Victory Life KY

Atmosphere

Episode Summary

What kind of atmosphere accompany’s us? What kind of tone or mood not only follows us, but goes before us? God has a mandate for this generation, plans for each of us, as citizens of His Kingdom to take the culture of His Kingdom wherever we are, neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, governments, etc...

Episode Notes

• You ever been to a restaurant that had a big fireplace, soft lighting and music, and thought, this is a cozy atmosphere?
• Or one that’s got a live band full of energy?
• Maybe you walk into a hotel and there’s something friendly and inviting about this atmosphere.
• What about at a ball game and the energy is so exciting that it’s contagious.

• This kind of atmosphere is basically describing the tone or mood of a place, the influence of an environment.

• And from a staff perspective, this is something we talk about in a regular basis from an organizational viewpoint.

• But our focus today is geared specifically to each of us individually.

• I am fully convinced that God has a mandate for this generation, 

• Plans for each of us, as citizens of His Kingdom to take the culture of His Kingdom wherever we are, neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, governments, etc...

• With this in mind, let me ask you this, as a Christian, you ever find yourself getting sucked into the narrative of the agenda driven media, filled with division and just meanness and evil?

• The atmosphere they’re setting is 100% kingdom of darkness influenced.

• This means that Christians have to provide an alternative to the anger instead of fueling it.

• Here’s a wakeup call for all of us, Jesus said we are the light of the world. And make no mistake, the unchurched world is watching.

• We absolutely should be the alternative to the current culture, not just another reflection of it.

• We need to set the atmosphere.

• The challenge we face according to Jesus is, the wheat and the tares are growing together, and the line dividing good and evil cuts right through the soul of humanity.

• With this in mind, what kind of atmosphere accompanies us?
• What kind of tone or mood not only follows us, but goes before us?

• I’m bringing this up today because, I’m fully convinced God has a mandate for this generation, and that is to take the culture of the Kingdom of Heaven everywhere we go.

• This life will require something not of this external, worldly system.

• As ambassadors it is Christ in us, empowering us to exercise Kingdom principle in a world we are no longer a part of.
• God has called us and anointed us to go into the world.

• John 17, paraphrase, Father, I have given them Your word. Because they are no longer of this world, just as I am not of this world.
• Sanctify them by Your word. And as You sent Me, I’m sending them.

• John 17:22-23,NKJV- “And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.”

• So back to our original question, what kind of atmosphere accompanies us?
• What kind of tone or mood not only follows us, but goes before us?

• The follow up question should be, do you have any control over your atmosphere?

• Would you say you’re a thermostat or a thermometer?

• John Wooden said, "Things turn out the best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out."

• The ability to make the best of any situation really comes down to our attitude.

• Attitude will be your best friend or worst enemy.

• You know the old saying, "When the attitude's right, the future is bright."

• But something I believe to be just as important is that the present will be much more enjoyable.

• So often it’s the right attitude that gives us the right perspective.

• The story of Goliath is a great example: The Israeli army saw him to be too big to kill. David saw him to be to big to miss.

• Remember, God has a mandate for this generation, and that is to take the culture of the Kingdom of Heaven everywhere we go.

• This mean we have to be united!

• Acts 4:32, MSG- “The whole congregation of believers was UNITED as one—one heart, one mind!”
• And when it comes to other people, the right atmosphere can pave a new way, or repair an old one.

• We have to embrace the reality that since we’re still here, and The Almighty has graced us to do something, chances are it's going to involve other people.

• In John 10 Jesus said, "I came so that you could have abundant life."

• So, the closer we follow Him. The more we're going to do the same things He did.

• Everywhere Jesus went, He made the best of the situation. He brought out the best in those around Him.

• I honestly believe that the closer we are to Jesus, the better our attitude will be towards others. Really, towards everything.

• Being aware that it’s our moods and attitudes that set our atmosphere, here’s a few characteristics to consider:

• 1. Believe In Yourself- Believing in yourself means you've gotten comfortable with self-improvement. 
• 2. See the Best In Others- JM's The 10 Principle
• 3. You’re an Optimist
• 4. Persistent- Your attitude is, that if you stick with it, breakthrough is right around the corner.
• 5. You Own It- You step up, stop blaming, assess yourself, then change.

• Remember what Coach Wooden said, "Things turn out the best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out."

• This is why we’ve got to set the right atmosphere. When we’re moody, only led by emotion, it’s way too easy to look past the one God's wanting us to influence.

• Let me say this, don’t be the person that has to wait and see what kind of mood you’re in to determine what kind of day you’re going to have.

• This is why the NT teaches us to live by faith not feelings. Faith trusts that God will strengthen us to live out of our born-again nature.

• Romans 15:5, NIV- May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had.

• Hopefully having talks like this will encourage all of us to trust God to help us manage our moods and attitudes, instead of them managing us.

• Romans 12:2, NLT- Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

• Remember, God has a mandate for this generation, and that is to take the culture of the Kingdom of Heaven everywhere we go.

• For every born-again ambassador of His Kingdom to accept our role in setting the right atmosphere.