Tag Archives: bible
The Bible shows us how to deal with oppression
Rescue Me
(#194 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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I sat and pondered the wickedness of this world, and the hatred that one man could have towards another. I watched the oppressors; they have no love or compassion in their hearts. It was not enough to see people in pain; these kind desire to increase their pain. The wounded and hurting were their prey; they actually sought out the lame with the intent to disable further. How could it be? From where does this wickedness in the heart come? From where does this cruelty originate?
I set out to do something about it. I talked with my eternal Father. I questioned Him on this way of man, this way that it seems man has chosen. He answered me; “The heart [center of intellect] is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)
Many nights I pondered the wickedness of the heart of man. I read the Psalms of David and was able to relate to all that he felt about those who oppressed men. I often prayed like he did; “Rescue me, O Yahweh, from evildoers, from treacherous, dishonest, and violent man.”
It was then that the Spirit spoke to me. “I Am doing exactly as you had hoped. I Am rescuing you. You simply did not perceive that the one I was rescuing you from was yourself. Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? (Matthew 7:3) When I Am done cleansing you, then we can look towards your oppressors.” What can I say to you about this type of revelation? Only confession and repentance can flow from this place.
Have mercy upon me, O Mighty One, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies,
blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin.
(Psalm 51:1-2)
Cleanse me; purify me; help me!
Sense-Less
Sense-less
(#193 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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I pray that the eyes of your heart [understanding] may be enlightened… (Ephesians 1:18)
To hear, taste, touch, smell, and see…or not!
What would your perceptions be if you minimalized the use of these senses?
Don’t lose “sight” of their ultimate limitation. Can any of the senses provide greater faith? It is possible; however, as the carnal nature manipulates them so easily, it is very unlikely. Perhaps a more balanced perspective is required in order to evaluate what your senses perceive and the limitations they have. Certainly, in the realms of higher understanding (consciousness) these senses are not even necessary. When you are completely connected in the Spirit, then is this not the Tree of Life you eat from? This connection plugs you into the knowledge of all things as they truly are, not the misguided perceptions of what you see in the natural? This is the connection to the highest order of energy (frequency). I Am, as you know, the Master scientist.
The losing of your life (Matthew 16:25), many times, means leaving behind perceptions of life and Spirit as understood by your senses, and discerned by your carnal nature. If faith is the evidence of things unseen (Hebrews 11:1), then stop trusting in everything your senses can perceive on earth. Yes indeed, the senses can be a great tool to navigate inside the dimension I placed you in; but, it is for the wise to know the limitations of these senses. Can you imagine an existence where spiritual perception (the mind of the Messiah) is accessible at all times? You would constantly experience everything that is perfect throughout eternity. Everything would be in perfect harmony. Speak to Me about these things. Open your spirit to Me. In silence, listen with only your mind, leaving all senses behind.
We will get a new body
Behind the Veil
(#191 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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The Scriptural patterns or blueprints are all hidden from the simpleton, the proud, and the spiritually lazy. If you have come this far in our time together, then you have certainly shown yourself to be of spiritual fortitude. One overarching pattern we have shown time and time again is that it takes a great commitment to will your “self” to die. Another is that it takes time to realize that there is no power but Yahweh’s, and just as paramount, that your inner rebellion, or “self-power,” will always be resistant lest He crushes it. The Scripture that comes to mind which speaks of this is from John 12:24-25: Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies, it brings forth much fruit. He who loves his life will lose it; but he who hates his life in this world will protect it for eternal life.
You are the kernel loved one. But even more significant is that you are learning to accept that you are the kernel. That’s why we are here together. We are those who have been given permission to enter behind the veil. We have been found worthy, not of our own strength of course, but because we have accepted the requirements which grant that permission. “The permission?” This Word should be like an old friend by now: “It is no longer I who live, but the Messiah who lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20)
Many are called, but few are chosen. (Matthew 22:14) Few understand; however, the masses claim to be “of Him,” while really just following an idol of their own vain imaginings. “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Master, Master,’ shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the WILL of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord [Baal], Lord [Baal], have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ (Matthew 7:21-23)
The crushed ones, the kernels planted in fertile soil, have broken open and will bear much fruit (Matthew 13:8). They are quieter than others, quicker to listen, and more apt to lend a hand. These qualities reflect the glorious life of Yahshua the Messiah within. Everything illuminates one grand idea; it is the premier pattern of being crushed, crucified with Messiah, and becoming unoffendable (Psalm 119:165).
