Tag Archives: Arthur Bailey

Should We Keep The Sabbath?

Double-Edged Sword

(#229 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

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Read Hebrews 4:1-16.

No creature is hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:13) We are all completely exposed.

Do I have your attention? This is the “I see you” part of My Word. I watch everything with purpose, precision, and intent. This includes all matters of the heart, especially your attitude about My commands. In this instance, I Am showing you My Sabbath rest. It is a fool who tests Me by relegating My set-apart day as a pittance to suit his culture and lifestyle.

I have picked the day. Yes, it is the seventh day. For He has spoken in a certain place of the seventh day in this way: “And the Mighty One rested on the seventh day from all His works.” (Hebrews 4:4) And it has not and will never change! There remains therefore a rest for the people of the Almighty. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as the Mighty One did from His. (Hebrews 4:9-10)

Go back into the history of My chosen people, and the confirmation of which day is the Sabbath is simple. Even the modern calendar you have embraced, although pagan in origin, has My seventh day correctly identified. Enough of this “pick a day, any day” mindset that permeates the conscience of followers who claim to serve Me. It’s not a Kingdom mindset. Dare you stand against Me? I see the lack of investment you make in confirming My Word (as opposed to the Bereans in Acts 17:11). You find scripture verse sound-bites that suit your pleasure, and then you build an entire theology around them. With that mindset, try these:

Search me, O Mighty One, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24)

For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened by Yahweh, that we may not be condemned with the world. (1 Corinthians 11:31-32)

And 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 Mighty One. (Romans 12:2)

Seven is “completion” in My Kingdom language; yes, including completion of the week loved one. It is confirmed by the Words of Yahshua Himself:

“And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath.” (Matthew 24:20)

“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.” (Matthew 5:17) If the Sabbath was altered to “pick a day, any day,” or changed to the “first day” of the week (Sunday), My Son’s own words would be lies.

Instead, I call all of My people to rest on the same day, as I commanded, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is One body and One Spirit, just as you were called in One hope of your calling; One Master, One faith, One baptism; One Almighty Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (Ephesians 4:3-6) It is the Sabbath rest, a resting of the mind. Resting on the seventh day is proof that you trust Me to supply all your needs for the next six days according to My riches and glory (Philippians 4:19). Are you a child of Light who trusts in My supply or a child of darkness who goes his own way? The Word says that “your fruit” will reveal which you are (Matthew 7:15-20).

For the Word of the Mighty One is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

Lie to Who?

Lie to Who?

(#226 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

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When I tell you that your unredeemed heart is wicked and deceitful above all things (Jeremiah 17:9), it is because I know your thoughts. “I Am He who searches the kidneys [emotions] and hearts [intellect, intentions].” (Revelation 2:23) Yes, I created your brain and your ability to develop both temporal and spiritual perception. However, its vast capabilities can work against you as, oftentimes, you convince yourselves that anything bad (the revelation of a wickedness) to your conscience is about someone else. “Wicked and deceitful?” It may still refer to you loved one, if you do not step into your fullness and, on your journey, remain honest about your propensity to live with one foot in this world and one foot in My Kingdom.

Your brain’s ability to perceive My deep things (1 Corinthians 2:10) is rivaled only by its ability to rationalize unrighteousness. Here is a spiritual equation for you to ponder: to rationalize unrighteousness equals hypocrisy. Your denial of this tendency also pertains to your lack of humility. Yes, I know all things about you so, “Humble yourselves in My sight and I will lift you up.” (James 4:10)

Hypocrisy is prevalent because you dream of eternal things and raise hands in worship, yet if you are honest with yourself, contemplating eternity with Me in the future does not fill your soul today with overflowing joy. It’s as if you have given up on the now, and placed all of your hope in what one day “might” be. And then you assuage your lack of daily joy with religious services. How is it that I Am the Mighty One of your eternal life and not the Mighty One of your daily life?

Have I not spoken to you about double-mindedness? “Subject yourselves to the Almighty. Resist the adversary [the carnality within that seeks to “choose” rather than obey] and he shall flee from you. Draw near to the Mighty One, and He shall draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners. And cleanse your hearts, you double-minded!” (James 4:7-8) I have called you to live in joy, peace, and righteousness today, not just in eternity. Stop lying to yourself; if you cannot find joy today in faith, how are you so certain it is there for your eternity? Can you quit before the race is over, yet expect the eternal prize?

What am I saying to you? First, I would ask you to stop demanding My eternal prize with your daily dirge. Anger, anxiety, fear, bitterness, selfishness, and greed; all of these have part in your daily life, yet you expect and discuss with others the wonders of the life to come. Stop it loved one! Stop it or I will do it for you. Yes, I would rather you be honest and confess your lack of faith that I will supply all your daily needs (Philippians 4:19). Do this before you discuss My eternal glory; honesty demands it!

