Tag Archives: Blessings vs. Curses
Humility
My Choicest Flock
(#096 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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That suffering one, he’s Mine. That weeping one, he’s Mine. That rejected one, he’s Mine. That scared one, he’s Mine. Have I not told you, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick?” (Luke 5:31) I do not care about natural ability. I am focused on the heart (center of intellect, mind) and the issues of spiritual transformation. The transformation from foolishness (ego driven mind) to wisdom (righteousness driven mind) is what brings Me glory. Those who come to Me “sick” are a perfect fit, for who would be left to come if not the sick?
Your heroes are nothing to Me. Your famous too, do not impress Me. Your wise, all of them devoid of true wisdom. I Am not impressed at My dust in its natural state. A broken and contrite spirit is what pleases Me (Isaiah 66:2). From the old creation to the new, that is the transformation project I like. My characteristics of greatness are humility, peace, wisdom, and joy in the spirit, not like what man values. Fallen man would rather celebrate money, status, and praise from other men.
If these words bother you, you are probably in danger of being devoured. Yes, if you leave the flock I cannot watch over you. Wolves and lions wait for you, and they have a taste for you, as you have been feeding them for quite some time. My flock knows its Shepherd. My flock would never leave My care; they would be afraid to leave My care.
View things as I do. Understand My wisdom. Desire My righteousness as opposed to worldly values. I can only bless what I approve, and I stand in opposition to your fleshly desires. Give in! Succumb to Me at all cost. You could not possibly perceive what I have planned for you; it’s more than you could ask or imagine. If you would taste even a morsel from the table I’ve prepared for you, you would dine with Me and never eat from the pig trough again.
Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself, he said, “How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!” (Luke 15:15-17)
Confidence in Yahweh
Cut to the Chase – Like a Flint
(#095 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)www.sufferwell.org
Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not turn aside to the right or the left; keep your feet from evil. (Proverbs 4:25-27)
A flint is a hard gray mineral quartz that produces a spark when struck by steel. When you set your face like a flint, you should expect “sparks to fly!” Sparks produce heat; without the heat, the flint is not displaying the depth of its full potential.
There is no turning back Father. Although both the road and the gate that lead to Your presence are narrow, and move in one direction, my face (conscious countenance) prays this: “I will not turn back! I will not stop seeking the One way, nor slow down on the road to it! Victory is my finish line and I will run this race for the ultimate prize. I will be conformed to Your likeness! It is right and it is true; my face is set like a flint, and the sparks and the heat are signs that I am close. Set me ablaze Abba!”
For the Master Yahweh 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 put to shame. (Isaiah 50:7)
Bearing His Yoke
Bearing His Yoke
(#094 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young. Let him sit alone in silence, for Yahweh has laid it on him… Though He brings grief, He will show compassion, so great is His unfailing love. (Lamentations 3:27-28, 32)
I wake up alone, no wife by my side. I hear the voice of my children, but only in my mind. Yes my Father, this yoke is different. This one is not easy. This yoke brings me so far from light, locked in with no direct sunlight, no direct SON light. I must work my way back. “Let him be filled with disgrace,” (v. 30) You said. Certainly, all Your words come to pass. All of what I thought represented freedom is gone. “Lock down,” my captors cry out. The doors shut. I am confined. My dwelling is no larger than a pantry closet. I am alone, in silence.
Your word says, “Though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked shall be brought down by calamity.” (Proverbs 24:16) Slowly, I rise. The enemy tries ever-harder to keep me down. Does he know You will not let me fall Father? Have You revealed to him that I shall not be put to shame, or condemned? Does he know that his minions will soon be at peace with me? Does he know I am one of Yours?
All of this pain, betrayal, and loss; “It is good,” You say. [I] know that in all things [You] work for the good of those who love [You], who have been called according to [Your] purpose. (Romans 8:28) Therefore Father, I will trust in You, for where else can I go? May I rise Father? Have I learned my lesson; this life lesson? Shall I bear more? I will do as You say. “Rejoice in Me alone, in Me alone.” These are Your words.
