Tag Archives: Blessings vs. Curses
Life to Death to True Life
Life to Death to True Life
(#213 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Let this mind be in you which was also in the Messiah Yahshua, who, being in the form [spiritual likeness] of the Mighty One did not regard equality with the Mighty One a matter to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bondservant, and came to be in the likeness of men. And having been found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of a stake. (Philippians 2:5-8)
Obedience: following orders, commands, and instructions.
My Son Yahshua was obedient. He obeyed Me when I told Him to, “Go die.” I marvel at your limited perception of this act of obedience. Was the only price He paid His life, His physical life? Was that the great sacrifice which became the propitiation of your sins? No loved one. It was that He would be forever different, His position altered; and He knew it! He stepped out of Heaven knowing He could never again return the same, never! Yet, His reply was poetically simple; “Yes Father.”
I watch you daily in your praise of His act. I hear you in your weekly gatherings. Such wonder and awe you ascribe to Him. When He whispers in My right ear about you, may I tell you what He says? “How come so many of them miss it Father? They sing about Me; they worship Me; yet they don’t really know Me or the full price I paid. They know ‘things’ about Me, but they do not really know Me.” My answer to Him, “They have yet to escape their fear, anxiety, and pride; in one word, their idolatry.”
Idolatry: preferring your own beliefs over what Yahweh says about anything and everything.
Have I not spoken the very same words to you? “Go die My son, My daughter, My bride.” The hour has come; the pattern will be fulfilled. I ordered His death so that you would die as well. The religious love to proclaim how they are “new creations” without explaining why. The purpose and pattern are all right here: Romans 6:1-13. [And this is for you to read right now!]
From life: life to see your destructive ways, to see your transgressions.
To death: death to everything you have been made alive to see (your destructive ways and transgressions).
To true life: the new creation, the Spirit being which is both male and female. You were made alive to die and then to live. This is the pattern and there is no way around it.
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. For if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we will certainly also be united with Him in a resurrection like His. 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 6:3-7)
Reckon yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to Yahweh! Yes, life to death to true life.
Faith and Hope
Mere Men
(#205 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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What is it with mortals? Yes, I could mean you! This question is not an exercise in futility or for My amusement; I ask questions because I seek answers. Men are but a mere breath, mortals, illusions, that if placed on a scale, all together would weigh less than air. How does this make you feel; how might this fact affect your actions? Ponder this My child; scrutinize those words; “Men are but a mere breath…” Am I not the rewarder of those who diligently seek Me? (Hebrews 11:6) Won’t I “reward” all deeds, both good and bad? I see everything and I reckon all things, beginning with your thoughts. Remember, mindsets precede actions!
The complication, My child, is that you simply don’t believe My words; this is the crux of your pain. Your discomfort and your dis-ease are fruits of unbelief, your choice of unbelief. The irony is that so many of your choices require effort to not trust Me. They encompass decisions, yes decisions which are riddled with fear and pride, all because you choose not to trust Me. You expend more effort to not believe, when all I require is faith. The battle in your mind: To be or not to be, and this about Me! Simple faith–this will answer every question, solve every mystery, conquer every fear, and open new revelation.
Repent! Without faith it is impossible to please Me (Hebrews 11:6). Has not My Son set the stage for a direct line of communication between us? Listen to Me; My longsuffering allows you to continue in unbelief, yet My love empowers change. Repent of your unbelief and step over. What other creation of Mine has the opportunity to change their existence? Mortal, only you can become immortal. I give you the chance to be eternal. Repent of your unbelief; take Me at My word. It is not simply that you can bet your life (consciousness) on it; it’s that you must!
