Mood:  surprised

S.

Psalm 83:17, 18 (AMP) Let them be put to shame and dismayed forever; yes, let them be put to shame and perish,

That they may know that You, Whose name alone is the Lord, are the Most High over all the earth.

O.

A prayer to God from 'Asaph', the 'Gatherer of the Harvest'.

"Let those who persecute Believers be delayed with confusion and made fearful of God forever. Yes, let them be made embarressed, that human beings may recognise YOU, God, whose reputation is set as EXISTING CONSPICUOUSLY...SUPREME, OVER ALL THE EARTH!"

A.

The 'Gatherer of the Harvest', Asaph, prayed to God that those who did not believe in God would be delayed and confused and made to be afraid. He prayed that they would made to be embarassed when they finally DID recognise God as the One Who exists...RIGHT NOW! Athiests will truly be embarassed when they realize and recognise the God is living...RIGHT NOW!

P.

aFather, forgive the humans that say You don't exist. Open their eyse to see You, Father. Revive their spiritual senses so they can see, hear, smell, feel and taste You! Open ALL of us, Believers and Unbelievers, to KNOW YOU LIVE WITH US TODAY!

Mood:  a-ok

S.

1 Timothy 1:13 (AMP) Though I formerly blasphemed and persecuted and was shamefully and outrageously and aggressively insulting [to Him], nevertheless, I obtained mercy because I had acted out of ignorance in unbelief.

O.

aPaul was one who injured others with his abusive words, pursued others to drive them away and exercised insulting and spiteful language, along with shameful acts of wrong. Even though he spoke and acted this way, he received active compassion in words and deeds, because he was a product of lack of information and a product of lack of intelligence/education in his fixed position of trusting God...Paul just didn't know God well enough to know what God was capable of.

A.

Paul, before Jesus captured his attention on his way to Demascus, just didn't know God OR Jesus well enough to know what God/Jesus was capable of. He didn't know God well enough to TRUST Him. He only knew about God...stories and rules, not as a Friend or Confidant.

In order to TRUST someone, we have to truly know them. When we can rely on that person to help us, even in the most personal situations, we put our hope in that person. This causes our compassion for them to rise up. Our words and actions toward them are full of compassion. We desire to give back to this 'trusted one' what they have given to us.

This is all the result of KNOWING this Trusted One...not being ingnorant or uneducated about them.

P.

To KNOW You, Lord, is to TRUST You! And in trusting You, I know what You are capable of! Help me to know You fully and intimately. Rise up my reliance on You!

Mood:  loud

S.

Colossians 4:16 (AMP) And when this epistle has been read before you, [see] that it is read also in the assembly (the church) of the Laodiceans, and also [see] that you yourselves in turn read the [letter that comes to you] from Laodicea.

O.

Laodiceans means "Justice of the People". The word Justice means "NOT FAVORING ONE MORE THAN ANOTHER".

We are to READ or RECOGNIZE, while holding the reputation of Jesus, NO FAVORTISM!

In having NO FAVORTISM, we need BIG EARS to hear EVERYONE, and then to take action on what we learn from them; the 'big guy' AND 'the little guy'. What is FAIR is the action we are to take.

A.

Horton the Elephant LISTENED to the 'little guy'. He knew that the 'Whos' weren't being heard by most people. HE had to be their voice in order that their cry could be heard.

Like Horton, I need to stand up for the 'Whos'. If the 'Whos' need a voice, I need to BE that voice. I need to stand for justice and equality in order that Jesus can shine out of my life. HE is our Example of Fairness and Justice. This is just another example of the character/reputation of Jesus; another character trait that is to be revealed through us, His followers.

P.

Father, Use ME as Your "Horton"...and give me BIG EARS to hear the cries of the "Whos"! I ask for the boldness I need to stand up and help the "Whos" to be heard! Make me a channel of Your fairness!

Mood:  lazy

S. 

Colossians 3:15 (AMP) And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].

O.

Let the 'inner contentment'/'inner composure' of God be Umpire of your mind, soul and character. This is what your reputation is to known for as the church family...a tranquil and sound 'whole'.

Also, be mindful and grateful. God's family is to be known for it's reputation of generosity to the benifit of others.

A.

As a Believer, changed from the inside out, I am to be known for the One who changed me. I am to have HIS character and reputation; known for peace, tranquility, mindfulness and thankfulness, always a benefit to others.

I am to ooze inner contentment, showing that God is dwelling in me. He is the Umpire of my mind and soul, guiding me into constant and lasting peace within. The result of this inner contentmen is a mind full of gratitude, thanking God for all He has granted to me.

