Tag Archives: Bill Cloud
The King’s Signet
The King’s Signet
(#303 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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“The king took off his signet ring, which he had reclaimed from Haman [the transference of power from the wicked to the righteous], and presented it to Mordecai. And Esther appointed him over Haman’s estate.” (Esther 8:2)
Signet: a small seal, especially one set in a ring, used instead of or with a signature to give authentication to an official document or decree. To give authentication, or in other words, to verify, validate, certify, substantiate and endorse that the one authenticating has the authority to authenticate.
It takes the power and authority of a king to turn a ring into a signet. Here in Esther, the Hebrew word is tabbaath (tab-bah’-ath), the simple word for ring, not chotham (kho-thawm’), which is actually the word for signet or signet ring. What turns a tabbaath, an ordinary ring, into a chotham, a seal of the king, is not the substance of the ring but the authority of the king!
When Esther took from the estate (power, dominion and wealth) of Haman and gave it to Mordecai, she was acting under the transference of power from the king. We see this demonstrated so clearly in Yahweh’s anointing of Mosheh to free His people. The Israylites did as Mosheh instructed and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold and for clothing. Yahweh had made the Egyptians favorably disposed toward the people, and they gave them what they asked for; so they plundered the Egyptians. (Exodus 12:35-36) This was not Mosheh’s authority, but Yahweh’s authority displayed through Mosheh. You too were chosen as a vessel through which His power and authority should be displayed.
Yahshua said, “All authority in Heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” (Matthew 28:18) He gave them [disciples] power and authority to drive out all adversaries and to cure diseases, and He sent them out to proclaim the Kingdom of the Almighty and to heal the sick. (Luke 9:1-2) He has “given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy [carnal thoughts]; nothing will harm you. (Luke 10:19)
Oftentimes the signet mark is made by pressing the seal of the king into hot wax. The life of a chosen one is exactly the same. Yahshua’s signet brands you by fire and water with instant authority. Whoever bears His mark is sealed and authenticated. The Spirit of Yahweh has placed a seal on you; it seals you until your final destination. “Do not grieve the Spirit [Ruach] with Who you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30) The idea of redemption is the key here. It is the Hebrew [gheh-ool-law: the distinction and deliverance of chosen children ransomed by Yahweh.]
You bear this seal of release on your life. You walk with the authority of the Most High upon you and His Power is available to you. The power will manifest only when He who has sealed you takes precedence over he who has been sealed. Far too often we “go” instead of being “released,” hoping that His anointing will chase us. We reason, “After all, I am His child.” Unfortunately, this “going” is the attitude of prodigals.
As much as the seal says we are released, it offers and announces something far greater. It says, “I am His to be used His way and for His glory.” This fuels the great contention in the mind that believes it still has choices. A mind that opposes His will is the great obstacle of man. It trusts in the assurance of redemption while maintaining wrong ideas about salvation. Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation [salvation in Hebrew is yesh-oo-aw: welfare, prosperity, deliverance, preservation, safety; yes, this is the Messiah’s name] of your souls [in Hebrew, neh-fesh: the breath and vitality of your mind and will, affecting your emotions]. (1 peter 1:8-9)
Your release was caused by the payment of a ransom (redemption) and is assured; what yet remains is the goal of your faith, the welfare, prosperity, deliverance, preservation, and safety (salvation) of your mind, will and emotions (your soul)!
Yes loved one, your eternity is secure; it’s the present welfare of your mind that’s in question.
Things Unsaid (The Narrow View)
Things Unsaid (The Narrow View)
(#302 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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“Therefore, let all Israyl be assured of this: Yahweh has made this Yahshua, whom you impaled, both Master and the Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:36-37)
Master and the Messiah; ruler and savior; king and priest; leader and servant; lion and lamb; what shall you do? You will do what you are called to do; that’s what you’ll do. The Messiah in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27), that’s who you’ll be; that’s who you are!
