THE WINNING ATTITUDE

David said moreover, the Lord that delivered me out the paw of the loin, and the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine[ 1Samuel 17:37}

The opening scripture is the account of David's first encounter with Saul, the king of Isreal. I want you to note that at this time he wasn't qualified to be in the army nor come out in public. Yet , the confidence he exuded as he spoke was nothing short of that of a strong and fierce warrior.
When you study the life of David, you'll understand the reason he became so bold and confident of killing Goliath of Gath was that he had trained for his Winning Attitude. He didn't mind that he was somewhat deemed insignificant by his folks for he knew his future would be great. Nobody know that while he busied tending his father's sheep, God was traning him for the future.
The responsibilities given to him at home by his father seemed menial in comparison with those of his brothers. Nowithstanding, he performed every task faithfully and with utmost diligence. These were the qualities that brought him before Saul. Remember the Bible says, ''Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men'' [Proverb 22: 29}.

Though David was a stripling; unfit and untrained young lad according to societal standards, yet became God's great general for Isreal! God trained him for his future.
Therefore, don't despise any responsibility you're given irrespective of how low it might seem. Philippians 2:14-15 says, ''Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless,the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perversed nation, among whom ye shine as light in the world.''Always remember that God is training you for the great future through His Word and by His Spirit.

Scripture to read: Acts 13:21-22; Luke 16:10-12

TREES OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

To appoint unto that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.
(Isaiah 61:3)

the latter part of the scripture above describes God's people as the trees of righteousness. In other words, if you're born again, you're a tree of righteousness, planted by God. Behind the physical body that you see is a tree of righteousness, and righteousness is the nature of God that sets you apart from the world unto excellence and glory.


No wonder the Bible says all the others trees of the field shall clap their hands when you pass by: "For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you unto singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands" (Isaiah 55:12). The field here is the world; in other words, the people of the world-trees of the field will clap their hands as they recognize and acknowledge the glory. beauty and perfection of God in your life. As you go forth with joy, He says the mountains and the hills break forth before you.


Now, because we're trees of righteousness planted by God, we can only live by staying connected to our life's source which is Christ. He is our righteousness.
You've been established in zion as a tree of righteousness, ordained to be fruitful and productive in every good works; ordained to radiate the glory of God.
No wonder, the Bible says concerning the righteous: "And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of waters, that bringeth forth fruit in his season; his leaf also not wither; and whatever he doeth shall prosper" (Psalm 1:30)

Confession
Dear Father, you're the source of my life; without you I can do nothing. Thank you for strengthening me and making my life fruitful. Thank you for making me a tree of righteousness; I'm planted by the rivers of water, fruitful and productive in every good work.


Further study: Isaiah 61:3, philipians 1:9-11