Tag Archives: Blessings vs. Curses
Who’s Judging Who
Who’s Judging Who?
(#012 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Oh My children, if you would only judge yourselves honestly as did Shaul (Paul), your contentions would not exist. I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Master who judges me. (1 Corinthians 4:3-4) You see, he was not saying he did not judge himself, as evidenced by his very next words; “My conscience is clear.” He was simply stating that the outcome of his self-assessment left nothing to be judged. I call you to rightly judge yourself, or you will be judged by Me and others. “For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged.” (1 Corinthians 11:31)
If it becomes necessary that you be judge by others, it is the weak child who misrepresents a rebuke done in love. Have I not given you permission to tend to one another? What business is it of mine to judge those outside the congregation? Are you not to judge those inside? The Almighty will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked person from among you.” (1 Corinthians 5:12-13) Have I not allowed for the removal of one who calls himself a brother, yet disavows rebuke and good counsel? If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the congregation; and if they refuse to listen even to the congregation, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. (Matthew 18:17) Such a man is to be removed from the presence of My body.
Yet, it remains important to differentiate between a rebuke done in love and fleshly judgment. A rebuke, My child, is always intended to be done in love, and is to benefit not only the one being rebuked, but the one bringing the rebuke, as well as the entire congregation. It is for Divine correction and all of My people need it. Fleshly judgment involves condemnation which is never from or inspired by Me (Romans 8:1).
Many of My sheep tend to call open rebukes, judgments. This is especially common from the one receiving the rebuke. I will not let you get away with it. A wise man heeds rebukes and it brings life to his soul. A fool scoffs at a proper rebuke, calling it judgment. (Read all of Proverbs 13) I will discipline such folly. Also, when you claim someone is judging you and they have not done so or intended to do so, it is a sin unto yourself. Take the rebuke My child; humility is My way. It is how I shall prosper you. The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. (Proverbs 15:31)
And finally, beware beloved, for if you judge someone else, you have no excuse for it. When you judge another person, you are judging yourself [saying you have already determined your conscience is clear- 1 Corinthians 4:4]. You do the same things you blame others for doing. We know that when the Almighty judges those who do evil things, he judges fairly. Though you are only a human being, you judge others. But you yourself do the same things. So how do you think you will escape when the Almighty judges you? (Romans 2:1-3)
False Peace: A Heavenly Perspective
False Peace: A Heavenly Perspective
(#009 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Your little carnal comforts,
They seem to make you smile.
“Check it out, smell the leather,
I’ll drive it for a while.”
Manicured yard, three-car garage,
Your square feet under air!
“Pop the bottle, twist the cap,
I haven’t got a care.”
Your little carnal comforts,
They seem to give you peace.
“Check it out, feel the paint,
I got it on a lease!”
Dare you attempt to find peace in another, peace in objects? I know what you dream about. I know what brings you “peace.” I have asked you to deny yourself (Luke 9:23). Yet, you continue to indulge. How long do you think your objects of desire can compete with My infectious touch? Yes, My love is infectious, but so is My heavenly chastening.
I see how concerned you are about your bank account. I see you check the numbers often. I too do accounting. My Son paid a hefty price with His shed blood, and He has debtors. Do not misunderstand loved one, it is not your redemption that I Am talking about here; that cost Him everything and you nothing. It is the life you live because of it, your discipleship, which I speak of today (Luke 14:25-33). Consider this; do your desires manifest from fear and trembling, in other words reverence and righteous awe (Philippians 2:12; Psalm 2:11), or is that which is carnal still causing your dis–ease, your tendency to search outside of Me for your pleasure and comfort? Did you forget that I Am the One who gives and takes away (Job 1:21)?
May I ask you how much My Son’s death is worth to you? He is here at My right hand, seated high above all things, and He is watching (Ephesians 1:20; Hebrews 8:1). He says, “I see everything that gives your heart more pleasure than what you derive from our Father’s presence. I see all things that please you more than the life I gave for you. I see all of your objects of worship. And I weep for you.”
There are many things for you to enjoy loved one. But I demand the proper order of your worship. Your false peace will be revealed to you with or without your consent. Do you have the courage to join this heavenly dance before being forced (Philippians 2:10)? The work I have started in you will be completed. I gave you My word (Philippians 1:6). Listen and obey My Son’s words as recorded by My servant Matthew (Mattityahu in Hebrew – the gift of Yahweh). But, seek first the Kingdom of the Mighty One and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:33) This is the only way. It will not change. Walk in it!