My Glory My Way
My Glory, My Way
(#204 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Is My glory best revealed in your strength; is it manifest mostly on the mountaintop? Of the many prayers I hear throughout the day, the preponderance of them are words of gratitude and thankfulness when times are “good.” Yes, I certainly receive praise when all is well in your world. However, let Me remind you of how My Kingdom operates. “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) When you are weak, then you are strong, because only in your weakness can My strength manifest in you (v. 10). And “Whoever seeks to save his life shall lose it, and whoever loses his life shall preserve it.” (Luke 17:33)
Will you leave it up to Me to decide how I will be glorified? Would it surprise you that My glory is revealed (increases) when you become less (decrease)? (John 3:30) Yes child, I want you to rejoice when things go well in life, but My glory comes when you trust Me and rejoice in the valleys (Job 13:15). If I told you the valleys are really the mountaintops, would it help? My prophets have said to “rejoice always,” and specifically when you can’t see your way clearly. I, who created all things, receive joy when I reveal My strong arm on your behalf. Loved ones, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that is coming upon you, to try you, as though some unusual matter has befallen you, but as you share in the Messiah’s sufferings, rejoice, in order that you might rejoice exultingly at the revelation of His glory. (1 Peter 4:12-13) I allow “fiery trials” so that I can do miraculous things on your behalf, for My glory.
You are My greatest creation, and I delight in doing the “impossible” for you. Remember, you are more than conquerors; yes, you are more! (Romans 8:37) Know that I exist in everything and everything will bow to Me in time. Please enjoy the daily things I offer you as part of life on earth, but don’t forget My glory comes in ways that you do not have the ability to perceive, until I release My revelation. It is then that you will have your moment of awe and wonder.
Messanger or Angel
Mind Load 2
(#202 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Messengers: those sent on official business; the official messenger or “message” of Yahweh Himself. Because of the fall (the idea that you could choose rather than obey), even the messages need to be filtered through the Kingdom within (sifted like wheat). This requires the forsaking of all temptations of the ego itself. We spoke last time of the humility needed for the true messengers.
Some messengers speak directly to you loved one. “Are they not all ministering spirits [not flesh] sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14) They may whisper to your mind resulting in thoughts that, at once, cause a conviction to do what you would have never before considered doing. And of the malakim [erroneously called angels] He says: “Who makes His malakim spirits and His ministers a flame of fire [conviction].” (Hebrews 1:7) These supernatural implants are directly from Yahweh into the conscience of His redeemed, and those under His judgment. They are, at each specific instance, the malak of Yahweh.
In Hebrew the word malak (mal-awk’) means to dispatch a messenger. From Genesis to Malachi, the use of this word is understood as “sent message” planted into the conscience of the mind of man, redeemed or judged. Your tendency to only see (perceive) in the physical realm leaves you vulnerable, vulnerable to believe that the message must be delivered by a being, even a spirit being, on whom you must drape a physical form or likeness.
The Hebrew Scriptures never discuss malak as having any specific “form.” In addition, there is no word in the Hebrew language that translates into “angel.” It would not be until Grecian times that the word “aggelos” would even appear. And even then, the true intent of the definition of a malak, as denoting a “message” and not always a “messenger,” was better understood. Later on, a sent message, either individual or corporate, always seemed to take on a physical form to satisfy the human eye, rather than for the perceptions of the human mind. The choice was carnality over spirituality loved one.
This very message (malak) is being delivered to you, not from “angelic” beings, but from Yahweh Himself. He does this through His seed planting process within you, which always is expressed through the malakim. For instance, the malak “Michayl” (Michael) is that which has been placed within you that would elevate your wisdom of Yahweh. It makes you cry out, “Who is like Yahweh,” which is the very meaning of the name Michayl!
Through proper understanding of the visitations you’ve had since your realization of redemption, you can then appreciate the many accounts wherein Yahweh has visited you through a miraculous internal process. How many of you can be honest enough to confess that you have been trained to believe that some of the greatest miracles you witness will involve a visitation from some outside source, and yet, it rarely ever happens, thus leaving you wondering if maybe you are in the right place with your Creator? It’s a trap loved one; a trap purposely set by those who would deny the authority of Yahweh and have you believe in pagan rituals. But no more! Show yourself worthy to conform to the truth of the only One who gets to declare your worth.
