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.

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.

Nothing can separate us from the love of God

Perfect Pitch

(#200 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

www.sufferwell.orgImagine, if you will, a tuning fork. Its purpose, when struck, is to bring everything around it in tune with itself. Energy or vibration can be measured by what is known as frequency. The human spirit has a frequency as well and, although every one of us is gifted with a unique frequency, those of us who are born again, born of the Spirit of the Mighty Creator, are called to come into unison with Him. There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:4)

He is the perfect Source, the Supernatural pitch. When we align with His power (Spirit, frequency), we then live in a perfect place and are perfectly positioned to do His will. Has it not been said that “in His presence is peace and joy?” (Psalm 16:11) It is in His presence that we are perfectly in tune and can hear the voice (Spirit, frequency, power) of our Heavenly Father.

As we are told, “He is in us and we are in Him because He has given us His Spirit.” (1 John 4:13) It is for this reason we can be in perfect pitch with Him and, furthermore, we can never truly stay away from the perfect source of our strength. Yes, though we may stray, we are never fully separated from that which makes perfect music together. Should I stumble that I should fall? Certainly not! (Romans 11:11) Nothing can separate us from the love of Yahweh which is in the Messiah Yahshua our Master (Romans 8:39).

We are called to be one unified energy (spirit people) all working together in a unified manner. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Master, one faith, one baptism; one Mighty One and Father of all [whom have been chosen], who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (Ephesians 4:4-6)

All of this pitch, energy, vibration, and frequency talk is true, and yet you need to be careful about getting lost in the science of the many “new age” movements. We enlightened ones do this by acknowledging the shed (removed) blood (carnal life force) of Yahshua. It is His shed blood alone that gave us the right to shed our own, and therefore align with the only pure source of energy–the Holy Spirit. And it is through worship that we acknowledge our redemption. Listen for the will of your Father and daily tune your instrument (mind) to receive. It is then, and only then, that you can truly give the words of life to a dying world.

Submit, Repent, and Forgive

Reality Check 2

(#196 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

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His [Yahweh’s] intent was that now, through the assembly, the many-sided wisdom of the Almighty Father might be known to the principalities and authorities in the heavenlies, according to the everlasting purpose which He made in the Messiah Yahshua our Master, in whom we have boldness and access, with reliance, through belief in Him. (Ephesians 3:10-12)

“Might be made known,” to whom? My intent, through you, is to affect what realms? I Am trying to teach you to understand Kingdom principles. You trust your five senses too much! Tell Me child, how do any of your five senses operate in the heavenly realms? Get wisdom, get understanding! May I call earth a “lower reality,” and not lose you? How often do you speak of the eternal as if it were a future thing? The eternal is now and it is the very thing I choose to affect. I tell you it is not flesh and blood you wage war against; “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12) Why then are all of your prayers (issues) regarding flesh and blood?

It is My Kingdom that will manifest physically upon this earth. Think of it as a rope you grab and with every act of righteousness, through faith, you pull down the Kingdom of Heaven to earth. “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!” John the Baptizer’s last message in Matthew 3:2, and Yahshua’s first message in Matthew 4:17.

When “The Kingdom is within you” (Luke 17:21), your world will disappear (the lower reality). The Tree of Life is certain to make the senses a mere novelty when you realize your eternity is spiritual and not physical. You are in the flesh, but you are not the flesh! Ask yourself what spiritual senses you are using in your daily activities. Spiritual senses do not feed the flesh (carnal desires) as the five senses do. Ask yourself, “How can I suffer for You? How can I forgive unceasingly? How can I abate all that keeps me bound to the lower places?” These are the questions that release the spirit senses, the mystique of all the unseen things I have promised those who obey Me.

You have malakim (angels) that wait upon your command. Your words can manifest new realities; My power is in you (Ephesians 1:19-20). This is a reality check for you. Choose this day which reality I desire and then live (consciously reside) there.

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)!

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!

Freedom? 4th of July Message Who to Vote For

Freedom? 4th of July Message Who to Vote For

Give Thanks to Yahweh

Thanks

(#188 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His Name. (Psalm 100:4)

O Yahweh, let my words of thanksgiving settle in Your ears like the dew. Let my praise form like manna on the earth. May my worship be as sweet as honey cakes. I know that it is Your joy that my words of thanksgiving actually become provision for me, blessings and the bread of life.

You knew me before You formed me in the womb (Jeremiah 1:5). I dreamed of You then. I felt Your love before I was born. Then, as an innocent child, my dreams remained from You, nothing clouding my intention. They were good, pure, and hopeful. They were thoughts of what good I could do for others.

Thank You Father; the fire of affliction has returned me to this place. Thank You for Your love which has forged the hot iron of my will to conform to Yours. Thank You that You did not leave me to myself. Thank You for Your pruning which exposed my heart, and for Your power that comes with Your revelation. Thank You for skimming the dross so that what is pure in me remains. Thank You for not letting me stay the same.

I became a child again and You removed my abilities in this season. And You did it to reconstruct my temple. Thank You that during this rebirth You sustained only those things that I truly love most, the things of You. My spirit thanks You. Wonderful are Your ways; magnanimous are Your deeds.

Note to the reader: No matter what you are going through right now, even if it seems like no one cares, we care. We want to tell you to hold on, not with gritting teeth, but with a mind that says “He won’t lie to me. He won’t let my life become worthless. My day is coming; I will rise again, and I will be better than ever.” We know what it feels like to wonder if life is worth it, and we have come to a new place, a Promised Land. And we want to tell you that all your pain will soon be something glorious. You will look back at it and you will truly understand that without it, you could have never known what pure joy is. You will realize that grief and the feeling of despair are actually holy emotions used to allow you to experience how joyful joy is. Hold on: we are with you.

I Am is with you.

The Battle is Won

The Battle is Won

(#187 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

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Yahweh, there is no one like You to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, Yahweh our Mighty One, for we rely on You, and in Your Name we have come against this vast army. Yahweh, You are our Mighty One; do not let mere mortals prevail against You! (2 Chronicles 14:11)

How could victory not be celebrated, even now? And in the process, how can you consider any loss a mistake?

The Sovereignty of our Creator mandates that all battles are His. We proclaim, “The battle belongs to Yahweh.” (1 Samuel 17:47) We call Him King of the universe; and we ascribe to Him His rightful title as “I Am,” yet we still have fear. We doubt as we wonder what more might be taken. We often think of Job as the courageous one, forgetting the most pivotal part of his story; he repented and praised Yahweh after his loss (Job 42:5-6). He declared, “Yahweh has given, and Yahweh has taken away.” (Job 1:21)

The scriptures teach us that what we lose is meant to be lost and what we gain is only blessed if it comes according to our Creator’s will. If we trust Him for the battle, then we must accept that loss is just as valuable and perfect as gain.

Pruning often involves persecution. But even so, the battles we face are truly not ours to fight. If this is true, AND IT IS, then no enemy can prevail against us. The pruning we experience as a result of the persecution is actually intended to squelch the internal battle we fight against Yahweh. That’s correct; most of our pain (mind strife) is due to our struggle against our Creator, not our supposed enemies.

With this new understanding, let us be content with Him taking what He takes and giving what He gives. Have a grateful heart (mind) no matter the situation. He knows best what is excess and what is not. If we are going to trust Him, we must go all the way. Anything less is merely lukewarm faith, and that makes our Creator nauseous. (Revelation 3:16)