Just Continue That Thought...

A thought by James MacDonald (2015-06-18) from his book, Lord, Change My Attitude: Before It's Too Late (p. 134). Moody Publishers. Kindle Edition. ( Click on the title of the book to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.) Are you a critical person?   James says, “Ultimately, criticism inflates the self.”   And we know what God thinks about that, don’t we?   He doesn't like it. James says, “Oswald Chambers, the great devotional writer, wrote, ‘Beware of anything that puts you in the place of the superior person.’ Anything that makes you feel superior is not conducive to your spiritual life. That’s what criticism does: It takes the focus off me and my faults and highlights me as the one who knows. ‘I know; I see.’ Criticism elevates me as the highest and best. Criticism reduces the pain of being in the spotlight and gives me the fleshly satisfaction of running the spotlight. And in a sick sort of way it can feel good to put that kind of pressure on others. People find it

A thought by James MacDonald (2015-06-18) from his book, Lord, Change My Attitude: Before It's Too Late (p. 120). Moody Publishers. Kindle Edition. ( Click on the title of the book to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.) James tells the story that is a very good illustration of this thought.  “A farmer stood by the road one day and observed a large wagon filled with household goods moving toward him. Dust flew as the wagon pulled to a stop and the driver shouted, ‘We’re moving from Brownsville to Jonestown. How much farther is it?’   ‘About thirty miles,’ said the farmer. ‘And what kind of people shall we expect to find there?’ asked the traveler. ‘Well, what kind of people did you leave behind in Brownsville?’   ‘Oh, they were so negative and so cheerless, so deceptive and so ungrateful, just a godless bunch, all of them. That’s the main reason we are moving. What kind of people will we find in Jonestown?’   ‘The very same kind, I’m sorry to say,’ said the farmer.” He goe

A thought by James MacDonald (2015-06-18) from his book, Lord, Change My Attitude: Before It's Too Late (p. 115). Moody Publishers. Kindle Edition. ( Click on the title of the book to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.) Covetousness is an attitude that God hates and contentment is the attitude that take its place and that God loves and God blesses.   So what are some of the blessings?   I’m glad you asked. James says, “Blessings such as joy in the present, and health and satisfaction in the simple things of life. Contentment brings a settled sense of sufficiency and a peaceful pace that proves ‘more’ is not the focus of your thinking. You have life. What a privilege to be alive in this world! Contentment brings joy in the present.” James gives more, “Contentment also builds our capacity to enjoy ordinary pleasures. If you’re content, simple stuff makes you happy. Like a nice walk. Go for a walk today with a member of your family, and hold his or her hand. Talk about