Tag Archives: 119 Ministries

True Faith in Yahweh

Evidently

(#286 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

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To substitute what satisfies in the moment, regardless of established truth, has been the way of mankind from the beginning. Trading facts for feelings is littered throughout man’s history. It evidently boils down to an inability to believe Yahweh and His Sovereignty, thus uncovering a primitive distrust in Him, His methodologies, and His commandments.

There is a heavy price to pay physically and spiritually for this lack of faith. Disbelief first ages a man spiritually, and we don’t mean that it matures him. It makes him old, as in degenerated. And how does this affect his spiritual life? It traps him in the same bad doctrines that caused the dis-ease in the first place. We think in modern vernacular you would say it like this: “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” And as you have learned so often in these devotions, the physical shadow always reflects the spiritual reality.

There is a pattern that accompanies the choices of distrust and disbelief of the great I Am; it was established in the Garden and it leads to death and labor! “If you eat from it, you will certainly die.” (Genesis 2:17); “The ground is cursed because of you. Through hard work you will eat food that comes from it every day of your life.” (Genesis 3:17) You can resist this truth, but kicking against the goads is futile (Acts 26:14).

The sad thing is that history will not heal this issue for mankind. It has to be a personal choice, not a historical one. All the labor of man is for his mouth, and yet the soul is not satisfied. (Ecclesiastes 6:7) If history could have done it, Cain’s example of his own effort yielding bad fruit would have taught us this lesson (Genesis 4:3-7). Instead of heeding the warning; “sin is lying outside your door ready to attack. It wants to control you, but you must master it,” (v. 7) he watered the ground with his brother’s blood. He was therefore cursed “from the ground” (v. 11) which would forever yield bad fruit (Genesis 4:10-12).

If history could heal us, the Exodus would have taught us a lesson. Forty-two campsites named in Numbers 33 (plus 17 others mentioned elsewhere in the Torah), all stopping grounds before crossing the Jordan. There was lots of setting up and breaking down over 40 years, all those extra years and extra stops because of distrust and therefore, disobedience. Who did the Mighty One swear would never enter His place of rest? He was talking about those who didn’t obey Him. So, we see that they couldn’t enter His place of rest because they didn’t believe. (Hebrews 3:18-19)

Evidently, knowing the history does not matter. The pattern continues; and you are participating in it. You might be experiencing it right now, the temptation to choose feelings over facts; satisfaction in the moment over truth and reality; disobedience that leads to death and labor over trusting His Sovereignty. The remedy is also in you. It is a choice you can make today, a choice to believe everything about Him. Much of the faith to do so is a gift that has already been deposited in you. The final piece is your choice. And the opportunity arises when your feelings contradict your faith. Choose this day whom you will serve; facts or feelings? As for us, we will proclaim as mandated; “I will serve Yahweh!” (Joshua 24:15)

“Turn to Me when I warn you. I will generously pour out My Spirit for you. I will make My words known to you.” (Proverbs 1:23)

Ever Growing, Ever Knowing

Ever Growing, Ever Knowing

(#285 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

www.sufferwell.org
I pray that the glorious Father, the Mighty One of our Master Yahshua the Messiah, would give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know Him [Yahshua] better. Then you will have deeper insight. You will know the confidence that He calls you to have, and the glorious wealth that Yahweh’s people will inherit. (Ephesians 1:17-18)

In order to keep advancing in wisdom and understanding, you will need to know that the power of the “self” or “ego” is the ever present and ever ready power of opposition and resistance to Holiness, which itself is “The Messiah in you; the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27) Never will it be “you in you” that rises to the mind of the Messiah.

It is crucial that you recognize that even after an entire life of sinlessness, Yahshua had a moment of doubt, in other words, a moment of “self.” “Why have you forsaken [abandoned] Me?” (Matthew 27:45-46 from Psalm 22:1) What is so critical for proper understanding is the realization that His doubt manifested after He had done everything the Father asked of Him up until that moment. He was on the stake, already pierced, just on the cusp of obedience unto death; His commanded task would be “finished” (Matthew 27:50; John 19:30) within the next few breaths. And then, a single thought of doubt. Was it sin? Of course not! Was it necessary? Most definitely! Was it a lesson for all ages about the human struggle? Absolutely!