Are you eager to see the fruit? If you have allowed the soil of your heart (mind) to be cultivated, the seeds to be planted into fertile ground, then you are very likely sensing the rain coming, the downpour of the Spirit that is necessary for that seed to crack open (die) and the seedling (new creature) to come forth.
Because of this Suffer Well Devotional, and even more so now as we conclude this short series within, your heart must feel pricked (Acts 2:37), no? It is impossible for His word to return void (Isaiah 55:11)! For the word of the Almighty is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart [mind]. (Hebrews 4:12)
You must certainly have some “attitudes of the heart” that lead to questions:
Q: “If I agree and adhere to the patterns expressed in ‘Things Unsaid,’ and I apply them daily as I seek Yahweh’s will, can I be sure my calling will be revealed?”
A: This is exactly what will transpire! Remember that the patterns are meant to first test you, as testing of your faith produces perseverance. And perseverance will finish the work Yahweh intended in you so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:3-4) The fire, the heat, the stirring, and the pressure, are all sources of spiritual energy used to refine your calling once the dross is removed!
Q: “Why is modern-day Christianity lacking the power promised us?”
A: Ephesians 1:19-20 says we were imbued with the same power that Yahweh used to raise Yahshua from the grave, yet we still act like dirty vessels. We pretend to be “ambassadors” of Yahweh, but do not even understand our own Spiritual potential, our true destiny and calling.
Q: “It seems like I cannot just accept ‘Jesus’ into my old life and use Him as if He’s a type of: super-therapist; corporate trouble shooter; mac daddy marriage counselor; money magnet; luck charm to blow on my dice, so I can win the lottery; faith healer who will dissolve this tumor in my colon; Christian guru, can I?”
A: That is 100% correct! You can’t just paint Yahshua on your old dilapidated barn. He’s not a spray can of Rust-Oleum® who will cover over your rust. If that is what you want, I believe He would call you a “whitewashed tomb” (Matthew 23:27). Instead of covering it up, He came to tear the old barn down. 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. (Romans 6:3-4) Yes, a new life; a new creature, not some better version of the old creature. Yahshua the Messiah was impaled in order to become the author and perfector of your faith (Hebrews 12:2). Whoever wants to be His disciple must deny themselves and take up their stake daily and follow Him (Luke 9:23).
Q: “It’s a little scary to consider that learning about my true individual calling might disrupt all that I have currently attained to in my physical life, for me and my family. How should I process this?”
A: “Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:39) Is it freedom to satisfy all your carnal desires if you must exchange you soul for them? Having it all and yet bound by the wounds of your mind, will and emotions is not freedom. “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” (Matthew 16:26)
Q: “If I am truthful within myself, I have to admit that it’s hard to trust Yahweh for all of this. To think that His Son, His prophets, and His chosen ones truly lived by faith and not by physical sight (2 Corinthians 5:7) is a strength I fail to see in myself. What do I do?”
A: Carry no money belt, no bag, no shoes. (Luke 10:4) So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:31-34) When you are weak you are strong loved one! His power is made perfect in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-11). Keep admitting, “Of myself I can do nothing.” (John 5:19, 30). Never stop saying that no matter what, and He will do all within you that He predestined for you!
Q: “So what is the master key to all the keys expressed over the last six days?”
A: Brace yourself; pray this and receive! “Yahweh, I believe that You will give me the love that I need to love You and Your will more than anything else in life, and with that my calling, my purpose, and my destiny will be revealed. For in [You] we live and move and have our being.” (Acts 17:28) Can you see it loved one? Can you see the intense beauty of all that He has done, and how He has done it? Make it so for us Yahweh, make it so!
But seek first the Kingdom of Yahweh and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Things Unsaid (Three)
Things Unsaid (Three)
(#299 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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A simple look at the life, and not just the words, of key figures in Scripture:
Without citing specific Scriptures, for a moment, let’s take a panoramic view at how a few prominent historical figures related to Yahweh and their calling. This is another piece to the pattern which helps unravel and reveal the calling in your life. Instead of recounting a series of scriptural narratives to reveal this pattern, we will pose questions, rather than recite verses.