The kernels “found worthy” quickly say, “Unless I had been crucified with Messiah (Galatians 2:20), I would have been ruined forever by my “self.”” Others only allow so much crushing until they shrink back. They refuse to embrace, “To die is to gain.” (Philippians 1:21) We know the price, and we realize that many will turn cold (Matthew 24:12). But, we also must admit we would have done the same, had Yahweh not done within us that which we would have never desired. “If not for Your mercy, I too would shrink back.” When we embrace this we become un-offendable. We experience a supernatural joy as we recognize, “that would have been me.”
This is your true rebirth, your mental resurrection. So few have been behind the veil loved one. Remember, the road is narrow (Matthew 7:14)! With every thought that enters into your conscience, remember that!
Subjected
Subjected
(#190 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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For the creation was subjected to futility, not from choice, but because of Him who subjected it, in anticipation, that the creation itself shall also be delivered from the bondage to corruption into the esteemed freedom of the children of the Mighty One. (Romans 8:20-21)
Was creation subjected to futility apart from you? Are you not responsible? Quite the contrary, it was because of you. Even though you are bound to your futility, you are inexcusable. Your fall caused the fall of all things. And that is why, “all of creation waits in eager expectation for the revealing of the sons of the Mighty One.” (Romans 8:19)
Without My Son, you are bound by your own choices. In other words, you are bound to make particular choices, not free to make any choice. My Son, therefore, came as the gift which stops you from attempting to choose. As My sons and daughters, your freedom comes from having no choices. True freedom is having no choice but to obey Me. This concept should pierce and humble each of You as you kneel before Me, your Almighty Father.
When I bring pain, suffering, and loss, it is to free My people. Therefore, rejoice, no matter what your circumstances. Like your flesh, your choices apart from Me will rot over time. What seems so wonderful to you now is only leading to death. When I told you My Son is your example, did you not understand this would mean “you” had to be removed? How much of you must be removed so that My Son is formed in you? (Galatians 4:19) How much of you must become lesser, so He might be greater? (John 3:30) The suffering I bring only remains until the branch bears fruit. For if the firstfruit is holy, the lump is also holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches. (Romans 11:16)
You would not naturally choose the path that leads to righteousness. But, I will finish My work in you, with or without your cooperation (Philippians 1:6). A perfect bride is what I promised My Son and a perfect bride He will have. My ways and thoughts are above yours (Isaiah 55:9), yet you behave as if you must understand everything I Am doing in you. Yes, I Am the Almighty and all good things come from Me. Would it be so difficult for you to understand that even the parts that frustrate you are perfectly part of My plan for your life?
We have been here before loved one, and we will come back again until the glory of My Son is perfected in you. I have told you the truth; I expect rejoicing while the suffering commences. Faith is what pleases Me and faith is what is required to sacrifice your mind (personal feelings), even during your struggles.
Your sacrifice speaks in such a way; “My suffering is my responsibility, for I suffer from self desire alone. I owe Yahweh everything. He deserves and will have His praise, no matter what my situation.”
Again, loved one, without faith, you cannot please Me (Hebrews 11:6).
Surrender
Surrender
(#189 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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The Messiah came with this new agreement so that all who are invited may come and have forever all the wonders Yahweh has promised them. For the Messiah died to rescue them from the penalty of the sins they had committed while still under that old system. Now, if someone dies and leaves a will—a list of things to be given away to certain people when he dies—no one gets anything until it is proved that the person who wrote the will is dead. The will goes into effect only after the death of the person who wrote it. While he is still alive no one can use it to get any of those things he has promised them (Hebrews 9:15-17).
