Tag Archives: Brad Scott
Give Your Best Effort To Seek and Find Yahweh
If You Seek
(#072 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
www.sufferwell.org
“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.
Suffering Removes Sin
Suffering Removes Sin
(#070 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
www.sufferwell.orgWho created the Valley of the Shadow of Death (Psalm 23)? Who created the idea of death itself? Who created the evil one for the tempting? Who created physical and emotional tests? Dare you, My creation, steal My thunder and give credit to another. I own all I’ve created, and this includes suffering. It is Mine and you need to learn of and from it.
Brace yourself, all of you who claim to love Me. Your suffering is produced, directly or indirectly, from sin. Hear this! Suffering removes sin; it is designed to do so. Some insist on suffering as they persist in sinning. Slow your mind; I know that you have questions. I also know of your misunderstanding of My ways; My ways are above yours (Isaiah 55:9). I want you to listen as I say it again. Directly or indirectly, sin results in suffering. And what is even harder to swallow is that My perfect Son suffered for your sins! This proves that one can suffer because of the actions of others. Think about how this plays out in marriage, for instance. Of course your sins affect others. The same goes for the body, My people, Israyl. Yes, I know it is a big responsibility to consider that your personal sin affects many, but you had better accept it. It is My reality, and it does not change.
Do not resist Me about this! If My son remained sinless and yet suffered because of sin, how much more you? Do not conceptualize suffering in your mind as condemnation, instead, think sanctification. Suffering purifies. Read the words of My Spirit in Hebrews 2:10. “For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.” Yes, it is My pleasure to introduce you to suffering and purge out the evil in you.
In My eyes you are already white as snow (Isaiah 1:18), however, you are still conscious of your sin. It is your mind that still needs to be cleansed. You need to be able to say, without wavering, “Imitate me as I imitate the Messiah!” (1 Corinthians 11:1) Suffering will certainly help bring this to pass. Tell Me that you love My ways, the patterns in which I operate, and how I always work for the “good” of those who are called according to My purpose (Romans 8:28). Can you remember that suffering is the path to My goodness? It is a treasured tool that produces fruit. Embrace My pattern; it really is for your good.
No Fear If We Care
Do We Really Care?
(#065 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
www.sufferwell.org
Father, Your ways are far superior to ours; we will trust You, even when Your power frightens us. We will not place our trust in another. We won’t even concern ourselves with how You will deliver us. All we need is to hear Your voice say, “I Am the Almighty; walk before Me faithfully and blameless.” (Genesis 17:1) Speak and we will follow.
You have taught us many things Abba and these are what come to mind, these are what permeate our consciousness:
1. You will not stand for Your children living in fear of man;
2. Fear of man is sin in Your eyes. It says, “I don’t trust You Father;”
3. Throughout Your word you teach Your children that they will never be dismayed, condemned, shamed, or humiliated;
4. You instill in us that shame and condemnation wreak havoc in the minds of Your children because Your children disobey. Though Your love can restore it all, lack of faith only supports the shame within;
5. We do not need to defend ourselves and the only battle that matters is the battle to believe You;
6. You demonstrate Your consuming love and jealousy for Your children;
7. You remind us about Your Son’s death and how the shedding of His blood brings the fullness of Your power into our lives. Life is in His shed blood;
8. You command us to worship and praise in what seems like our darkest hours and that by obedience to this You will cause the sun to shine again. Joy and prosperity will come.
So Father, we don’t care what others may say. We will radically do as You say. If man is to align with us in our efforts, You will show us. Otherwise, we are sold out to You alone. We need to see Your word come true for us. We need You to forever remove any fear of man in us, and any irrational fear we might have of You, and replace it with awe and a mesmerizing addiction to You. So be it!
The Purpose of God For Us
The Key
(#064 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
www.sufferwell.org
Yahweh is exalted, for He dwells on high; He will fill Zion with justice and righteousness, He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of Yahweh is the key to this treasure. (Isaiah 33:5-6) Fear of Yahweh makes Him your solid foundation! When you reverence Him, He becomes a vast storehouse of wellbeing for your soul. And He lavishes you with insight and understanding of His deep mysteries.
“If I called it treasure, then you would do well to pay attention,” says Yahweh. “Has there ever been a greater treasure than what is found in Me? Treasures are, of course, hidden and valuable mysteries. Yes, they take time and effort to find, but what is revealed will be well worth your search. Yes, it is deep revelation. As you sketch the map that leads to My treasure, “X” marks the spot. And the X is fear, holy reverence of Me My child. Where proper fear exists, there is a multitude of treasures. The bounty is yours for the taking.
