Tag Archives: Bill Cloud
Don’t Tread on My Suffering
Don’t Tread on My Suffering
(#230 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Are you so predictable that when I expose my suffering you will tell me of all the others who have it worse? Who are you to diminish my capacity to suffer? Did not our Messiah become perfected through His suffering? (Hebrews 5:8-9) If my greatest dream is being a father, could there be a worse suffering than losing a child? If a woman’s deepest desire is to be a faithful wife, is there a suffering for her greater than an adulterous husband? The magnitude of suffering is relative to each individual, and suffering, like blessings are always under the sovereign will of the Almighty (Lamentations 3:37-38). How can you declare that anyone can have it worse, when you have never asked me what suffering means to me?
You expect your words should bring comfort, like some garment you can throw over my suffering. I suspect you do this because you are not comfortable with suffering, and you do not acknowledge that Yahweh created suffering to bring hope. Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with the Almighty through our Master Yahshua the Messiah, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of the Mighty One. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. (Romans 5:1-4) Don’t you understand that when you take away the substance of my suffering, you take away my joyful reward? Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of the Almighty has been poured out in our hearts [centers of intellect] by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:5)
Your words of comfort actually inhibit my joy. You cannot find joy by easing suffering; you can only find joy by embracing it! Stop assigning any meaning to suffering other than what my Creator has intended. My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:2-4)
If Yahweh tells me He will never give me more than I can handle, why do you tempt me to reject His promise? Why would you rescue me from my opportunity to be “perfect and complete, lacking nothing?” No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others. And the Mighty One is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Whatever pricked your conscience during this devotion needs to be fully explored. The natural man cannot handle Yahweh’s truth about suffering and is quick to flee. Have you ever come face-to-face with these words of Yahshua in your own life loved one; “Do you too desire to leave Me?” (John 6:67) When you attempt to appease or alleviate the suffering of another you are hindering their ability to be perfect and complete, as Yahweh commanded them to be!
I will bear my cup, as it is just that, “mine to bear!” It is mine and it was given to me. Please don’t tread on my suffering; my hope is found in it.
Should We Keep The Sabbath?
Double-Edged Sword
(#229 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Read Hebrews 4:1-16.
No creature is hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:13) We are all completely exposed.
Do I have your attention? This is the “I see you” part of My Word. I watch everything with purpose, precision, and intent. This includes all matters of the heart, especially your attitude about My commands. In this instance, I Am showing you My Sabbath rest. It is a fool who tests Me by relegating My set-apart day as a pittance to suit his culture and lifestyle.
I have picked the day. Yes, it is the seventh day. For He has spoken in a certain place of the seventh day in this way: “And the Mighty One rested on the seventh day from all His works.” (Hebrews 4:4) And it has not and will never change! There remains therefore a rest for the people of the Almighty. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as the Mighty One did from His. (Hebrews 4:9-10)
Go back into the history of My chosen people, and the confirmation of which day is the Sabbath is simple. Even the modern calendar you have embraced, although pagan in origin, has My seventh day correctly identified. Enough of this “pick a day, any day” mindset that permeates the conscience of followers who claim to serve Me. It’s not a Kingdom mindset. Dare you stand against Me? I see the lack of investment you make in confirming My Word (as opposed to the Bereans in Acts 17:11). You find scripture verse sound-bites that suit your pleasure, and then you build an entire theology around them. With that mindset, try these:
Search me, O Mighty One, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24)
For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened by Yahweh, that we may not be condemned with the world. (1 Corinthians 11:31-32)
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of the Mighty One. (Romans 12:2)
Seven is “completion” in My Kingdom language; yes, including completion of the week loved one. It is confirmed by the Words of Yahshua Himself:
“And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath.” (Matthew 24:20)
“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.” (Matthew 5:17) If the Sabbath was altered to “pick a day, any day,” or changed to the “first day” of the week (Sunday), My Son’s own words would be lies.
Instead, I call all of My people to rest on the same day, as I commanded, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is One body and One Spirit, just as you were called in One hope of your calling; One Master, One faith, One baptism; One Almighty Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (Ephesians 4:3-6) It is the Sabbath rest, a resting of the mind. Resting on the seventh day is proof that you trust Me to supply all your needs for the next six days according to My riches and glory (Philippians 4:19). Are you a child of Light who trusts in My supply or a child of darkness who goes his own way? The Word says that “your fruit” will reveal which you are (Matthew 7:15-20).
For the Word of the Mighty One is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
The Woman I would Never Date
The Woman I would Never Date
Lie to Who?
Lie to Who?
