwt
we certainly should, just think of our homes, as mothers or wives, we certainly set the tone for the attitude
cwt
our kids pick up things very quickly and they learn from us
cwt
no matter what the age!
Shey
I know with my oldest son if I am negative with something he negative right away
cwt
It is like they see us, so it gives them a license to also act like us
Shey
especially when we are driving
cwt
wow, that is a touchy subject!!
cwt
you are so right!
Virtuous2
and the young ppl need to stay away from negative ppl
Shey
it's hard then to go back and try and correct yourself and tell them that you were wrong
cwt
yes, we can talk afterwards about it and confess but the damage is done
cwt
so how can we practically try to change our attitudes to ones of joy and gratefulness?
cwt
just because we are Christians doesn't mean that we all of a sudden have great attitudes all the time
Virtuous2
try to be true to our self and others around us
Shey
when I pray I try and remember all the thing that I am thankful for and then thank God for them
cwt
those are good ideas
cwt
especially when we are in constant prayer throughout the day, our attitude is one like Christ Jesus
cwt
we talk differently to God than we do to our friends or family
Virtuous2
and always ask God to be a better person today then yesterday
Virtuous2
agree
cwt
that is a great idea
Shey
also for myself when I see all the things that go on around the world and all the suffering I know I have lots to be thankful for
cwt
yes, we truly are blessed to live in safety and abundance. do any of you have a gratitude journal, where you actually record your thankful thoughts?
Shey
on
Shey
I mean no
Virtuous2
Yes I agree, we don't realize how bless we are till we see all the bad things that is happening in the world
cwt
a friend gave me one of these and they are an excellent tool to keep in a thankful attitude
Shey
do you write in it every day
cwt
we also have much to be thankful for in that we can worship God openly and freely without persecution
Virtuous2
amen to that
Shey
that is so true
cwt
I was writing in this journal daily, until I went on a holiday. Then unfortunately I got off my schedule, but pulled it out yesterday again
cwt
the gratitude journal is good for all ages to do
cwt
I also find that playing music, worship and praise songs in the car or in my house is very helpful to keep me focused
Shey
I like to do that too
Virtuous2
yes it helps me a lot
cwt
I have one tape that is scripture to music
Virtuous2
And my children
cwt
yes, to play music for the younger ones is great
cwt
I used to love the kids Christian praise tapes
cwt
those songs stay with you forever!
Virtuous2
me to
Shey
my kids love them
Virtuous2
yes it does
cwt
praying without ceasing is another way to keep a positive attitude
cwt
the other day I was doing housework and had alot to pray about so I began talking to God aloud for about a half an hour
cwt
I had much to be distressed about but knew that He already knew all that so I just talked to Him instead
Shey
that's neat
cwt
What a feeling of peace He brings afterwards
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cwt
that is what He promises!
cwt
So how can we influence others to develop a positive attitude?
cwt
I think that speaking words of encouragement to them is helpful
cwt
Also to remind then of who we are in Christ
cwt
when we focus on all that God has so freely given for us to receive it truly is amazing!
Shey
our example can also be useful
cwt
we are forgiven, we are His children, His saints. anointed ones, .His sheep, his friends...
cwt
Our example speaks more loudly than our words to be sure
cwt
we can also pray for them, that God will renew their spirit
cwt
God can change our hearts, and He can do this for all His children
Shey
and of we don't give in to negative talk others will see this too
cwt
so true, a lot is said by how we respond back
cwt
we must keep a careful guard on our tongues
cwt
well this has been a good reminder tonight to me on attitude checks
Shey
they will either ask about it or maybe just change themselves
Shey
this has been good
cwt
I find that when my schedule gets full and I have a lot of tasks to do that my attitude can slip into the negative zone
cwt
so this has been a good reminder to me
Shey
when you feel overwhelmed
cwt
lets just close our time thanking God for this time
Shey
ok
cwt
Lord we do thank you for being here and touching us with the wisdom of your Holy spirit. We ask that you would help each of us to keep our attitudes
in the positive zone and our eyes focused on only you. thanks you for the great and Holy God that you are. Amen
Shey
amen
cwt
thanks for the great discussion, let us go in Gods grace!
Shey
thank you
cwt
have a great night and we will see you next time!