Do you remember we discussed Psalm 22 in Devotion 259? The conclusion of the matter was this:

“It’s all about the mind, the thought processes, how we think about our “self,” and how we redeem those thoughts by the power of the Spirit. It’s all in the mind loved one. Life is in the mind!”

We broke down verses 12 and 13 from a more metaphysical, in a sense, supernatural perspective.

“A growing number of dispersed and stubborn thoughts have invaded my thinking process. These are thoughts that enslave me to an unredeemed material consciousness as opposed to the freedom of spiritual thinking. These fleshly thoughts continually revolve in my mind and keep me entangled. These carnal thought processes create and propagate scattered and fragmented ideas. They pull and pluck at my brain; and they cause a rumbling and moaning within. They roar so loudly that I cannot even think straight.”

And those were David’s thoughts after he had cried out; “My Mighty One, my Mighty One, why have You forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?” (Psalm 22:1) Those too were Yahshua’s words! This is our lesson loved one. Until death, and this means your last breath, the ego will always be lurking. Self-will, which forever stands in opposition to the will of Yahweh, will not be eradicated until your mental resurrection.

With this knowledge we can identify the pattern. When Yahweh increases your power, the ego will always be right there desiring to use that power for self-glorification. Be ever on guard, ever so diligent, to not only understand this, but to daily confess it. “I know that everything about the fallen me would want to misuse Your power and grace Yahweh, but for today I would ask that You give me Your strength and courage to deny myself and take up my stake, and that Your Son would reign and rule within me.” And know this truth loved one; one day, when your mind is resurrected, your ego will never again be present in your thought processes. For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins. (Hebrews 10:2) You will, at that point, have the mind of Yahweh. Rejoice we say! Consider this and rejoice!

“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his stake daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23)

Who may spend time with Yahweh?

Who May?

(#284 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

www.sufferwell.org
O Yahweh, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may live on Your holy mountain? The one who walks with integrity, does what is righteous, and speaks the truth within his heart [mind]. The one who does not slander with his tongue, do evil to a friend, or bring disgrace on his neighbor. The one who despises those rejected by Yahweh but honors those who fear Yahweh. The one who makes a promise and does not break it, even though he is hurt by it. The one who does not collect interest on a loan or take a bribe against an innocent person. Whoever does these things will never be shaken. ~Psalm 15

In order to equip you to cross over the Jordan (thoughts that cause decrease and inhibit spiritual increase) into your promised land (firm foundation of Holy mindedness), it would behoove you to ask this question. “Did the Messiah ever teach anything but the doctrine of His Father?” Yahshua responded to them, “What I teach [doctrine] doesn’t come from Me but from the one who sent Me. Those who want to follow the will of My Father will know if what I teach is from Him or if I teach My own thoughts. Those who speak their own thoughts are looking for their own glory. But the man who wants to bring glory to the One who sent him is a true teacher and doesn’t have dishonest motives [unrighteousness in him].” (John 7:16-18)

Do you believe His doctrine or your own thoughts? Is your understanding veiled? Shaul spoke of those of old whose minds were darkened. Their minds became closed. In fact, to this day the same veil is still there when they read the Old Covenant. It isn’t removed, because only the Messiah can remove it. (2 Corinthians 3:14)

Who may abide in the tabernacle (presence) of Yahweh? Who may ascend to His holy mountain (elevated thought)? Who will not be shaken (emotionally disrupted) in times of trouble?

One who:

· Walks with integrity;

· Does what is righteous;

· Speaks the truth within his heart;

· Does not slander;

· Does not do evil;

· Does not bring disgrace on his neighbor;

· Despises those rejected by Yahweh;

· Honors those who fear Yahweh;

· Keeps a promise even though he is hurt by it;

· Does not collect interest on a loan;

· And does not take a bribe.

“The man who wants to bring glory to the One who sent him is a true teacher.” Yahshua said to them, “You don’t believe because you’re not My sheep. My sheep respond to My voice, and I know who they are. They follow Me.” (John 10:26-27) Do you believe? Are you His sheep?

The Messiah has offered to remove the veil from His sheep. Does it still blind you? Hear His voice; follow Him!