A big portion of identifying your personal calling is having the ability to remove anything that hinders you from that calling. Most often it is a wrong mindset, which leads to a troubled mind. The ability to hyper focus and to ask Yahweh, and have answered, these broad stroke, yet essential questions is the next step.
• “Who am I to You Father, and what is my personal calling inside the body of the Messiah?”
• “What in my life, first in consciousness, and then in physical manifestation, would bring You the most glory?”
These questions should cause you to wonder just how many current personal priorities get in the way of you hearing the answers. Let’s take a look at just a few specific questions you might consider and how your answers affect the revelation of your calling:
1. Was Adam, before the fall (breach from perfected thinking), ever at risk of not having everything he needed to sustain his life and his personal calling?
2. Did the consequences of having to “toil” and “painful birth” remove the Father’s sovereign hand from our daily lives?
3. Is there any scriptural account that Abraham, Isaac, Israyl, Kepha, Shaul, or the Messiah Himself, were ever concerned that their basic provisions would be provided? And who provided them and why?
4. What are the common worries of mainstream American Christians today?
5. What are your greatest concerns?
These are just a few of many sample questions to help expose crucial mindsets, which will either hinder or lead to revelation about the calling in your life. If you are honest, many of the questions could be answered in a single statement. “American Christians spend most of their lives simply trying to “provide” for their families and, therefore, assume this is their calling in life.” Oh, how paradoxical this thinking is to creation. We pray instead that, at this very moment, His Holy Spirit would pierce your heart with this thought. “The revelation of your personal calling is already in you. The Messiah in you guarantees it.” If you have the courage and faith to accept that answer, it will expose all the deceptions in your own heart (mind). Then you are free to step into your destiny!
Things Unsaid (Two)
Things Unsaid (Two)
(#298 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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The Father’s supernatural use of His “vessels of wrath” to guide you personally:
Yahweh said to Mosheh, “When you return to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders I have given you power to do. But I will harden his heart [mind] so that he will not let My people go.” (Exodus 4:21)
Yahweh called Mosheh for a specific reason, to free His people, and granted him the power to do so. We will call this Yahweh’s wisdom and direction for Mosheh to fulfill his purpose (calling). He tells Mosheh to deliver a message to Pharaoh and then Yahweh hardens Pharaoh’s heart so that he WOULD NOT let the people go. Knowing that this appears absurd to the unredeemed mind, Shaul writes: “What if the Almighty, choosing to show His wrath and make known His power, bore with great patience the objects of His wrath prepared for destruction? What if He did this to make the riches of His glory known to the objects of mercy, whom He prepared in advance for glory…?” (Romans 9:22-23)
The vessel of wrath, in this case Pharaoh, who would ultimately be destroyed, was created to make things difficult for Mosheh. Yahweh’s intention was to make Mosheh (His object of mercy) aware of His glorious calling, and at the same time, to reveal His own glory. In other words, Yahweh used a vessel of wrath to guide Mosheh to his destiny. The pattern is this; the Father inserts objects of wrath into the path of His people to effect a fuller understanding of their calling. The purpose is to alter their course, leading them to discover the vision He has for them.
One of the keys to understanding the process of discovering your personal calling is to recognize how the tests force you to practice rest in the midst of “wrath.” Testing teaches you to fully trust Yahweh’s guidance when unforeseen events take place, even if those events are initiated by those destined for destruction. Once this is affirmed in you, you can testify, “I am always right where I am supposed to be. He will make sure of it. His sovereignty guarantees it.”
Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven. (Matthew 18:3) The Kingdom is meant to be understood by children. The reality that Yahweh is sovereign over all is more easily accepted by a child. That He is sovereign over both the chosen and the unchosen is ONLY accepted by a child! You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in My name the Father will give you. (John 15:16)
“No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of Yahweh, and this is their vindication from Me, declares Yahweh.” (Isayah 54:17) The weapon will not prevail; you will overcome it. Nevertheless, this does not negate the fact that it is Yahweh Himself who formed it. “See, it is I who created the blacksmith who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon fit for its work. And it is I who have created the destroyer to wreak havoc.” (Isayah 54:16)
The vessel of wrath is His tool to test His chosen ones; it is His way of making the riches of His glory known.
So is My word that goes out from My mouth: It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. (Isayah 55:11)
The vessel of wrath is His tool to test His chosen ones; it is His way of making the riches of His glory known. Listen very closely loved one. If you reject and resist the oppressive force of the weapon that was meant to test and refine you, then you are rejecting the sovereignty of Yahweh and the predetermined plan that He chose for you specifically, in order to bring you into your personal calling. If the weapon brings suffering, then suffer well, endure, and step in to your calling!
Unoffendable
Unoffendable
(#295 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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“Great peace have they who love Your Law, and nothing will offend them [cause them to stumble; trap them].” (Psalm 119:165)
Imagine this offer for a moment. It is yet another supernatural exchange that comes through the obedient mindset. Love His Law and nothing will offend you! Love His precepts, instructions, commands, and testimonies. (Read all 176 verses of Psalm 119). Love His word and your mind will never stumble; obey His ways and you will always have poise and balance.
Yahshua said to His disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses [things that challenge people to stumble] should come… (Luke 17:1) Offenses will come! Those irritations that entice you to blow your witness; those annoyances that lure you to stagger are a certainty; it’s your reaction that is optional. Offense is best described by the imagery used in the original language. It is a snare or the trigger of a trap; the mechanism closing a trap down on the unsuspecting victim. Wait a minute! When you are offended it is you who are trapped? Precisely!
You need not be an unsuspecting victim. Lay claim to this promise; “For Yahweh Almighty will help me; therefore I will not be disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I will not be ashamed.” (Isaiah 50:7). Of course it sounds wonderful, but many times it seems impossible for those who might have actually pondered this heavenly offer. And so what about this “exchange” that has been offered? Under what circumstance can you make such a bold claim; “He will help me; I will not be ashamed?” Profoundly, it is quite simple. “Yahweh Almighty has opened my ear; and I was not rebellious, nor did I turn away.” (v. 5) He speaks and you obey; it’s that simple!
Here are several steps you can practice. Repeat these over and over to become unoffendable. And then teach them to others:
Step one: Remember the goal; it is wise to recognize the fruit you are plucking. The fruit of the Spirit is…Peace. (Galatians 5:22) “Great peace have they who…” and then nothing will offend;
Step two: Love His Law; “Great peace have they who…love His Law.” This is the key that unlocks the fruit. The Law is the blueprint of the mind of Yahweh; it is the key that opens the door to the mind that cannot be offended. Oh, how I love Your Law! It is my meditation all the day; I hate the double-minded, but I love Your law. (Psalm 119: 97, 113);
Step three: Obey His Law; it reveals the will of Yahweh. “You rest on the Law, and make your boast in the Almighty, and know His will, and approve the things that are excellent [superior], being instructed out of the Law.” (Romans 2:17-18) Desiring His will changes what you ask of Him; He alone becomes your fulfillment. “Yahweh, help me to love You more than anything. I delight to do Your will, O my Mighty One; yes, Your Law is within my heart,” (Psalm 40:8) becomes your prayer. This cry that pours forth from the obedient heart is the culmination of a surrendered will. As Yahweh becomes your everything, everything becomes yours. Loved one, when you own everything, what could possibly offend you?
