Tag Archives: Arthur Bailey
A Good Gauge
A Good Gauge
(#328 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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“If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me before you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. But because you are not of the world, for I have chosen you out of the world, for this reason the world hates you.” (John 15:18-19)
As your mind continues to conform to the mind of the Messiah, let this thought continue its invasion into your old ways of thinking. Eventually it will be all that is left in you. “Everything is born in the mind first; it happens within. And then it is manifested in the physical; it happens without.” Everything that Yahshua the Messiah taught was true to this pattern. Let’s reread His words, and this time be mindful of the pattern, within and then without.
“If the world [material, carnal thoughts born in the conscience and people who are void of the Spirit] hates [has enmity toward] you [redeemed mind and redeemed person], understand [stand under this truth] that it hated Me [the embodiment of a saved mind and a saved person] before you. If you were of the world [material consciousness and material people], the world would love [the type that always fails, yet continues to embrace] its own [carnal thoughts and carnal people]. But because you are not of the world, for I have chosen [pre-determined / predestined to save] you out of the world, for this reason the world [carnal thoughts striving to rule your mind and unholy people] hates you.”
Let’s reassemble His words. The carnal thoughts born in the conscience by people who do not possess the Holy Spirit are full of hated for any beliefs or ways of thinking that start transforming to Holy thinking patterns. Carry this truth like an umbrella. It is not about you personally; it is actually prejudiced against and despises anything that embodies a mind that prospers with a Kingdom mindset. If you persist to think like the world, and remain focused on what the material world can offer you, the world will continue to love and embrace you in the only sick and perverted way that it can. Its type of love always fails; and is flooded with carnal thoughts for carnal people. But, because you have been predestined to not remain part of the world, you will always be at enmity with the carnal thoughts striving to rule your mind and the unholy people who support that way of thinking.
For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. The carnal mind is enmity against [Yahweh]; for it is not subject to the law of [Yahweh], nor indeed can be. (Romans 8:6-7) The carnally minded will always hate the spiritually minded, and the majority of humanity, ego driven thoughts and people, are carnally minded (are of the flesh). The road that leads to destruction is broad and many follow it (Matthew 7:13-14).
The predominant thinking patterns in the earth are destructive and lead to physical calamity as well. In order to prevail, you must expect to be abused, not embraced, for your choice to take the narrow road. The spiritually mature walk with Yahweh within and then without, and they never concern themselves with being liked by those on the broad road.
But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of [Yahweh] dwells in you. (Romans 8:9)
As we forgive
As We Forgive
(#326 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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“And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12)
It’s because you’re stuck in the physical realm that these and other scriptures remain unfulfilled. But Yahweh said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. Yahweh does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but Yahweh looks at the heart [mind].” (1 Samuel 16:7) It is what is on the inside that is most important. With this, again, brought to the forefront of your mind, let’s re-examine what Yahshua was teaching in Matthew 6:12.
“And forgive us [minds meant for redemption and salvation] our debts [obligations owed due to carnal thoughts; acknowledgement of idols in thought processes] as we [the mind being renewed] forgive [move past, press on] our debtors [former thought processes that bring back memories of pain, fear, anger, sadness, etc.].” Our minds were meant to be redeemed and then preserved whole with full release from any current obligations. The renewed mind can then also move beyond any memories of the past that threaten to drag us back into old mindsets.
When Yahshua’s words are considered from the Holy mind perspective (a circumcised heart), their intent is to demonstrate that the obligation of both the debt and the debtor were yours; each is one side of a sharp double-edged sword. It is not about what others may owe us in the physical world, but obligations of ego centered thinking that have been forgiven once they are confessed, yet which still linger because of the residues of sin. That is why you are called to forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead (Philippians 3:13).