(#226 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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When I tell you that your unredeemed heart is wicked and deceitful above all things (Jeremiah 17:9), it is because I know your thoughts. “I Am He who searches the kidneys [emotions] and hearts [intellect, intentions].” (Revelation 2:23) Yes, I created your brain and your ability to develop both temporal and spiritual perception. However, its vast capabilities can work against you as, oftentimes, you convince yourselves that anything bad (the revelation of a wickedness) to your conscience is about someone else. “Wicked and deceitful?” It may still refer to you loved one, if you do not step into your fullness and, on your journey, remain honest about your propensity to live with one foot in this world and one foot in My Kingdom.
Your brain’s ability to perceive My deep things (1 Corinthians 2:10) is rivaled only by its ability to rationalize unrighteousness. Here is a spiritual equation for you to ponder: to rationalize unrighteousness equals hypocrisy. Your denial of this tendency also pertains to your lack of humility. Yes, I know all things about you so, “Humble yourselves in My sight and I will lift you up.” (James 4:10)
Hypocrisy is prevalent because you dream of eternal things and raise hands in worship, yet if you are honest with yourself, contemplating eternity with Me in the future does not fill your soul today with overflowing joy. It’s as if you have given up on the now, and placed all of your hope in what one day “might” be. And then you assuage your lack of daily joy with religious services. How is it that I Am the Mighty One of your eternal life and not the Mighty One of your daily life?
Have I not spoken to you about double-mindedness? “Subject yourselves to the Almighty. Resist the adversary [the carnality within that seeks to “choose” rather than obey] and he shall flee from you. Draw near to the Mighty One, and He shall draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners. And cleanse your hearts, you double-minded!” (James 4:7-8) I have called you to live in joy, peace, and righteousness today, not just in eternity. Stop lying to yourself; if you cannot find joy today in faith, how are you so certain it is there for your eternity? Can you quit before the race is over, yet expect the eternal prize?
What am I saying to you? First, I would ask you to stop demanding My eternal prize with your daily dirge. Anger, anxiety, fear, bitterness, selfishness, and greed; all of these have part in your daily life, yet you expect and discuss with others the wonders of the life to come. Stop it loved one! Stop it or I will do it for you. Yes, I would rather you be honest and confess your lack of faith that I will supply all your daily needs (Philippians 4:19). Do this before you discuss My eternal glory; honesty demands it!
Talk to Me; stop lying to yourself; face your fears with Me. I, alone, can conquer what hinders you today, all that keeps you from today’s hopes and joys. Today is My day; rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24) This is why I have asked you to number your days (Psalm 90:12). Ask of Me and I shall reveal more of the eternal things, but first rejoice while it is still called “today” (Hebrews 3:12-15).
Go to the mountaintop
Go to the Mountaintop
(#225 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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It’s all a matter of perspective My child. Perceive with eyes of trust, hope, and understanding. Hear My still small voice. It was on a mountaintop that Yitshaq (Isaac) was to be sacrificed, not a valley, not a slum, not a prison. It was from the place of blessing I asked Abraham to pass the test. And Abraham called the name of the place Yahweh Yireh, as it is said to this day, “On the mountain Yahweh provides.” (Genesis 22:14) The reward was already prepared. Only one thing was needed; faith! And therefore, only one thing needed testing; faith!
Perhaps you feel like you are in a valley. Listen child, it is really a mountaintop in disguise. I have your reward here with Me. You have only one job; believe! Perhaps two; believe and rejoice when you are being tested (1 Peter 1:6). I Am Abba. I will not let you fall (Romans 11:11). Have I not told you that “Weeping might last for the night, but joy comes in the morning?” (Psalm 30:5) Morning signifies a time of Heavenly illuminations. Do you really think I would let you fall into the place of despair, and then leave you there? Did I not say, “Hope deferred makes the heart [mind] sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.” (Proverbs 13:12) Yes, I Am trying to change you, but only to make you holy (set-apart). If I left you the way you are, you could NOT stand in My presence.
Am I worth it to you? Am I worth the pain? Lay aside everything that keeps you from loving Me and seek first what I ask, My Kingdom and My righteousness. I will take care of everything else (Matthew 6:33). My plans for you are the reason you were created; and this is for goodness, for purity, for joy, and for My honor. I will not be changing My patterns for your life loved one; they are already perfect.
Yes My child, it feels like a valley; but, it is truly a mountaintop in disguise. If you quiet your mind, you will hear My gentle whispers. “Rise up My love, My fair one, and come away.” (Song of Solomon 2:10) Come away with Me; it’s on the mountaintop you will be tested; and it’s on the mountaintop you will be blessed.