Step four: Love like Him; Love is the fruit of an obedient mind, which is no longer “double-minded” but “double-edged;” no longer capable of simultaneously producing thoughts of blessings and curses (holding offense). Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? (James 3:11) The fruit of the Spirit is…Love. (Galatians 5:22)
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of Yahweh, “He is my refuge and my fortress; my Mighty One, in whom I trust.” Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the deadly pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers. And under His wings you shall take refuge. His faithfulness is your shield and fortress. (Psalm 91:1-4)
When He is all you need, you fulfill the command “I shall not want,” and no snare will ever trap you again!
Call Upon The Name
Call Upon The Name
(#293 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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“I will lift up the cup of salvation, and I will call upon Your Name, O Yahweh.” (Psalm 116:13)
This cup of salvation is no less than a supernatural outpouring into your center of intellect, Hebraically known as the “heart.” It is the cup which gives you the power to transform your mind from its fallen state to a Holy state. It is the very mind you are exhorted to share with each other, the mind of the Messiah. Make My joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being One in spirit and of One mind… In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as the Messiah Yahshua. (Philippians 2:2, 5) This is the mind that has become “obedient unto death” (v. 8) and removed all “self will.” I have been crucified with the Messiah and I no longer live, but the Messiah lives in me. (Galatians 2:20)
One thing this renewed mind recognizes is the true Name of the Creator Himself. Yahweh, not some generic title like “Lord.” The closer the mind gets to perfection, the more necessary it is to be specific with every word spoken. This is the inevitable result of a greater refinement in thinking. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of the Almighty, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to the Messiah. (2 Corinthians 10:5)
There is power in His name; Yahweh! “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.”(Romans 10:13 from Joel 2:32) Let’s explore this single verse for a moment. Shaul’s words, as he quotes the prophet Joel, more than any other, have been used throughout Church history to show the way to salvation. Honestly, do you think Joel said “Everyone who calls on the name of Jesus will be saved?” Do you think Shaul said that?
How long will this continue in the hearts of these lying prophets, who prophesy the delusions of their own minds [hearts]? They try to make My people forget My Name by their dreams which everyone tells his neighbor, just as their fathers forgot My Name through worship of Ba’al [the Lord]. (Jeremiah 23:26-27) Ba’al: a Phoenician deity or Hebrew for lord, master, owner. It is tragic that the proper Name of Yahweh has been replaced 6,823 times in the Old Testament with the word LORD (all caps). Many bible translations distinguish the Father (LORD) from the Son (Lord) by using different capitalization styles as such. Some don’t even do that. But even so, when reading the word “LORD” or “Lord” in English, your mind does not distinguish between the two. That is why when you read: Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved,” you think of the Son (Yahshua) and not the Father (Yahweh). Who has ascended into Heaven, or descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has bound the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His Name, and what is His Son’s Name, if you know? (Proverbs 30:4) Everyone who calls on the name of Yahweh will be saved!
Would it be too profound to consider this as one of the reasons power has been missing from your life; you fail to call Him by the Name which He gave you to use? “Then men began to call on the name of Yahweh.” (Genesis 4:26) Sit in silence and meditate on this. Say His name over and over: Yahweh—Yahweh—Yahweh—Yahweh. Not for some vain repetitious reason, but perhaps for the first time ever, to experience a direct connection with His Power; Yahweh!
The Mighty One said to Moses, “This you shall also say to the children of Israyl, Yahweh, the Father of your fathers, the Mighty One of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob has sent me to you. This is My Name forever, and this is My memorial: the Name by which I Am to be remembered by [the Name you should call Me], from generation to generation, for all generations!” (Exodus 3:15)
Then I called on the Name of Yahweh: “Yahweh, save me!” (Psalm 116:4) This is His Name; call upon it forever!
