Tag Archives: Blessings vs. Curses

If it is not faith it is sin

Yahshua, You, Action!

(#078 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

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“For whatever is not of faith is sin.” (Romans 14:23) The word “of” used to describe what happens because of faith is a gross under-translation of the preposition here. It is not wrong; it just does not do justice to the power of faith. Something more tangible, even more primitive, needs to be elaborated. Whatever is not born from faith; proceed from faith; come out from faith within; is not the outcome of faith; from faith in the interior outward, or originate from faith, is sin! Faith must be the origin. Can you feel that now? What is being said is that whatever does not root itself in the depths of its source, in this case faith, and then extend out to create its impact, is sin. Now, doesn’t that have more of a bite then “of”?

What are you saying to us Father? Anything that is not produced through the life of Yahshua working in me is sinful? Under this mandate, I can see why You would say to men who claim to know You, “Depart from Me!” (Matthew 7:22-23) Every thought, and every act proceeding from that thought, must originate from faith. Father, this means that every single thing someone thinks, and then acts upon, must be according to this pattern: it originates in our minds; then we must measure it against Yahshua’s words and life; then it lands at our feet (mental stability in the law) for final approval, allowing us to take action. That is what a life would look like if every action came from its intended source. Faith is demonstrated as we emulate the repeated patterns of the life of Yahshua; we will be accountable for every word we speak (Matthew 12:36). It affirms why every thought must conform to this revelation. “From the abundance of the heart (mind), the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:34-35)

Won’t you join each of us in this prayer? “Oh Father, would You, through Your Son, implant this in my heart and soul as a perpetual pattern? This is truly the transforming of the mind. Holy Spirit, I know You dwell with both Father and Son, and it is with Your guidance I will achieve this pattern of thought and action. This truth must invade my mind in order for my actions to be appropriate. Only by the Spirit in man can this be done. I submit to the pattern Father. Sear it in me. If I rebel, sear anyway. My life is Yours Father; take it! Yes, I will have this mind in me. I will follow the pattern, for it is the faith that You gave me that accomplishes this anyway. Magnanimous You are indeed.”

Protection and Love

Little Children

(#077 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

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You dear children, are from the Mighty One and have overcome them [the Antichrist spirit, spirits of the lower “self,” the ego] because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)

You see My child, this is another truth you can rest upon. It is a truth from Me, by My spirit, through My much loved servant John, delivered right into your heart (mind). Do you believe it? Slow down; consider what I am asking you. Do you believe you have overcome? I never take My eyes off of you. I see your fear. I hear your fear. Go ahead, ask Me; I can handle it. The humble ones know to ask, as they whisper to Me, “If He who is in me Father, has overcome, why do I still feel defeated? Why do I feel like I am losing the battles? Why am I afraid of You?”

It’s all perspective most loved one, perspective. What if I told you your loss is really your gain? Would you allow Me to make those decisions for you? Can I decide what is best for you? You have heard that “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways.” (Isaiah 55:8) You know I am not limited by time. Not only do I see the beginning and the end of all things; I Am the beginning and the end of all things.

This is the pattern according to My will. Those, the meek ones who stay near, never shudder at My sudden changes in course. Those who suffer under My hand learn to be overridden, and they learn to appreciate it. When My work is completed, no one has ever said, “How dare You?” Instead, they have all bowed before Me and worshipped. You are learning to overcome My child. Open your eyes and see. Your obedience has you tucked right under My wings. I will do the flying. You just rest there.

Though I Doubt, Yet Will I Believe

Confident Humility

Confident Humility

(#074 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

www.sufferwell.orgHumility, yes. False humility, no! Who told you that meekness meant weakness? Apologizing for things you did not do, or believing that everyone must like you. Who told you that humility was living in poor conditions, physically, spiritually or emotionally? Meekness is not powerlessness, but actually ABSOLUTE power under control; confident humility! There was one who once lived as a man who demonstrated ABSOLUTE power under control.