Conviction of the Holy Spirit

Soothed

(#283 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

www.sufferwell.org
It’s never “just semantics.” Every word that proceeds from your mouth reveals your state of mind, and your state of mind is either completely holy or it isn’t. He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I Am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15-16) Can you have wrong thinking and still be holy? Can a house (mindset) be divided and still be whole? Yes, your house is your mindset, the thoughts that permeate your being! But Yahshua knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.” (Matthew 12:25) How better can we demonstrate the undivided mind than by the words of Yahshua Himself? “I can of Myself [ego] do nothing. As I hear [the Father], I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.” (John 5:30) Unless His will is your will, you are a house divided.

And now you are responsible for this reality. You can make no excuses, allow no room for compromise. As you embrace this truth, your mind will become soothed, calmness will overtake you, and your faith will be reassured. But, let’s go deeper and add an extraordinary nuance to your understanding.

This soothing experience is not taking place in your own mind. It is actually His Spirit in you, His mind in you that you are sensing. It is no longer you, but the Messiah who lives in you! (Galatians 2:20) For “who has known the mind of the Master that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of the Messiah. (1 Corinthians 2:16) He speaks in the Holy of Holies within His temple. You are that temple (1 Corinthians 3:16-17). And remember, flesh and blood (self) cannot enter this most holy place. Praise Yahweh that “you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of the Almighty dwells in you.” (Romans 8:9)

If you are lazy, you may claim semantics are at work here; but the cost of doing so will be high. Rather than dismiss it, let this prayer marinate in your bones. “Father I know Your Spirit within me is always in a perfect state, complete in every way, lacking nothing. I deeply sense the effects of Your Spirit and how soothing You are. Thank you, and may I always proclaim that it is not I who lives, but You who lives in me. Let my life song sing…’I do not seek my own will, but the will of my Father who sent me.’”

Good News

Justification by faith

Unauthorized Fire

(#281 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

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“Aaron sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before Yahweh, contrary to His command. So fire came out from the presence of Yahweh and consumed them, and they died before Yahweh.” (Leviticus 10:1-2)

Fire consumed them for choosing their own sacrifice. We think in modern terms you would call that “religion.” Ouch! Does Yahweh delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying Yahweh? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. (1 Samuel 15:22) You would do well focusing on what has been commanded, rather than doing what you or your denomination has decided is pleasing to “God.”

On an individual level, it could be likened to a former drug addict who has the erroneous idea that one can make up for his past sins by diving into a plethora of self-chosen acts of service, otherwise known as “spiritual activities.” Remember, the Almighty demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, the Messiah died for us. (Romans 5:8) You were redeemed while you were still a slave to your addictions, and all idolatrous behavior for that matter. It is His Spirit alone who gives you the ability to leave your idols behind. No sacrifice on your part was necessary, no acts of service, only His. Your unauthorized fire, your self-assigned sacrificial activities, done with the sense that you must somehow participate in the atonement for your past behaviors, actually reveals your unbelief. It is self-righteousness, not righteousness. Israyl was guilty of such behavior; “they were zealous for the Mighty One, but their zeal was not based on knowledge. Since they did not know the righteousness of the Mighty One and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to the Mighty One’s righteousness.” (Romans 10:2-3)

Any time you operate in the mindset that you must do something to “atone,” you are telling Him that you reject the offering Yahshua made. That’s right; you are saying that His death and resurrection were not enough to cover all of your maladies. This non-debatable core issue must be dealt from within. He [Yahshua] sacrificed for their sins once for all when He offered Himself. (Hebrews 7:27) He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. (Hebrews 9:12) He has won favor for you with your Father in Heaven once and for all. Done! The only thing you must do now is obey. “To obey is better than sacrifice.”

With your eternity secure, turn your focus toward obeying His commands. Your abundant life is found in them. He says, “You must obey My laws and be careful to follow My standards. I Am Yahweh your Almighty. Live by My standards and laws, for the person who obeys them will have life through them. I Am Yahweh.” (Leviticus 18:4-5) He has made it so that following His commandments adds life to your life. They are to bless you child, not to curse you. If you have been chosen, the ability to choose has been gifted to you, and you must now make a choice. “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” (Deuteronomy 30:19) He has set before you life and death, choose life! Obedience to His laws is not “legalism” loved one; it is life. Conversely, disobedience is death. Everyone is tempted by his own desires as they lure him away and trap him. Then desire becomes pregnant and gives birth to sin. When sin grows up, it gives birth to death. (James 1:14-15)

Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. (1 John 3:4) No more lawlessness loved one. No more religion. No more self-assigned sacrificial activities. Do it His way; anything else is unauthorized fire!

