Attitudes/Answers with Olen Baker

Anger is simply an instrument for revenge.  Being slow to anger prevents overreacting.  Instead, take the time to discover God's point of view.

Anger is a snare that has the potential for wrecking a commitment to remain calm and in control.  Discover how you can control your anger.

Criticism can diminish a person's character and self-worth.  If you're in the receiving end of criticism, that's not easy.  How well you respond will dictate the future of who you are.  It takes courage and strength.  Is that something you have?

Do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you.  Yeah, not an easy thing to do.  It becomes easier when you understand WHY?

Criticism rarely, if ever, produces positive results.  The most natural response is to strike back.  Consider your words carefully.  Don't act out of anger or an attitude of revenge.  Consider how God would respond.

Instead of revenge, consider kindness, mercy and forgiveness, just as God has forgiven you.  Not always easy to do, but essential if you want to be the person God has intended.  Yes, not always easy to do, but important that you consider the option.

Anger, resentment, hatred.  That's a barrier to loving God.  Instead it magnifies and decays the relationship with Him.  There is a better way.  Listen and learn.

Revenge can devastate and and destroy the one desiring it as well as the one to whom it is directed.  God's word clearly tells us "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge, but love others as yourself"  Tough to do, but imperative that you look to God when you are in a place like this.

Fear and regret replaces any joy experienced from getting revenge.  God instructs us to sincerely pray for those who cause you suffering and pain.  Pray that God will be merciful to them.  Take your eyes off your hurt feelings and focus them on God when you go to prayer.

Hatred is very powerful, but God gives us the courage and strength to defeat it.  Listening to God and doing what is right can be a challenge, but there is no other way to approach a problem and establish a positive solution.

Somewhere along the journey of life we experience rejection and disfavor.  Does your conversation with God offer an apology for your attitude, or do you refuse to accept that option.  God offers forgiveness to those who sincerely seek it.

God looks at our motivation to forgive.  Is it given with the right attitude?  Step away from that attitude of revenge and ask God to show you how you should move.  Revenge does not come from you.  It is more powerful when it starts with an understand of what God will do.

We all will at some time have come up against the cutting edge revenge.  Seeking revenge cuts you deeper than the wound you inflict on others.  God will act on your behalf.  Patience and a belief in this process is the only way to go.

Seeking revenge begins by asking for forgiveness and hopeful reconciliation. This is difficult but necessary.  Any other path destroys the opportunity to move ahead with positive results.  Yeah, it's tough, but necessary.

Your mood is powerful.  It affects your state of mind and how you respond to life.  Your mood can also have a disabling effect on the ability to worship.  Faith in Jesus Christ can give you hope for today and all eternity.  In spite of troubles, which will come your way, God has a way to turn that mood into an optimistic tomorrow.  

Stay away, don't come close and ask nothing from me.  Ever been in that place? Mood swings can be a trap, especially if you have not put your complete trust in God to allow you to see beyond the grey and cloudy day.  Raise up your voice and ask for the mercy he loves to provide.

Your outlook on life, whether positive or negative is both an indicator of your mood as well as your attitude.  The power of God will give you the strength to power through those days that are less sunny.  The sun never goes down on unresolved conflict.

Expectations based on reality makes happiness a greater possibility.  The faithfulness of God is our greatest source for joy and happiness.  It's a gift, given especially for you.  

There are expectations and then there is reality.  When expectations fail to materialize, disappointment is normal.  God can give you tolerance to accept those situations that don't seem right to you.  Rely on God for happiness and never be disappointed.

Depression is a mystery?  There may be no apparent reason.  Problem is, the longer depression exists the more perplexing the challenge becomes to regain happiness.  If you're in this place, trust God to help you move beyond it.

God gives us wisdom, knowledge and happiness.  That's his gift to each and everyone.  Remember, those who trust in God and believe in him will always be the recipient of his love, joy and peace.

Happiness depends on your perspective of the past, present and future.  Trusting God to define that purpose in your life creates feelings of security and fulfillment.

For better or worse.  You hear that in a wedding ceremony, and it's true. Good times, happy times, and times that challenge our life and our faith.  We all experience those phases.  How we accept the good and deal the with the not so good, is how we can survive.

God is the giver of all good things.  He understands your need and will bless you with the things that will make your life richer in so many ways.

Wealth can gain control of your life and eventually destroy you.  On the other hand, trust Jesus to provide for your need for lasting joy and security.