Wednesday, October 11, 2017, 09:41

Good morning,

Well, yesterdays sunshine is hiding behind the gray today. A storm is predicted to come through. Do I feel anxious about this? I might have in the past, but my heart and mind are in peace today. Praise the Lord! He has made me glad!

Since so many are reading from different locations on the globe I can assume there are as many different and varied circumstances God's people are in. I have been reading about the apostle Paul. He wrote from prison on more than one occasion. How could he do this? I believe he could because of his deep love of God and his love for Christ Who died for him. He had an understanding of who he was in the eyes of the Father in heaven. Jesus was his tried and true strength. Holy Spirit filled him and was at work in his life bringing him to worship...even in a dungeon.

I had a thought on my mind this morning. A question really. So, how do we love God with all our mind? Do you know? We have talked about the importance of meditating on God's Word. How to bring thoughts captive. Always coming into His presence with thanksgiving. And, trusting Him with the outcome of all our prayers.

I am draw to the book of Philippians. Here is Paul shackled to a wall, in a filty, tight, smelly place with other prisoners and yet, he speaks of joy! His focus apparently is on Jesus even when his ankles are swollen and raw from chains and his belly is empty. Obviously someone brought him parchment and a writing impliment. His only light was probably a tiny lantern or pot of oil with a wick. I am speculating but, this boggles my mind at how he shares his faith. It is genuine.

Philippians 1:6 says, "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."  Paul was thinking clearly. He wasn't fantasizing with some unreality. He really believed this!

That is how we can love God with all our minds. Know His heart and believe: rely on, trust in and adhere, cling to it. If you believe that there is something to fear around every corner then you will find it just so. If you believe that Jesus walks every step with you then you will have no fear. Knowing Who you serve makes a huge difference doesn't it?

There are some16 different places in this book where Paul uses the word joy. When I remember that he is in prison, I am ashamed for my grumbling and complaining. I have so many blessings today. There is nothing I need that God has not provided. My soul is full of His love and goodness. Where my mind takes me is where I will live from. If I am living loved, I will know the perfect peace of mind that God speaks of. 

Paul speaks from a place of understanding and wisdom. He has learned to apply the Truth of Jesus Christ to his personal life. That is why his testimony is so effective! Chapter 2:13-14 says..."[Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight. Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining [against God] and questioning and doubting [among yourselves]."

What a mouthful! I have complained at times that God is too slow, and doubted that He even listens. Sometimes, I have shared that with others, which plants seed of doubt in their minds if they are weaker christians. Ouch! Again, it is where the mind travels and what it mulls over, allowing the devil a foothold. Be aware.

Paul says in Chapter 3:1..."For the rest, my brethren, delight yourselves in the Lord and continue to rejoice that you are in Him..." Amen! This will keep our mind agreeable to His will!  He goes on to say in verse 8..."Yes, furthermore, I count everything as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege (the overwhelming preciousness, the surpassing worth, and supreme advantage) of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord and of progressively becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him [of perceiving and recognizing and understanding Him more fulyl and clearly]. For His sake I have lost everything and consider it all to be mere rubbish (refuse, dregs), in order that I may win (gain) Christ (the Anointed One)."  This goes on.

I know many of you have experienced loss with the onslaughts of nature, and by the hands of evil men. I think you may understand what it is to be imprisoned for your faith. You, like Paul, can agree here. What an honor to loose for the sake of Christ. Terrible, yet a place of joy unspeakable. I want to train my mind to worship God in any situation, come what may. I know nothing takes the place of experience. I don't want to suffer, if I am honest. But, I know that my mind, as long as it is stayed on the Lord, I will be kept in peace. The kind that passes all understanding.

I know today is rather long. Not one word that I write is prepared or outlined. It never is. I trust that as Holy Spirit leads me that He is leading you too. We gain everything when we leave it to Him, our great teacher. God's Word is never wasted. Praise the Lord! Until we meet again, I pray that your mind is focused on Him and you are anticipating that great day when we will see Him face to face!

Abundance is...Loving God with all my mind.


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