Talk to Me; stop lying to yourself; face your fears with Me. I, alone, can conquer what hinders you today, all that keeps you from today’s hopes and joys. Today is My day; rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24) This is why I have asked you to number your days (Psalm 90:12). Ask of Me and I shall reveal more of the eternal things, but first rejoice while it is still called “today” (Hebrews 3:12-15).

Go to the mountaintop

Go to the Mountaintop

(#225 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

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It’s all a matter of perspective My child. Perceive with eyes of trust, hope, and understanding. Hear My still small voice. It was on a mountaintop that Yitshaq (Isaac) was to be sacrificed, not a valley, not a slum, not a prison. It was from the place of blessing I asked Abraham to pass the test. And Abraham called the name of the place Yahweh Yireh, as it is said to this day, “On the mountain Yahweh provides.” (Genesis 22:14) The reward was already prepared. Only one thing was needed; faith! And therefore, only one thing needed testing; faith!

Perhaps you feel like you are in a valley. Listen child, it is really a mountaintop in disguise. I have your reward here with Me. You have only one job; believe! Perhaps two; believe and rejoice when you are being tested (1 Peter 1:6). I Am Abba. I will not let you fall (Romans 11:11). Have I not told you that “Weeping might last for the night, but joy comes in the morning?” (Psalm 30:5) Morning signifies a time of Heavenly illuminations. Do you really think I would let you fall into the place of despair, and then leave you there? Did I not say, “Hope deferred makes the heart [mind] sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.” (Proverbs 13:12) Yes, I Am trying to change you, but only to make you holy (set-apart). If I left you the way you are, you could NOT stand in My presence.

Am I worth it to you? Am I worth the pain? Lay aside everything that keeps you from loving Me and seek first what I ask, My Kingdom and My righteousness. I will take care of everything else (Matthew 6:33). My plans for you are the reason you were created; and this is for goodness, for purity, for joy, and for My honor. I will not be changing My patterns for your life loved one; they are already perfect.

Yes My child, it feels like a valley; but, it is truly a mountaintop in disguise. If you quiet your mind, you will hear My gentle whispers. “Rise up My love, My fair one, and come away.” (Song of Solomon 2:10) Come away with Me; it’s on the mountaintop you will be tested; and it’s on the mountaintop you will be blessed.

Today 4 Years Divorced, My Feelings and Message

Today 4 Years Divorced, My Feelings and Message

Shine Brightly for Christ

How will I know?

(#222 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

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“Abba?”

Yes child?

“How will I know when righteousness has rooted itself within me?”

Did you speak what was pleasant and edifying today? (Ephesians 4:29)

“Yes Father.”

Have you turned away from the thoughts that bribe you, and the trickery that would have once compelled you? (Exodus 23:8)

“Yes Father.”

Have you continued to reject profitable things which come from compromising your beliefs? (Proverbs 16:8)

“Yes Father.”

Have you closed your mouth to slander and your ears to gossip? (Proverbs 20:19)

“Yes Father.”

Did you covenant that your eyes would turn from looking upon that which is evil? (Habakkuk 1:13)

“Yes Father.”

Have you reminded yourself that I alone fill your soul? (John 6:35)

“Yes Father.”

If you have truly done these things, then there is evidence that righteousness has been rooted in you. You shall surely dwell in lofty security and have inaccessible cliffs as your stronghold. Your food shall be supplied and your drink assured. These are the things I have in store for My righteous ones (Matthew 6:33).

Remember your strong desire for My righteousness today and hold onto it with all your might; even unto death. If you just do this one thing, I shall do the rest.

To our loved readers: In your search for righteousness, we wanted to remind you that the most important thing is to know Yahweh (an intimate, scriptural knowing). The righteousness that draws Him near is a righteousness that is only achieved through the life of Yahshua the Messiah in you (Galatians 2:20). It was never, nor will it ever be your own righteousness (Romans 10:1-4; Philippians 3:9), but a righteousness imputed to you (Romans 3:21-22). It is a gift loved one.

Of course, as Shaul taught us, there is also a type of righteousness that you are responsible to achieve. “Therefore, my loved one, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation [mental well-being] with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12) Your righteousness (the non-imputed type) is a righteousness of obedience. But, this righteousness does not create intimacy with Yahweh or draw Him any closer to you; it is a byproduct of the intimacy established with Yahweh through the life of His Son. In other words, you are not redeemed by good works, as if the “self” could accomplish anything good, but for good works, those prompted and empowered by the Spirit alone (Ephesians 2:8-10).

“So you mean to tell me that the very thing that brings Him near to me today, and thus fulfills my every desire, is a righteousness that He gifted to me through His son?” This is exactly what we want you to acknowledge. And as you contemplate this, never settle with your own vetting of an internal issue. Never lean on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). Look for the truth within. Meditate on this day and night (Psalm 1:2). And then cry out for it so you may be sure it is His truth. After that, listen for His still small voice!

