Transform Old Grumpy

This is a true story. A woman had Snow White and the Seven dwarfs in her yard as lawn ornaments. One morning she found that Grumpy was missing. The thorough search of the neighborhood and many inquiries were fruitless. Grumpy had vanished.

Weeks later he suddenly appeared again in his usual spot, the same grump's expression on his painted-plaster face. But attached to him with duct tape was a photo album. One picture showed Grumpy in front of London's Big Ben. Another showed him grumping in front of the Eiffel Tower. Picture after picture documented his trek around the world. Perhaps the pranksters hoped a free world tour would cheer up the little fellow. But it did no good whatsoever. He returned as sour as when he left.

Isn't it amazing that God is so patient with us? He invests a great deal in us, shows us His wonders, educates us in His ways. Through all of this do we remain unchanged, unaffected, untouched?

What does it mean to walk by the Spirit and to be led by the Spirit (Gal. 5:16,18)? Doesn't it mean a submission to what God wants to do with us and in us? Doesn't it involve at least a willingness on our part to do what we can to cooperate?

I'm not talking about subjective "leading" which is hardly more than blindly stumbling after impulses and impressions. I mean the BIG stuff: developing spiritual discernment between right and wrong and spiritual muscle to be like Jesus even in a hostile environment. The Spirit's purpose is to conform us to the character and the life-style of Jesus Christ.

As we continue on God's world-tour of life, let's soften up and de-grumpify. God wants us to make it to the end, not just unbroken, but transformed by the journey.

Steve Singleton has written and edited several books and numerous articles on subjects of interest to Bible students. He has taught Greek, Bible, and religious studies courses Bible college, university, and adult education programs. He has taught seminars and workshops in 11 states and the Caribbean.

Go to his DeeperStudy.com for Bible study resources, no matter what your level of expertise. Explore "The Shallows," plumb "The Depths," or use the well-organized "Study Links" for original sources in English translation. Sign up for Steve's free "DeeperStudy Newsletter."

Where Do You Go For Your Intellectual Feast?

(excerpted from Leading an Inspired Life)Pity the man who has... Read More

Shame and Guilt: A World of Difference

Learning to distinguish between two powerful emotions - superficially very... Read More

How To Walk On The Path Of Peace (Part 1)

As there are silent depths in the ocean, which the... Read More

Tim McGraw had it Right - Live Like You Are Dying!

Chorus: An' he said: "I went ski diving, I went... Read More

Pattern of Ripples

The Emmaus Journal Pattern of RipplesPicture within your mind an... Read More

Discernment and Judgement

Discernment is an inner guide or compass. It is loving... Read More

3 Big Fat Lies that Deserve to Die

Big Fat Lie 1: Your personality is formed and unchangeable... Read More

Control Your Own Destiny

"You cannot control what happens to you, but you can... Read More

Building Bridges, Not Walls!

Only twenty years ago, people would casually stroll the neibourhood,... Read More

It Only Takes a Spark - Pass It On

Great inspiring people have influenced people in every area of... Read More

Self Acceptance ? Lessons From My Hair Affair

For our diet and, indeed, in every aspect of our... Read More

Searching for the Meaning of Life!

Are you looking for the meaning of life?You work all... Read More

The Art of Giving

In the pursuit of the life we dream of, this... Read More

Encouragement--Heart At Work

Encouragement can have a very powerful effect on bosses and... Read More

Faith Like a Child

Jonathan:??This is my brother, Jonathan??. They walked into the room... Read More

What Forgiveness Is Not

Is a grudge-laden heart sabotaging your success in business and... Read More

A Cat In The Hand Is Worth Two Birds In The Bush!

I bought this computer just over two years ago with... Read More

For Old Times Sake

Direct Answers - Column for the week of August 19,... Read More

Anamcara - Being Forever Enough

When was the last time you felt you were enough... Read More

Never Jump to Conclusions

Human mind which is well known as a fluctuating prodigy... Read More

When Human Beings Take It To The Limit

In life we all have dreams and goals, aspirations to... Read More

How I Made $10,000 In One Day By Swimming Underwater!

"Without health, life is not life; it is only a... Read More

Five Minutes Before the Miracle

Even though this article was next on my idea list,... Read More

The Climbs In Our Lives

I grew up climbing mountains. Mountains are beautiful and challenging,... Read More

FEAR Don?t Let it Control You!

Fear. What is it? Can you touch it? Can you... Read More