Tag Archives: bible
Protection and Love
Little Children
(#077 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
www.Sufferwell.org
You dear children, are from the Mighty One and have overcome them [the Antichrist spirit, spirits of the lower “self,” the ego] because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)
You see My child, this is another truth you can rest upon. It is a truth from Me, by My spirit, through My much loved servant John, delivered right into your heart (mind). Do you believe it? Slow down; consider what I am asking you. Do you believe you have overcome? I never take My eyes off of you. I see your fear. I hear your fear. Go ahead, ask Me; I can handle it. The humble ones know to ask, as they whisper to Me, “If He who is in me Father, has overcome, why do I still feel defeated? Why do I feel like I am losing the battles? Why am I afraid of You?”
It’s all perspective most loved one, perspective. What if I told you your loss is really your gain? Would you allow Me to make those decisions for you? Can I decide what is best for you? You have heard that “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways.” (Isaiah 55:8) You know I am not limited by time. Not only do I see the beginning and the end of all things; I Am the beginning and the end of all things.
This is the pattern according to My will. Those, the meek ones who stay near, never shudder at My sudden changes in course. Those who suffer under My hand learn to be overridden, and they learn to appreciate it. When My work is completed, no one has ever said, “How dare You?” Instead, they have all bowed before Me and worshipped. You are learning to overcome My child. Open your eyes and see. Your obedience has you tucked right under My wings. I will do the flying. You just rest there.
Is He Your Everything?
Is He Your Everything?
(#075 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
www.Sufferwell.org
A man in prison and his Creator [a sixty-second dialogue]:
Father, I know Your Word teaches that You are my everything. It says that You come first and all things come after You. It instills deep into my soul that You alone are my peace, my joy, and my power. Your Word tells me that no matter what, as long as I always have You on the forefront of every thought, my peace, joy, and power will never diminish. But rather, I will experience increase of all of these promises. This is what You meant when You said, “All things work together for good to those who love the Almighty!” (Romans 8:28)
As I stare at the picture of my wife and children that I have in my cell, I say to myself; “This would mean that if I lost them, or was separated from them for a long period of time, even then all things would be ‘good,’ and I would still be able to live in the fullness of Your joy.” Father, please forgive me. I don’t know how to do that. Please, don’t make me learn that way.
Father, in the middle of being torn between Your reality and the illusion that I accepted as truth for so long, I beg for Your grace that I may experience a peace that surpasses all understanding. And I plead for Your mercy and forgiveness for preferring my illusion over Your truth.
Now, in a sober moment we ask those of you, who may have confined yourself in the prison of your own mind, “What are you afraid to lose? Is He your everything?” You would know He is if you had the peace, the joy, and the power to show for it. They are the fruits of obedience to His Word, loved one.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to the Almighty; and the peace of the Mighty One, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts (minds) and souls through Yahshua the Messiah. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Confident Humility
Confident Humility
(#074 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
www.sufferwell.orgHumility, yes. False humility, no! Who told you that meekness meant weakness? Apologizing for things you did not do, or believing that everyone must like you. Who told you that humility was living in poor conditions, physically, spiritually or emotionally? Meekness is not powerlessness, but actually ABSOLUTE power under control; confident humility! There was one who once lived as a man who demonstrated ABSOLUTE power under control.
Abuse? Who told you that you are expected to take abuse as a sign of your love towards Yahweh? “But Yahshua said give your cloak and tunic. He also let them spit on Him and he even forgave them,” you say. Yes, this is correct, and He also “disappeared from their midst” several times when they tried to kill Him (Luke 4:30; John 8:59). He would “know His time;” He had ABSOLUTE power under control.
Get wisdom! Get understanding! Anything done with a heart (mind) that submits to the Father is powerful and correct. Find anywhere Yahshua apologizes, other than FOR you, saying, “Forgive THEM Father…” His sinlessness made it so apologizing would not be necessary. Who apologizes for holiness? That’s the point! Many claimed to be offended, harassed and hurt by Yahshua, but He knew better. He had ABSOLUTE power under control.