Integrity

Integrity

(#221 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

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Integrity is the courage to stand behind an idea that emanates from the mind of Yahweh. But, you might be thinking, “Who has known the mind of Yahweh…?” [answer] But we have the mind of the Messiah. (1 Corinthians 2:16) Of course, to know His mind, you first must be able to hear His still small voice, and this does not come without effort. Remember, it is a: “still” [only speaking to the quieted mind] “small” [causing you to put forth effort] “voice” [the will of Yahweh within you]. Having integrity in all things is really just saying that you have the mind of Yahweh on all matters. It is recognizing His principles as they repeat over and over in noticeable patterns.

Like love, peace and joy, the idea of integrity is only defined by the Creator of the principle, the Creator of all commanded patterns. If our Father is perfection, then integrity is a portion of the pattern that leads to Him. Integrity must then be an integral part of any idea that emanates from the mind of His created ones. An idea that truly emanates from the eternal “I Am” incorporates every single principle (command) into the idea. Integrity sifts an idea like silver which is purified seven times, only to illuminate any piece of the idea that does not conform to all of the Creator’s principles, or in other words, His mind. Integrity removes all dross and then stands firmly no matter what comes against it.

Integrity understands that it is bound to face vast opposition, and therefore it expects to suffer; but it also expects to stand in the suffering. In a fallen world, any standard that espouses absolute integrity will be attacked from all sides. The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of the Almighty, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:14)

No doubt, integrity will stand as surely as its Creator stands; and it will inspire all of its enemies to wreak havoc on the spiritual idea. Because the carnal mind is enmity against the Mighty One; for it is not subject to the law of the Almighty, nor indeed can be. (Romans 8:7) At the same time, integrity exposes any part of your “self” that is not yet uprooted.

Integrity: the courage to stand behind (endure the suffering of) an idea that emanates from the mind of Yahweh. It is the state of being whole and undivided from Yahweh. Integrity is unity, coherence, cohesion, and togetherness.

“The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the transgressors will destroy them.” (Proverbs 11:3)

Receive, Cry out, and Search!

“If, then!”

(#219 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

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If you commune with My still small voice… (1 Kings 19:12)

Proverbs 2

· You will understand the fear of Yahweh;

· You will understand what is right and just;

· Wisdom will enter your heart;

· Knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;

· Discretion will guard you;

· Understanding will save you from the ways of the wicked;

· Understanding will save you from the immoral woman;

· You will walk in the ways of righteousness and goodness;

· You will live in the land and remain in it;

· The wicked will be cut off from the earth;

· The treacherous will be uprooted from the earth.

Yes loved one, all of these things are promises; they are absolute guarantees. They are already done. Do you perceive? Do you want what is freely yours? I said these things are already done. So then, what is the key that opens the door so you can walk through to these promises? “If!”

1) If you receive My words and treasure My commands, and turn your ear to wisdom and apply your heart to understanding;

2) If you cry out for discernment and lift up your voice for understanding;

3) If you search for wisdom and understanding as if silver, and search for them as hidden treasures.

I ask these three things of you; and then all I have promised is yours. Receive, cry out, and search! My patterns will not change and their beauty is in their simplicity. It is an if—then pattern loved one. If you do what is commanded, then all that is promised is already yours. Test Me child; know Me.

So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11) If you, then I loved one. The “then” is a guarantee; the only question is, “If?”

Hearing from Yahweh

In the Silence

(#217 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

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It is in the silence that You speak. It is in the whispers, not in the strong wind, not in the earthquake, nor in the fire, but in a still small voice that You commune with us (1 Kings 19:12).

Perhaps with more experience, perhaps with knowledge of what to listen for, I would hear You. I’ve sat alone in silence for many days and nights. Oh, how I have longed for the whispers of my Maker; anything will do. Whisper to me Abba, even just my name; I need my own testimony. The desire burns within me to know Your whispers; I cannot exist without hearing them. My heart assures me that I will learn the sound of Your voice. I yearn to speak in the language of our love, our relationship, and our journey together. I have exhausted everything the world can offer and none of it brings life; nothing can satisfy. I know there is only one True Source; “Power belongs to the Mighty One.” (Psalm 62:11)

Father, I understand that it is You who even empowers a man to pray. And I know Your word says that I can only love You because You first loved me (1 John 4:19). I praise You for orchestrating the love song in my heart; and the music of my soul which now delights in You. Your wooing Spirit sets all things in order. Now, may I ask You to take me even further? I am wise enough to know that You are already speaking and that it is I who must hear. Will You teach me something special, something intimate? Here is my desire Father: please give me ears to hear and NEVER miss Your voice; give me a language of love, filled with wisdom; and give me comfort the moment You speak, confidence that it is You!