Warning about Sin
Fair Warning
(#292 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Joshua said to the people, “You are not able to serve Yahweh. He is the Holy Mighty One; He is a jealous Mighty One. He will not forgive your rebellion and your sins. If you forsake Yahweh and serve foreign gods [mental self-reliance], He will turn and bring disaster on you and make an end of you, after He has been good to you.” But the people said to Joshua, “No! We will serve Yahweh.” Then Joshua said, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen to serve Yahweh.” “Yes, we are witnesses,” they replied. (Joshua 24:19-22)
“It’s all about grace.” For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of the Almighty—not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9) Ah yes, “It is not from your own effort, but by grace.” And then there is the oft forgotten next verse; For we are the Almighty’s handiwork, created in the the Messiah Yahshua to do good works, which the Mighty One prepared in advance for us to do [that we should walk in them]. (Ephesians 2:10) Yes, your declaration of faith stands as a witness “against” you because by grace you have been saved to serve Yahweh, and that means you have “good works” to do. And Shaul, the Hebrew writer of the letter to the Ephesians, knew of only one definition of “good works.” Mitzvahs: good deeds founded upon the precepts and commands of Yahweh.
Joshua was offering Israyl a renewal of the wedding vows they had committed to some 90 years earlier after Mosheh came down from the mountain. The people answered together and said, “All that Yahweh has spoken we will do.” So Mosheh brought back the words of the people to Yahweh. (Exodus 19:8) Even then, their own words echoed as a witness against themselves. This is why Joshua could convict them of a history of rebellion (v. 19) and adultery for serving other gods (v. 20). It is only adultery because they first said “I do!”
Oh that the body of the Messiah would understand this wedding vow. The promise is so much better than the vanity of what the doctrines and commandments of men offers (Mark 7:7). When you said “I do!” you accepted a new standard for your life. And once you did, anything less is willful disobedience. King David knew this; “Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression.” (Psalm 19:13). And the writer of Hebrews reminds (re-minds) us of the dire consequences of such; “For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins.” (Hebrews 10:26)
You know the truth! Do not run from these foundational principles any longer. You proclaim you are “Free in Christ.” “It is for freedom that the Messiah has set us free.” (Galatians 5:1a) But, what are you free from? “Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1b) Are the good works, the good deeds founded upon the precepts and commands of Yahweh, which were “prepared in advance for you to do,” the yoke of slavery? Is freedom from His commandments why grace abounds? What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 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 6:1-2, 6-7) It is abundantly clear that it is slavery to sin that you have been freed from, not slavery to His commands (good works).
You are now free to hand over all of your choices and allow Him to take complete dominion of your life? You are free to say, “Father, I acknowledge that Your commands and the shed blood of Yahshua are now the standard that will judge my every thought and action. I expect punishments for disobedience with the same joy that I expect blessings for obeying You.”
Loved one, whether or not you acknowledge His Word as a witness against you, if you proclaim to follow Yahshua, it already is. Seriously reflect on what it means when Shaul says that “your old self was crucified with Him.” Consider this fair warning; you surrendered any other option when you said, “I do! I will serve __________.” If you filled in the blank with a title or some pagan given name, then much of your disobedience has its cause therein. If you have yet to call on the Name, the only given Name of the Mighty One, then perhaps for the first time, you will take your wedding vow in the Name of Yahweh.
Fruit of the Spirit
Officious People
(#291 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Officious: assertive of authority in an annoyingly domineering way, especially with regard to petty or trivial matters; intrusively enthusiastic in offering help or advice; interfering; self-important; self-assertive; overbearing; overzealous; opinionated; intrusive; meddlesome
You know the kind, those who have a strong need to be right, rather than to benefit their listeners, or should we say, “Targets.” They will say their zeal is all about “spreading the truth.” But, the fact is that their “strong need” is rooted in insecurity and unworthiness, not truth. There are many people like this. This might even be you. There is transformation waiting for those vulnerable enough to look in the mirror, those willing to go there.
How can the bearer of truth be distinguished from the one trying to compensate for feelings of insecurity and unworthiness? It’s simple; first look for the peace. Truth is always accompanied by peace. In other words, if one is blessed with deep insights about the Kingdom of Yahweh, then joy, gentleness, calmness, composure, and peace that surpasses understanding will prevail in his heart [mind] (Philippians 4:4-7).
