Tag Archives: Blessings vs. Curses
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.
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!
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)
Yahweh First
Which Way is Up?
(#220 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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We offer these devotions as a guide, and as always, the mind is what needs to be guided first. These writings are inspired by the Spirit, and contained within them are biblical patterns or blueprints that must be consistent with Yahweh’s character and must always bring glory to Him. Otherwise, they are just personal vainglory with no lasting power.
Two distinct patterns are important to emphasize in this season; one has just now been unfolding; it is the idea of hearing “the still small voice.” The other, which upholds the first, is that you do not need man to teach you. We will unwrap the latter first, and then unpack the revelation of the former.
Who is your teacher?
“But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.” (1 John 2:27)
There is a fine line between doctrines of men and scriptural truth. The fine line is truth itself! And this we say of the entirety of this body of work as well. If it is not from the Spirit of truth (John 16:13), then it amounts to the doctrines and commandments of men (Mark 7:7). “You do not need that anyone teach you!” If truth is spiritually discerned, then it stands to reason that truth can only be revealed by the Spirit, not man! Although man might point out the truth, only the Spirit in you can filter spiritual information; and only the Spirit in you can validate the authenticity of it.
“These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But 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 2:13-14)
Many problems arise when you are “seeking,” and if you’re willing to receive it, it’s because you have been spiritually lazy, and would rather have other men tell you their version of truth, rather than discern it for yourself by listening for the whispers of the Holy Spirit. It is up to you to hear what the Spirit is saying to you. Only the Spirit is needed to learn of the truth and only the Spirit in you can speak truth.
How does Yahweh Speak?
But Yahweh was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but Yahweh was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but Yahweh was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. (1 Kings 19:11-12)
We have embarked upon a new season in our time together. The Spirit (Ammah-Ruach-woman) has led us to this place. We will continue to dance the heavenly dance; maybe some of you will learn of a new rhythm, a new choreography, and receive new revelation.
Break away from anything in your life that is causing you to rely on the words of men in order to hear the voice of Yahweh. It’s time to move past “feelings” to “knowing!” Yes, even if it requires more time away from devotions, you need to hear for yourself. It’s time to learn to cultivate that voice within, the still small voice, and to follow His guidance through the Spirit manifesting in your life. We know you hear His voice in these devotions, but you need to go beyond. You must discover which specific part of the body you represent!
Speak these words to Him and then listen:
“You and I, Yahweh, with Your Son, my perfector, and Your Spirit, my guide. I need to know who I am in You, and who You are in me. I need to know You, so I might find my true self.”
Won’t you pray this prayer? Won’t you do more than just pray it; won’t you be still and listen for the still small voice? The “still” [only speaking to the quieted mind] “small” [causing you to put forth effort] “voice” [the will of Yahweh within you]. Then, after that, obey what He tells you and show Him that what He commands matters!
Receive, Cry out, and Search!
“If, then!”
(#219 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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If you commune with My still small voice… (1 Kings 19:12)
Proverbs 2
· You will understand the fear of Yahweh;
· You will understand what is right and just;
· Wisdom will enter your heart;
· Knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;
· Discretion will guard you;
· Understanding will save you from the ways of the wicked;
· Understanding will save you from the immoral woman;
· You will walk in the ways of righteousness and goodness;
· You will live in the land and remain in it;
· The wicked will be cut off from the earth;
· The treacherous will be uprooted from the earth.
Yes loved one, all of these things are promises; they are absolute guarantees. They are already done. Do you perceive? Do you want what is freely yours? I said these things are already done. So then, what is the key that opens the door so you can walk through to these promises? “If!”
1) If you receive My words and treasure My commands, and turn your ear to wisdom and apply your heart to understanding;
2) If you cry out for discernment and lift up your voice for understanding;
3) If you search for wisdom and understanding as if silver, and search for them as hidden treasures.
I ask these three things of you; and then all I have promised is yours. Receive, cry out, and search! My patterns will not change and their beauty is in their simplicity. It is an if—then pattern loved one. If you do what is commanded, then all that is promised is already yours. Test Me child; know Me.
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11) If you, then I loved one. The “then” is a guarantee; the only question is, “If?”
Trust Yahweh
If Moses could, then who else?
