How Attitudes Determine Outcomes

 

How Attitudes Determine Outcomes

Life Is 10% What Happens To You

And 90% How You React To It

     Your attitude after what happens to you in this life determines your outcome. How you react to situations around you determines if you succeed or fail in this life. Use the Word of God as your road map to teach you how to react to everything around you. Keep your eyes focused daily on Jesus Christ crucified and the Word of God to succeed in life. The word success only appears once in the bible at Joshua 1:8 telling us that an attitude of success will occur when we remember God's Word daily. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein; for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Choose to be a success and get saved; Repent, decide to stop sinning, confess that Jesus is God, and believe the gospel that Jesus died for you on the cross, was buried, and rose again.

Examples Where Attitudes Determine Outcomes

1) Cain's Angry Attitude Sent Him To Hell And The Lake Of Fire

     Cain and Abel both presented offerings to God. Cain offered the fruit of the ground (works) saying "All the labor of my hands can fulfill thy laws demands." Abel offered the firstlings of his flock (the blood of the Lamb Jesus) saying "Nothing in my hand I bring; Simply to the cross I cling." God accepted Abel's offering and refused Cain's offering. Genesis 4:3 says And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering. But unto Cain and to his offering He had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. And the Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen. 

     After God saw Cain's angry attitude toward his brother Abel, God told Cain at Genesis 4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not  be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. In other words, God gave Cain a chance to change his angry attitude by doing well with a blessed offering of the blood of the Lamb Jesus. Notice that Abel brought firstlings (more than one Lamb) showing kindness to Cain where Cain could offer the extra firstling Lamb for an acceptable offering. Abel wanted Cain to have a blessed attitude saying Forgive me Lord, I'll get a Lamb, offer it to you, and not be angry at my brother Abel.

     But instead Cain chose to remain angry with a jealous attitude about his brother Abel where Cain killed Abel. Cain's angry attitude with no repentance determined his outcome curse of everlasting punishment and torment in hell and the lake of fire. Cain went to hell because he refused to repent (a requirement for salvation at 2 Corinthians 7:10) and only told God at Genesis 4:13 My punishment is greater than I can bear. Jude 11 places Cain in hell with Balaam and Korah (Korah went down alive into the pit of hell for rebelling against Moses). Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

     One final note about Cain, Korah, and Balaam who represent the devil, the beast, and the false prophet. Cain represents the devil who was a murderer; Korah represents the beast who became a rebellious ruler against Moses; Balaam represents a false prophet who according to Revelation 2:14 got a payoff of filthy lucre by teaching Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication by sending beautful Midianitish women to the Jews (Read Numbers Chapter 25). 

Examples Where Attitudes Determine Outcomes

2) Abraham's Faithful Attitude Blessed The Jews With The Land Of Israel

     Because 99 year old Abraham had a faithful attitude and believed that his 90 year old wife Sarah could have a son named Isaac, the Jews got blessed with an everlasting covenant and received the land grant of the nation of Israel. Romans 4:18 speaks about Abraham's faithful attitude saying Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, so shall thy seed be. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb. He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God. And being fully persuaded that what He had promised, He was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. 

     First Abraham told God that he had no children to become his heir at Genesis 15:2: And Abram said, Lord God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus (Abraham thought that his only heir was Eliezer)? God replied at Genesis 15:4 saying This (Eliezer) shall not be thine heir, but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir. And He brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars if thou be able to number them; and He said unto him, so shall thy seed be. And he believed in the Lord (Abraham had a blessed faithful attitude); and He counted it to him for righteousness. 

    Because Abraham had a faithful attitude, Sarah had a child (heir) named Isaac and the Jews got blessed with the land Israel. Abraham's faithful attitude led to a blessed outcome where Abraham was called the Friend of God who allowed the Jews to own the land of Israel forever. James 2:23 says And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness, and he was called the Friend of God.

     Because of Abraham's faithful attitude, God gave Abraham and his seed (the Jews) a land grant of the nation of Israel by an everlasting covenant. This land grant is recorded at Genesis 15:18 that says In the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram saying, Unto thy seed (the Jews) have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates. In other words, today Israel and the Jews don't occupy Israel; they own Israel because of Abraham's faithful attitude. Per God's everlasting covenant today the Jews own Israel that includes Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, United Arab Emerites, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, along with Gaza and the West Bank from the river of Egypt to the river of Euphrates.

