Tag Archives: bible
The Only Way
Greater Works
(#233 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.” (John 14:12)
Oh, if they only knew Abba. As they scorn and laugh at my calamity, their teeth set on edge. If they could only perceive the power being unleashed as they whisper in dark corners. They say of the tested ones, “They are losing their faith in God.” Your secret is safe with me Father. “For had they known, they would not have impaled the Master of glory.” (1 Corinthians 2:8) They could not have predicted that my faith would only get stronger. They don’t understand that faith is a gift. If they could fathom a Creator who “has dealt to each one a measure of faith” (Romans 12:3), they would not mock as they do.
To those who scoff I say, “Will it be well when He searches you out? Or can you mock Him as one mocks a man?” (Job 13:9) They try so hard to destroy my testimony; they are single minded and determined. Yet, I rejoice Abba that my faith is Your Faith, Your strength, and it serves Your purpose. Though You slay me, yet will I trust You. (Job 13:15) And thus, my faith can never be lost and it can never be lessened. And even if it were as little as a mustard seed, it would move mountains and transform kingdoms (Matthew 17:20).
For Your people, Father, illuminate how faith strengthens. Insults, accusations, and vengeful lies are Your tools. Oh that they might understand these are the “tests” You speak of, the trials meant to draw one closer to You and increase their faith. 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) Pain draws Your chosen people to Your words and Your words increase faith. As it is written, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of the Mighty One.” (Romans 10:17)
Your pattern: testing, increased faith; test again, increase faith. A pattern that of itself condemns the gentile while strengthening the chosen. If your enemies knew that their hatred was transforming mere men into sons of the Most High, they would not have impaled the Master of glory. The wickedness has purpose; it is supernaturally positioned. It is perfect for Your plan. You have made it so Mighty Father. The very things that must be “overcome” are that which increase faith and build the Kingdom within. Towards all those who attempt to offend (within and without), it is said, “Love and Forgive!” The pattern is clear, so take heed to yourself. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, “I repent; shall you forgive?” And the apostles said to the Master, “Increase our faith.” (Luke 17:3-5)
We have the perfect example; “Father, forgive them. They don’t know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) We sing of Him every week; we sing to Your beloved Son. How perfect is Your plan; how mysterious and lovely. If they ever found out, the accusers, would the hatred stop? If they knew You fashioned their hate into the tool that would produce perfected saints, would they change? Oh, that we would be transformed by your patterns of faith, Abba. What would the entire body of the Messiah look like who adhered to this beautiful plan of Yours? What could we then do upon the earth? Perhaps greater works!
Repent and Believe, Repent and Rejoice
Repent and Believe; Repent and Rejoice
(#232 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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“…But we have the mind of the Messiah.” (1 Corinthians 2:16)
What do you envision when you think about Jericho? You see a bunch of radical Israylites marching around the walls, and maybe you even hear them shouting as the walls crumble after the seventh day! Now I want you to envision the walls of your mind tumbling down. Yes, My child; it’s all in your head. Sin is birthed in the mind (heart) before it manifests in the flesh. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. (James 1:14-15)
If you continue to entertain sin, Yahweh will “give you up to uncleanness, in the lusts of your heart [mind].” (Romans 1:24) and “give you over to a debased mind [heart], to do those things which are not fitting (Romans 1:28).” Before this happens, you must allow the strongholds of your mind, the walls that keep you bound, to be torn down. If not, it’s as if “you know the Almighty, but do not glorify Him as the Almighty, nor are you thankful, and so you become futile in your thoughts, and your foolish heart [mind] becomes darkened (Romans 1:21).” You must be transformed by the renewing of your mind [heart] (Romans 12:2). How can you do this? Here are three practical steps:
1. Acknowledge that you don’t believe and obey all that I say. Repent and ask for healing.
2. Take every thought captive, and ask yourself, “Does this thought reflect total trust in Yahweh?”
3. Recognize that the battle is spiritual and that the physical is merely a manifestation of thoughts.
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in Yahweh for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of the Almighty, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of the Messiah, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6)
The weapons to tear down the walls of your mind are mighty in Yahweh. You must simply believe it! When your thoughts come into captivity to the obedience of the Messiah, “joy will be your strength (Nehemiah 8:10).” Yes, that’s correct; when you need strength, rejoice in Him. Take every thought captive. Filter every activity in your mind through Yahshua’s life and resurrection. His life is a display of Yahweh’s power. And access to that power will come in every situation as you meditate on His resurrection (complete mind renewal through the utter shedding of the “self”). The walls of Jericho (carnal voice within) must come down. Believe it! This is the pattern; it can be no other way.