Listen loved one; it’s never about anyone else. It has always been, and always will be about every thought you think, and whether or not those thoughts are obedient to the Holy mind patterns. Forgiving EVERYTHING is a byproduct of believing in Yahweh! Press on toward the goal to win the prize for which the Mighty One has called [you] heavenward in the Messiah Yahshua. All who are mature [perfect] should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too the Mighty One will make clear to you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same [Holy] mind. (Philippians 3:14-16)
Altar Cry
Altar Cry
(#325 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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“For which of you who plans to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, to see if you have enough to finish?” (Luke 14:28)
Consider this: the tower is an expansion of thought processes from carnal to spiritual. Sitting down is the meditation before and about what you intend to step into. The cost is nothing less than the sanctification of your entire spirit, soul, and body (1 Thessalonians 5:23). The ability to finish is none other than agreeing to nail your “self” to the torture stake. Whoever rejects the stake, or refuses to utterly forsake everything, even his own life, cannot be His disciple (Luke 14:26-27; 33).
And now a proper perspective of forgiveness is warranted. Reflect on this question; “Why would Yahweh ever forgive that which He has said to die to?” Stated another way, “Is His forgiveness for the man whom He says must lose his life, or is His forgiveness for His Son alone?” Here is the clue; “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in the Messiah the Mighty One forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32) It is in Yahshua alone that we have forgiveness from Yahweh!
So, if it is in Him alone that forgiveness resides, then we must begin to question if the practice of the modern “altar call”, each plea to come forward, is merely a continuation of Catholic dogma. Is it just a resurrected religious code that sacrifices (sacraments) the Messiah over, and over, and over again? This may make you feel very uncomfortable, but how you feel about it does not matter. What matters is truth!
The message for everyone who claims to be a disciple is to count the cost before you say, “forgive me.” It costs everything and the forgiveness is in Yahshua alone, who will authorize and perfect your faith. It will require every ounce of what you had formerly valued to be utterly shattered!
Now, who would like to come to the altar and receive? Would you? Yes indeed, come as you are, but be ready to be crushed, to never be the same again. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for [His] sake will find it. (Matthew 10:39)
Your sin requires that you be annihilated into nothingness. It is time for the modern day altar call to become the altar cry. Yes, he who takes warning will save his own life. (Ezekiel 33:5) They hear the cry of the true watchman. “Blow the trumpet and warn the people!” (Read Ezekiel 33:1-9)
Go Therefore!
Go Therefore!
(#324 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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And Yahshua came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in Heaven and on earth. Go therefore…” (Matthew 28:18-19)
Go therefore! It’s the way of the Father. Yahweh gives authority to Yahshua; “For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak.” (John 12:49) And Yahshua gives it to us; He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all adversaries, and to cure diseases. He sent them to preach the Kingdom of the Mighty One and to heal the sick. (Luke 9:1-2) Behold, I give you authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; so that nothing shall by any means hurt you. (Luke 10:19)
There is no authority except from the Almighty, and the authorities that exist are appointed by the Almighty. (Romans 13:1) In order to better comprehend this transference of authority, we might ask, “Who, what, when, where, how and why?”
Who?
The Almighty Father (Romans 13:1) grants His authority to His Son and His Son then grants it to us (Matthew 28:18-19; Luke 9:1-2; 10:19).
What?
The ability to overcome your ego; not your will but His will be done (Luke 22:42).
When?
It was predestined before the world began (Ephesians 1:4-11).
Where?
In the heavenly places in the Messiah (Ephesians 1:3). And on earth as it is in Heaven (Luke 11:2)
How?
As you emulate the Son’s humility in the same way that He submitted to His Father’s authority, your ego (self-will) is defeated (John 12:49). This is only possible by Yahweh’s grace (Ephesians 2:5).
Why?
For His good pleasure of course! (Psalm 149:4)
Remember these things loved one. Remember them especially when you are tempted to believe that it is, in any way, by your own authority (mental strength and power) that you have overcome your sinful ways. The Messiah in you is what removes sin, and nothing else. Without the Father’s authority passed to Him and His authority passed to you, you have no authority, no strength, and no power. May the Holy Spirit invade you with this reality; it is the only path to righteousness (right thinking).
Yahshua said, “The Spirit of Yahweh is upon Me; He has anointed Me to preach the good news to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.” (Luke 4:18)
Yahshua said, “He has!” Now, “Go therefore!”