I desire nothing else. Your voice is all that is left, all that is needed; the world has nothing to offer. Continue to speak to me Daddy; I will not cease to listen in the silence. You say, “Be still and know that I Am the Almighty.” (Psalm 46:10) Yahweh, I am still.

What The Bible Says about Karma and Reincarnation

Job 35:2-8

(#214 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

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Highlighting verse 8: “Your wrong is for a man like yourself, and your righteousness for a son of man.”

    Brace yourself and answer a few questions for Me.  Do I need you to stop sinning for My benefit?  Is your righteousness going to make Me more Holy?  Can you perceive why I ask these questions?  Of course it is for your benefit alone that sinlessness and righteousness envelope your life.  Is it not true that you are being brought to My level once all things are perfected?  So you see, the entire scope of My word is your guide to become like Me and forever live with Me.  My presence has nothing flawed near it.  Can sin crouch at My doorstep? Must I master it? It is you who must! (Genesis 4:7)

    The reason I illuminate these things is so that you do not lose heart (mental stamina for righteousness) when affliction visits your doorstep.  Had you come willingly it would not be so.  That’s right My child; your rejection of anything I desire of you is really your rejection of My presence.  It is for your benefit that your punishment comes, and it is for you that there are rewards for obedience.  Would I tempt you to righteousness?  Of course I will!  It is the only way for My stiff-necked ones.  What I Am saying here inspires many reactions, many “attitudes” so to speak.  I see them all!  Some of you think that My longsuffering means I turn My eyes away from your sins.  Would you really want Me to leave you in such a sad state?  Others of you behave as if your sacrifice and obedience makes Me better in some fashion.  No, I will not entertain this frivolity either.

    It is for you My child.  All of it is for your benefit: the life, the commands, the consequences, the blessings, and the resurrection, all of it.  It is all so that you will become suitable to stand in My presence forever.  Yes dear one, the painful valleys come; the times when I must force you to change.  But remember always, I force you because I love you; and because I love you, I benefit you in every way.  I promise to complete the work I started in you (Philippians 1:6).

    So, if it is all for you, then what is the benefit for Me?  It is the perfected child, which is why I sent My Son; this is where My glory resides.

     Do you think this is right?  Do you say, “My righteousness is more than that of the Almighty?”  For you say, “Of what use is it to you?  What do I gain more than if I had sinned?” Let me answer you and your friends with you.  Look at the heavens, and see.  And consider the clouds which are higher than you.  If you sin, what would you do against Him?  If your transgressions are increased, what would you do to Him?  If you are righteous, what do you give Him?  Or what does He receive from your hand?  Your wrong is for a man like yourself, and your righteousness for a son of man. (Job 35:2-8)

Life to Death to True Life

Life to Death to True Life

(#213 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

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Let this mind be in you which was also in the Messiah Yahshua, who, being in the form [spiritual likeness] of the Mighty One did not regard equality with the Mighty One a matter to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bondservant, and came to be in the likeness of men. And having been found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of a stake. (Philippians 2:5-8)

Obedience: following orders, commands, and instructions.

My Son Yahshua was obedient. He obeyed Me when I told Him to, “Go die.” I marvel at your limited perception of this act of obedience. Was the only price He paid His life, His physical life? Was that the great sacrifice which became the propitiation of your sins? No loved one. It was that He would be forever different, His position altered; and He knew it! He stepped out of Heaven knowing He could never again return the same, never! Yet, His reply was poetically simple; “Yes Father.”

I watch you daily in your praise of His act. I hear you in your weekly gatherings. Such wonder and awe you ascribe to Him. When He whispers in My right ear about you, may I tell you what He says? “How come so many of them miss it Father? They sing about Me; they worship Me; yet they don’t really know Me or the full price I paid. They know ‘things’ about Me, but they do not really know Me.” My answer to Him, “They have yet to escape their fear, anxiety, and pride; in one word, their idolatry.”

Idolatry: preferring your own beliefs over what Yahweh says about anything and everything.

Have I not spoken the very same words to you? “Go die My son, My daughter, My bride.” The hour has come; the pattern will be fulfilled. I ordered His death so that you would die as well. The religious love to proclaim how they are “new creations” without explaining why. The purpose and pattern are all right here: Romans 6:1-13. [And this is for you to read right now!]

From life: life to see your destructive ways, to see your transgressions.

To death: death to everything you have been made alive to see (your destructive ways and transgressions).

To true life: the new creation, the Spirit being which is both male and female. You were made alive to die and then to live. This is the pattern and there is no way around it.

Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into the Messiah Yahshua were baptized into His death? We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as the Messiah was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. For if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we will certainly also be united with Him in a resurrection like His. For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. (Romans 6:3-7)

Reckon yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to Yahweh! Yes, life to death to true life.