Tag Archives: bible
Being Set-apart
So few Words Needed
(#086 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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One Mind! And if One mind, then of course, One speech!
And how can an individual achieve this? “Yes Father,” and “May I Father?” no less, and no more.
We have talked about the ego and the “self” desire. Carnality, materiality, and sensuality, are all wrapped up in the mind of man. It will never make sense to that fallen mind that the patterns could be so “easy” and the yoke of Yahweh so “light,” but they are! It will take some of you forty years; others of you will go more quickly into the promise land and walk through your fears and find the gift of humility waiting for you. “Yes Father and this after, “May I Father?”
Could it really be so simple? What did He mean when He said His Son was “The final sacrifice?” (Hebrews 10:12) If we do some basic math, we would be correct in asserting the validity of an equation as such: “The amount of resistance from my own carnal self is directly related to my perception of how easy it is to be One with Yahweh.” If you believe Oneness with Yahweh is difficult, then you are fertilizing your carnality.
Remember, easy and light, not hard and heavy! This is how you succeed. Do you understand? If it is still not clear, let us remind you of the words of the prophet Jeremiah that we read yesterday in “Relinquish All.” They should help.
“O Yahweh, I know that the way of man is not his own; it is not man who walks, directing his own steps. O Yahweh, correct me, but with justice; not in Your anger, or You would bring me to nothing.” (Jeremiah 10:23-24)
His Steps Not Ours
Relinquish All
(#085 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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My desire is that you pray this prayer to Me. “O Yahweh, I know that the way of man is not his own; it is not man who walks, directing his own steps. O Yahweh, correct me, but with justice; not in Your anger, or You would bring me to nothing.” (Jeremiah10:23-24)
A man does not direct his own steps. This is another unchangeable pattern that must be recognized. And as with all scriptural patterns, adherence to them is crucial for you to prosper in My ways. This pattern will be fulfilled, regardless of your participation or input. You see My child, I Am all things good and I keep My word. My children will be filled with joy. My children will be fruit-bearing and productive. When I told you I had plans to prosper you, did I inquire of you before establishing them (Jeremiah 29:11-14)? Are they My plans or yours? My plans are more than you can ask, think, or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). My plans are why you were created. My plans are the only place you will find your true purpose in life. It can be no other way. Brace yourself! Get revelation! It can be no other way.
Yes, there is a practical side and you must participate. You will either participate or I will finish My work without your participation. You will eventually get involved, either voluntarily, or with My persuasion. My chastening serves this function quite well.
What is your part? Relinquish everything to Me: every hope, every fear, every dream, every anxiety, and every desire. Relinquish everything! Listen to Me. When you hand Me everything, we automatically move forward. Do you understand? The handing over is the fulfillment of your part of this unchanging pattern. If you have a hope, release it to Me. I then can make it better than you had hoped. When you try yourself it will never be good enough. You cannot compete with the goodness I have predestined for your life. Yes, it is the act of “handing over” that fulfills your obligation. If you don’t, I will take it anyway, and that process is always more painful.
Yes, I Am He who is just and I demand your attention. I Am He whom you must revere with an awe and admiration. Bring everything to Me and then you will see the goodness I have planned for you, a goodness that is more. Yes, what I offer is more!
Love Your Enemy
Kneel With Thy Enemy
(#084 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Why do I tell you to love your enemy? Why do I insist you pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44)? May I ask you a sobering question? Are you any different than those you call enemies, those who hurt you? And what makes you different?
Common answers:
“They are trying to purposely hurt me.”
“They don’t have any love in their hearts.”
“They don’t even believe in Jesus.”
Apart from My grace and salvation, doesn’t that describe you as well? Couldn’t the same be said of you at one time in your life? Are you willing to accept that even today you would be the same without Me? Yes, I know it may be hard for you to hear this, but you must listen. Do not be dull of hearing; your future depends on it. Have I not proclaimed that when your ways are pleasing to Me, I will make even your enemies at peace with you (Proverbs 16:7)? Everything that your enemy is: rude, inconsiderate, prideful, and boastful; were you not the same? Yes, you may assert that you love Me more than your enemies do, but the love you have for Me comes from Me. Why would you take credit for it? Remember, you did not choose Me; I chose you (John 15:16)!