First Things
First Things
(#323 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Do you often feel as if you have met some sort of requirement, appeasing the Father with the time you “spend” with Him in devotions? Is there some type of spiritual satisfaction you derive from being able to say, “I do devotions every day?” You do err in your thinking if you attempt to block out small segments of “devotion time,” while never considering what time with the Father really means.
A simple statement should suffice to explain the potential error, and then we can create a new context for your devotional activity. “If every one of your thoughts is commanded to come into captivity to the obedience of Messiah (2 Corinthians 10:5), and He did nothing of Himself but only what He saw the Father do (John 5:19), then every moment of your life should be a devotion time unto Yahweh!” Then Yahshua said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things. And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” (John 8:28-29)
Therefore, this is the proper pattern to ensure victory over your thought world every day, all day:
• “My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Yahweh; in the morning I will direct it to You, and look up.” (Psalm 5:3)
• “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of the Almighty.” (Romans 12:2)
• “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
If you never seek your own will, but always the will of the Father (John 5:30), then your thought world will be devoted to Him entirely! Anything less does not conform to the pattern. And the wise understand why the morning sets the stage to live in His mindedness throughout the day. It is the time when you rise to declare, “Abba, by the power of Your Holy Spirit placed in me, grant me the courage today to die to myself, and therefore do all You command. Please help me utterly forsake my own will and desire to do Your will alone!” Then, the rest of your day becomes an extension of your morning prayer, and the end result… “The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.”
Authors’ personal note: We are honored that you have incorporated Suffer Well into your life as part of the “renewal of your mind,” in other words, the declaration of your mental allegiance towards Yahweh. It is especially powerful if it is how you start your (His) day before Him. Yes, it can be a powerful kick start in the morning, but it’s not enough loved one. We say “mental allegiance” to remind you that it is your entire mind He has plans to take over, and you must press beyond these devotions. No doubt, we are very honored to be part of your growth. It’s an awesome blessing to be a blessing to you.
Crumbs from the King’s Table
Crumbs from the King’s Table
(#320 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, “Master, help me!” But He [Yahshua] answered and said: “It is not right to take the children’s bread, and toss it to dogs.” And she said, “True, Master, but even the dogs eat those crumbs which fall from their master’s table.” (Matthew 15:25-27)
It’s the ideal perspective loved one; it is faith demonstrated to perfection. The realization that your standing before the Master, well, actually you’re on all fours. This woman, only by His Spirit that touches her, can bow before Yahshua with authentic introspection and make an honest “self” assessment. Unto herself, she is not better than a dog, a spiritual cripple, a beggar. It begins with a mind that is desperate for the opportunity to come to the King’s table, the place where heavenly delicacies are spread before you. Bow at the King’s feet, get on all fours, lay prostrate, do anything necessary to come humbly before Him, anything to eat at His table. To her, the crumbs are not just incidental leftovers, but rather her opportunity to taste life. She is happy to eat the crumbs from the King’s table, even willing to compare herself to a dog that considers the scraps a delight.
Then Yahshua answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! May it be to you as you desire…” (Matthew15:28)
“Eat,” He said. Come to the table of heavenly delicacies and all of your requests are granted. Delight yourself also in Yahweh; and He shall give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4) For her, it was the healing of her daughter (thoughts of compassion and beauty). What will it be for you? Are you willing to come on all fours? Humble yourselves before Yahweh, and He will lift you up. (James 4:10) Then perhaps He will invite you to have a seat at the King’s table.
And what of the son of Jonathan who was lame in his feet? Now when Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, had come to David, he fell on his face and prostrated himself. Then David said, “Mephibosheth?” And he answered, “Here is your servant!” So David said to him, “Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father’s sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather; and you shall eat bread at my table continually.” Then he bowed himself, and said, “What is your servant, that you should look upon such a dead dog as I?”…But Mephibosheth your master’s son shall eat bread at my table always.” …“As for Mephibosheth,” said the king, “he shall eat at my table like one of the king’s sons.”…So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem, for he ate continually at the king’s table. And he was lame in both his feet. (Excerpts from 2 Samuel 9:1-13)
Yahweh’s plan is that the lame will bow before Him and He will lift them up to dine at the King’s table. If you too come before Him as one who is lame, He will find a seat at His table for you like you are one of the King’s own children. May it be to you as you desire.