Abuse? Who told you that you are expected to take abuse as a sign of your love towards Yahweh? “But Yahshua said give your cloak and tunic. He also let them spit on Him and he even forgave them,” you say. Yes, this is correct, and He also “disappeared from their midst” several times when they tried to kill Him (Luke 4:30; John 8:59). He would “know His time;” He had ABSOLUTE power under control.

Get wisdom! Get understanding! Anything done with a heart (mind) that submits to the Father is powerful and correct. Find anywhere Yahshua apologizes, other than FOR you, saying, “Forgive THEM Father…” His sinlessness made it so apologizing would not be necessary. Who apologizes for holiness? That’s the point! Many claimed to be offended, harassed and hurt by Yahshua, but He knew better. He had ABSOLUTE power under control.

False humility stems from insecurity, and insecurity from rejection. And on and on it goes. Yahshua, in reference to being murdered on the stake, disregarded the shame, “for the joy set before Him” (Hebrews 12:2). His connection with the Father enabled Him to constantly remember the crux of all that He was asked to do, and all that stood in His way. It was Yahweh’s will that Yahshua would die for the sins of many. It gives Yahweh great pleasure to offer this death to you and me (Hebrews 2:10). Yahshua knew His Father’s heart, for it also gave Him pleasure to be our sacrifice. He also knew that serving the Father in such as capacity, with unabashed obedience, established Him as the authority over even those who called themselves His enemies. In reality, He was positioned with such prominence that He could have no enemies. Anyone or anything that would come against Him, could only do so with His permission. He had the ability to call on legions of Malachim at any time, yet He never did (Matthew 26:53). He had ABSOLUTE power under control.

He knew the principalities He dealt with and He knew man was inferior to anything the Father could perform on His behalf. He had no doubt. He forgave His murderers, you and me, with a whole heart. He did it with a sound mind. He chose it with no malice. He had ABSOLUTE power under control.

Let us give you an example, so it becomes practical for you. Someone makes a claim that you offended them when your intent was not to do so. The secure person, one close and connected to the Father and who understands humility, might say this. “I’m sorry you misunderstood. My intent was not to offend you. May I explain what I meant?” This person is not upset, nor harmed in any way by the misunderstanding. It ends right there for them. The insecure person, displaying false humility, might sound like this. “No, no. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry; I did not mean it like that. Please let me explain.” Their need to be affirmed and understood is no longer humility, but insecurity. They will continually apologize until they “feel” accepted again. They will carry that burden for days and weeks until they get what seems like resolve, though it never comes.

Yahweh is your security! Live close to Him and He will fill your heart with true humility, confident humility, which is ABSOLUTE power under control.

Cut to the Chase: Faith Defined

Cut to the Chase: Faith Defined

(#073 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

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1) The evidence of things unseen;

2) Belief that He exists and rewards those who seek;

3) When material gain does not define life;

4) Enduring without knowing the end result;

5) From belief to absolute knowing;

6) Hope acted upon;

7) The path of righteousness (right thinking);

8) Given in measure, multiplied in fruit;

9) The Spirit’s whisper;

10) Obedience anyway;

11) Accepting a new mindset;

12) Moving forward in Him, even while you might actually be scared to death.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen… For without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to the Almighty must believe that He is, and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:1, 6)

Give Your Best Effort To Seek and Find Yahweh

If You Seek

(#072 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

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“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Luke 11:9)

Do you understand the “you” and the “ask, seek and knock” of My command? Do you see the choice, the pattern of having to choose? The “and” in “ask and; seek and; knock and” proves that effort is required. The “you” brings to light that no one can do it for you, not Abraham; not Moses; not Paul; only you. This command reveals many mysteries.

He can be found. Yes, He may even hide at times. Perhaps He’s playing hide and seek with you. Perhaps He even disappears for a while, on purpose. Consider, again, from yesterday’s devotion, Lamentations 3:7-8:

He has walled me in so I cannot escape;

He placed heavy chains on me.