For now, you are receiving the messages for yourself, and perhaps others, and the messages have the greater rule. You have been made a little lower than them (Hebrews 2:7). But, one day you shall rule over these messages. You will become One as they are One. And then, you become the message! Haven’t you already acknowledged this very process before? The word becomes flesh. In other words, the fullness of all of Yahweh’s commands manifest in the physical. Now it’s your turn!
“Go therefore. . .!” (Matthew 28:19-20)
Help others with humility and meekness
Mind Load 1
(#201 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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“Brothers, if a man is indeed overtaken in some sin, you who are spiritual restore him in a spirit of humility [gentleness], considering yourself [your own shortcomings] lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s trials and burdens and so fulfill the Laws of [Yahweh] through the Messiah. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each person examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. Each man shall bear his own load.” (Galatians 6:1-5)
Of course, the fruit of obedience to your individual calling has personal, and at times even private implications. Yet, many still fail to understand how to measure the fruit. This is because bearing fruit was never contingent upon, or measured by how others might react to your obedience. This is a crucial distinction to comprehend!
Actually, bearing fruit is often contrary to the opinions of others. He who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. (James 4:17) In essence, it rarely matters what others think or how they respond. Therefore, if you assess your fruit by the reaction of others to your obedience, you have neglected this scriptural blueprint. Consider Yahshua for instance; His disciples denied His call to obey His “personal” crucifixion (death of self), and so would have you. Yet, what magnificent fruit His obedience yielded, despite the opposition! Is it therefore too difficult for you to comprehend that no one is going to support you in yours (obedience unto death of self)?
As you fulfill your obligations to the Almighty Father, you would do well to seek your rewards within (mental poise, balance, peace, and joy), and not from outside (physical and verbal affirmation from other people or things). Why again is this so crucial? Because, if you are indeed a “messenger” of Yahweh, then like the Messiah, a great portion of your work of obedience will be to correct the errors of those you call brothers and sisters. In this appointed work, great humility and meekness is necessary.
Now, here is a notice and a warning! The notice is found on the surface in Galatians 6; “Let each person examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.” But, to find the warning, we must go deeper. If your exhortations and corrections towards others sound like this, “How dare you!” rather than, “I love you; and no matter what, I would never forsake you,” then you are not fully prepared for the work of a messenger. There is still internal work to be done, before you can offer correction with the power of a lion and with the meekness of a lamb.
The messenger of Yahweh is one who has been sifted, purged, plucked, pruned, and quite frankly, stomped on by Yahweh Himself, just as He promised to do, and then did, to His only Begotten Son. There is no “self” righteousness among these, the messengers. Their work is a reverent one and their reward is very personal. It is private; it is singular; and it is quite often unseen by others.
Remember the pattern of the messenger loved one. It cannot be forced, only earned.
The Key To a Successful Relationship with God
Strive in This
(#197 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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“…this day is holy to Yahweh. Do not be sad, for the joy of Yahweh is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
Sadness? Worship! Bitterness? Worship! Grief? Worship!
Oh how I long for you to learn My patterns, My perfect patterns. How much I want you to perceive that all that I say is true and that you can bet your life on it. You can pursue your death by My words, the death of those things that keep you from crossing over into My likeness. I have made it so that rejoicing in Me cures all ailments. Understand that this death is the offering, it is the sacrifice of praise. Rejoice, worship, and give thanks no matter what your physical world “seems” like. It is the ratification of My Covenant with you (Psalm 50:5). The Covenant of sacrifice will transform the conscience of My children from the carnal to the spiritual.
When I told you I desire obedience, I intended that your worship would be just that, an act (mental stand) of obedience. I would not have it any other way, and you should know this, lest you believe My patterns are somehow flawed? Worship Me in obedience and I will give you the heart (mind) to worship Me in true joy as well. The obedience is what manifests the joy and peace. Consider it a trade off if you must; the end result is worthy!