Enough said; His yoke [mind work] is easy and His burden [right thinking for the fallen] is light (Matthew 11:30). Your only problem is unbelief. Repent and return! Repent and live! Repent and believe! Repent and rejoice!
Be Honest with Yourself
Death of the Upright
(#231 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Balaam understood that even if it required death to partake in the promises of Israyl, it was an inheritance to be coveted.
“Who can count Jacob’s descendants, as numerous as dust?
Who can count even a fourth of Israyl’s people?
Let me die like the upright; let my life end like theirs.” (Numbers 23:10)
Balaam recognized that those who were chosen to become heirs to the name of “Israyl” were inheriting something greater than land; he was seeing the eternal. It was not through the law that Abraham and his descendants received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. (Romans 4:13) For not all who are descended from Israyl are Israyl. Those who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of the Almighty; but the children of the promise are counted as the seed. (Romans 9:6, 8)
Who are the children of the promise; who then is Israyl? Israyl: one who prevails with or overcomes with the Mighty One. What a legacy! Balaam was seeing with prophetic eyes, not just natural eyes. It was more than worldly protection that inspired him; it was the promise of their everlasting inheritance. Yes, what Balaam saw in the prophetic was the inheritance of those who would walk with Yahweh through the shed blood (life force) of Yahshua. And he claimed that he would gladly die for it. “Let me die like the upright; let my life end like theirs.” Can you imagine? It was as if he could have professed, “For [I] died, and [my] life is now hidden with the Messiah in the Mighty One.” (Colossians 3:3)
Israyl was a protected and supernaturally guided people who had a destiny to be envied. They were blessed coming in and blessed going out (Deuteronomy 28:6). Balaam declared, “There is a people that dwells apart, not reckoned among the nations.” (Numbers 23:9) Yes, they are a people raised so high that they are not to be counted among the gentiles. [They] are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, the Almighty’s special possession, that [they] may declare the praises of Him who called [them] out of darkness into His wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9) And “they” means “you!”
Is your heart stirred like Balaam’s? Are you as excited about your inheritance as Balaam was desirous of it? Are you walking in the fullness of gratitude that you should when given such a spectacular gift, willing to die for it? Be honest; if you know you have diminished appreciation for what was offered to you by the shed blood of Yahshua, perhaps you might come naked and bare before the Father. Perhaps you might seek forgiveness for living as a pauper, when you really have royal (holy) blood (life force) coursing in your veins (pathways of thought).
Or, perhaps you are in danger of forfeiting your inherited identity because you, like Balaam, only claim a willingness to die for it, yet resist the actual death necessary to attain it. Balaam’s words and the true intent of his heart never merged as one, and this was a curse unto him (Deuteronomy 23:5, Jude 1:11, Revelation 2:14).
The journey to riches begins in the mind. Take some time today to contemplate your inheritance. You must first believe that you are royalty to become royalty. And royalty implies rulership; Yahweh requires much from His rulers. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. (Luke 12:48)
Rulers must also understand that they are called to worship in the valleys, just as on the mountaintops. Embrace your inheritance, and like Solomon pray, “Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” (2 Chronicles 1:10) Then, take your rightful portion and rejoice in it. Rejoice I say, rejoice!
The Scary Truth about Islam from a former muslim
This is a link to Laur’s youtube page https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCfXiGWeUcWZsFjsTdEGduQ
Here is a link to part one of Laur’s story of her conversion from Islam, to Christianity to Torah Observant
https://youtu.be/JZHSkjdzRCA
Don’t Tread on My Suffering
Don’t Tread on My Suffering
(#230 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Are you so predictable that when I expose my suffering you will tell me of all the others who have it worse? Who are you to diminish my capacity to suffer? Did not our Messiah become perfected through His suffering? (Hebrews 5:8-9) If my greatest dream is being a father, could there be a worse suffering than losing a child? If a woman’s deepest desire is to be a faithful wife, is there a suffering for her greater than an adulterous husband? The magnitude of suffering is relative to each individual, and suffering, like blessings are always under the sovereign will of the Almighty (Lamentations 3:37-38). How can you declare that anyone can have it worse, when you have never asked me what suffering means to me?