Indeed, when I cry out, calling for help,

He shuts out my prayer.

He hides at times because He intends to elicit effort from His children. No effort, no revelation. You get it? The doubt; the fear; the wondering: it’s all in your head! Do you want to be healed? He is the cure for all dis-ease. Do you want to fly? He is the answer for all of your hopes and dreams.

Yes, much like the little children playing the game called “hot or cold,” you must ask, seek, and knock to find what you are looking for. His Spirit is calling out to you. Can you hear the whisper? “You’re getting cold; change directions.” “Now you’re getting warmer,” the Spirit beckons. “Hot, you’re getting hot,” your senses are now alive with anticipation!

No doubt, He is here to help, but you must provide the effort. He must see your desire to find Him and all He has for you. Staying lukewarm will not end well (Revelation 3:16). Won’t you be hot for Him? Will the words of Paul be the banner over your life? “To live [capture the holy mindset] is Messiah, and to die [let go of all ‘self’ ambition] is gain.” (Philippians 1:21) He is waiting.

Why Affliction?

Turn Back

(#071 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

I am a man familiar with affliction—

under the rod of the Almighty’s anger.

He has led me—brought me

into darkness, not into light.

He truly turned His hand against me,

again and again, all day long.

He made my flesh and skin prematurely old;

He broke my bones.

He laid siege against me,

surrounding me with bitterness and suffering.

He has forced me to live in darkness,

like those who are long dead.

He has walled me in so I cannot escape;

He placed heavy chains on me.

Indeed, when I cry out, calling for help,

He shuts out my prayer.

He impeded my way with blocks of stone,

making my paths uneven.

He is like a bear that lies in wait for me,

a lion in hiding.

He forced me off my path,

tearing me to pieces and making me desolate.

He bent his bow,

aiming at me with his arrow.

He caused His war arrows

o pierce my vital organs.

I have become a laughingstock to all my people,

the object of their taunts throughout the day.

He has filled me with bitterness,

making me drink wormwood.

He broke my teeth on gravel,

covering me with dust.

He has removed peace from my life;

I have forgotten what prosperity is.

(Lamentations 3:1-17)

Your correction is impossible to ignore. Everything is atoned for. Perfection comes through repentance, even forced repentance. This is what happens when You decide to bring Your strong arm against Your children. Your love enables us to see our errors. There is no easy relief at this level. Restoration is to be earned at this point. The child will grow up. No sparing of the rod in this season. (Proverbs 22:15) The Rod is meant to make us cry out. So, cry out we will Abba!

“Turn back to me Father. Please help me heal the wounds. Afflicted for my good, I accept the wisdom of it. I would like to move forward now. I would like to rise from my fall. My awe for You is permanent. I accept the scars on my heart and my soul as good. It is a reminder, like nail marks. Yes, there is restoration for me and my family, yet there are others, those who loved me. They believed in me. Grant me this prayer Father. Let me restore all that may have been taken on my account, even to those who abandoned me. You know them Father. If I have found grace in Your sight, if I have pleased You Father, then send Your manna. Peace on every side Father. This prayer I ask of You, in Yahshua’s name. So be it!”

May He give you the desire of your heart and fulfill all your purpose. (Psalm 20:4)

A New Person In Yeshua

Yahweh’s Top Ten

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(#069 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

If you understand the totality of the renewed mind given as a gift to chosen men and women, then you would recognize that up until that point of redemption, we were all imprisoned in our minds dominated by “self” (the ego). The initial release from that prison becomes available when you experience this realization; “Hey, something has happened to me; for the first time I have this desperate need for Yahweh and the understanding of why His Son Yahshua had to shed His blood.”