Sin and Repentance

But I Was Unaware

(#280 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

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If the whole Israylite community sins unintentionally and does what is forbidden in any of Yahweh’s commands, even though the community is unaware of the matter, when they realize their guilt and the sin they committed becomes known, the assembly must… (Leviticus 4:13-14)

When they realize their guilt? Were they guilty while they were still unaware they had sinned? The answer is obvious and atonement was demanded; “the assembly must…” Yes, even for their unintentional sins that they were unaware of, they had to make an offering. For you, whose sins have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, how do you respond? Do you defend your actions? “If I did not know, how can I be punished for it?” Or, do you repent?

The mature ones know the correct response. “Therefore you are inexcusable, O man…”(Romans 2:1) They are the ones who come into agreement and say, “No sin is acceptable, even in my own ignorance.” They would rather query themselves than deflect responsibility. “‘Why did I not know?’ rather than, ‘It’s not my fault.’” Herein lies so much of the problem deeply ingrained inside the body of the Messiah. Why don’t we know and what can be done about it?

Shaul’s humble expression might hold the key to unlock the answer we are looking for. “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of the Almighty in the Messiah Yahshua. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, the Almighty will reveal even this to you.” (Philippians 3:13-15) If you stop at, “I do not count myself to have apprehended…,” then you will ride this excuse indefinitely. Sadly, this ignorance has become the acceptable infestation inside the body. The cure is to humbly admit where you are and to “press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call.”

The maturity it takes to press toward this high calling—do you think it is exclusive, or is it a choice? Are you willing to sit quietly and allow the Spirit to reveal how your approach to sin answers this question? The word says “Press on,” so it would seem that it entails some personal responsibility and effort. You can agree with it, “As many as are mature, have this mind;” or you can argue, “If in anything you think otherwise, the Almighty will reveal even this to you.” But be warned, the revealing won’t be pretty!

Ultimately, maturity brings peace and resolution. If you are truthful with yourself, you will admit that even if you were unaware, you are still responsible for your actions. The mature stop questioning Yahweh in vain. This is the mindset of the mature; if Yahweh says the unaware are still guilty, then guilty they are. If this is you, the only questions remaining are, “Will you repent and what will you do to guard against doing it again?” Do not be the “vain man” who will suffer sharp rebuke. All that you need to know is available if you press on. The “Him” inside of you guarantees it. For those who repent and take responsibility, the blood of the Lamb has dealt with all guilt and sin; woe to the man who continues in his guilt.

If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is available, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of the Mighty One. (Hebrews 10:26-27)

A Plea for Justice

Crossroads

(#279 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

www.sufferwell.org
Let my vindication come from Your presence; let Your eyes look on the things that are upright. (Psalm 17:2)

“I hear you son.”

“What part Father?”

“The crossroads you face, the conflict in your heart about vindication.”

“You are always listening; aren’t you Daddy?”

“Of course I Am son; open your heart to Me about it.”

“You’ve brought me so far already Father.”

“You are welcome.”

“Yes. You know that I always thank you.”

“I know son. Go on.”

“Well, I have been crying out for vindication for quite some time now.”

“And?”

“I’m just not sure it matters as much anymore, at least not in the same way.”

“You are at the crossroads son; it’s a new place.”

“I believe so Father. Is asking for vindication just seeking to be exonerated in the sight of man?”

“Let Me ask you son; do you believe you are right with Me?”

“It was done at the stake, but more than ever, it has become so personal. Yes Father, I believe I am righteous in Your eyes.”

“So, if you are vindicated in My sight, then why do you still cry out for vindication in man’s sight?”

“That’s the crossroads Father. Suddenly I’m not so sure I need that anymore.”

“Son?”

“Yes Father?”

“It’s time to choose the gate.”

“You mean…the narrow gate that leads to life? (Matthew 7:13-14)

“Yes. It’s the narrowest of all possible ways. And there are few who find it!” (v14)

“I’m scared Father. What will become of me? I…”

“No son. Fear not, for I Am with you; be not dismayed, for I Am your Mighty One. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

“Then you’ve got me Abba?”

“I’ve got you son. Your humility is so beautiful to Me.”

“Will you walk the narrow road with me Abba?”

“Better than that My precious son; I will carry you!”