Within that peaceful state, the one who stewards the truth recognizes that he is nothing more than a farmer sowing seeds. He recognizes that he plants and the Almighty brings the increase. (1 Corinthians 3:6) The response of the “ground” is not up to him. The Messiah was crucified for the seeds He planted; yes, very often truth and rejection go hand-in-hand!
Even so, truth is never accompanied by an overbearing spirit that insists on its own way. Remember, love does not seek its own (1 Corinthians 13:5). Yes, love, as well, is always present with truth. The bearer of truth loves anyway, even when rejection and hostility come as the blowback from proclaiming Yahweh’s reality. How would truth respond to such an attack? “Father, forgive them. They don’t know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)
As for the roots of insecurity and unworthiness, they will slowly dissolve over time as insistence gives way to humility and as identification with the “old man” gives way to the “new creature in the Messiah” (2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 6:6; Ephesians 4:22-24). Humility is another characteristic that is always present with truth. As you become humble, Yahweh is magnified. He must increase, and you must decrease. (John 3:30) As you become lesser, Yahweh becomes greater in you. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Master, and He will lift you up. (James 4:10). When you accept that lesser is greater, the transformation will heal your desire to become everybody’s everything. You will become peaceful, quiet, and content being yourself. How do we know all of this? We’ll let you guess.
Peace, unfailing love, and humility are all integral characteristics of Yahweh’s truth; they bear His signature. But, none have a place in the “gospel” of officious people.
Do you tell people “God Bless You”
“God Bless You”
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(#290 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
How frequently do people everywhere casually use the salutation, “God bless you?” Oftentimes, it is expressed frivolously to anyone at any time, substituted for “goodbye; see you later; take care;” and in writing, “Sincerely.” It’s even your conditioned, “good manners” response to someone who sneezes in your presence. Let’s explore two patterns related to the true blessings of Yahweh.
Pattern number one: His blessings apply only to His people, Israyl! Those who have been redeemed by the shedding of Yahshua’s blood (surrender of His will). Remember “that at that time you were separate from the Messiah [once gentiles], excluded from citizenship in Israyl and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without the Almighty in the world. But now in the Messiah Yahshua you who once were far away have been brought near by the [shed] blood of the Messiah.” (Ephesians 2:12-13) You can only be brought near by shed blood because “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” (Hebrews 9:22) And then, it is only by the shedding of His blood. Yahshua warned, “No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)
Other than that, Yahweh’s blessings are foreign to you; your destiny is the way of the gentiles (nations). The wicked go down to the realm of the dead, all the nations that forget the Mighty One. (Psalm 9:17) To the nations, saying or hearing “God bless you” amounts to nothing more than the fulfillment of the words of the prophet Isayah as echoed by Yahshua Himself. “These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts [minds] are far from Me.” (Mark 7:6 from Isayah 29:13)
Pattern number two: Yahweh’s people only receive His blessings through obedience to Him. “All the nations of the earth will be blessed—all because you have obeyed My voice.” (Genesis 22:18) “Now if you will obey Me and keep My covenant, you will be My own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to Me.” (Exodus 19:5) And for those who claim it is now different with Yahshua; While Yahshua was speaking, a woman in the crowd shouted, “How blessed is the mother who gave birth to You and the breasts that nursed You.” Yahshua replied, “Rather, how blessed are those who hear and obey the Mighty One’s word.” (Luke 11:27-28)
Call them commands; call them laws; call them instructions; call them whatever you like, as long as you obey them. The earth dries up and withers. The world wastes away and withers. The great leaders of the earth waste away. The earth is polluted by those who live on it because they’ve disobeyed Yahweh’s teachings, violated His Laws, and rejected the everlasting promise [Covenant]. (Isayah 24:4-5)
Next time, before you say “God bless you” to someone, consider whether they keep His commands, as Yahweh’s blessings are not randomly poured out. Would you consider something new, something that adheres to the patterns, something that allows you to share true hope in a Mighty One who does not change and cannot lie (Numbers 23:19)? In your next salutation, consider this instead; “May Yahweh bless you, as you obey Him.” This is a blessing that will actually be answered, a blessing from Yahweh Almighty Himself!