This is the totality of the effects of Deuteronomy 30: obey His voice with a circumcised heart (mind); choose life; and abound in His blessings. Read it all and yet, be very careful. The initial release from our inner prison is only the first set of bars. The complete effect is a saved mind (salvation). There remains much work to do as each layer of the carnal “self” is removed from within the active and subconscious thought processes. And so with each release of the old, and the realization of the new creation you are (2 Corinthians 5:17), perhaps these ten steps might help with the healing process. Healing process? You better believe it. As the “self” decreases and the Messiah in you increases (John 3:30), you need to let each process slowly take root.

Meditate on these and let them take effect:

1. Scream out about the glory of the Father, Son and Ruach (Spirit), and this, within your soul;

2. Practice love and joy until He seals them within you;

3. Stay locked out from the world for a season, and repeat as necessary;

4. Embrace everything through the Messiah’s eyes and see the sweetness of it all;

5. Absolutely no big decisions made within the first thirty days of new freedoms realized;

6. No decisions ever made without Yahweh’s approval;

7. No decisions made without wife’s and husband’s mutual consideration (as applicable);

8. Sear righteous principles into those around you at all times;

9. Trust Yahweh to restore anyone and anything necessary;

10. Remember! Remember who the Father, Son and Spirit are to you, and what that means in regard to everything you face in life. No more guessing! No more “feeling” your way through life! Now you know and you are accountable!

I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live. (Deuteronomy 30:19)

Repent and Rest

How many of you are ready to have light in the darkness.
Weaned

(#068 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

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In REPENTANCE and REST is your salvation; in QUIETNESS and TRUST is your strength, but you would HAVE NONE OF IT [v.15]… Yet Yahweh longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion. For Yahweh is the Mighty One of justice. Blessed are those who wait for Him [v. 18]. (Read Isaiah 30:15-18)

HAVE NONE OF WHAT?

1. REPENTANCE: Repent and ask forgiveness for doubting His provision in all things, and for trusting yourself and man.

2. REST: Rest and believe that the battle is always Yahweh’s, and do not strive, but rest in Him through faith.

3. QUIETNESS: If it is Yahweh who saves, then your boasting of self or anything other than Him is in vain. Humility and a quieted soul should be the fruit you offer Him. So, hush.

4. TRUST: Trust by putting your faith into action. This would be demonstrated by doing nothing out of fear of or faith in man.

Yes, the child who walks in repentance, rest, quietness, and trust may wait for Him in eager expectation. Surely goodness and mercy will follow the one who does these things (Psalm 23:6). Certainly you will be able to remind the Father that your faithfulness warrants your blessings to come. “Blessed are those who wait for Him.”

David said it best Abba, and today I long to mimic his words to You; “Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with his mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.” (Psalm 131:2)

Pray about this and listen. Do it over and over. Never cease.

His Plan Not Yours

Woe

(#066 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

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Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!

You shut the door of the Kingdom of Heaven in people’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to. You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when you have succeeded, you make them twice as much a child of hell as you are. You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean. You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous. (Excerpts from Matthew 23: 13, 15, 23-29)

Woe to obstinate children:

* Those who will not listen to or trust in Yahweh alone;
* Those who carry out their own plans;
* Those who operate in fear instead of being directed by His mind within;
* Those who trust in the wisdom and strength of men and form alliances not led by the Spirit. Alliances can be good, but only if Yahweh forms them; and so often the ones you form are not His desire;
* Those who go down to Egypt without consulting Yahweh;
* Those who walk right into the enemy’s camp without permission and favor from Yahweh;
* Those who fear earthly kings, look for help from “Pharaoh,” and trust in material prosperity;
* Those who seek the shade of Egypt and desire a covering from earthly things which only satisfy the ego.

Everyone who trusts in people to be their help will be put to shame; Father, we will make no provision for the flesh on our own. Teach us to do as You say and grant us release from the fear of man. We desire alliances, but only the ones that you ordain. The battle is Yours Abba; we rest in You alone.

My help comes from Yahweh, the Maker of heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:2)