What am I asking of you? What is a fuller understanding of proper fear of Me? It is many things My loved one, as every area of your life needs a specific application of fear. May I give you a few definitions?
Awe and wonder: a state of amazement.
Reverence: recognizing My holiness and Supreme authority.
To be afraid: dread of standing on My holy ground in an unclean state.
Yes My child, all of these apply, and all of these must be applied to every area of your thought life. What you think, and therefore, what you do, incorporates all of these applications of fear. It’s time to remind you that this is the path to the treasure you desire. It is the sure foundation for your salvation (soul wellbeing), wisdom (deep insight), and knowledge (spiritual understanding), and all of these you can have in abundance when you fear Me.
Be practical about this. Have this mind in you. ‘I have to make a decision Father. You are the magnanimous One, and I will not consider anything man has to say, nor will I be influenced by man, until I hear from You first. Though I may get counsel from many, I will wait upon You for the final answer. If I don’t directly hear from You and my peace remains, I will move forward in faith of good counsel. If I need to change course, please allow me to hear Your voice. It is You alone I follow Father.’
Yes My child. This incorporates all aspects of properly fearing Me. I can work mightily in you when you have this mindset. I desire to hand you the key to My treasures. Please allow Me the joy of doing so. It is what I Am due.”
Order of Yahweh
Family
(#062 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
www.sufferwell.org
Father (Yahweh, the great I AM); Mother (Ama, Spirit, Help Meet); Son (Yahshua, “Yahweh saves”); and Daughter (the Bride, the called out chosen), yes, this is the family order. Certainly, it is My most precious concept. May I share My plan for the family with you? I wish to reveal My purpose for such a concept.
Yes, I am He who reveals things in many deep layers. Has not My Son said, “On earth as it is in heaven?” (Matthew 9:9-15) The earthly family should be a mirror image of My Kingdom family. It must have proper order instituted. Authority should be understood in its right context. Your family (as the Spiritual family does) should display perfect unity of thought and action. Joy, as well as all facets of love, should be demonstrated in service to one another and on display in every decision and action. (1 Corinthians 13)
Add this understanding of family to all other things which are expected of you in the earthly realm: pro-creation (a fruitful multiplying); exhorting and building up future generations (who will bring Me glory); enduring together in times of testing; and standing against foreign principalities in unity (which will prove My power). And what of My body, My called out chosen, preparing herself as a bride adorned for her husband (Revelation 21:2)? She must be: unified; holy; and respectful of each member. Your role is to find your purpose as part of the body, your created purpose, as you actively plan for the wedding supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:6-9).
I have commanded that your family be modeled after the heavenly pattern, so do not be dismayed by the attacks against the family and marriage. It only reveals the value I place on them. It is an indicator of how much I protect such things; and yes, that means I Am on your side in reference to family matters.
Hasatan (Satan, ego) knows we will be united, yet, he still believes he can change My plan. He has waged an all-out war against you. But, I laugh at his folly (Psalm 37:12-13). Be on guard! Do not fall for the tricks and traps he lays for you! I will give you wisdom about his ways if you so desire to seek. I Am a protector; you have the same obligation. Have I not said, “The two will become one flesh; and let no man separate?” (Ephesians 5:31 from Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:6) Yes, I Am very pro-family. I understand what it takes. Be diligent. Be wise. Love your family, and resist the temptations of the evil one.
Take Your Faith To The Next Level
The Purge!
(#058 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
www.Sufferwell.org
You were manifest before eternity,
A sparkling pattern revealed to see.
Your light lit infinitely beyond the universe,
My point of reference, “all me,” how perverse!
A gift from heaven, far beyond mine,
Our two worlds collided at a moment in time;
The nations waged war for my soul, a vain past,
Then my children were born, was this new life at last?
But I tripped and I stumbled, and I asked when, what, why?
Something painful was birthing, and I still chose the lie.
But all in an instant my eyes made to see,
The veil torn apart, happened there on a tree.
Fighting so long to finally be free,
Each punch caused the shackles to tighten ‘round me.
It seemed many times I’d finally been won,
But this time, at last, a new heart has begun.
Dry bones once so brittle now taking on flesh,
Just talk to the potter, my lump was a mess.
My vessel reshaping, final form yet undone,
It’s taking some time, He’s making a son!
My heart is about to truly transform,
So, I SUBMIT to my Father; I reject what was norm.
As He changes, and mends, and molds, I pray please…
My appeal to Yahweh, “Connect my heart to my knees.”