Completely Like Yeshua
Home Inspection
(#315 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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So often we hear others say, “I need to try harder,” in reference to their spiritual life, their commitment to Yahweh. Nothing makes the Ruach (Holy Spirit) cringe more than a statement like this. It is this type of thinking that reveals a foundation built upon sand (Matthew 7:26), a foundation that will not remain when the testing comes.
A simple question should suffice to turn the sand into solid rock. “If there was anything at all about you that was good enough to satisfy the standard of righteousness required by Yahweh, then why was it necessary for His Son to be impaled?” Can you acknowledge that? You must decide whether or not Yahshua the Messiah died because you had some shortcomings and erroneous thought processes, or if He died because there was nothing good in you and your entire mindset was depraved. How you answer this has EVERYTHING to do with your ability to build your house (dwelling for your thoughts), and on what kind of foundation you build it. We’ll give you two hints!
1. Unless Yahweh builds the house, the builders labor in vain. (Psalm 127:1)
2. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. (Mark 3:25)
The natural mind, led by ego, must repeatedly deal with thoughts that tempt you to reminisce about some goodness that was in you prior to the Messiah’s work in you. It’s simply not true loved one; there was none. The goodness in you now is only because of Yahshua in you. The only goodness you will ever have is the Messiah in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). You must continually arrest any thoughts that attempt to convince you that all of the sudden you have (your “self” has) what it takes. You must demolish all arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of the Mighty One, and take captive every thought to make it obedient to the Messiah. (2 Corinthians 10:5)
John the Baptizer prophetically announced a prevailing thought pattern that must constantly invade your mind; “I must decrease!” (John 3:30) His denial of any “self” goodness was the declaration of his spiritual beheading, a foreshadowing of his physical beheading (Mark 6:14-29). If you were reclaimed by His redemption, you have testified, “Behold, the Lamb of Yahweh,” but have you had your beheading?
It’s time to listen closely again loved one as we expound on this idea using a crucial incident in the Scriptures. When the Philippian prison guard asked Shaul, “What must a man do to be saved” in Acts 16:30, the question is far more profound than it appears when you read it in the English language, or even as represented in Greek translations. Consider for a moment the Hebrew idea of salvation as understood by Shaul who was being asked the question. In context, he would be answering this question; “What must a man do to be yasha (yaw-shah)?” The word for saved in Hebrew is no less than a derivation of the name Yahshua. Say it to yourself out loud and let the ramifications settle deep within your soul. “What must a man do to be Yahshua?”
The wise ones personify this; “I must decrease; thank You Yahshua that anything good in me is You! What must I do to be like You?” And they never leave this place. Ever!
Doomed
Doomed
(#314 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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It ultimately brings the purest of joy when you release it completely. Release what? Everything that supports your belief that there is any good in you whatsoever. And on this narrow road, where you come face-to-face with the truth, you will encounter a sobering paradigm. “If you were left to your own devices, you would be doomed.” The fullest appreciation of what salvation offers (the ongoing process of your mind being saved) is directly related to your acknowledgement of what you are saved from. “I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses.” (2 Corinthians 12:5) Boast in Him because weakness is the finest you can boast of.
The best you can come to the table with is this; “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, Yahweh Almighty.” (Isayah 6:5) And if you are humble you will remember how deeply wicked every aspect of your conscience would be without Yahweh’s Spirit. Any climb from the pit you were in is only because of His grace. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of Yahweh. (Ephesians 2:8)
How many of you have been purchased from the grave by His grace only to start believing the preposterous idea that somehow you became “good” because of it. Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh? Have you experienced so much in vain—if it really was in vain? (Galatians 3:3-4) Have you become judgmental, haughty, self-righteous, self-assured, rather than mournful, desperate, humble, and sober? Come near to the Almighty and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. (James 4:8) Perhaps you would be so bold as to ask Yahweh; “How wicked am I apart from You?”