Justice by The True Judge
His Gates of Authority
(#224 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him; bless His Name. For Yahweh is good [consciously right]; His kindness is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations. (Psalm 100:4-5)
Yes My child, the gates symbolize entrance into the knowledge of the truth that I Am the sole authority in consciousness, and the courts represent My justice and reverence. Don’t think for a moment I do not see the imbalance of your earthly scales; I call this brand of “justice” double mindedness.
Dishonest scales are an abomination to Me (Proverbs 11:1). But, the day is coming, the day I reserved for the wicked, the day set aside for those who will serve the sentences for the unjust yoke (mental bondage) they hung on the necks of the righteous (Psalm 149:5-9).
Yes, the gates of authority shall be restored to My people. And, know this My child; only those who understand righteous judgment shall sit in the seats of authority. Be still and know; be still and hear My quiet whispers. Listen to My still small voice. It is a remnant I Am making ready now. I have been setting the table. The remnant who dines at this table will have no fear of earthly kings. Know this loved one; My Kingdom suffers violence, and I need violent (consciously aggressive for righteousness) men who can take it by force (Matthew 11:12), men prepared to suffer violence and willing to be “spiritually violent” in return.
Why fear the courts of men (fleshly orders and rulings)? Have I not told you that I will go before you? Read My words: “The wicked watches the righteous, and seeks to slay him. Yahweh will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged. Wait on Yahweh, and keep His way, and He shall exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you shall see it.” (Psalm 37:32-34)
I always do as I say? Only your inability to trust, and therefore receive My promise, is what leaves you subject to men. Oftentimes, your desire to be “justified” in the eyes of men leaves you at the mercy of the very same men you’ve appealed to. Shaul chose to appeal to Caesar (Acts 25:10-12). What would’ve been the outcome had he not done so? Then Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been [literal translation: had the power to be] set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.” (Acts 26:32) Trusting in man’s justice is a desperate thing indeed; and the outcome is never good. (Read of Shaul’s entire trial in Acts 21:30-26:32)
Take the hits, bare the wounds, and trust Me to restore. Cease in your search for self-justification and self-preservation. I Am the only true Gate Keeper and I have the final say. Leave it to Me to judge for you and soon I will teach you to judge for yourself. Your hired counselors cannot overcome the beast systems that prevail. Only those taught by My Spirit can do so. Justice is Mine, and justice is here!
Today 4 Years Divorced, My Feelings and Message
Today 4 Years Divorced, My Feelings and Message
Peace and faith
Hold Tight Till I Bless You
(#223 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Yahweh will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace. (Exodus 14:14)
Whose battle do you think will be most difficult? Will I have trouble defeating your foes? Is My Right Arm not long enough to protect you? When My servant Mosheh (Moses) told you to, “hold your peace,” did you understand the magnitude of his words?
You see My loved one, holding your peace oftentimes means fighting to keep it. My battle is already won, but your fight is to keep your peace by trusting that My word will be fulfilled in your life. You can only lose your peace if you lose sight of Me. You cry out to Me for more faith, but you must follow the pattern I’ve put in place to build your faith. What pattern? Have I not written that, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by My word?” (Romans 10:17) You need to focus on what is required of you and leave the rest to Me. If you want the faith to believe all I say, then go into My word and get all the faith you need. Would you prefer it another way? Do you believe that your way is better than Mine?
Listen to Me My precious one. Listen to My still small voice. When I tell you something, you can bet your life on it. You can bet your eternity on the idea that My word is your vehicle to a greater faith because I have made it so. All you need to do to hold your peace is to stay rooted and grounded in love (Ephesians 3:17). And love is perfected in those who keep My word (1 John 2:5). I Am love! My Son is love! My Spirit is love!
So, you can hold your peace by increasing your faith by knowing My word, and I will handle all of your battles; I promise. Now, will you make Me a promise? Will you promise to hold your peace? Will you increase your faith by searching My word? In addition to peace, your great reward will include closer communion with Me, the Creator of peace in your conscience.
To our loved readers: Yahweh’s words are a gift; take from them freely and grow. Hold your peace by fighting to keep it as did Ya’aqob (Jacob) when he wrestled with the Almighty (Genesis 32:24-30). Exercise spiritual tenacity like he did when he held on like a pit bull till he was blessed. “I will not let You go unless You bless me!” (Genesis 32:26) Yes,”The Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.” (Matthew 11:12) The Kingdom is only established with such dogged vehemence.
Ya’aqob gripped tight with a “spiritual violence” and would not let go till all was accomplished. And for persevering he was rewarded with his new identity, the one who prevails with the Almighty. “Your name shall no longer be called Ya’aqob [the supplanted conscience], but Israyl [the conscience that strives with and for Yahweh]; for you have struggled with the Mighty One and with men, and have prevailed.” (Genesis 32:28)
Fight to keep the peace and embrace your new identity; you are one who prevails with the Mighty One!