False humility stems from insecurity, and insecurity from rejection. And on and on it goes. Yahshua, in reference to being murdered on the stake, disregarded the shame, “for the joy set before Him” (Hebrews 12:2). His connection with the Father enabled Him to constantly remember the crux of all that He was asked to do, and all that stood in His way. It was Yahweh’s will that Yahshua would die for the sins of many. It gives Yahweh great pleasure to offer this death to you and me (Hebrews 2:10). Yahshua knew His Father’s heart, for it also gave Him pleasure to be our sacrifice. He also knew that serving the Father in such as capacity, with unabashed obedience, established Him as the authority over even those who called themselves His enemies. In reality, He was positioned with such prominence that He could have no enemies. Anyone or anything that would come against Him, could only do so with His permission. He had the ability to call on legions of Malachim at any time, yet He never did (Matthew 26:53). He had ABSOLUTE power under control.
He knew the principalities He dealt with and He knew man was inferior to anything the Father could perform on His behalf. He had no doubt. He forgave His murderers, you and me, with a whole heart. He did it with a sound mind. He chose it with no malice. He had ABSOLUTE power under control.
Let us give you an example, so it becomes practical for you. Someone makes a claim that you offended them when your intent was not to do so. The secure person, one close and connected to the Father and who understands humility, might say this. “I’m sorry you misunderstood. My intent was not to offend you. May I explain what I meant?” This person is not upset, nor harmed in any way by the misunderstanding. It ends right there for them. The insecure person, displaying false humility, might sound like this. “No, no. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry; I did not mean it like that. Please let me explain.” Their need to be affirmed and understood is no longer humility, but insecurity. They will continually apologize until they “feel” accepted again. They will carry that burden for days and weeks until they get what seems like resolve, though it never comes.
Yahweh is your security! Live close to Him and He will fill your heart with true humility, confident humility, which is ABSOLUTE power under control.
Cut to the Chase: Faith Defined
Cut to the Chase: Faith Defined
(#073 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
www.sufferwell.org
1) The evidence of things unseen;
2) Belief that He exists and rewards those who seek;
3) When material gain does not define life;
4) Enduring without knowing the end result;
5) From belief to absolute knowing;
6) Hope acted upon;
7) The path of righteousness (right thinking);
8) Given in measure, multiplied in fruit;
9) The Spirit’s whisper;
10) Obedience anyway;
11) Accepting a new mindset;
12) Moving forward in Him, even while you might actually be scared to death.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen… For without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to the Almighty must believe that He is, and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:1, 6)
Give Your Best Effort To Seek and Find Yahweh
If You Seek
(#072 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
www.sufferwell.org
“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Luke 11:9)
Do you understand the “you” and the “ask, seek and knock” of My command? Do you see the choice, the pattern of having to choose? The “and” in “ask and; seek and; knock and” proves that effort is required. The “you” brings to light that no one can do it for you, not Abraham; not Moses; not Paul; only you. This command reveals many mysteries.
He can be found. Yes, He may even hide at times. Perhaps He’s playing hide and seek with you. Perhaps He even disappears for a while, on purpose. Consider, again, from yesterday’s devotion, Lamentations 3:7-8:
He has walled me in so I cannot escape;
He placed heavy chains on me.
Indeed, when I cry out, calling for help,
He shuts out my prayer.
He hides at times because He intends to elicit effort from His children. No effort, no revelation. You get it? The doubt; the fear; the wondering: it’s all in your head! Do you want to be healed? He is the cure for all dis-ease. Do you want to fly? He is the answer for all of your hopes and dreams.
Yes, much like the little children playing the game called “hot or cold,” you must ask, seek, and knock to find what you are looking for. His Spirit is calling out to you. Can you hear the whisper? “You’re getting cold; change directions.” “Now you’re getting warmer,” the Spirit beckons. “Hot, you’re getting hot,” your senses are now alive with anticipation!
No doubt, He is here to help, but you must provide the effort. He must see your desire to find Him and all He has for you. Staying lukewarm will not end well (Revelation 3:16). Won’t you be hot for Him? Will the words of Paul be the banner over your life? “To live [capture the holy mindset] is Messiah, and to die [let go of all ‘self’ ambition] is gain.” (Philippians 1:21) He is waiting.
Why Affliction?
Turn Back
(#071 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
I am a man familiar with affliction—
under the rod of the Almighty’s anger.
He has led me—brought me
into darkness, not into light.
He truly turned His hand against me,
again and again, all day long.