I have spoken to you much about My patterns. It is crucial that you not only understand them, but that these patterns direct all of your choices in life. You cannot receive what you are promised until there is a death! And that is the death of the old you! You must testify; “I have been crucified with the Messiah; it is no longer I who live, but the Messiah lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of the Mighty One, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
You know how I have spoken of life that comes from death? Yes, it is the death of your old self that is the only path to your new life. I know that most of you remain bewildered by the crossing over part, the period between death and new life. I Am not speaking of physical death, of course, but rather the death of old patterns of thinking. Put off your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to the Mighty One, in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:22-24)
It is proper to call this life-to-death-to-life process a wilderness experience. In these times it will certainly seem like you are being stripped of many of your physical wants. But, all of your needs are provided; His Heavenly power has given to us all things that pertain to life and holy reverence. (2 Peter 1:3) However, you must embrace the faith that gives you the confidence to trust that all you need is available. A desert is hot and dry; deserts test resolve, and deserts are vast. Deserts have no natural provision to offer. But, consider Israyl; in Yahweh’s wilderness everything was provided for supernaturally! Life-to-death-to-life: life in Egypt, death in the wilderness, and then new life in the Promised Land. Again, you cannot receive what you are promised until there is a death!
Who among you can see the wilderness as a time of supernatural provision? Who among you will take the physical loss and endure the trial in order to see something new? Who will cross over? I Am not speaking of getting by or merely “holding out” until better days come. Who among you would sing songs to Me and be joy filled, with the impending wilderness?
Why would I ask you to rejoice during loss, pain, and hardship? It is My pattern. I need you to be lost in Me. You need to be lost in Me. When I take the old life from you, your increase comes from your worship. This is My way child; it is better than yours. This is how I create My miracles. I tell you these things so you are comforted, but the wilderness is the only way. Obey Me child. I Am the Light of Life, and I Am He who has designed the Valley of The Shadow of Death (Psalm 23).
Freedom? 4th of July Message Who to Vote For
Freedom? 4th of July Message Who to Vote For
Give Thanks to Yahweh
Thanks
(#188 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
www.sufferwell.net
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His Name. (Psalm 100:4)
O Yahweh, let my words of thanksgiving settle in Your ears like the dew. Let my praise form like manna on the earth. May my worship be as sweet as honey cakes. I know that it is Your joy that my words of thanksgiving actually become provision for me, blessings and the bread of life.
You knew me before You formed me in the womb (Jeremiah 1:5). I dreamed of You then. I felt Your love before I was born. Then, as an innocent child, my dreams remained from You, nothing clouding my intention. They were good, pure, and hopeful. They were thoughts of what good I could do for others.
Thank You Father; the fire of affliction has returned me to this place. Thank You for Your love which has forged the hot iron of my will to conform to Yours. Thank You that You did not leave me to myself. Thank You for Your pruning which exposed my heart, and for Your power that comes with Your revelation. Thank You for skimming the dross so that what is pure in me remains. Thank You for not letting me stay the same.
I became a child again and You removed my abilities in this season. And You did it to reconstruct my temple. Thank You that during this rebirth You sustained only those things that I truly love most, the things of You. My spirit thanks You. Wonderful are Your ways; magnanimous are Your deeds.
Note to the reader: No matter what you are going through right now, even if it seems like no one cares, we care. We want to tell you to hold on, not with gritting teeth, but with a mind that says “He won’t lie to me. He won’t let my life become worthless. My day is coming; I will rise again, and I will be better than ever.” We know what it feels like to wonder if life is worth it, and we have come to a new place, a Promised Land. And we want to tell you that all your pain will soon be something glorious. You will look back at it and you will truly understand that without it, you could have never known what pure joy is. You will realize that grief and the feeling of despair are actually holy emotions used to allow you to experience how joyful joy is. Hold on: we are with you.
I Am is with you.
The Battle is Won
The Battle is Won
(#187 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Yahweh, there is no one like You to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, Yahweh our Mighty One, for we rely on You, and in Your Name we have come against this vast army. Yahweh, You are our Mighty One; do not let mere mortals prevail against You! (2 Chronicles 14:11)
How could victory not be celebrated, even now? And in the process, how can you consider any loss a mistake?
The Sovereignty of our Creator mandates that all battles are His. We proclaim, “The battle belongs to Yahweh.” (1 Samuel 17:47) We call Him King of the universe; and we ascribe to Him His rightful title as “I Am,” yet we still have fear. We doubt as we wonder what more might be taken. We often think of Job as the courageous one, forgetting the most pivotal part of his story; he repented and praised Yahweh after his loss (Job 42:5-6). He declared, “Yahweh has given, and Yahweh has taken away.” (Job 1:21)
The scriptures teach us that what we lose is meant to be lost and what we gain is only blessed if it comes according to our Creator’s will. If we trust Him for the battle, then we must accept that loss is just as valuable and perfect as gain.