You expect your words should bring comfort, like some garment you can throw over my suffering. I suspect you do this because you are not comfortable with suffering, and you do not acknowledge that Yahweh created suffering to bring hope. Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with the Almighty through our Master Yahshua the Messiah, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of the Mighty One. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. (Romans 5:1-4) Don’t you understand that when you take away the substance of my suffering, you take away my joyful reward? Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of the Almighty has been poured out in our hearts [centers of intellect] by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:5)
Your words of comfort actually inhibit my joy. You cannot find joy by easing suffering; you can only find joy by embracing it! Stop assigning any meaning to suffering other than what my Creator has intended. 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)
If Yahweh tells me He will never give me more than I can handle, why do you tempt me to reject His promise? Why would you rescue me from my opportunity to be “perfect and complete, lacking nothing?” No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others. And the Mighty One is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Whatever pricked your conscience during this devotion needs to be fully explored. The natural man cannot handle Yahweh’s truth about suffering and is quick to flee. Have you ever come face-to-face with these words of Yahshua in your own life loved one; “Do you too desire to leave Me?” (John 6:67) When you attempt to appease or alleviate the suffering of another you are hindering their ability to be perfect and complete, as Yahweh commanded them to be!
I will bear my cup, as it is just that, “mine to bear!” It is mine and it was given to me. Please don’t tread on my suffering; my hope is found in it.
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)
The Woman I would Never Date
The Woman I would Never Date
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.
Justice by The True Judge
His Gates of Authority
(#224 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him; bless His Name. For Yahweh is good [consciously right]; His kindness is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations. (Psalm 100:4-5)
Yes My child, the gates symbolize entrance into the knowledge of the truth that I Am the sole authority in consciousness, and the courts represent My justice and reverence. Don’t think for a moment I do not see the imbalance of your earthly scales; I call this brand of “justice” double mindedness.
Dishonest scales are an abomination to Me (Proverbs 11:1). But, the day is coming, the day I reserved for the wicked, the day set aside for those who will serve the sentences for the unjust yoke (mental bondage) they hung on the necks of the righteous (Psalm 149:5-9).
Yes, the gates of authority shall be restored to My people. And, know this My child; only those who understand righteous judgment shall sit in the seats of authority. Be still and know; be still and hear My quiet whispers. Listen to My still small voice. It is a remnant I Am making ready now. I have been setting the table. The remnant who dines at this table will have no fear of earthly kings. Know this loved one; My Kingdom suffers violence, and I need violent (consciously aggressive for righteousness) men who can take it by force (Matthew 11:12), men prepared to suffer violence and willing to be “spiritually violent” in return.
Why fear the courts of men (fleshly orders and rulings)? Have I not told you that I will go before you? Read My words: “The wicked watches the righteous, and seeks to slay him. Yahweh will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged. Wait on Yahweh, and keep His way, and He shall exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you shall see it.” (Psalm 37:32-34)
I always do as I say? Only your inability to trust, and therefore receive My promise, is what leaves you subject to men. Oftentimes, your desire to be “justified” in the eyes of men leaves you at the mercy of the very same men you’ve appealed to. Shaul chose to appeal to Caesar (Acts 25:10-12). What would’ve been the outcome had he not done so? Then Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been [literal translation: had the power to be] set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.” (Acts 26:32) Trusting in man’s justice is a desperate thing indeed; and the outcome is never good. (Read of Shaul’s entire trial in Acts 21:30-26:32)
Take the hits, bare the wounds, and trust Me to restore. Cease in your search for self-justification and self-preservation. I Am the only true Gate Keeper and I have the final say. Leave it to Me to judge for you and soon I will teach you to judge for yourself. Your hired counselors cannot overcome the beast systems that prevail. Only those taught by My Spirit can do so. Justice is Mine, and justice is here!