Whenever I paint a picture and I do not like it, I paint over it.  Well, as we kick off a new year, you have a fresh opportunity to paint a new attitude.  If your attitude has gone stale or simply stinks, now is a great time to paint over it. 

     You could paint a can do attitude.  Instead of the same old, “Oh, I can never accomplish that,” try “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  Instead of giving up due to doubt, why not try and try again with faith?

     The can do attitude painting is always better than the opposite.  Rise to the occasion.  Stop giving up before you get going.  Start is a better word than quit.  If you have had a quitter attitude in the past, turn it around this year. 

     Are you are writer?  Write one page everyday for a year and you will have a thick book.  You can say, “I wrote a book this year.”  That is better than, “I never got started on my book.”

     Are you a painter?  Paint the portrait.  Start with a blue sky and some clouds.  After that, fill in with some trees and a lake.  Throw in a cabin.  That will be much nicer than a blank canvas.

     We are waiting for you to do something with the gift God blessed you with.  Attitude is so important.  Some say it is everything.

     In His last year on earth, Jesus Christ changed everything.  He died for our sins.  He resurrected so that we might have eternal life through faith in Him.  He ascended to heaven and currently sits on the right hand of God the Father.  He sent the Holy Spirit so that we have a Comforter, Counselor and Intercessor.  His attitude was fixed on saving us from our sins.  Wow!

     Now, I want to return to you.  You were not created to sit on the sidelines.  Attempt great deeds with the faith God has given you.  Be an achiever for Him.

     Imagine what you might do with a guitar after one year of lessons.  Go take the lessons.  You have thought about it long enough.  Get the attitude that says, “I will learn and play this guitar.”  Set the goal and then go achieve it.

     Has God been calling you into the ministry?  Stop procrastinating and obey Him.  Nothing happens until you move out.  Paint the “I will do” painting.  “I will do it with God’s help and inspiration.”

     Today really is the first day of the rest of your life.  Turn off the television and become a doer.  The best doers are doers of the Word of the Lord.  You know what you need to do.  Do it before you run out of time.

    “But I do not have the energy,” you protest.  Ask the Lord to give you the energy to do the thing you need to do.  “Help me to soar like the eagles, Lord.”

     Are you called to preach?  Be the preacher.  Paint the painting where you open your mouth and declare the Word of God.  Go into the world and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.

    “I know I am supposed to be a politician with a biblical standard,” you might say.  If so, jump out there and start making a difference in this nation that has lost her way in many areas.  What good is a Christian politician if he or she remains on the sidelines? 

     “I need to draw close to God,” you might be saying.  Then step into the aisle at church and go forward.  Respond to the call to Christ.  Yield yourself as a vessel of the Holy Ghost.  Show God you mean business and make a public commitment.  Exercise your faith and expect mighty miracles.

     When you are in Christ, you are a vessel of the Holy Spirit.  Allow the attitude of Jesus Christ to guide you.  Put on the mind of Christ.  Paint over laziness, procrastination, fear and stagnation.  Paint a picture that shouts, “I have a new attitude!”

     Paint over fear of failure.  Paint a bright victory sign.  Paint a new attitude, winner.  Start now!

Please tell me what you plan to do by writing me at: wayne3222@att.net

Wayne Everett Harris