Serve Yahweh with fear, and rejoice with trembling. (Psalm 2:11)
When I am week HE is Strong
My Little Ones
(#002 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
www.Sufferwell.org
Protect their little hearts,
that innocence remain.
All that have betrayed us,
that they not feel the pain.
Infusions of love and peace,
their hearts feel no strain.
These are my little ones,
My hope. My daughters. My sons.
Fiercely I protect them,
with prayers and supplication.
I set them in Your palm,
their ministers stand nearby.
Not one hair missing, no tears in their eyes.
Protect there little hearts,
that innocence remain.
All those that have betrayed us,
that they not feel the pain.
It is in the weakness you are strong (2 Corinthians 12:10). You must, however, give praise in this. Giving in is not an option; rejoicing is commanded. Fall into His hands if you must fall, but know it is into His hands, and in this rejoice. It’s surrendering to Him that brings joy in the morning (Psalm 30:5). He does not need you to set the direction. He does not want you to set the direction. Fall into His hands; rest in His hands, as He takes you where you are going. Sing a song of praise as He carries you to His destiny. You are strong when you are weak; the weakness nurtures humility and a contrite heart. This He Divinely inspires and requires. This is His way; walk in it.
My sacrifice, O Mighty One, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart You, Almighty, will not despise. (Psalm 51:17)
Take Me There
As we get by in life we have to understand one of the greatest blessings our Creator gives is Shalom, peace. We need to ask him to Take Us There
Suffer Well Devotional Series
www.Sufferwell.org Father,
please take me there.
Take Me There
(#005 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
Father, please take me there.
Will I always just be hanging on Father, like a man gritting his teeth, waiting for a final decision? If I am victorious in Yahshua the Messiah, why do I feel as if I am falling? My only hope is that You will be there to catch me. If You left Your peace with me (John 14:27), then why am I still searching for it? Abba, what is this peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7)?
I have given my will over to You and continuously press hard to never take it back. I desire only Your presence in the broken places. Father, will I always have to fight like this? Your promise is clear; “Rest in Yahweh, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.” (Psalm 37:7) Why, then, do I struggle to find this rest? How can I claim the victory before the battle has begun? Let me hear Your voice; “Go, for I have given them into your hands?” (Joshua 10:8)
Even as the death of everything I have ever known stares me in the face, may I see what You see for me? I surrender all to You, even the unwilling parts. Take them anyway. I need Your peace and joy instead Father. May I move past constantly crying out for peace into the peace itself? You tell me it’s mine, please show me how to turn the key and walk through the doorway into peace. As I acknowledge my depravity, let the Spiritual abundance come! If I must fall, let me fall into the arms of the author and perfector of my faith (Hebrews 12:2).
O my Mighty One, my soul is cast down within me;
Therefore I will remember You from the land of the Jordan,
And from the heights of Hermon,
From the Hill Mizar.
Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls;
All Your waves and billows have gone over me.
Yahweh will command His lovingkindness in the daytime,
And in the night His song shall be with me—
A prayer to the Mighty One of my life.
(Psalm 42:6-8)
Father, please take me there.
Merciful One
Merciful One from the Suffer Well Devotional Series) Here is the link to the video on Mercy by Carols Perdomo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLxlN… Yet He was merciful; He forgave their iniquities and did not destroy them. Time after time, He restrained His anger and did not stir up His full wrath. He remembered that they were but flesh, a passing breeze that does not return. (Psalm 78:38) It is because of My love for you that I grieve over you. You see, your anger manifests from selfish desire, whereas Mine rises in desiring for you. Have I not said all that I have done is good? (Genesis 1:31; Romans 8:28) Every time you walk away from My Garden of love, My only choice is to watch, as My children walk into pain. My anger is kindled as you walk away from all of the blessings I have for you. Do I raise cursed children? Oh how you need to long to know Me better. My ways, unlike yours, are always directed towards goodness. How many times would you watch a young child slam her head into a wall, after explaining to her why it will only hurt her? What bothers you most about a scenario as this? Of course, it is the pain you see the young girl putting herself through. After a bit, it causes you to stop her against her will. Yes My child, this is what burdens Me about My children. The constant desire to add pain to the life I have provided for you. Yes, now you see. Obedience to Me is mandatory, however, only so I can bless you more. I am Abba Father, and I know better than you.