Here is a righteous perspective for you to consider My loved one. Your sin is inexcusable because My Son gave you the ability to NOT sin, and yet you still do. You still do! Shall My Son call you an enemy because you lack love at times? Have you not hurt others with your words? Could it be said that your sin is a direct correlation to the lack of love and reverence you have for Me? Do you see it yet My child? Don’t run from this wisdom. Yes, I want you to be convicted as you read these words. Come in humility and I will hand you the keys to My Kingdom, the Kingdom of the unoffendable!
Pray without complaining
His Manna
(#083 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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I have labored at no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing. Yet what is due me is in Yahweh’s hands, my reward is with my Mighty One. (Isaiah 49:4)
What does it mean to have struggled so hard to no avail? What does it feel like when you realize, by His revelation, that you have spent too much time operating in the flesh? You wonder what Isaiah meant when he said, “Yet what is due me.” It is what flows from Yahweh’s mercy and grace; attributes of His love for you. When you labor at no purpose, it is because you did not ask for directions; you moved too quickly ahead of Him in the flesh, the way you have become accustomed to operating. That will always be in vain. Yes, He is always out front, but you did not stop to consider this; your actions did not include His will. Nevertheless, He afforded you a new heart (mind) by the death of His Son, and He sees your efforts to honor the change. Now, it is time to start over. Wouldn’t you like to receive what is due?
The talents you have, the zeal you have for good things, yes, He placed those in you. Will you now go to Him for direction so He can use those gifts properly? Remember King David, how he desired to build a house for the Almighty, a temple made of cedar and stone? Had he not been stopped through the prophet Nathan, he surely would have begun the project. He did well that it was in his heart to do such a thing (2 Samuel 7:3). And yet, at the prophetic moment of his revelation, he was told, “No!” You see, had he proceeded without being held in check, much effort would have been wasted in doing something that seemed so good and so honoring, yet it was not for him to build!
Just give Yahweh a willing heart and He will draw the plans; He will hire the laborers; and He will pay the costs. Before you endeavor to begin anything, ask Him. Filter every thought, and therefore every action through Him! Oh, how He desires this kind of relationship with you. He will have this kind of relationship with you.
Ask Him! His manna will be far better than the bread you produce in your own abilities. This is yet another pattern, an inescapable pattern indeed.
This is the only answer for a Coronavirus Cure.
This is the only answer for a Coronavirus Cure.
A New Heart-Masterfully Restored
Masterfully Restored
(#082 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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The concept of restoration brings many different thoughts to mind. Maybe it’s the renovation of a classic automobile, or the refurbishing of a piece of vintage furniture, or the polishing of an old war piece to bring about its original luster. The idea of restoration involves taking something from the past, repairing it and cleaning it up, so it appears to be new again.
May we share with you Yahweh’s concept of restoration? You see, His way is much different than yours. When He sent His Son to die for your sins, it was not to restore you to your original luster. It was to change you into something completely different, brand new, but different. His restoration does not make you into a “new version of the old you;” it makes you into a totally new creature, like a different species with different DNA. You are made brand new, right out of the box, or coffin if you will. All you were from the past is erased.
Yahweh obviously enjoys the restoration business, making all things new; and He starts in your heart (mind). (Revelation 21:5; Ezekiel 36:26). Becoming brand new was not something you could even conceptualize until that predestined moment when Yahshua, in all His glory, was revealed to your heart. Know this; His process involves much patience, similar to what is needed to restore an old car. And although the transformation begins at the point of redemption, the refining (complete salvation of the mind) can take years to fully form in you (Galatians 4:19).
This refining involves your participation for several reasons. First, He desires that you glorify Him because of it, which is the reason for your restoration in the first place. Second, your daily choice to love Him is what the entire journey is about. To love and glorify Him is a decision you must make. Third, the restoration is to show others the beauty of the new creation, so they too might want to come and enjoy the same journey. Oh, how pleased you will be with His finished product. You are truly one of a kind, an original.