He made my flesh and skin prematurely old;
He broke my bones.
He laid siege against me,
surrounding me with bitterness and suffering.
He has forced me to live in darkness,
like those who are long dead.
He has walled me in so I cannot escape;
He placed heavy chains on me.
Indeed, when I cry out, calling for help,
He shuts out my prayer.
He impeded my way with blocks of stone,
making my paths uneven.
He is like a bear that lies in wait for me,
a lion in hiding.
He forced me off my path,
tearing me to pieces and making me desolate.
He bent his bow,
aiming at me with his arrow.
He caused His war arrows
o pierce my vital organs.
I have become a laughingstock to all my people,
the object of their taunts throughout the day.
He has filled me with bitterness,
making me drink wormwood.
He broke my teeth on gravel,
covering me with dust.
He has removed peace from my life;
I have forgotten what prosperity is.
(Lamentations 3:1-17)
Your correction is impossible to ignore. Everything is atoned for. Perfection comes through repentance, even forced repentance. This is what happens when You decide to bring Your strong arm against Your children. Your love enables us to see our errors. There is no easy relief at this level. Restoration is to be earned at this point. The child will grow up. No sparing of the rod in this season. (Proverbs 22:15) The Rod is meant to make us cry out. So, cry out we will Abba!
“Turn back to me Father. Please help me heal the wounds. Afflicted for my good, I accept the wisdom of it. I would like to move forward now. I would like to rise from my fall. My awe for You is permanent. I accept the scars on my heart and my soul as good. It is a reminder, like nail marks. Yes, there is restoration for me and my family, yet there are others, those who loved me. They believed in me. Grant me this prayer Father. Let me restore all that may have been taken on my account, even to those who abandoned me. You know them Father. If I have found grace in Your sight, if I have pleased You Father, then send Your manna. Peace on every side Father. This prayer I ask of You, in Yahshua’s name. So be it!”
May He give you the desire of your heart and fulfill all your purpose. (Psalm 20:4)
Suffering Removes Sin
Suffering Removes Sin
(#070 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
www.sufferwell.orgWho created the Valley of the Shadow of Death (Psalm 23)? Who created the idea of death itself? Who created the evil one for the tempting? Who created physical and emotional tests? Dare you, My creation, steal My thunder and give credit to another. I own all I’ve created, and this includes suffering. It is Mine and you need to learn of and from it.
Brace yourself, all of you who claim to love Me. Your suffering is produced, directly or indirectly, from sin. Hear this! Suffering removes sin; it is designed to do so. Some insist on suffering as they persist in sinning. Slow your mind; I know that you have questions. I also know of your misunderstanding of My ways; My ways are above yours (Isaiah 55:9). I want you to listen as I say it again. Directly or indirectly, sin results in suffering. And what is even harder to swallow is that My perfect Son suffered for your sins! This proves that one can suffer because of the actions of others. Think about how this plays out in marriage, for instance. Of course your sins affect others. The same goes for the body, My people, Israyl. Yes, I know it is a big responsibility to consider that your personal sin affects many, but you had better accept it. It is My reality, and it does not change.
Do not resist Me about this! If My son remained sinless and yet suffered because of sin, how much more you? Do not conceptualize suffering in your mind as condemnation, instead, think sanctification. Suffering purifies. Read the words of My Spirit in Hebrews 2:10. “For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.” Yes, it is My pleasure to introduce you to suffering and purge out the evil in you.
In My eyes you are already white as snow (Isaiah 1:18), however, you are still conscious of your sin. It is your mind that still needs to be cleansed. You need to be able to say, without wavering, “Imitate me as I imitate the Messiah!” (1 Corinthians 11:1) Suffering will certainly help bring this to pass. Tell Me that you love My ways, the patterns in which I operate, and how I always work for the “good” of those who are called according to My purpose (Romans 8:28). Can you remember that suffering is the path to My goodness? It is a treasured tool that produces fruit. Embrace My pattern; it really is for your good.
A New Person In Yeshua
Yahweh’s Top Ten
www.sufferwell.org
(#069 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
If you understand the totality of the renewed mind given as a gift to chosen men and women, then you would recognize that up until that point of redemption, we were all imprisoned in our minds dominated by “self” (the ego). The initial release from that prison becomes available when you experience this realization; “Hey, something has happened to me; for the first time I have this desperate need for Yahweh and the understanding of why His Son Yahshua had to shed His blood.”