P.

Father, always make me mindful of all You have put into my life. I pray for Your reputation of peace that benifits others. Help me be a mindful, benefit to YOU, Father, and Your whole family!

Mood:  lucky

S.

Colossians 2:3 (AMP)  In Him all the treasures of [divine] wisdom (comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God) and [all the riches of spiritual] knowledge and enlightenment are stored up and lie hidden.

O.

The full percise and correct knowledge and recognition of the hidden purpose of God's will (denoting the 'hidden sense' only in Believers) are in God and Christ. Concealed in this 'fixed, instrumental position (in our 'hidden sense') are where the valuables (the good and precious things) are kept. There 'valuables' are wisdom (broad and full intelligence) and knowledge (the understanding of moral living/Truth).

A.

Rabbinic writings say that those who believe in God have a 'hidden sense'. I believe that all Believers in Jesus have this 6th sense. It's an inner knowing and wisdom put inside our 'inner spiritual man' so that we can discern the greater wisdom and knowledge of God; His hidden secrets. We receive this 6th sense from the very Spirit of Jesus, after we ask Him to be the Master of our lives. We have the ability inside of us to know and discern more than the Unbeliever, because we are in contact with God's very own Spirit!

P.

Thank You Father for this very special treasure; Your wisdom and knowledge given to me by Your very own Spirit! Help me to give You glory in the pulling out of this hidden treasure. Show me how to use this treasure fully, Father.

Mood:  bright

S.

Colossians 1:15,16a(AMP) [Now] He is the exact likeness of the unseen God [the visible representation of the invisible]; He is the Firstborn of all creation.

For it was in Him that all things were created, in heaven and on earth, things seen and things unseen,

O.

Jesus is the profile of God, having yielded to Him; becoming weak in Himself so God can be strong in Him.

Jesus is the likeness of God, to be what we can not visualize with our physical eyes on this earth that which is God.

Jesus is the 'First Seed' or 'First Child' of God (His 'First Fruit'), from everything that was created originally by god.

 Everything God created was for this Reason; for Jesus.

God fixed, instrumentally, the time, position and state for Jesus.

Jesus owns it all, both in heaven and earth (the 'seen' and the 'unseen').

Jesus owns/posesses both what can be seen with the mind (our understanding/perception) and what we don't see with the mind (our understanding/perception).

Even if it is the Divine Power of our minds; He owns it.

Even what dominates, masters and controls our minds; He owns it.

Even what leads or starts our thoughts; He owns it.

Even our ability and power of thinking/intellect; He owns it.

All of these were channeled for action for Jesus. He is the 'Reason' for them.

All of these thoughts/intellects were positioned in our minds for Him; He owns them.

Jesus is superior to all things, even our thoughts and intellects. He was set, by God, in this fixed, instrumental position, to unite our thoughts and intellects with God's mind and way of thinking. This is in order that we may understand our Father,  our place and purpose on earth, His love for us, and to become UNITED WITH HIM IN OUR MINDS, SOULS AND SPIRITS! 

A.

I love this! Everything that goes through my mind is owned by Jesus! Everything! He is in a set, instrumental position in my thoughts so that my mind/soul can unite with God's thoughts and mind. WOW! It's deep, but it's SO cool that Jesus uses my thinking to unite me with our Father! Surrendering to the mind of Jesus is the key! He is our 'Example' on how to surrender, how to think, and how to unite with our Father.

P.

Jesus, You are the owner of my mind, my thoughts. Help me to KNOW that You are always the Leader of my thinking, the Controller of my thoughts (when I surrender to You) and the way to be united with our Father! Take my HEAD, Jesus!

a

S.

Philippians 4:7 (AMP) And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

O.

Believers are to constantly seek after the fixed, instrumental position of the state of tranquility/harmony of our soul/mind. T

This kind of tranquility/harmony that is at one/joined with Jesus, assures us that we are rescued by Him.

This kind or tranquility/harmony insures us against fearing our earthly lot, causing us to be content in all circumstances.

This kind of tranquiltiy/harmony excels our intellect.

This kind of tranquility/harmony guards our soul and mind by keeping us WATCHFUL and alert. We set our mind to KEEP the set position of 'mindful-peace' BEFORE we come into any experiences of life, good or bad.

This kind of tranquility/harmony is usable by God, showing evidence that God rules in our life; Piece is our PROOF and our TESTIMONY!

A.