No Weapon “Formed”
No Weapon “Formed”
(#081 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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There are several definitions for the word “form.” One in particular fits perfectly, giving you the clue about how to identify and then root out the personal ego’s pattern. A “form” is a document for the collection of information. Let’s consider that, “No weapon formed against [you] shall prosper.” (Isaiah 54:16-17)
Yes, the forming here is describing an action, but what is being formed, and how, is what we need to pay close attention to. No doubt, it is Yahweh who allows the forming of the weapon, as He is the one who created the blacksmith (v. 16). Yet, the enemy uses this pattern of forming weapons against you as he “prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) And, although the weapon may vary from believer to believer, the pattern is always the same. Follow the target; find the weakness, and then attack. Watch and listen to the response, collect more information, and attack again.
The weapon is always well formed. The enemy does not attack until there is enough information gathered. It might be a female, a new job, or an accusation. It could be wealth or poverty. Whatever weapon has been formed, it is tailor-made to destroy you if possible. How could it be so precise? Exactly what was needed to potentially create a great deal of harm to you? Listen very closely. It’s your life, your own words, and actions that were put into a data base. The weapon was formed precisely because you supplied all the information. Staring at pornography? Obviously lust is a weakness. Talking negative about your boss? Your negativity is now the weapon formed against you. Eighty hour work week while neglecting your faith and family? Your master is money and it now becomes the weapon.
The weapon is customized just by the enemy watching and listening to you. All of its power is gained from your external life, which reveals your mind (heart). There is no need to read thoughts; they are manifested in every action. “Watch and listen.” This is the key to the weapon’s mastery. The enemy is the grand information gatherer.
What now? Guard your words! In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise. (Proverbs 10:19) Let your words be wholesome and few. Go to your Father in silent prayer when you have a problem. And your actions, principalities can see all that you do. Yahweh’s messengers of light are merciful! Satan’s messengers of darkness are deadly! They hear your words; they see everything you do.
Now consider the power of recognizing the truth about how the enemy, and your own sensual desires, form the weapons used against you. It is simply the data that you feed him. Praise Yahweh for He is faithful even when you are not! After you praise Him, change the way you live your life. Stop feeding the weapon which causes you pain and suffering. This is a mature faith indeed.
Yahshua is faithful and will establish you and guard you from the evil one. (2 Thessalonians 3:3)
We Are Perfect In Yeshua
As Soon As You Let Go
(#080 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Oh My child. Will you believe Me if I tell you the truth? Won’t you believe that I only speak truth? How quickly you say, “Yes,” yet your sin says otherwise. Do you understand? Your sin is when you do other then the truth I gave you, which is evidence of your unbelief, your doubt that I speak only truth. The cure for this, for all sin, is inside of you. There are no exterior solutions; nothing from the outside can help. All sin is a heart (mind) issue.
Would you believe Me if I told you that you were already 100% whole, perfected in total joy, total peace, and total contentment? If you could see what I see, you would certainly rejoice. Would you like to come and see? Are you sure? Here is the key to the door. Let go. Let go! It is really easy. Remember, I speak only truth. It is easy, so calm yourself.
Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I Am gentle [meek] and humble [lowly] in heart, and you will find rest [relief, ease, refreshment, recreation, and blessed quiet] for your souls. For My yoke is wholesome [useful, good—not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant], and My burden is light and easy to be borne. (Matthew 11:29-30)
Be still now and listen. Your anger is a choice; your resentment is a choice; your bitterness is a choice; your unforgiveness is a choice; and your self-righteousness is a choice. “What is the answer, the easy answer to all of this,” you cry? Choose otherwise! I am He who equips. I have given you My Son; the power to choose is now within you. You said you believed Me, so I will say it again. I have given you the power to choose. Though the choice may very well “feel” like a death, it is truly life being disguised by your deceptive feelings. Listen to Me. There are no victims in My family. I say again, there are no victims in My family! Give all of your burdens; all of your fears; all of your pain; and all of your pride to Me. Leave them with Me. You have no more excuses. All sin will be considered as unbelief. Choose wisely and be warned; I will change you if you don’t make the choice on your own. Yes, I care that much.