“How will you make him?” heavenly hosts inquire,
“This one is so special; I’ll make him by fire.”
For it is here I will serve You the rest of my days,
If it’s fire You’ll use, please set me ablaze!
“How much more shall the blood of Messiah, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to the Almighty, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living Mighty One?” (Hebrews 9:14)
S.U.B.M.I.T.
S.U.B.M.I.T.
(#057 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
www.sufferwell.org
Sometimes I think I have given everything to Him, whether by choice or being forced by His strong hand. Yet, I still dream of a new day with new hopes; I have plans. Of course, hopes, dreams and plans are biblical, but must be surrendered to Yahweh for Him to overrule at His good pleasure;
Unless we do this, we are really just setting up our own agendas and expecting Him to honor our vain plans for our lives. Even when we strongly believe that our hopes, dreams, and plans are from Him, we often struggle to persevere when tested. Fear of not knowing what the future holds clouds our confidence in Him;
Believing that the things we dream of shall come to pass is often the only hope we have throughout the day. Sometimes what we dream of is so magnificent, yet so unfamiliar, and the battle is so great, that all we can do is stand back and receive the words our ancestors did long ago; “Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but the Almighty’s.” (2 Chronicles 20:15)
Mind over matter is a big piece of faith, as it is the constant renewing of our fleshly mindsets that allows us to take on Wisdom in all her beauty. It allows us to rethink our realities and to conform to those of our Creator’s, all while proclaiming, “Your ways are higher than ours.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)
I will personally choose the path of the created, rather than the selfish mindset which considers itself sovereign or “self” created. Some of you might think that this is too radical, deciding instead to fuel your own agendas, framing them in your mind as if they are “convictions or directions” from Him. It is through compromise that we convince ourselves that our plans must surely be His plans, even while we never stop to ask Him if He approves, never inquiring if He who gives us breath and life actually condones our actions;
To You Yahweh, I lift up my soul. I long to trust in You alone. I hand You my hopes, my dreams, my plans, my fears, and my family. Yes Father, I admit there are parts of me that still don’t know and trust You fully. It is in those foggy areas of my mind that I tend to rely on only what I can see, touch, taste, smell or hear. Help me move beyond my false faith, which is fueled only by tangible things, to true faith which has substance founded on unseen evidence (Hebrews 11:1). May I even hope, dream, and plan for a new day when You permeate me so completely that even the unseen becomes tangible. I believe this is possible because there is nothing You cannot manifest as reality. Nothing is intangible to You!
The Difference Between Man and Beast is Yeshua
What is the difference between our lives and animals lives? There is a big difference. Yes we all die, but, see this video to find out the difference.
The Way of Man
www.sufferwell.org
(#056 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
Moreover I saw under the sun: In the place of judgment, wickedness was there; and in the place of righteousness, iniquity was there. I said in my heart, “The Almighty shall judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.” I said in my heart, “Concerning the condition of the sons of men, the Almighty tests them, that they may see that they themselves are like animals.” For what happens to the sons of men also happens to animals; one thing befalls them: as one dies, so dies the other. Surely, they all have one breath; man has no advantage over animals, for all is vanity. All go to one place: all are from the dust, and all return to dust. Who knows the spirit of the sons of men, which goes upward, and the spirit of the animal, which goes down to the earth? So I perceived that nothing is better than that a man should rejoice in his own works, for that is his heritage. For who can bring him to see what will happen after him? (Ecclesiastes 3:16-22)
You believe He’s the truth just as I do; would you thank me if I told you the truth?
You say you have failed just as I have; would you forgive me if I failed you?
You once called me friend; if I repented for hurting you, would you call me friend again?
You rarely consider others; but if you needed my help, would you know you could ask me?
Would you stand with me if the gates of hell visited my doorstep?
Would you choose me over the love for money and things?
Would you stand in truth, even when that truth is tested?
Do you fear man more than you fear Yahweh?
“Who knows the spirit of the sons of men, which goes upward, and the spirit of the animal, which goes down to the earth?” What makes you different from a beast? It is the work that testifies to your heritage as a child of light, a legacy of love that separates you from the beasts.
Beasts represent all thoughts that say “No” to Yahweh and His commands. They are ever-present and encompass every ugly, unruly, and unclean condition that depicts mankind absent the Spirit of Yahweh. Men minus the Spirit are loveless beasts. Now answer the question. What makes you different from a beast? There is only one thing beloved, His Spirit manifesting His love in you.
You shall love Yahweh your Mighty One with all your heart and with all your soul. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 22:37-40) Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. (John 15:13)
It is the only way; all others are the way of man.