When you have a revelation of the enormity of the wickedness of your personal “self” desire, you too will be terrified of the alternative of being left to your own devices. The mind of one who knows this is ever mournful, desperate, humble, and sober. And once we bear His mark, we confess that the reverent fear of our destiny without Him will keep our eyes fixed on Yahshua, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).
“I know that whatever Yahweh does, it will be forever; nothing can be added to it nor anything taken from it. Yahweh acts, and men will revere Him. That which was, now is; and that which is to be has already been, and Yahweh requires an accounting of the past.” (Ecclesiastes 3:14-15)
Two Ways, One Will: A Kingdom Perspective
Two Ways, One Will; A Kingdom Perspective
(#313 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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All the paths of Yahweh are mercy and truth, to such as keep His Covenant [Law] and His Testimonies [Case Law]. For the sake of Your name, Yahweh, forgive my iniquity, though it is great. Who, then, are those who fear [reverence] Yahweh? He will instruct [prepare] them in the ways they should choose. They will spend their days in prosperity, and their descendants will inherit the earth. (Psalm 25:10-13)
Tap into the complexity, yet simplicity of what Yahweh is saying. “He will instruct [prepare] them in the ways they should choose.” Both instruction and choice are necessary. His ways are His will for your life. Yes, there are two ways, your ways and His, but only one will, His! You must learn His ways and then you must choose a path. You can know His will for your life by knowing His ways; they are best discerned by knowing His Law (Torah) which is the structural foundation of His Covenants. Indeed, you are called a Jew, and rest on the Law, and make your boast in the Mighty One, and KNOW HIS WILL, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the Law. (Romans 2:17-18)
In the parable of the unjust steward in Luke 16, the master commends the dishonest manager for how shrewd he is; “The people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light.” (v. 8) Those who operate outside of Yahweh’s Kingdom can be very shrewd in the way they function in the world’s system; and when believers operate in that system, they too might experience the prosperity it has to offer. But until you learn His ways; you cannot expect to spend your days in His prosperity. What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision? Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of the Almighty. (Romans 3:1-2)
The oracles of Yahweh are His responses or utterances; Holy declarations; statements originating from Yahweh, as in the entire Old Covenant. In all that they applied incorrectly, Shaul still gave the Jews a decisive advantage in knowing Yahweh’s will because they were instructed in His oracles, His law! And you? Is this your testimony? For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of the Almighty; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. (Hebrews 5:12)
Far too often you were led to believe as if Yahweh has two separate wills. It is often described as His “permissive” will and His “perfect” will. It is not so loved one! Yahweh only operates with One will, and that will is always consistent, never changing or altered. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of Yahweh. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which the Almighty supplies, that in all things the Almighty may be glorified through Yahshua the Messiah, to whom belong the glory and the dominion [the Kingdom] forever and ever. So be it. (1 Peter 4:11)
In addition, do not think you can approach the throne to be instructed unless you have complete forgiveness in your heart. “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you; leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23-24)
It takes practice loved one; you must take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5) and make it obedient to the mind of the Messiah in you (1 Corinthians 2:16)! How? Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what Yahweh’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2) Then you can approach the throne of grace with His will in you, and He will “instruct [prepare] you in the way you should choose.”