A Servant’s Prayer
A Servant’s Prayer
(#079 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
www.sufferwell.orgOh Sovereign One, You have begun to show Your servant Your greatness and Your strong hand. For what elohiym (strength or might) is there in heaven or on earth who can do the deeds and mighty works You do? I pray, let me go over and see the good land beyond the Jordan, that fine hill country and Lebanon. (Deuteronomy 3:24-25)
Father, I know I am under Your yoke (Read Lamentations 3:27-39). Your heavy hand is upon me. Your chastening rod is swift and precise. I have experienced a death and pieces of a new life, all at once. So much has been shaken. Mourning and joy have been wrapped together. Like the story about the how the bald eagle would shed its beak, claws, fur—everything, at forty years; all earthly power and glory seemingly lost. I too was forty when You brought me here Father, to shed everything. Moses also was forty when you brought him out, and David too, to be king over all of Israel. As the story goes, in the next season of its life, eagle replaces all that was lost. The creature is renewed entirely. The next forty years are its best. Moses? David? Yes! And what of me Father?
Are my wings full again Father? What of my claws (ability to grasp holy precepts)? I feel Your power, but is it the power of one completely renewed? I am transforming daily, yet, when is enough? My cry: “Father, is this yoke still heavy upon me? Am I still under Your chastening rod, Your face turned from me? (Lamentations 3:7-9) Have I learned my lesson(s)? Is it possible I am missing it completely? I need to know I am pleasing to You. It’s all that matters. It’s all that matters! I will cry out like Moses. ‘You have begun to show your servant Your greatness and Your strong hand. For what elohiym is there in heaven or on earth who can do the deeds and mighty works You do?’ Father, I long to set my feet on the good land. Your milk is the substance of my soul; Your honey is the sweetness of Your voice within me. If I have pleased You, if You have turned back to me, make these words mine. ‘You have begun to show Your greatness and Your strong hand is obvious; Your mighty works are undeniable.’ Come Abba.”
If it is not faith it is sin
Yahshua, You, Action!
(#078 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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“For whatever is not of faith is sin.” (Romans 14:23) The word “of” used to describe what happens because of faith is a gross under-translation of the preposition here. It is not wrong; it just does not do justice to the power of faith. Something more tangible, even more primitive, needs to be elaborated. Whatever is not born from faith; proceed from faith; come out from faith within; is not the outcome of faith; from faith in the interior outward, or originate from faith, is sin! Faith must be the origin. Can you feel that now? What is being said is that whatever does not root itself in the depths of its source, in this case faith, and then extend out to create its impact, is sin. Now, doesn’t that have more of a bite then “of”?
What are you saying to us Father? Anything that is not produced through the life of Yahshua working in me is sinful? Under this mandate, I can see why You would say to men who claim to know You, “Depart from Me!” (Matthew 7:22-23) Every thought, and every act proceeding from that thought, must originate from faith. Father, this means that every single thing someone thinks, and then acts upon, must be according to this pattern: it originates in our minds; then we must measure it against Yahshua’s words and life; then it lands at our feet (mental stability in the law) for final approval, allowing us to take action. That is what a life would look like if every action came from its intended source. Faith is demonstrated as we emulate the repeated patterns of the life of Yahshua; we will be accountable for every word we speak (Matthew 12:36). It affirms why every thought must conform to this revelation. “From the abundance of the heart (mind), the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:34-35)
Won’t you join each of us in this prayer? “Oh Father, would You, through Your Son, implant this in my heart and soul as a perpetual pattern? This is truly the transforming of the mind. Holy Spirit, I know You dwell with both Father and Son, and it is with Your guidance I will achieve this pattern of thought and action. This truth must invade my mind in order for my actions to be appropriate. Only by the Spirit in man can this be done. I submit to the pattern Father. Sear it in me. If I rebel, sear anyway. My life is Yours Father; take it! Yes, I will have this mind in me. I will follow the pattern, for it is the faith that You gave me that accomplishes this anyway. Magnanimous You are indeed.”