Bad Spirit or Good Spirit

When I was growing up if I was in a bad mood my Mother would say "You've got a bad spirit today." or if I was in a good mood she might say "You're in good spirits today." What she was really saying was I either had a good or bad attitude. As I sit here drinking my cup of coffee I am rehearsing in my mind the lesson that we learned yesterday in Sunday School. Our church has Sunday School from 9:45 - 10:15. Even though I am nearing 35 I still am in the Young Adult class. Don't laugh, I don't want to move up to the Senior Adult class. My hair isn't gray yet! (but it is getting there) I'd like to try to rehearse what I remember from the lesson.

We were taught about what the bible calls spirits. In today's language we call it attitudes, but in most cases it is the same thing. Our teacher made a statement that I use here on my blog. He said we should turn obstacles or problems in opportunities.

First he made reference to Proverbs 22:9. He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor. You probably all have that one person in your life that has "The Midas Touch"; everything they touch turns to gold. The person that you put them on a rock, all alone, with nothing, and they'd figure out how to sell the rocks or dirt around it to make a living. That's the person that always is chipper, always has a positive attitude, and even when something goes wrong they look at the problem as an opportunity to do something better. I want to have a bountiful, positive spirit.

Then he went to Proverbs 11:13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. Do you have a faithful spirit? Are you the person that all your friends come and tell their secrets to because they know you won't tell anyone? or are you the person that all your friends knows can't keep a secret? I want to be someone that will keep my friends confidence. I want to have a faithful spirit.

Next he went to II Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. How many times here on my blog have you heard me say "I'm afraid of ..."? Especially in these last few months as I've journeyed into what feels like foreign territory. Well, he taught us that God did not give us a spirit of fear, that we shouldn't be afraid. If we are doing what God wants us to do, then go boldly with God's help. It reminds me of another verse Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. I want to have a spirit of power, love and of a sound mind.

The last verse that he referenced was Psalms 143:10 Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. In this passage he taught us about a good spirit or a positive attitude. I am asking the Lord to guide me with his spirit, and keep me in his will.

I wish that everyone could have heard the message that he taught yesterday. It was very uplifting, encouraging, and a wonderful life lesson. I wish that I could remember every word that he spoke so that I could reiterate here to you. I am neither as knowledgeable in God's word or as well spoken as my Sunday School teacher, but I hope that I have conveyed his message to you and that it brightens your day.