New In Yeshua
How many of you are ready to take ownership for your thoughts and actions and become new in Yeshua.
We Did This
(#093 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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You have learned about patterns throughout your devotion time. The patterns of Yahweh are perfect every time. They are always meant to bless you, always meant to advance. They are always righteous even when enacting judgment.
But, what about you? What about us? What about the patterns of man (ego)? Think about the patterns that pass from generation to generation. Consider the patterns that have us locked in our worlds of pain, even now.
May we explain something to you? May we present the hard fact? Peace, be still; it is a fact that ultimately leads to freedom. Whatever pain you are experiencing, whether from the past or the present, it is caused by the sin of man. Take a deep breath and slow your mind. Take it in. This is a very delicate issue and must be dealt with in the heart of all true believers, so we cannot push it aside any longer. There are no victims in Yahweh’s house. We say it again. There are no victims in Yahweh’s house.
Let us phrase it this way. Is there any sin that you are not at risk of committing? Can you truly say that you are not capable of the “worst” sins? Could you commit murder, for instance? Yes, you see, it begins in the heart (center of intellect). For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. (Matthew 15:19) Yes, you have murdered. Adultery? Yes, that too. Fornication, theft, lying, blasphemy, you ponder? If you think it, you have done it. For as he thinks in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7) Yes, read Matthew 5:21-30.
This is the Kingdom of Yahweh. This is how He designed it; a perfect pattern. So, is the thought exactly like the act then? Actually, from a human perspective, in many instances, no. A murderer, who actually takes a human life, will sit in prison as a consequence. One who murders in his heart (yes, still murder), may or may not see a physical prison. But, the bars that surround his conscience, and defile it, will imprison him nonetheless. In Yahweh’s Kingdom (perfect thought and therefore perfect perspective), there is no variation of sin. Sin is sin, and all is forgivable. There is no variation. Be glad! All is forgivable.
So what are we saying? None are innocent! A child sinner turns into the adult sinner and sin has consequences. Consequences can be felt by all humans. It is man who creates victims, not Yahweh. Yahweh has no victims in His family. Death is a human experience; there is no death in His Kingdom. Pain is a human experience; there is no pain in His Kingdom. Violence is a human experience; there is no violence in His Kingdom.
Do not disengage from this exercise. Do not deny this pattern’s existence. Grieving is necessary, but grieving is of our kingdom, not His. Have this mind in you. “I am capable of the worst sins. This alone opens the door to my pain and the pain of those around me. Disease and death are caused by my sin. I shall sin no more.”
This is the mind that steps closer to the goal of perfection, the mind of Yahshua the Messiah (1 Corinthians 2:16). Have this mind in you. Teach it to your children and grandchildren. Whom Yahshua (Yahweh saves) sets free, is free indeed. (John 8:36)
Accusing Spirits
Supernatural Providence
(#091 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Oh Father, magnanimous are Your ways. How intimate is Your touch. How thought provoking are Your patterns. You have shown us something, something grand, a life-changing concept.
May I share with you, the reader, what He has done? May I pose a question to enable you to experience the revelation of this mystery? How do you make an insecure person, who felt rejection his whole life, let go of his insecurity? Not yet; there’s more. This man spent his entire life gratifying his own needs and defending himself whenever he was not affirmed or felt rejected by others.
Let’s pose that question again in other words. How do you make a person, one whom could not accept rejection or disapproval in a positive way, into a secure and confident man? The answer: you lock him in a prison and have almost everyone he knows accuse him of wrong doing. And then you make it so that he cannot possibly respond to the accusations. That’s right, no phone and no personal visits, absolutely no contact at all. You stifle any ability for him to defend himself. You simply allow him to hear the accusations with no opportunity to answer. You stand by and watch him in complete agony for months. Then, all at once, he relives his childhood pain and memories of never being good enough. After that there is a resurrection, almost like a birth; he is stretched, contorted, pushed and squeezed; it’s a bloody scene. Just like the strain on the face of a newborn; it looks very painful. If you could see his pain you would know the truth, but the pain is private; no one will see it.