Esther 1
Esther 1
The King’s Banquet
1 These events happened in the days of King Xerxes,[a] who reigned over 127 provinces stretching from India to Ethiopia.[b] 2 At that time Xerxes ruled his empire from his royal throne at the fortress of Susa. 3 In the third year of his reign, he gave a banquet for all his nobles and officials. He invited all the military officers of Persia and Media as well as the princes and nobles of the provinces. 4 The celebration lasted 180 days—a tremendous display of the opulent wealth of his empire and the pomp and splendor of his majesty.
5 When it was all over, the king gave a banquet for all the people, from the greatest to the least, who were in the fortress of Susa. It lasted for seven days and was held in the courtyard of the palace garden. 6 The courtyard was beautifully decorated with white cotton curtains and blue hangings, which were fastened with white linen cords and purple ribbons to silver rings embedded in marble pillars. Gold and silver couches stood on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and other costly stones.
7 Drinks were served in gold goblets of many designs, and there was an abundance of royal wine, reflecting the king’s generosity. 8 By edict of the king, no limits were placed on the drinking, for the king had instructed all his palace officials to serve each man as much as he wanted.
9 At the same time, Queen Vashti gave a banquet for the women in the royal palace of King Xerxes.
Queen Vashti Deposed
10 On the seventh day of the feast, when King Xerxes was in high spirits because of the wine, he told the seven eunuchs who attended him—Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas— 11 to bring Queen Vashti to him with the royal crown on her head. He wanted the nobles and all the other men to gaze on her beauty, for she was a very beautiful woman. 12 But when they conveyed the king’s order to Queen Vashti, she refused to come. This made the king furious, and he burned with anger.
13 He immediately consulted with his wise advisers, who knew all the Persian laws and customs, for he always asked their advice. 14 The names of these men were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan—seven nobles of Persia and Media. They met with the king regularly and held the highest positions in the empire.
15 “What must be done to Queen Vashti?” the king demanded. “What penalty does the law provide for a queen who refuses to obey the king’s orders, properly sent through his eunuchs?”
16 Memucan answered the king and his nobles, “Queen Vashti has wronged not only the king but also every noble and citizen throughout your empire. 17 Women everywhere will begin to despise their husbands when they learn that Queen Vashti has refused to appear before the king. 18 Before this day is out, the wives of all the king’s nobles throughout Persia and Media will hear what the queen did and will start treating their husbands the same way. There will be no end to their contempt and anger.
19 “So if it please the king, we suggest that you issue a written decree, a law of the Persians and Medes that cannot be revoked. It should order that Queen Vashti be forever banished from the presence of King Xerxes, and that the king should choose another queen more worthy than she. 20 When this decree is published throughout the king’s vast empire, husbands everywhere, whatever their rank, will receive proper respect from their wives!”
21 The king and his nobles thought this made good sense, so he followed Memucan’s counsel. 22 He sent letters to all parts of the empire, to each province in its own script and language, proclaiming that every man should be the ruler of his own home and should say whatever he pleases.[c]
Footnotes:
Song of Songs 7
Song of Solomon 7
1 [a]How beautiful are your sandaled feet,
O queenly maiden.
Your rounded thighs are like jewels,
the work of a skilled craftsman.
2 Your navel is perfectly formed
like a goblet filled with mixed wine.
Between your thighs lies a mound of wheat
bordered with lilies.
3 Your breasts are like two fawns,
twin fawns of a gazelle.
4 Your neck is as beautiful as an ivory tower.
Your eyes are like the sparkling pools in Heshbon
by the gate of Bath-rabbim.
Your nose is as fine as the tower of Lebanon
overlooking Damascus.
5 Your head is as majestic as Mount Carmel,
and the sheen of your hair radiates royalty.
The king is held captive by its tresses.
6 Oh, how beautiful you are!
How pleasing, my love, how full of delights!
7 You are slender like a palm tree,
and your breasts are like its clusters of fruit.
8 I said, “I will climb the palm tree
and take hold of its fruit.”
May your breasts be like grape clusters,
and the fragrance of your breath like apples.
9 May your kisses be as exciting as the best wine—
Young Woman
Yes, wine that goes down smoothly for my lover,
flowing gently over lips and teeth.[b]
10 I am my lover’s,
and he claims me as his own.
11 Come, my love, let us go out to the fields
and spend the night among the wildflowers.[c]
12 Let us get up early and go to the vineyards
to see if the grapevines have budded,
if the blossoms have opened,
and if the pomegranates have bloomed.
There I will give you my love.