(#218 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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And they provoked wrath at the waters of Meribah [strife, controversy], and Moses suffered on account of them; because they rebelled against His Spirit, and he spoke rashly with his lips. (Psalm 106:32-33)
Do you believe your secret things are personal, hidden from plain sight? How easily you forget My decrees, the patterns in which I operate. Have you not heard; have you not read? Moses, My priest, My chosen ruler, was unable to cross over into the land promised to him (Numbers 20:7-13), and ultimately to you (1 Corinthians 10:1-4). How convenient it was for My children to blame Moses for striking the rock twice, in his own personal anger, instead of speaking to it as commanded. How quaint to rest it all on his shoulders, this momentary sinful act. Listen to Me child; it was you who provoked My servant, it was you who pulled him to his fleshly edge, just as it was you who nailed Yahshua to the stake! Consider this; were you a sinner because Adam sinned, or were you a sinner because you would have done what Adam did? I purposely use “were you a sinner” in place of “are you a sinner” assuming you have adopted your true identity in Messiah.
Quiet now, and listen to Me. Do not say in your heart, “I was not there; I was not even alive at the time.” No, you were not, but should I call to account the many ways you provoked Me this year alone; or this week; or this very day? For the obstinate ones, let Me help you. Has your complaining ever caused another to lose peace? Has your discontent ever bothered someone else? This is why I have called you to rejoice no matter what your circumstances might be. You need to rejoice, not only to remain obedient for your own personal peace, but for others as well. I hold you responsible for the joy and peace of others.
Are you still resisting? Freely My Son has given, and yet you hold back, not willing to die to your own personal desires. “What desires,” you ask? Naming one should suffice. The desire to simply not obey Me and do all that I say. Perhaps you remember how I often called My people “stiff necked!” I still do.
All of creation is eagerly waiting for a people who live what they preach (Romans 8:19). You boast of My might and My glory. Yet, your boasting is only a “form” of righteousness because your behavior is as if I Am powerless (2 Timothy 3:5). I Am waiting to reveal those who trust My every word, and therefore, find the fullness of life. These infectious ones are the literal manifestation of what My Word calls “the sons of Yahweh,” and they will transform people by their very presence (Again Romans 8:19). It is an infectious power that will draw people to you, just like My Son. Take responsibility for your own peace and joy, and in doing so, become responsible for the joy and peace of others. You never know who you are keeping from the Promised Land; you never know who you might bless.
What The Bible Says about Karma and Reincarnation
Job 35:2-8
(#214 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Highlighting verse 8: “Your wrong is for a man like yourself, and your righteousness for a son of man.”
Brace yourself and answer a few questions for Me. Do I need you to stop sinning for My benefit? Is your righteousness going to make Me more Holy? Can you perceive why I ask these questions? Of course it is for your benefit alone that sinlessness and righteousness envelope your life. Is it not true that you are being brought to My level once all things are perfected? So you see, the entire scope of My word is your guide to become like Me and forever live with Me. My presence has nothing flawed near it. Can sin crouch at My doorstep? Must I master it? It is you who must! (Genesis 4:7)
The reason I illuminate these things is so that you do not lose heart (mental stamina for righteousness) when affliction visits your doorstep. Had you come willingly it would not be so. That’s right My child; your rejection of anything I desire of you is really your rejection of My presence. It is for your benefit that your punishment comes, and it is for you that there are rewards for obedience. Would I tempt you to righteousness? Of course I will! It is the only way for My stiff-necked ones. What I Am saying here inspires many reactions, many “attitudes” so to speak. I see them all! Some of you think that My longsuffering means I turn My eyes away from your sins. Would you really want Me to leave you in such a sad state? Others of you behave as if your sacrifice and obedience makes Me better in some fashion. No, I will not entertain this frivolity either.
It is for you My child. All of it is for your benefit: the life, the commands, the consequences, the blessings, and the resurrection, all of it. It is all so that you will become suitable to stand in My presence forever. Yes dear one, the painful valleys come; the times when I must force you to change. But remember always, I force you because I love you; and because I love you, I benefit you in every way. I promise to complete the work I started in you (Philippians 1:6).
So, if it is all for you, then what is the benefit for Me? It is the perfected child, which is why I sent My Son; this is where My glory resides.
Do you think this is right? Do you say, “My righteousness is more than that of the Almighty?” For you say, “Of what use is it to you? What do I gain more than if I had sinned?” Let me answer you and your friends with you. Look at the heavens, and see. And consider the clouds which are higher than you. If you sin, what would you do against Him? If your transgressions are increased, what would you do to Him? If you are righteous, what do you give Him? Or what does He receive from your hand? Your wrong is for a man like yourself, and your righteousness for a son of man. (Job 35:2-8)