As time goes by you see calmness settle in, something new that has never existed before. This place of calm could only come to pass because of the forced pain, Yahweh’s intended, forced pain. You see a new creation developing. Revelation enters in. If he could get to you, you would hear the torn one say, “I did my best. I meant well. I made mistakes. That’s all I can offer right now.” But the accusers are not done. More insults, more accusations. And a supernatural interference will not allow him the opportunity to defend. Only what accuses him is allowed.
Still in a spiritual birth canal, this one who they shall one day believe, for now can only submit to the pressing, the pressing against all that cries out for “self” preservation. And then, new revelation; “Only what the Father thinks of me matters; I will not buy love anymore. It’s so real to me now. I know I am still young, but I finally understand His love. I feel new, fresh, and accepted. Because He say’s so, I am worthy.”
So now you can recognize this magnanimous pattern of Yahweh. Locked in a prison, He sets a man free. Still in prison but free. And I share with you, the reader, my tears, tears this very moment as I write. I write to you while I scream with my soul. “Only You Yahweh; only You could do this. Only You cared enough to do this. Only You cared enough to hurt me so You could heal me. Only You; only You! You did this; You did this! I see a new You! In love, You broke me; and then came supernatural healing. An entire life of pain is leaving. Yahshua, I love You for what You did. Your shed blood works; it really cleanses. The pain is leaving and love is its reward.”
Being Set-apart
So few Words Needed
(#086 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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One Mind! And if One mind, then of course, One speech!
And how can an individual achieve this? “Yes Father,” and “May I Father?” no less, and no more.
We have talked about the ego and the “self” desire. Carnality, materiality, and sensuality, are all wrapped up in the mind of man. It will never make sense to that fallen mind that the patterns could be so “easy” and the yoke of Yahweh so “light,” but they are! It will take some of you forty years; others of you will go more quickly into the promise land and walk through your fears and find the gift of humility waiting for you. “Yes Father and this after, “May I Father?”
Could it really be so simple? What did He mean when He said His Son was “The final sacrifice?” (Hebrews 10:12) If we do some basic math, we would be correct in asserting the validity of an equation as such: “The amount of resistance from my own carnal self is directly related to my perception of how easy it is to be One with Yahweh.” If you believe Oneness with Yahweh is difficult, then you are fertilizing your carnality.
Remember, easy and light, not hard and heavy! This is how you succeed. Do you understand? If it is still not clear, let us remind you of the words of the prophet Jeremiah that we read yesterday in “Relinquish All.” They should help.
“O Yahweh, I know that the way of man is not his own; it is not man who walks, directing his own steps. O Yahweh, correct me, but with justice; not in Your anger, or You would bring me to nothing.” (Jeremiah 10:23-24)
This is the only answer for a Coronavirus Cure.
This is the only answer for a Coronavirus Cure.
A New Heart-Masterfully Restored
Masterfully Restored
(#082 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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The concept of restoration brings many different thoughts to mind. Maybe it’s the renovation of a classic automobile, or the refurbishing of a piece of vintage furniture, or the polishing of an old war piece to bring about its original luster. The idea of restoration involves taking something from the past, repairing it and cleaning it up, so it appears to be new again.
May we share with you Yahweh’s concept of restoration? You see, His way is much different than yours. When He sent His Son to die for your sins, it was not to restore you to your original luster. It was to change you into something completely different, brand new, but different. His restoration does not make you into a “new version of the old you;” it makes you into a totally new creature, like a different species with different DNA. You are made brand new, right out of the box, or coffin if you will. All you were from the past is erased.
Yahweh obviously enjoys the restoration business, making all things new; and He starts in your heart (mind). (Revelation 21:5; Ezekiel 36:26). Becoming brand new was not something you could even conceptualize until that predestined moment when Yahshua, in all His glory, was revealed to your heart. Know this; His process involves much patience, similar to what is needed to restore an old car. And although the transformation begins at the point of redemption, the refining (complete salvation of the mind) can take years to fully form in you (Galatians 4:19).
