Did you know that we have the power to create a positive environment wherever we go? We can have a positive impact on our surroundings simply by having a great attitude!
Example of an Influential Attitude
(23) After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully.
(24) When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.
(25) About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.
(26) Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.
Where were Paul and Silas?
What did they do in jail?
What attitude did Paul and Silas have?
What was the result of Paul and Silas worshipping God?
What happened to the jailer and his family?
An Attitude of Influence
(1) Shout for joy to the Lord , all the earth.
(2) Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.
(3) Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his ; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
(4) Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
How should we live? Why?
How would having an attitude like this change any environment?
How to Have Influence
(1) Praise the Lord , my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
(2) Praise the Lord , my soul, and forget not all his benefits—
(3) who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,
(4) who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,
(5) who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
What can you be thankful for?
How does this affect your attitude?
(25) About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.
(26) Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.
How was the environment changed by worshipping God?
How can being filled with worship change your environment?
Ask a Friend
Are you in any challenging environments?
What can you do to influence the situation?
Application
Think of an environment or situation you can influence in a positive way this week. Enter that situation with an attitude of thanksgiving and worship. After, journal about it and discuss it with your leader. What went well? What was challenging? How can you improve next time?
Prayer Model
Thank You for Your love and forgiveness. Help me to have an attitude of thankfulness and worship in challenging situations.
Key Verse
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.