How powerful, the way YOU should choose. The Messiah asks, “What do you want Me to do for you?” You choose! In Luke 18:38-42; Mark 10:48-52; and Matthew 20:31-34; those requesting that He find mercy on them are met with a favorable ruling. However, in Mark 10:35-40, James and John say, “We want you to do for us whatever we ask.” And Yahshua asks the same thing: “What do you want Me to do for you?” But, in this case they are met with a sharp rebuke instead of a favorable ruling. “These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.” Prepared, yes, “Those who fear [reverence] Yahweh? He will instruct [prepare] them in the ways they should choose.” This was obviously not the perspective that the sons of thunder had in that moment of asking; they had not asked according to His will. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss [with wrong motives]. (James 4:3)
It is the path to this One Will that must be discerned. There is the path of mercy; if you approach Yahweh with the correct heart (do not ask with wrong motives), even if you are not instructed (prepared) in His way, He can still rule in your favor. “Son of David, have mercy on me!” The other path is the path of truth. This is the path of the learned, those instructed and prepared in His ways, wherein the conformity to the One will is secure, and all of your acts are of Him and empowered by Him; you have the mind of the Messiah. Yes, He is ever merciful, but in this case, He rules in your favor simply because you have been instructed and have chosen His path, His way, His will.
Two paths leading to One will, a Kingdom perspective. The risk for those who think otherwise; a mindset that believes Yahweh has standards lower than perfect holiness. Let it not be so for you loved one. Let it not be.
One Author and Finisher
One Author and Finisher
(#311 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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“Looking unto Yahshua, the author and finisher of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:2)
Every word matters loved one. Be slow to speak and quick to listen (James 1:19). Would He waste His own words who has proclaimed, “When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise?” (Proverbs 10:19) And so as directed by His wise words, we are commanded to “look” to Yahshua as “author” and “finisher.”
What does this looking unto Yahshua mean? It means to: fix our eyes; look only; focus on; look steadfastly; to fix one’s gaze upon; to look away from all else. This is a spiritual matter. The intensity of the “looking” is not just about what you look upon, but what you look away from. It is not seeking what is physical. It is tangible, yes, but not what you can touch with your hands. Soul searching might be a more accurate explanation, a deep search within for what is and what isn’t. How can you tell if you are looking unto Yahshua? It’s obvious; take what your mind is producing in the natural and measure it against the life of He who said, “I am the way!” (John 14:6)
The author of your faith; it means: originator, source, founder, prince, and leader; the person who is the originator or founder of a movement and continues as the leader. As we look unto Him, we are commanded to see (spiritually perceive) Him as author. What does this mean to you? Would it be fair to conclude that if you don’t know what it means, or you have failed to seek out its meaning, that He has not been your top priority? Listen closely loved one; those who are His have their names recorded in the Book of Life (Revelation 3:5). If your name is written, it is because you have professed your desire for Him to direct your life (mind activity). His sheep listen to His voice; He knows them, and they follow Him (John 10:27). This is what He is saying; “Look at My life; I’m the way to do it all. I stand ready to take over, but I won’t force Myself on you. And be very careful dear loved one, our Father is long suffering, but He is not timid.” Embrace that your old man has died and that His life in you has replaced him (Galatians 2:20). His life is now writing the book on yours. In other words, He is the author of your life!
The finisher of your faith; it means: perfecter, completer; the consummator who brings a process to its end. His perfection guarantees yours loved one. This crucial function has most to do with personal obedience. You are perfected because there was a death. Yes, His death paved the way. The question remains; must you die also to be perfected? An emphatic “Yes!” but then the critical distinction; die how? Our old self was impaled with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin. (Romans 6:6-7) Yes, to attain the promise of perfection the death of your old nature is a requirement; the death of your body—optional.
He was the last sacrifice (Hebrews 7:27; 9:12, 26; 10:10) necessary for you to achieve the promise. He made a way for you to be perfected before physical death, yet so many will deny such is possible. These are the timid ones, never quite dedicated enough to lose their life for Him (Matthew 16:25). Each man’s work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames. (1 Corinthians 3:13-15)
Who do you identify with, the timid who will only escape through the flames, or the one who is willing to lose his life? What do you say when asked of perfection? “It is not possible, not until we are dead (physically); He was the only one who could be perfect?” The finisher of your faith would tell you otherwise; He would say, “I finished it for you. (John 19:30) It is My life in you now!” (Galatians 2:20) So, if He is saying “yes,” why are you saying “no?” If a house [totality of thoughts] is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. (Mark 3:25) Come to grips with this most important of realties. “It is finished;” now do your part because of it!