Tag Archives: Christian to Torah
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)
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.
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.
I Need That
I Need That
(#067 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Father, when a word I give helps another, I need that.
When I dream of how Your blessings are coming and someone confirms it, I need that.
When I pray to You and sense Your strong presence, I need that.
When friends and loved ones pray for me, I need that.
When my children can still find joy in You even while I suffer, I need that.
When my children desire to stay intimate with me, I need that.
When I pray and You answer, I need that.
When I ask You to show me the way and You do, I need that.
The faith to trust what I cannot see, I need that.
Daily hope, I need that.
Whispers from Your Spirit, I need that.
Words of affirmation, I need that.
Favor, I need that.
Forgiveness, I need that.
Wisdom and knowledge, I need that.
Humility and meekness, I need that.
The ability to sing no matter the circumstance, I need that.
The heart to continually worship, I need that.
Courage, I need that.
Strength to stand before my Goliath, I need that.
Peace and prosperity, I need that.
Father, you provide all we need because You promise that we shall not want (Psalm 23). You promise that through the knowledge and understanding of You we will have all we need for life. Please fill our hearts so completely that we would no longer are aware of what we need.
Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of the Almighty and the Master Yahshua Messiah, as His Spiritual power has given to us all things that pertain to life and being conformed to His Mighty image, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the spiritual nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (2 Peter 1:2-4)
No Fear If We Care
Do We Really Care?
(#065 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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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©)
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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.”
Come Out of Babylon!
Come Out!
(#063 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Have I not told you, you are not to have friendship with this world (James 4:4)? If so, why do you choose to live like those who are strangers and foreigners to My family? Look at your life! Is this why I created you? Why is your life so—typical? In other words, why is it not set-apart from the world? My Kingdom suffers violence, and the violent [My hungry children] take it by force. (Matthew 11:12) Politics? What do I care about Caesar’s agenda? Economics? The gold and silver are mine! Society and life? Read Exodus! What do you think I meant when I said, “Come out of her My people”? (Revelation 18:4) Answer Me! What does this mean to you?
Listen to Me child. Babylon will always “babble-on.” Consider this; I planned the existence of evil so that good would have to overcome. It’s the battle the makes life what it is. How could righteousness be proven unless evil existed? How long will you play with what is not intended for you? I am fiercely protective of My culture and My boundaries. I may have a melting pot of children, but My culture is never to be changed or watered down to appease man’s disdainful compromises. Why else would I tell you that the same law applies to both the native-born [thoughts birthed in righteousness] and the foreigner [thoughts opposed to cleanliness] (Leviticus 24:22; Numbers 15:16; Exodus 12:49)? As such, the “foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt.” (Leviticus 19:34)
My most basic commands mandate separation (set-apartness, holiness)! Have I not called you My treasured possession? (Exodus 19:5) You are not of this world, you are citizens of Heaven [exalted conscience] (Philippians 3:20). Stop trying to blend into cultures that are not of Me. Mine is a culture of priests and prophets! Do something about your faith! If it is glory I seek, will I not help you do glorious things? Open your eyes! The light is right in front of you. Sojourners do not settle in; they know they are not staying and keep a loose grip on anything that will not remain when My Kingdom comes. That is the way it should be for you NOW! On earth as it is in My Kingdom (Matthew 6:10). Do not let Caesar entice you any longer. Come out I say; Come out! Your life, the entirety of your conscious and subconscious existence, depends on it.
Order of Yahweh
Family
(#062 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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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.
Scripture for everyday that say Fear Not
The Watchtower
(#061 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Yet I will rejoice in Yahweh, I will joy in the Mighty One of my salvation. Yahweh Almighty is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills. (Habakkuk 3:18-19)
Oh Father, bring us to the watchtower as You did Habakkuk. Allow us to see Your purpose for us from a perspective higher than ours. Would Your grace grant us the privilege of seeing the way which has been planned for us. Oh, how we long to dance on the heights with You. Show us the way my King. Why must the unknown still seem so—fearful?
You speak to us of the “sacrifice of praise” Abba (Psalm 50:5, Psalm 107:22). The reality is that You have ordained that we must worship while in pain, and more so, that it is by this process that all pain is removed. Give us a supernatural zeal for this process Father; make it so sweet to us, even as You form our minds (hearts) with Your chisel. You have thus spoken that You are our answer to everything, the fulfillment of “exceedingly great and precious promises” (2 Peter 1:3-4), and yet, we still have questions. This too is part of Your process.
We must rejoice and praise in obedience to Your commands regardless of how we “feel.” It is in this that we cry out for Your strength Mighty Father. Even the zeal to praise You through our suffering comes from You. Where else can we go Father? Only You can increase our love for You, and we confess how much more of it we need. This is the mind You gave us and only You can define love. Where else can we go Father? Teach us to love You effortlessly and, in this, let us experience pieces of the joy of Your salvation until we are whole, complete, lacking no good thing (James 1:4). From the watchtower in our conscience we look for You every moment of every day. Be our beacon Abba. Show us the way.