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)
You rejoice, I supply peace and joy. I know all of the motives of your heart. I know when worship from My children is pure, and none is more pure than that which is offered when you are in the most pain, especially in your thoughts. Yes, I always look at the heart (mind) of the matter. Keep coming to Me. Keep reminding yourself that My patterns work out for your benefit every time. Remember: “All things work together for good to those who love Me, to those who are the called according to My purpose.” (Romans 8:28) Strive in this, and I will show you why I created you–perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
The Covenant of sacrifice: For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18)
Before Casting Pearls
Reality Check 1
(#195 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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“When you see a man casting pearls without getting a pork chop in return – it is not against the swine that you feel indignation. It is against the man who valued his pearls so little that he was willing to throw them into the muck and let them become the occasion for a whole concert of grunting…”
-Ayn Rand, “The Fountainhead”.
Do not give what is set-apart to the dogs, nor throw your pearls before the pigs, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces. (Matthew 7:6)
Dogs? Pigs? Pearls? Literally? What is “set-apart” that I have commanded not to be spread abroad so liberally? You assume that I would have My treasures flagrantly passed around like a sample platter in a supermarket. Listen child; if I tell you there are dogs and swine, and yes, I mean men, then is it not made clear that My treasures are not for everyone? So many of your desires are specifically that; your desires.
My words are for My people, My people Israyl (ruled by and for Yahweh)! Perhaps you might stop to consider that there are those who are Mine and those who are not. I know who will be redeemed. My Son knew who He would die for, and though He specifically pointed out one who He would not be dying for, My words tell you there are many more. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your Name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. (John 17:12)
You see My loved one, when you understand Me and learn to obey Me, you won’t be so caught up in the idea that My love is to be handed out like a coupon. So many of you try so hard to spread My love, only to spread the rumor that you led someone to Me. It is I who woos a man! I alone draw a man towards spiritual things! Why is this important to Me? Because My redemption is not in word, but power! Redemption by grace is My gift to those whom I deem “children” of Mine.
Some of you call this gift “unmerited favor,” and yet you pretend that everyone has merits. You are too quick to try to spread My love when in fact your life does not prove My love has changed you. A secret for those who long to be wise: focus on the internal race (conquering your “self”) that I have commanded you to run, and I will make sure your life speaks to the lost. I will love them through My actions in you.
Slow down child. All of Mine will be in My Kingdom. Do you really believe that I would allow for a single drop of My Son’s blood to be wasted? Do you really think that man’s decision to deny Him was man’s and not Mine? I pity the man who serves a “god” who lets the man decide, and then acts. I Am far more than you know loved one. I Am the beginning (Aleph) and the end (Tau)!
The Bible shows us how to deal with oppression
Rescue Me
(#194 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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I sat and pondered the wickedness of this world, and the hatred that one man could have towards another. I watched the oppressors; they have no love or compassion in their hearts. It was not enough to see people in pain; these kind desire to increase their pain. The wounded and hurting were their prey; they actually sought out the lame with the intent to disable further. How could it be? From where does this wickedness in the heart come? From where does this cruelty originate?
I set out to do something about it. I talked with my eternal Father. I questioned Him on this way of man, this way that it seems man has chosen. He answered me; “The heart [center of intellect] is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)
Many nights I pondered the wickedness of the heart of man. I read the Psalms of David and was able to relate to all that he felt about those who oppressed men. I often prayed like he did; “Rescue me, O Yahweh, from evildoers, from treacherous, dishonest, and violent man.”
It was then that the Spirit spoke to me. “I Am doing exactly as you had hoped. I Am rescuing you. You simply did not perceive that the one I was rescuing you from was yourself. Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? (Matthew 7:3) When I Am done cleansing you, then we can look towards your oppressors.” What can I say to you about this type of revelation? Only confession and repentance can flow from this place.
Have mercy upon me, O Mighty One, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies,
blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin.