Pruning often involves persecution. But even so, the battles we face are truly not ours to fight. If this is true, AND IT IS, then no enemy can prevail against us. The pruning we experience as a result of the persecution is actually intended to squelch the internal battle we fight against Yahweh. That’s correct; most of our pain (mind strife) is due to our struggle against our Creator, not our supposed enemies.
With this new understanding, let us be content with Him taking what He takes and giving what He gives. Have a grateful heart (mind) no matter the situation. He knows best what is excess and what is not. If we are going to trust Him, we must go all the way. Anything less is merely lukewarm faith, and that makes our Creator nauseous. (Revelation 3:16)
Regeneration
Though All Fail
(#186 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Though the fig tree does not blossom, and there is no fruit on the vine, the yield of the olive has failed, and the fields brought forth no food, the flock has been cut off from the fold, and there is no herd in the stalls, yet I exult in Yahweh, I rejoice in the Mighty One of my deliverance. Yahweh the Almighty is my strength. And He makes my feet like those of a deer, and makes me walk on my high places. (Habakkuk 3:17-19)
A sacrifice of praise is what You desire, O Yahweh. It is the key to the Kingdom, the only true Kingdom. It is the only Kingdom in which dwells the love of Yahweh. Perhaps if we stop to think it through, if we truly want to uncover the pattern, we might ponder that the need for any external satisfaction must come to an end in order for this internal fruit to blossom.
Does it not make sense that you gain more glory through deliverance than through earthly abundance? Oh that we would learn to embrace Your ways, and that our way of thinking would shift to Your way of thinking. How much sweeter is it to walk Your paths when we embrace Your patterns.
Try these on for size:
1. “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me [Yahshua]; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” (Luke 22:42)
2. “He must increase, but I [John the Baptist] must decrease.” (John 3:30)
3. “My doctrine is not Mine [Yahshua], but His who sent Me.” (John 7:16)
4. “For I have not spoken on My own authority [Yahshua]; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak.” (John 12:49)
We so often perceive Your patterns as opposite of what You intend. What do You intend?
1. When we feel pain, You are joyous as You witness our growth.
2. When we cannot see the end, You stand there waiting for us.
3. When we cannot overcome, You rejoice in the victory You had planned all along.
Oh that we would truly perceive all things as good. May we believe, like Shaul (Paul), that You, Abba, would never let your children go.
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor malakim [erroneously called “angels”], nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of the Mighty One which is in Yahshua the Messiah our Master. (Romans 8:38-39)
“Give us wisdom to see as You see. Enlarge our territory, not of land, but of our minds, so we would feel how easy the yoke and how light the burden is, because You are our portion. Take us beyond, Father, to the place where only the Spirit man resides; take us to a new consciousness, to a new day. Implant in us that which Habakkuk earned, this ever-present gift in his life, the sacrifice of praise. Even though all seems lost… ‘yet I exult in Yahweh, I rejoice in the Mighty One of my deliverance.’ Please, Yahweh, bring us to that place.”
There is no neutrality with God
The Hollow of My hand
(#183 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, and measured the heavens with a span, and contained the dust of the earth in a measure and weighted the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance? (Isaiah 40:12)
With one scoop, all of the waters of the earth are consumed. All of the galaxies are like jacks in the hands of a child. On one finger, all the nations of the earth rest. With one strike of My fist I could destroy the universe.
You are wondering, “Is He that big?” Your mind is unable to comprehend My Omnipotence and My Omnipresence. You regularly use these words to describe Me, and yet you have fear. How can you boast of My enormity, and yet shrink back at the thought of the harmful touch of man? Such conflicting mindsets, these thoughts inside your head. I Am concerned greatly about this double-mind of yours. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from Yahweh; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (James 1:7-8)
Please know, it is because of double-mindedness that I have created one of the keys to My Kingdom. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind! (Romans 12:2) Break free; remove the shackles from your mind; and unlock and open the doors into a new reality. Your greatest hindrance in doing this is fear of man! You fear man even more than you fear Me.
May I say it so it is easy to remember? FEAR OF MAN IS A SIN! Why so? Fear of man means lack of trust in Me. Do you realize how sinful this is?
Here is a word for My loved ones, a stepping stone, a new beginning. I control all of My dust. Remember this the next time that creepy little thing called “fear of man” tries to overtake your mind. I have you in My hand. And there is plenty of room My child; I promise.