This is the totality of the effects of Deuteronomy 30: obey His voice with a circumcised heart (mind); choose life; and abound in His blessings. Read it all and yet, be very careful. The initial release from our inner prison is only the first set of bars. The complete effect is a saved mind (salvation). There remains much work to do as each layer of the carnal “self” is removed from within the active and subconscious thought processes. And so with each release of the old, and the realization of the new creation you are (2 Corinthians 5:17), perhaps these ten steps might help with the healing process. Healing process? You better believe it. As the “self” decreases and the Messiah in you increases (John 3:30), you need to let each process slowly take root.
Meditate on these and let them take effect:
1. Scream out about the glory of the Father, Son and Ruach (Spirit), and this, within your soul;
2. Practice love and joy until He seals them within you;
3. Stay locked out from the world for a season, and repeat as necessary;
4. Embrace everything through the Messiah’s eyes and see the sweetness of it all;
5. Absolutely no big decisions made within the first thirty days of new freedoms realized;
6. No decisions ever made without Yahweh’s approval;
7. No decisions made without wife’s and husband’s mutual consideration (as applicable);
8. Sear righteous principles into those around you at all times;
9. Trust Yahweh to restore anyone and anything necessary;
10. Remember! Remember who the Father, Son and Spirit are to you, and what that means in regard to everything you face in life. No more guessing! No more “feeling” your way through life! Now you know and you are accountable!
I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live. (Deuteronomy 30:19)
Repent and Rest
How many of you are ready to have light in the darkness.
Weaned
(#068 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
www.sufferwell.org
In REPENTANCE and REST is your salvation; in QUIETNESS and TRUST is your strength, but you would HAVE NONE OF IT [v.15]… Yet Yahweh longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion. For Yahweh is the Mighty One of justice. Blessed are those who wait for Him [v. 18]. (Read Isaiah 30:15-18)
HAVE NONE OF WHAT?
1. REPENTANCE: Repent and ask forgiveness for doubting His provision in all things, and for trusting yourself and man.
2. REST: Rest and believe that the battle is always Yahweh’s, and do not strive, but rest in Him through faith.
3. QUIETNESS: If it is Yahweh who saves, then your boasting of self or anything other than Him is in vain. Humility and a quieted soul should be the fruit you offer Him. So, hush.
4. TRUST: Trust by putting your faith into action. This would be demonstrated by doing nothing out of fear of or faith in man.
Yes, the child who walks in repentance, rest, quietness, and trust may wait for Him in eager expectation. Surely goodness and mercy will follow the one who does these things (Psalm 23:6). Certainly you will be able to remind the Father that your faithfulness warrants your blessings to come. “Blessed are those who wait for Him.”
David said it best Abba, and today I long to mimic his words to You; “Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with his mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.” (Psalm 131:2)
Pray about this and listen. Do it over and over. Never cease.
I Need That
I Need That
(#067 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
www.sufferwell.org
Father, when a word I give helps another, I need that.
When I dream of how Your blessings are coming and someone confirms it, I need that.
When I pray to You and sense Your strong presence, I need that.
When friends and loved ones pray for me, I need that.
When my children can still find joy in You even while I suffer, I need that.
When my children desire to stay intimate with me, I need that.
When I pray and You answer, I need that.
When I ask You to show me the way and You do, I need that.
The faith to trust what I cannot see, I need that.
Daily hope, I need that.
Whispers from Your Spirit, I need that.
Words of affirmation, I need that.
Favor, I need that.
Forgiveness, I need that.
Wisdom and knowledge, I need that.
Humility and meekness, I need that.
The ability to sing no matter the circumstance, I need that.
The heart to continually worship, I need that.
Courage, I need that.
Strength to stand before my Goliath, I need that.
Peace and prosperity, I need that.
Father, you provide all we need because You promise that we shall not want (Psalm 23). You promise that through the knowledge and understanding of You we will have all we need for life. Please fill our hearts so completely that we would no longer are aware of what we need.
Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of the Almighty and the Master Yahshua Messiah, as His Spiritual power has given to us all things that pertain to life and being conformed to His Mighty image, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the spiritual nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (2 Peter 1:2-4)