Attitudes that Lead to Character, Promotion and Influence

Numbers 11:1 (NLT) 

    The people soon began to complain to the Lord about their hardships; and when the Lord heard them, his anger blazed against them. Fire from the Lord raged among them and destroyed the outskirts of the camp.

Psalm 141:1-5 (NLT) 

A psalm of David.

        O Lord, I am calling to you. Please hurry!

            Listen when I cry to you for help!

        [2] Accept my prayer as incense offered to you,

            and my upraised hands as an evening offering.

        [3] Take control of what I say, O Lord,

            and keep my lips sealed.

        [4] Don't let me lust for evil things;

            don't let me participate in acts of wickedness.

        Don't let me share in the delicacies

            of those who do evil.

        [5] Let the godly strike me!

            It will be a kindness!

        If they reprove me, it is soothing medicine.

            Don't let me refuse it…

1. When in despair, ask God for help to help us control and guard the potentially destructive words we might say to others and to God

 3 Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips.

2. When in despair, allow others to discipline us towards doing what is right or making wise judgments, in a season when our judgment is impaired

 5 Let the godly strike me!  It will be a kindness!  If they correct me, it is soothing medicine.   Don’t let me refuse it.

Refuse to give in to our lower nature and instincts in seasons of despair

 4 Don’t let me drift toward evil or take part in acts of wickedness.  Don’t let me share in the delicacies of those who do wrong.

3. Protect our future by the principle of fast-forwarding, and choosing to anticipate what will happen and then wisely prepare for it

Proverbs 30:25 (NIV) 

    Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer;

Genesis 41:28-31, 33-37 (NLT) 

    This will happen just as I have described it, for God has shown you what he is about to do. [29] The next seven years will be a period of great prosperity throughout the land of Egypt. [30] But afterward there will be seven years of famine so great that all the prosperity will be forgotten and wiped out. Famine will destroy the land. [31] This famine will be so terrible that even the memory of the good years will be erased…"My suggestion is that you find the wisest man in Egypt and put him in charge of a nationwide program. [34] Let Pharaoh appoint officials over the land, and let them collect one-fifth of all the crops during the seven good years. [35] Have them gather all the food and grain of these good years into the royal storehouses, and store it away so there will be food in the cities. [36] That way there will be enough to eat when the seven years of famine come. Otherwise disaster will surely strike the land, and all the people will die."  [37] Joseph's suggestions were well received by Pharaoh and his advisers.

Anticipate the upcoming season of famine, pray for specific protections and make specific changes to protect ourselves and those around us

Proverbs 21:31 (Msg) 

    Do your best, prepare for the worst—then trust God to bring victory.