Examples Where Attitudes Determine Outcomes

3) Judah's Truthful Attitude Allowed Jesus To Become 

The Lion Of The Tribe Of Judah

     Genesis 38 speaks about Tamar and Judah. Judah had three sons named Er, Onan, and Shelah by the daughter of a Canaanite man named Shuah. Judah took Tamar to be the wife of Er. After Er died, Judah told Onan to go to Tamar and have children. After Onan refused and died, Judah promised Tamar that he would send the third son Shelah to her to have children.

     But when Judah failed to send Shelah and jilted or rejected Tamar, Tamar dressed like a harlot and had Judah come to her to have children. Tamar said she would allow Judah into her home if Judah gave her a kid from the flock of his sheep. As a pledge that Judah promised to give Tamar a kid, Judah gave Tamar his signet ring, bracelets, and staff.

     Now Judah did not realize that Tamar became pregnant with his children Pharez and Zarah. When Judah learned that Tamar was pregnant with children, he requested that the prostitute Tamar be burned to death. Pictured above we see that Tamar showed Judah his signet ring on a string, bracelets, and staff, proving that Judah was the father of her soon to be born sons named Pharez and Zarah. As a result, Judah did not burn Tamar to death before Pharez (Jesus' grandfather) was born so Jesus could be born years later.

     The bible speaks about the above story at Genesis 38:24 and says And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah saying, Tamar thy daughter in law hath played the harlot; and also, behold, she is with child in whoredom. And Judah said, Bring her forth, and let her be burnt. When she was brought forth, she sent to her father in law, saying, By the man, whose these are, am I with child; and she said, Discern, I pray thee, whose are these, the signet (ring), and bracelets, and staff. And Judah acknowledged them, and said, She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more (allowing Tamar to live and give birth to Pharez who was Jesus' grandfather).

     Because Judah had a blessed truthful attitude, Pharez was allowed to live and become the grandfather of Jesus. Judah didn't hide his sin of getting Tamar pregnant by saying Tamar deceived me; therefore she should be burnt to death; The child is not mine because Tamar has slept with many men and another man is the father. Today if Judah lied with a deceiving attitude he'd say the baby's DNA doesn't match my DNA so just burn Tamar and have her children aborted.

     But Judah chose to be truthful and acknowledge that he was the father of Tamar's children. Judah's truthful attitude led to the following blessed outcome. Judah became the head of all the tribes listed at Revelation 7:5 instead of the firstborn tribe of Reuben. Reuben's secret sin of incest with Bilah (his stepmother) by using mandrakes resulted in the loss of the firstborn tribal blessing. Instead because Judah repented and confessed his sin with Tamar, Judah's tribe was exalted to the head tribe. Proverbs 28:13 says He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. Be like Judah and daily confess your sins to Jesus to receive blessings. Finally Judah's truthful attitude allowed Judah and his seed to be the grandparents of Jesus who is called the Lion of the tribe of Judah.

Examples Where Attitudes Determine Outcomes

4) Joseph's Content Attitude Saved His Family 

And Multitudes From A Famine

     After Joseph had a dream about his family bowing down to him, his brothers threw Joseph into a pit. Then Joseph's brothers sold him to the Ishmaelites who took Joseph to Egypt to be a slave. After Joseph was falsely accused of adultery with his master Potipher's wife, Joseph was cast into prison. Psalm 105:17 describes Joseph's sufferings saying He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant. Whose feet they hurt with fetters; he was laid in iron. Through all this misfortune Joseph remained content and glorified the Lord Jesus. 

     Then Joseph interpreted a butler's dream predicting that the butler would be released from prison to become Pharoah's butler. This happened and the butler told Pharoah that Joseph could interpret dreams. After Joseph correctly interpreted Pharoah's dreams predicting seven years of plenty and seven years of famine, Joseph was promoted to second in command in Egypt. From the time Joseph was a slave, in prison, and a leader, Joseph remained content with no bitterness toward his brothers. 

     We all need to be like Joseph with a content attitude in any situation of life. 1 Timothy 6:6 says But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. Be like Paul and say Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

     When seven years of famine occurred, Joseph's brothers came to him in Egypt to receive food. Joseph's content forgiving attitude with no bitterness saved his family and multitudes. Like Joseph don't be troubled with bitterness and defile people. Hebrews 12:15 says Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness, springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled. Remember Brother Bob's suggestion for success; Avoid angry people and forgive forever.

     The outcome of Joseph's content attitude with forgiveness resulted in the salvation of his family and multitudes noted at Genesis 50:19; And Joseph said unto them (his brothers), Fear not, for I am in the place of God? But as for you, ye thought evil against me, but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. Now therefore, fear ye not; I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them. 