Mastery: A Metaphysical View
Mastery: A Metaphysical View
(#289 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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The Mighty One blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over… every living creature.” (Genesis 1:28)
“What is a mortal that You remember him or the son of man that You take care of him? You have made him a little lower than Yourself. You have crowned him with glory and honor. You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands. You have put everything under his feet: all the sheep and oxen, the wild animals, the birds the air, the fish, whatever swims in the currents of the seas. O Yahweh, our Master, how majestic is Your name throughout the earth!” (Psalm 8:4-9)
Fill the earth and subdue it? You have been made to have dominion over everything? What does this mean to you loved one? Certainly it speaks of authority and rulership, but what does physical dominion over all these things produce? What is Yahweh’s purpose of giving you authority over all the earth?
Before the disciples ever went out to preach the Good News of salvation, Yahshua gave them power and authority and sent them to proclaim the Kingdom! (Luke 9:1-2); (Luke 10:9, 17-19) Two things are coinciding here; authority is given and it is given to establish His Kingdom, a Kingdom which starts within you. (Luke 17:20-21)
It’s time for you to gain greater understanding of the Kingdom, to unravel the mysteries and elaborate the principals. Every word of Yahweh has layers of rich wisdom. Every verse is pregnant with hidden meaning. Let’s look again at Psalm 8:4-9. This time we will peel back the physical and explore the mind behind the words. All things start in the mind before they manifest physically. Thoughts always precede actions!
Mortal… [Unredeemed thoughts of man]
Yahweh… [Maker of man’s mind, conscious and subconscious]
Remembers and takes care of him… [Plan to redeem man’s thoughts]
A little lower… [Caused to continually work toward]
Yourself (Yahweh)… [Perfect thoughts]
Crowned him with glory and honor… [Ordained the outcome for man]
Made him to have dominion… [Authority, rule]
Works of Your hands… [The power to grasp and create with thoughts]
Everything… [The broad spectrum of thoughts]
Under his feet… [Control, mental stability]
Sheep… [Docile thoughts]
Oxen… [Stubborn thoughts]
Wild animals… [Unruly, untamed thoughts]
Birds of the air… [Lofty, unmanageable, vague thoughts]
Fish… [Schooling, thoughts with momentum]
Swims in the currents… [Enters into consciousness]
Seas… [Vast yet diluted thoughts]
Majestic… [Excellent, reverent thoughts]
Earth… [Mind of man]
Here is a flowing paraphrase of Psalm 8:4-9:
“Yahweh created man’s conscious and subconscious mind. Man has unredeemed thoughts that Yahweh plans to liberate. He has made man to continually work toward attaining perfect thinking like Himself. And He has already ordained the outcome. He has given man rule, authority and power by the supernatural ability to grasp and therefore create with His mind. Yahweh has put a broad spectrum of thoughts under man’s control with the intent that he gains mental stability over all of them. Man was made to subdue all thoughts: docile, stubborn, unruly, untamed, lofty, unmanageable, vague, as well as thoughts with powerful momentum. From the vast array of options, whatever thoughts enter into man’s consciousness are diluted relative to the mind of the Almighty and need renewal. How excellent and what reverence it displays for Yahweh when man’s thoughts come into alignment with His!” (Psalm 8:4-9)
It is about mastery of every thought that enters into your consciousness, and by taking dominion over each thought (2 Corinthians 10:5), a cleansing of the subconscious takes place. It’s the Kingdom within you. Meditate on these things loved one, for they are true and correct.