Everyone knows the stress that comes from not knowing what to get someone who already has everything. With that in mind, the question becomes, “What gift should we give to God?” Mary’s gift to God was her faith and trust in him, his word, and believing he was up to something good. Simply put, Mary believed.

The main thing: Faith in God is our gift to God.

Application: A young woman named Mary said, “As his servant, I accept whatever he has for me. May everything you have told me come to pass.” What do you need to accept from God that you have been resisting or avoiding? What is something God has for you that you need to believe and hold on to? How can you actively and willingly accept and participate in bringing about God’s will in your life?

The gift of Christmas: Believe it. Receive it. Give it.

God will always accomplish his way.

There’s nothing quite like the anticipation and excitement that comes from waiting all the way to Christmas day before opening and exchanging gifts!

Sometimes we wait enthusiastically and say, “I can’t wait!” and other times we say and feel “I won’t wait!” or “I’m tired of waiting!” or “What I’m waiting for is never going to happen!”

This is how Zacheriah and Elizabeth (Zach and Liz) felt about their lifetime of infertility. The Israelites also felt this way. The people of God had been waiting for hundreds of years for a promised Messiah that still hadn’t come and there were no signs that he was coming anytime soon.

Sometimes in the waiting, we grow hopeless, disappointed, or faithless, doubting that the gift will ever come or that God is up to something.

But God was up to something in both Zach and Liz’ world and in THE world. There were two babies that were to come, John and Jesus; one was a gift to Zach and Liz, and one a gift to the entire world.

Luke 1:5-45 NLT

Is there anything you’ve been waiting on God for? How are you doing in the waiting? Are you believing or doubting, contending, or growing hopeless? Begin praying that God’s will, will be done no matter what? Ask him to help you believe and actively wait.

Attitude affects everything.

This whole series is about encouraging us to get an attitude adjustment; that we would adjust our attitude to one that is pleasing to God.

Main idea: We can be grateful even when things aren’t great.

Application: If you want to adopt an attitude of thankfulness begin thinking of something you can be thankful for each day. If you are in a difficult situation or life season, choose one thing to thank God for regularly in the midst of it.

Attitude affects everything.

This whole series is about encouraging us to get an attitude adjustment; that we would adjust our attitude to one that is pleasing to God.

Main idea: We can be grateful even when things aren’t great.

Application: If you want to adopt an attitude of thankfulness begin thinking of something you can be thankful for each day. If you are in a difficult situation or life season, choose one thing to thank God for regularly in the midst of it.

Attitude is everything!

Who is someone you struggle to sacrificially serve or place their wants & needs about your own? 

Need an Attitude Adjustment?

Ruth 1: 16-18 NIV - 16 But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” 18 When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.

John 15:13 NIV - 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command.

Attitude is everything!

Who is someone you struggle to sacrificially serve or place their wants & needs about your own?

Need an Attitude Adjustment?

Ruth 1: 16-18 NIV - 16 But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” 18 When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.

John 15:13 NIV - 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command.

Attitude affects everything.

This whole series is about encouraging us to get an attitude adjustment; that we would adjust our attitude to one that is pleasing to God. Humility is not an attitude our culture, athletes, political leaders, or even many Christians value and model, but it is the way of Jesus.

Romans 12:16 The Passion Translation - 16 Live happily together in a spirit of harmony, and be as mindful of another’s worth as you are your own. Don’t live with a lofty mind-set, thinking you are too important to serve others, but be willing to do menial tasks and identify with those who are humble minded. Don’t be smug or even think for a moment that you know it all.

Harmony is what results when hearts are committed to humility.

Attitude affects everything.

This whole series is about encouraging us to get an attitude adjustment; that we would adjust our attitude to one that is pleasing to God.

John 6:38 Living Bible - 38 For I have come here from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to have my own way.

Accomplishing God’s will begins with a willing attitude.

Application: What are you not open to God doing in you, saying to you, or asking of you? What is something you’ve not been willing to start or stop? What is something that is hard for you to trust God with? Begin praying and surrendering this to God. Begin asking God to help you adopt an open and willing attitude.

Attitude affects everything.

This whole series is about encouraging us to get an attitude adjustment; that we would adjust our attitude to one that is pleasing to God.

John 6:38 Living Bible - 38 For I have come here from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to have my own way.

Accomplishing God’s will begins with a willing attitude.

Application: What are you not open to God doing in you, saying to you, or asking of you? What is something you’ve not been willing to start or stop? What is something that is hard for you to trust God with? Begin praying and surrendering this to God. Begin asking God to help you adopt an open and willing attitude.

Another amazing thing about trying slow is that it not only benefits us but someone else too. So many of Jesus’ ministry moments were born from him moving slow enough that it enabled him to see and meet the needs of those around him.

Sometimes our pace can rob us of opportunities to extend Christ’s love.

Application: Slow down and look around more. Be more mindful of who or what is around you. Ask God to lead you to help or serve someone around you.