No Prayers for Me
No Prayers for Me
www.sufferwell.org
(#055 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
When My children, did you see,
My lifting up of prayers for Me?
Was “ask and receive” for Me too,
Or was this pattern just for you?
Envision Gethsemane; what was My fear?
For joy set before Me, My resurrection so near!
Perhaps it was when I hung on the stake,
Did I foresee Myself crying “forsake”?
Again I ask, “Did I pray for Me?”
Tell Me My child, what do you see?
Hearken to this reality. Are you searching for hidden truths, the mysteries of the Kingdom, while neglecting the obvious spiritual realities right in front of you? When you read the “model prayer” (Matthew 6:9-13), are you instructed to pray for yourself? You may contend that “give us this day our daily bread” (v. 11) seems like a personal request. But, in context you are instructed to not worry about such things if you seek first the Kingdom (Matthew 6:25-34). And “forgive us our debts” (v. 12); that’s all about forgiving others, as the Messiah’s forgiveness manifests in you.
Do you really believe that because of His Son’s sacrifice the promises of Yahweh are already “yes” and “so be it” (2 Corinthians 1:20)? If so, then why do you insist on asking again for what you already possess because of the faith you were given (Luke 17:6)? Imagine holding a scepter of righteousness. Can you see it in your hand? Now imagine, as you gaze upon it, crying out “Abba, please give me a scepter of righteousness.”
Repent of your unbelief! Repent for not believing that Yahshua’s death answered all of your prayers long before you ever prayed them (Psalm 21:2).
If so, then what is prayer for? Prayer is the communication and communion that builds and strengthens our relationship with the Father, Son and Spirit. But, the emphasis here is to help you recognize that too often your prayers are focused on personal desires in the physical realm, even though Yahshua said, “My Kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36)
This leaves us with something important to consider about the purpose of prayer. If His Kingdom is not of this world, we ought to remodel our prayers to reflect our true identity as sons or daughters of Light, rather than children of “self.” What would that look like? Understanding your true identity would be better expressed with prayers that contain much more thanks and praise and a lot less “give me!” How’s something like this? “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your Kingdom come. Your will be done. On earth as it is in heaven.” Yes, it’s the obvious hiding in plain sight!
Ready to Die For Him
Remove the Grave Clothes
(#054 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
www.sufferwell.org
The Stone Removed
Has not the stone of death been moved?
The stench replaced by living.
Has not the promise of Him been proved?
Your sin… He is forgiving!
Come out I say, remove the cloth,
Let those who see regale.
Strip off the layers, remove the wrap,
Fruit of righteousness prevail.
Baptized into His death…Buried with Him…Raised from the dead….Walk in newness of life…United together in the likeness of His death…Be in the likeness of His resurrection…Our old man was impaled with Him…Sin is done away with…No longer slaves of sin….He who has died has been freed from sin…If we died with Messiah, we shall also live with Him…Reckon yourselves to be dead to sin…but alive to the Mighty One…Not instruments of unrighteousness to sin…Instruments of righteousness…Sin shall not have dominion over you…Set free from sin…Slaves of righteousness! (Romans 6:3-18) Meditate again on this promise! When He died you died; When He resurrected you resurrected with Him to a new life. You are no longer a slave to sin; you are a slave to righteousness.
Was it harder for those around Lazarus (the begging soul helped by Yahweh) to believe he was alive, then for Lazarus himself? Was it a bad dream Lazarus had risen from? “I can’t breathe; what’s this cloth on my face? Help me; I feel like I am suffocating.” Put yourself there; imagine being in his place. You are you know! As the pangs of death surround your soul and mind, you cannot possibly see a way out. Your whole being could simply crumble like dust and vanish. Have you ever been forced in your mind to birth a new reality of a better place, a better way, a higher calling? This is that time!
Arise! I say, arise! Did He not promise that if you lost your life for His sake, you would find a new life (Matthew 10:39)? Lazarus had to die before he could resurrect. And let there be no doubt that once his grave clothes were removed, Lazarus had a mind that could become a slave to righteousness. There was no more uncertainty in him; his life was no longer his own. His new life was purchased for a hefty price (1 Corinthians 6:19-20); the result: he was no longer a slave to sin.
Have you had your own Lazarus experience? Have you come to terms with your total depravity? Have you had a death of self and begged for a resurrection? There is no doubt that, if asked, both Lazarus and Yahshua would both produce the same testimony about their deaths; “My new life is worth the death of my “self.” For the joy set before me (Hebrews 12:2), I would do it again, a thousand times over.” Won’t you?