Peace in my life is something I have to practice at. From small circumstances to large problems, I have to set my mind on knowing that I am FREE from FEAR; setting my mind in knowing that I AM content in all circumstances because of this FREEDOM!   This keeps me prepared, WATCHFUL, to what could attack my inner peace, the opposite of God's desire for me. When I set my mind on being WATCHFUL to what could steal my peace, then the 'triggers' that set off the warning signs of fear or discontent, are made known to me. At those times, I need to practice cementing my feet in the peace of God's Word and His Spirit, not being moved. This CEMENT takes time to set, and it comes from practicing it, over and over, no matter what experiences come into my life.

Ephesians 6:14,15: And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace.

P.

Cement my feet in Your peace, Jesus! Help me focus on YOU in all adverse circumstances, big or small. Keep me always watchful for Your peace, and how to STAY there!

Mood:  a-ok

S.

Philippians 3:10,11 (AMP) [For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope], That if possible I may attain to the [spiritual and moral] resurrection [that lifts me] out from among the dead [even while in the body].

O.

aBecoming intimately connected with Jesus, acutally becoming like Him by 'absorbing' Him into our spirit and mind, we actually can have His very nature. We, Jesus and us, have this experience together, and so we are not two people anymore; we become one. When this happens, the two seperate people die, and one 'person' (a new nature/character) emerges. A new 'seed' is produced from this death of the two people. This 'seed' produced by death, is our 'purpose'; the exact idea that God had in mind for us when He created us. Our old nature, dies, having seperated our old soul from our old body. We now walk through each and every experience and life adventure as ONE NEW CREATURE, merged with Jesus. We have become the 'fruit' of our old nature dying and becoming newly alive in our God-created purpose. We are a new 'seed' to grow into the 'purpose' that God created us for.

A.

Merging with Jesus, I am a new creature. Staying intimately connected with Him, in my mind and spirit, is the key to staying DEAD to the old me. If I want to continue in the 'adventure on earth' as this 'new me', I have to stay dead to the old me. I learn this by going through all the 'earthly adventures' with Jesus by my side...no....acutally with Him IN me.

The key to staying on 'purpose' is in being INTIMATE WITH JESUS!...AND STAYING DEAD TO ME!

P.

Jesus, show me how to be truly intimate with You...DAILY! I want us to always be absorbed into each other, producing the 'seed' that can ONLY come from our merging. Soften my heart, Holy Spirit, and KILL ME!

a

Mood:  quizzical

S.

Philippians 2:5 (AMP) Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility:]

O.

Paul is telling the Philippians to silent their own human hearts and minds and to think and feel like Jesus! They are to strive to do this, seeking the heart and mind of Christ, for His heart and mind only thinks and feels on the things that please His Father. His heart and mind is full of love and compassion for others.

A.

Human minds and hearts can not think or feel like Jesus. It takes Holy Spirit to put the mind and heart of Jesus into us, igniting these qualities into action. We can not do this by ourselves, but need the supernatural power of God, His very character and essence, to help us think like Jesus, feel like Jesus and act like Jesus. I KNOW this can be done, because when I ask Holy Spirit to help me to have the 'mind of Christ', I think differently. When I ask for the 'heart of Jesus', I receive a softer heart of compassion for others. It's all a matter of asking and the submitting to what Holy Spirit will put into our hearts and minds. A matter of ASK and SUBMIT!

P.

aHoly Spirit, I am asking for the mind and heart of Jesus. Help me to crave and seek all that Jesus' mind and heart have. Show me how to hunger more, spiritually, for Jesus' character, His name, and all He stood for. Then I pray that You would strengthen my heart to submit to You, more and more.

Mood:  accident prone

S.

Philippians 1:6 (AMP) And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.

O.

In being inwardly certain that our partnership with God is advancing the 'Good News', and that it is a 'fixed time and positon' set by Him with His purpose for us, we know that He will use us for this purpose. This 'time' (NOW) is God's starting point for us. God will finish completely what He intended for us, right up to the defined time when Jesus returns to receive His bride unto Himself.

A.

Our Pastor says this all the time: we are just getting started here on earth...THIS is the beginning of our journey to eternity. It's AFTER we are dead in body but totally alive in spirit, that we will be 'completed'. Our part is to do the works of spreading the TRUTH and 'partnering' with Jesus while we are here on earth. Being completed in knowing it 'all' will be done after we are with Jesus. All our questions will be answered as we sit at the feet of Jesus. He KNOWS ALL. THAT'S how we will be complete, finished and FULL! At the feet of Jesus!

P.

Father, thank You for my purpose NOW, on this earth. I pray that my heart would always partner with Yours, making me always willing to be part of Your plans, so that I can go as far as I can go, here on this Earth.