This refining involves your participation for several reasons. First, He desires that you glorify Him because of it, which is the reason for your restoration in the first place. Second, your daily choice to love Him is what the entire journey is about. To love and glorify Him is a decision you must make. Third, the restoration is to show others the beauty of the new creation, so they too might want to come and enjoy the same journey. Oh, how pleased you will be with His finished product. You are truly one of a kind, an original.
We Are Perfect In Yeshua
As Soon As You Let Go
(#080 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Oh My child. Will you believe Me if I tell you the truth? Won’t you believe that I only speak truth? How quickly you say, “Yes,” yet your sin says otherwise. Do you understand? Your sin is when you do other then the truth I gave you, which is evidence of your unbelief, your doubt that I speak only truth. The cure for this, for all sin, is inside of you. There are no exterior solutions; nothing from the outside can help. All sin is a heart (mind) issue.
Would you believe Me if I told you that you were already 100% whole, perfected in total joy, total peace, and total contentment? If you could see what I see, you would certainly rejoice. Would you like to come and see? Are you sure? Here is the key to the door. Let go. Let go! It is really easy. Remember, I speak only truth. It is easy, so calm yourself.
Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I Am gentle [meek] and humble [lowly] in heart, and you will find rest [relief, ease, refreshment, recreation, and blessed quiet] for your souls. For My yoke is wholesome [useful, good—not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant], and My burden is light and easy to be borne. (Matthew 11:29-30)
Be still now and listen. Your anger is a choice; your resentment is a choice; your bitterness is a choice; your unforgiveness is a choice; and your self-righteousness is a choice. “What is the answer, the easy answer to all of this,” you cry? Choose otherwise! I am He who equips. I have given you My Son; the power to choose is now within you. You said you believed Me, so I will say it again. I have given you the power to choose. Though the choice may very well “feel” like a death, it is truly life being disguised by your deceptive feelings. Listen to Me. There are no victims in My family. I say again, there are no victims in My family! Give all of your burdens; all of your fears; all of your pain; and all of your pride to Me. Leave them with Me. You have no more excuses. All sin will be considered as unbelief. Choose wisely and be warned; I will change you if you don’t make the choice on your own. Yes, I care that much.
A Servant’s Prayer
A Servant’s Prayer
(#079 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
www.sufferwell.orgOh Sovereign One, You have begun to show Your servant Your greatness and Your strong hand. For what elohiym (strength or might) is there in heaven or on earth who can do the deeds and mighty works You do? I pray, let me go over and see the good land beyond the Jordan, that fine hill country and Lebanon. (Deuteronomy 3:24-25)
Father, I know I am under Your yoke (Read Lamentations 3:27-39). Your heavy hand is upon me. Your chastening rod is swift and precise. I have experienced a death and pieces of a new life, all at once. So much has been shaken. Mourning and joy have been wrapped together. Like the story about the how the bald eagle would shed its beak, claws, fur—everything, at forty years; all earthly power and glory seemingly lost. I too was forty when You brought me here Father, to shed everything. Moses also was forty when you brought him out, and David too, to be king over all of Israel. As the story goes, in the next season of its life, eagle replaces all that was lost. The creature is renewed entirely. The next forty years are its best. Moses? David? Yes! And what of me Father?
Are my wings full again Father? What of my claws (ability to grasp holy precepts)? I feel Your power, but is it the power of one completely renewed? I am transforming daily, yet, when is enough? My cry: “Father, is this yoke still heavy upon me? Am I still under Your chastening rod, Your face turned from me? (Lamentations 3:7-9) Have I learned my lesson(s)? Is it possible I am missing it completely? I need to know I am pleasing to You. It’s all that matters. It’s all that matters! I will cry out like Moses. ‘You have begun to show your servant Your greatness and Your strong hand. For what elohiym is there in heaven or on earth who can do the deeds and mighty works You do?’ Father, I long to set my feet on the good land. Your milk is the substance of my soul; Your honey is the sweetness of Your voice within me. If I have pleased You, if You have turned back to me, make these words mine. ‘You have begun to show Your greatness and Your strong hand is obvious; Your mighty works are undeniable.’ Come Abba.”