Stay Positive: Enough of the Bad News

There’s no limit on hope. You can discover a whole lot to smile about if you know where to look. And we can help you find it! Don’t let life get you down. Stay joyful. Stay hopeful. And Stay Positive! Cynicism and negativity may be the easy choice, but they’re not the best choice. If you seek what’s good, you’ll see what’s good. Let’s embrace the way we’re created to think and Stay Positive. This six-week series will help you learn to be thankful and excited in spite of all the negativity we experience in this world. Weekly topics include optimism, gratefulness, encouragement, generosity, enthusiasm, and confidence.

Series: STAY POSITIVE
Message: Enough of the Bad News
Text: Romans 8:28
Pastor Tom Cogle
Re-opening Sunday, June 7, 2020

• Optimism is not a denial of reality.
• Optimism is not blind faith.
• Optimism is confidence about the future or a successful outcome.
• Optimism is the unwavering expectation that our loving God is working in every situation for our future good.


And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV
• What consumes your mind controls your life.
• The quality of your life will never exceed the quality of your thoughts.
• Pessimists tend to view negative events as personal and permanent.

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18 NIV
• The struggle I’m in today is producing the strength I need tomorrow!
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. … Romans 8:26 NIV

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 NIV

TALK IT OVER

Have you ever thought of optimism as the expectation that God will work every situation for your good? What do you think about that?

Read Romans 8:38-39. What would your life be like if you completely trusted that God was always with you and for you?

How can you shift your mindset so that you trust in every situation that God is working for our good?

Consider your thoughts this week. If any are negatively affecting your quality of life, ask God to direct those thoughts to Him instead.