Shine Brightly for Christ
How will I know?
(#222 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
www.sufferwell.org
“Abba?”
Yes child?
“How will I know when righteousness has rooted itself within me?”
Did you speak what was pleasant and edifying today? (Ephesians 4:29)
“Yes Father.”
Have you turned away from the thoughts that bribe you, and the trickery that would have once compelled you? (Exodus 23:8)
“Yes Father.”
Have you continued to reject profitable things which come from compromising your beliefs? (Proverbs 16:8)
“Yes Father.”
Have you closed your mouth to slander and your ears to gossip? (Proverbs 20:19)
“Yes Father.”
Did you covenant that your eyes would turn from looking upon that which is evil? (Habakkuk 1:13)
“Yes Father.”
Have you reminded yourself that I alone fill your soul? (John 6:35)
“Yes Father.”
If you have truly done these things, then there is evidence that righteousness has been rooted in you. You shall surely dwell in lofty security and have inaccessible cliffs as your stronghold. Your food shall be supplied and your drink assured. These are the things I have in store for My righteous ones (Matthew 6:33).
Remember your strong desire for My righteousness today and hold onto it with all your might; even unto death. If you just do this one thing, I shall do the rest.
To our loved readers: In your search for righteousness, we wanted to remind you that the most important thing is to know Yahweh (an intimate, scriptural knowing). The righteousness that draws Him near is a righteousness that is only achieved through the life of Yahshua the Messiah in you (Galatians 2:20). It was never, nor will it ever be your own righteousness (Romans 10:1-4; Philippians 3:9), but a righteousness imputed to you (Romans 3:21-22). It is a gift loved one.
Of course, as Shaul taught us, there is also a type of righteousness that you are responsible to achieve. “Therefore, my loved one, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation [mental well-being] with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12) Your righteousness (the non-imputed type) is a righteousness of obedience. But, this righteousness does not create intimacy with Yahweh or draw Him any closer to you; it is a byproduct of the intimacy established with Yahweh through the life of His Son. In other words, you are not redeemed by good works, as if the “self” could accomplish anything good, but for good works, those prompted and empowered by the Spirit alone (Ephesians 2:8-10).
“So you mean to tell me that the very thing that brings Him near to me today, and thus fulfills my every desire, is a righteousness that He gifted to me through His son?” This is exactly what we want you to acknowledge. And as you contemplate this, never settle with your own vetting of an internal issue. Never lean on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). Look for the truth within. Meditate on this day and night (Psalm 1:2). And then cry out for it so you may be sure it is His truth. After that, listen for His still small voice!
Integrity
Integrity
(#221 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Integrity is the courage to stand behind an idea that emanates from the mind of Yahweh. But, you might be thinking, “Who has known the mind of Yahweh…?” [answer] But we have the mind of the Messiah. (1 Corinthians 2:16) Of course, to know His mind, you first must be able to hear His still small voice, and this does not come without effort. Remember, it is a: “still” [only speaking to the quieted mind] “small” [causing you to put forth effort] “voice” [the will of Yahweh within you]. Having integrity in all things is really just saying that you have the mind of Yahweh on all matters. It is recognizing His principles as they repeat over and over in noticeable patterns.
Like love, peace and joy, the idea of integrity is only defined by the Creator of the principle, the Creator of all commanded patterns. If our Father is perfection, then integrity is a portion of the pattern that leads to Him. Integrity must then be an integral part of any idea that emanates from the mind of His created ones. An idea that truly emanates from the eternal “I Am” incorporates every single principle (command) into the idea. Integrity sifts an idea like silver which is purified seven times, only to illuminate any piece of the idea that does not conform to all of the Creator’s principles, or in other words, His mind. Integrity removes all dross and then stands firmly no matter what comes against it.
Integrity understands that it is bound to face vast opposition, and therefore it expects to suffer; but it also expects to stand in the suffering. In a fallen world, any standard that espouses absolute integrity will be attacked from all sides. The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of the Almighty, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:14)
No doubt, integrity will stand as surely as its Creator stands; and it will inspire all of its enemies to wreak havoc on the spiritual idea. Because the carnal mind is enmity against the Mighty One; for it is not subject to the law of the Almighty, nor indeed can be. (Romans 8:7) At the same time, integrity exposes any part of your “self” that is not yet uprooted.
Integrity: the courage to stand behind (endure the suffering of) an idea that emanates from the mind of Yahweh. It is the state of being whole and undivided from Yahweh. Integrity is unity, coherence, cohesion, and togetherness.
“The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the transgressors will destroy them.” (Proverbs 11:3)