Four Attitudes To Become Successful

1) Like Saul Say Lord What Wilt Thou Have Me To Do?

     Acts 9:3 tells us what happened to Saul while he journeyed to Damascus to kill christians. And as he (Saul who later became Paul) journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven. And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me (note that like Saul when anyone persecutes christians, they persecute Jesus)? And he (Saul) said, Who art thou Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest; it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

     Then God told Ananias to bless Saul and pray for him on Straight street. Ananias had an obedient attitude and prayed for Saul to receive his sight. Saul got healed and when his sight was restored, Saul became one of the greatest preachers on this earth. The outcome of Ananias' obedient attitude allowed Saul to become Paul and write most of the bible to encourage millions of christians all over this earth. Like Ananias, let's all love our enemies and pray for them that despitefully use us. God can transform our enemies into blessed preachers that save millions on this earth for our Lord Jesus.

     Like Saul every time you meet a crossroads in life say Lord what wilt thou have me to do? Keep your eyes on Jesus and off the people. Jesus will speak to you and answer all your questions by the Holy Spirit. Isaiah 30:21 promises answers from the Holy Spirit when you seek Jesus daily; And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left. Jesus also promises at Jeremiah 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

     Like Saul, after you say Lord what wilt thou have me to do, Jesus will tell you to obey Romans 12:1-2; I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice (daily tell the devil I am crucified with Jesus Christ and covered by the blood of Jesus), holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.

Four Attitudes To Become Successful

2) Like Isaiah say Here Am I (Lord), Send Me

     At Isaiah 6:8 when God asked Isaiah Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Isaiah replied Here am I, send me. Like Isaiah, tell the Lord Jesus daily, Here am I, send me. Keep witnessing about Jesus everywhere. When you walk through Walmart, Target, or Best Buy, if the Holy Spirit tells you to witness about Jesus, tell everyone, even rude unloveable people about salvation with our Lord Jesus. Remember you might be the only Jesus that someone sees on this earth. 2 Corinthians 3:2 says Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men. 

     The one person that gets saved because of your witness about Jesus could become a great preacher winning millions to our Lord Jesus. James 5:20 says Let him know that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way, shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. Jude 22-23 says And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. 

Four Attitudes To Become Successful

3) Like Jesus Say Nevertheless Not My Will But Thine Be Done

     After Jesus asked the Father to remove this cup of wrath from me, Jesus told the Father nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done at Luke 22:42. Like Jesus in everything daily tell God nevertheless not my will but thine be done. Jesus told us how to daily follow him at Luke 9:23 saying If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 

     Read the following blessed outcomes after Jesus' obedient attitude. Because Jesus obeyed the Father's will and was willing to die for everyone on the cross, God has highly exalted Jesus and given Jesus the name above all names (Philippians 2:9). Jesus rose from the dead and is alive forevermore being God over both the dead and the living. Romans 14:9 says For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that He might be Lord both of the dead and the living. Like Jesus when christians stay in the perfect will of the Father, nothing can harm them while they receive great blessings from Jesus. 

Four Attitudes To Become Successful

4) Like The Jailor Say What Must I Do To Be Saved?

     After Paul and Silas sang praises to God in prison at midnight, a great earthquake freed the prisoners. When the jailor thought that the prisoners had escaped, he drew out his sword to kill himself. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm; for we are all here. Then he (the jailor) called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house (Acts 16:25-31).

     Like the jailor, I pray in Jesus name that any lost sinner reading this would have the right attitude and say Lord Jesus What must I do to be saved? Don't be like the Pharisee who said Don't call me a sinner; I don't need Jesus for salvation. Instead be like the publican who had the right attitude saying God be merciful to me a sinner. Remember Jesus said at Luke 5:32 I came not call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. And Paul said at 1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. When any lost sinner admits they are a sinner saying What must I do to be saved, Jesus will tell them through christians like Brother Bob, Paul, and Silas Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

     Take time to read how the sinful publican instead of the proud Pharisee got blessed for confessing his sins. Luke 18:10 says Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. the Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself. God I thank thee that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

     I have enjoyed writing this bible study about how attitudes determine outcomes. I pray it blesses multitudes in Jesus name with great strength, peace, and joy all over this earth. Feel free to email Brother Bob anytime at rz9tlm@gmail.com or write to Brother Bob Malkin, 2233 Pinetree Lane, Apt. N., Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068. (614) 604-7133. Till we all meet again soon to lift up our Lord Jesus, everyone have a blessed day in Jesus name.