Even to your old age, I Am He, and even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry and will deliver you. (Isaiah 46:4)

To Fear or Not to Fear

To Fear or Not to Fear

(#278 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

www.sufferwell.org
As we launch into this devotion, let us remind you of a critical pattern you must keep in mind at all times. We illuminated it in detail in devotion number 254. “The door of hope is in the valley (wilderness). Yahweh has chosen the wilderness as His place for revelation. And because the wilderness is the designated place of revelation, denial of the pattern leads to denial of revelation.”

When Yahweh gives you His word loved one, it is forever. Clarification comes from fresh revelation and fresh revelation comes from valley experiences which are meant to test your obedience. And you shall remember that Yahweh your Mighty One led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. (Deuteronomy 8:2)

Because mankind made decisions, those that brought eternal damnation, unnatural fear (paralyzing crippling fear and anxiety) became an option for carnal man. However, how often do you mistake the fear of Yahweh as a bad thing because of your inability to distinguish between a healthy fear of your omnipotent Mighty One and this unnatural damning fear? Your inheritance as sons and daughters of the King offers you to, “Fear not” with regard to this unnatural fear. You would be wise to walk in it. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear [paralyzing crippling fear and anxiety] involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. (1 John 4:18) Yahweh has declared, “Fear not, for I Am with you; be not dismayed, for I Am your Mighty One. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10) At the end of this devotion you will learn how to be made perfect in love, how to “fear not!”

There is no clearer distinction between unnatural damning fears and the healthy fear of Yahweh than the words of Moses. “Do not fear; for the Almighty has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin.” (Exodus 20:20) The very day Moses was instructed to deliver the commands to the people we see the nuance; “Do not fear; be very afraid.” The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. (Proverbs 9:10) Reverence of Yahweh is the beginning of all wisdom, not anxiety or paralyzing crippling fear. Reverent wisdom teaches, “Don’t touch that; it will burn you.” Reverence is not fear that destroys; it is fear that preserves.

“Do not fear; for the Almighty has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin.” Loved one, the test is a good thing. It trains you to reverence Yahweh and fear sin. It helps you mature; it produces perfection. My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:2-4)

In essence, fear of all types can be used for good when you consider your choices. Fear of Yahweh brings wisdom and fear of sin brings perfection. And, in your valley experiences, you are tested on what choices you will make when you face great trials. If you are not sinning, then unnatural damning fear is impossible and you are made perfect in love! In conclusion, the question you might want to ponder is this; “Why does it take so much testing to teach me not to sin?”

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Yahshua the Messiah. (1 Peter 1:6-7)

In His Presence

One Day

(#277 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

www.sufferwell.org

“For one day in Your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the House of Yahweh, than to dwell in the tents of the wicked.” (Psalm 84:10)

It is time to go deeper! You learned in yesterday’s devotion: “There is so much more beauty below the surface loved one; it is where He makes ‘known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself.’ (Ephesians 1:9) If you are willing to go there, you will see things never before seen and experience things never before experienced.”

You must go deeper and today is the day to go there. Today we will serve our King with the reverence He is due. The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. (Proverbs 9:10) Even in this verse, if you dip just below the surface you will see that this is not a paralyzing crippling fear or anxiety, but reverence. Reverence of Yahweh is the beginning of all wisdom! So, reverence Him and let His Spirit guide you as we re-spect (look again at) Psalm 84:10. “For one day in Your courts…”

“For one day [illumination] in Your courts [“separated” and “surrounded” by Your presence] is better than a thousand [days of illumination] elsewhere [from some source other than Yahweh]. I would rather be a doorkeeper [vestibule to contain His essence] in the House [consciousness] of Yahweh (Maker of the Holy Mind for men) than to dwell [consciously reside] in the tents [thought dwellings] of the wicked [ego driven man].”

Here is a more concise paraphrase:

“One moment of illumination surrounded by Yahweh’s presence is better than a thousand days of illumination from some source other than Yahweh. Yahweh is the Maker of the Holy Mind and I would rather be a vestibule to contain His essence in my consciousness than to consciously reside in the thoughts of ego driven men.”

It’s all there loved one. Search the Word as a Berean and confirm it. These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. (Acts 17:11) And when you do you will bask in the Glory of the House of Yahweh within you. Then you will certainly proclaim, “For one day in Your courts is so much better!”