13 There the mandrakes give off their fragrance,
and the finest fruits are at our door,
new delights as well as old,
which I have saved for you, my lover.
Footnotes:
Reconciliation with God and People
Here is the original video that I refer to in this video
How Reconciliation Works – Patrick Doyle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrNVTZdipjE
Song of Songs 5
Song of Songs 5
Young Man
1 I have entered my garden, my treasure,[a] my bride!
I gather myrrh with my spices
and eat honeycomb with my honey.
I drink wine with my milk.
Young Women of Jerusalem
Oh, lover and beloved, eat and drink!
Yes, drink deeply of your love!
Young Woman
2 I slept, but my heart was awake,
when I heard my lover knocking and calling:
“Open to me, my treasure, my darling,
my dove, my perfect one.
My head is drenched with dew,
my hair with the dampness of the night.”
3 But I responded,
“I have taken off my robe.
Should I get dressed again?
I have washed my feet.
Should I get them soiled?”
4 My lover tried to unlatch the door,
and my heart thrilled within me.
5 I jumped up to open the door for my love,
and my hands dripped with perfume.
My fingers dripped with lovely myrrh
as I pulled back the bolt.
6 I opened to my lover,
but he was gone!
My heart sank.
I searched for him
but could not find him anywhere.
I called to him,
but there was no reply.
7 The night watchmen found me
as they made their rounds.
They beat and bruised me
and stripped off my veil,
those watchmen on the walls.
8 Make this promise, O women of Jerusalem—
If you find my lover,
tell him I am weak with love.
Young Women of Jerusalem
9 Why is your lover better than all others,
O woman of rare beauty?
What makes your lover so special
that we must promise this?
Young Woman
10 My lover is dark and dazzling,
better than ten thousand others!
11 His head is finest gold,
his wavy hair is black as a raven.
12 His eyes sparkle like doves
beside springs of water;
they are set like jewels
washed in milk.
13 His cheeks are like gardens of spices
giving off fragrance.
His lips are like lilies,
perfumed with myrrh.
14 His arms are like rounded bars of gold,
set with beryl.
His body is like bright ivory,
glowing with lapis lazuli.
15 His legs are like marble pillars
set in sockets of finest gold.
His posture is stately,
like the noble cedars of Lebanon.
16 His mouth is sweetness itself;
he is desirable in every way.
Such, O women of Jerusalem,
is my lover, my friend.
Song of Solomon 4
Song of Solomon 4
Young Man
4 You are beautiful, my darling,
beautiful beyond words.
Your eyes are like doves
behind your veil.
Your hair falls in waves,
like a flock of goats winding down the slopes of Gilead.
2 Your teeth are as white as sheep,
recently shorn and freshly washed.
Your smile is flawless,
each tooth matched with its twin.[a]
3 Your lips are like scarlet ribbon;
your mouth is inviting.
Your cheeks are like rosy pomegranates
behind your veil.
4 Your neck is as beautiful as the tower of David,
jeweled with the shields of a thousand heroes.
5 Your breasts are like two fawns,
twin fawns of a gazelle grazing among the lilies.
6 Before the dawn breezes blow
and the night shadows flee,
I will hurry to the mountain of myrrh
and to the hill of frankincense.
7 You are altogether beautiful, my darling,
beautiful in every way.
8 Come with me from Lebanon, my bride,
come with me from Lebanon.
Come down[b] from Mount Amana,
from the peaks of Senir and Hermon,
where the lions have their dens
and leopards live among the hills.
9 You have captured my heart,
my treasure,[c] my bride.
You hold it hostage with one glance of your eyes,
with a single jewel of your necklace.
10 Your love delights me,
my treasure, my bride.
Your love is better than wine,
your perfume more fragrant than spices.
11 Your lips are as sweet as nectar, my bride.
Honey and milk are under your tongue.
Your clothes are scented
like the cedars of Lebanon.
12 You are my private garden, my treasure, my bride,
a secluded spring, a hidden fountain.
13 Your thighs shelter a paradise of pomegranates
with rare spices—
henna with nard,
14 nard and saffron,
fragrant calamus and cinnamon,
with all the trees of frankincense, myrrh, and aloes,
and every other lovely spice.
15 You are a garden fountain,
a well of fresh water
streaming down from Lebanon’s mountains.
Young Woman
16 Awake, north wind!
Rise up, south wind!
Blow on my garden
and spread its fragrance all around.
Come into your garden, my love;
taste its finest fruits.