(Psalm 51:1-2)
Cleanse me; purify me; help me!
Sense-Less
Sense-less
(#193 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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I pray that the eyes of your heart [understanding] may be enlightened… (Ephesians 1:18)
To hear, taste, touch, smell, and see…or not!
What would your perceptions be if you minimalized the use of these senses?
Don’t lose “sight” of their ultimate limitation. Can any of the senses provide greater faith? It is possible; however, as the carnal nature manipulates them so easily, it is very unlikely. Perhaps a more balanced perspective is required in order to evaluate what your senses perceive and the limitations they have. Certainly, in the realms of higher understanding (consciousness) these senses are not even necessary. When you are completely connected in the Spirit, then is this not the Tree of Life you eat from? This connection plugs you into the knowledge of all things as they truly are, not the misguided perceptions of what you see in the natural? This is the connection to the highest order of energy (frequency). I Am, as you know, the Master scientist.
The losing of your life (Matthew 16:25), many times, means leaving behind perceptions of life and Spirit as understood by your senses, and discerned by your carnal nature. If faith is the evidence of things unseen (Hebrews 11:1), then stop trusting in everything your senses can perceive on earth. Yes indeed, the senses can be a great tool to navigate inside the dimension I placed you in; but, it is for the wise to know the limitations of these senses. Can you imagine an existence where spiritual perception (the mind of the Messiah) is accessible at all times? You would constantly experience everything that is perfect throughout eternity. Everything would be in perfect harmony. Speak to Me about these things. Open your spirit to Me. In silence, listen with only your mind, leaving all senses behind.
We will get a new body
Behind the Veil
(#191 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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The Scriptural patterns or blueprints are all hidden from the simpleton, the proud, and the spiritually lazy. If you have come this far in our time together, then you have certainly shown yourself to be of spiritual fortitude. One overarching pattern we have shown time and time again is that it takes a great commitment to will your “self” to die. Another is that it takes time to realize that there is no power but Yahweh’s, and just as paramount, that your inner rebellion, or “self-power,” will always be resistant lest He crushes it. The Scripture that comes to mind which speaks of this is from John 12:24-25: Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies, it brings forth much fruit. He who loves his life will lose it; but he who hates his life in this world will protect it for eternal life.
You are the kernel loved one. But even more significant is that you are learning to accept that you are the kernel. That’s why we are here together. We are those who have been given permission to enter behind the veil. We have been found worthy, not of our own strength of course, but because we have accepted the requirements which grant that permission. “The permission?” This Word should be like an old friend by now: “It is no longer I who live, but the Messiah who lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20)
Many are called, but few are chosen. (Matthew 22:14) Few understand; however, the masses claim to be “of Him,” while really just following an idol of their own vain imaginings. “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Master, Master,’ shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the WILL of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord [Baal], Lord [Baal], have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ (Matthew 7:21-23)
The crushed ones, the kernels planted in fertile soil, have broken open and will bear much fruit (Matthew 13:8). They are quieter than others, quicker to listen, and more apt to lend a hand. These qualities reflect the glorious life of Yahshua the Messiah within. Everything illuminates one grand idea; it is the premier pattern of being crushed, crucified with Messiah, and becoming unoffendable (Psalm 119:165).
The kernels “found worthy” quickly say, “Unless I had been crucified with Messiah (Galatians 2:20), I would have been ruined forever by my “self.”” Others only allow so much crushing until they shrink back. They refuse to embrace, “To die is to gain.” (Philippians 1:21) We know the price, and we realize that many will turn cold (Matthew 24:12). But, we also must admit we would have done the same, had Yahweh not done within us that which we would have never desired. “If not for Your mercy, I too would shrink back.” When we embrace this we become un-offendable. We experience a supernatural joy as we recognize, “that would have been me.”
This is your true rebirth, your mental resurrection. So few have been behind the veil loved one. Remember, the road is narrow (Matthew 7:14)! With every thought that enters into your conscience, remember that!