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A New Heart-Masterfully Restored
Masterfully Restored
(#082 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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The concept of restoration brings many different thoughts to mind. Maybe it’s the renovation of a classic automobile, or the refurbishing of a piece of vintage furniture, or the polishing of an old war piece to bring about its original luster. The idea of restoration involves taking something from the past, repairing it and cleaning it up, so it appears to be new again.
May we share with you Yahweh’s concept of restoration? You see, His way is much different than yours. When He sent His Son to die for your sins, it was not to restore you to your original luster. It was to change you into something completely different, brand new, but different. His restoration does not make you into a “new version of the old you;” it makes you into a totally new creature, like a different species with different DNA. You are made brand new, right out of the box, or coffin if you will. All you were from the past is erased.
Yahweh obviously enjoys the restoration business, making all things new; and He starts in your heart (mind). (Revelation 21:5; Ezekiel 36:26). Becoming brand new was not something you could even conceptualize until that predestined moment when Yahshua, in all His glory, was revealed to your heart. Know this; His process involves much patience, similar to what is needed to restore an old car. And although the transformation begins at the point of redemption, the refining (complete salvation of the mind) can take years to fully form in you (Galatians 4:19).
This refining involves your participation for several reasons. First, He desires that you glorify Him because of it, which is the reason for your restoration in the first place. Second, your daily choice to love Him is what the entire journey is about. To love and glorify Him is a decision you must make. Third, the restoration is to show others the beauty of the new creation, so they too might want to come and enjoy the same journey. Oh, how pleased you will be with His finished product. You are truly one of a kind, an original.
No Weapon “Formed”
No Weapon “Formed”
(#081 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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There are several definitions for the word “form.” One in particular fits perfectly, giving you the clue about how to identify and then root out the personal ego’s pattern. A “form” is a document for the collection of information. Let’s consider that, “No weapon formed against [you] shall prosper.” (Isaiah 54:16-17)
Yes, the forming here is describing an action, but what is being formed, and how, is what we need to pay close attention to. No doubt, it is Yahweh who allows the forming of the weapon, as He is the one who created the blacksmith (v. 16). Yet, the enemy uses this pattern of forming weapons against you as he “prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) And, although the weapon may vary from believer to believer, the pattern is always the same. Follow the target; find the weakness, and then attack. Watch and listen to the response, collect more information, and attack again.
The weapon is always well formed. The enemy does not attack until there is enough information gathered. It might be a female, a new job, or an accusation. It could be wealth or poverty. Whatever weapon has been formed, it is tailor-made to destroy you if possible. How could it be so precise? Exactly what was needed to potentially create a great deal of harm to you? Listen very closely. It’s your life, your own words, and actions that were put into a data base. The weapon was formed precisely because you supplied all the information. Staring at pornography? Obviously lust is a weakness. Talking negative about your boss? Your negativity is now the weapon formed against you. Eighty hour work week while neglecting your faith and family? Your master is money and it now becomes the weapon.
The weapon is customized just by the enemy watching and listening to you. All of its power is gained from your external life, which reveals your mind (heart). There is no need to read thoughts; they are manifested in every action. “Watch and listen.” This is the key to the weapon’s mastery. The enemy is the grand information gatherer.
What now? Guard your words! In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise. (Proverbs 10:19) Let your words be wholesome and few. Go to your Father in silent prayer when you have a problem. And your actions, principalities can see all that you do. Yahweh’s messengers of light are merciful! Satan’s messengers of darkness are deadly! They hear your words; they see everything you do.
Now consider the power of recognizing the truth about how the enemy, and your own sensual desires, form the weapons used against you. It is simply the data that you feed him. Praise Yahweh for He is faithful even when you are not! After you praise Him, change the way you live your life. Stop feeding the weapon which causes you pain and suffering. This is a mature faith indeed.
Yahshua is faithful and will establish you and guard you from the evil one. (2 Thessalonians 3:3)
A Servant’s Prayer
A Servant’s Prayer
(#079 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
www.sufferwell.orgOh Sovereign One, You have begun to show Your servant Your greatness and Your strong hand. For what elohiym (strength or might) is there in heaven or on earth who can do the deeds and mighty works You do? I pray, let me go over and see the good land beyond the Jordan, that fine hill country and Lebanon. (Deuteronomy 3:24-25)
Father, I know I am under Your yoke (Read Lamentations 3:27-39). Your heavy hand is upon me. Your chastening rod is swift and precise. I have experienced a death and pieces of a new life, all at once. So much has been shaken. Mourning and joy have been wrapped together. Like the story about the how the bald eagle would shed its beak, claws, fur—everything, at forty years; all earthly power and glory seemingly lost. I too was forty when You brought me here Father, to shed everything. Moses also was forty when you brought him out, and David too, to be king over all of Israel. As the story goes, in the next season of its life, eagle replaces all that was lost. The creature is renewed entirely. The next forty years are its best. Moses? David? Yes! And what of me Father?
Are my wings full again Father? What of my claws (ability to grasp holy precepts)? I feel Your power, but is it the power of one completely renewed? I am transforming daily, yet, when is enough? My cry: “Father, is this yoke still heavy upon me? Am I still under Your chastening rod, Your face turned from me? (Lamentations 3:7-9) Have I learned my lesson(s)? Is it possible I am missing it completely? I need to know I am pleasing to You. It’s all that matters. It’s all that matters! I will cry out like Moses. ‘You have begun to show your servant Your greatness and Your strong hand. For what elohiym is there in heaven or on earth who can do the deeds and mighty works You do?’ Father, I long to set my feet on the good land. Your milk is the substance of my soul; Your honey is the sweetness of Your voice within me. If I have pleased You, if You have turned back to me, make these words mine. ‘You have begun to show Your greatness and Your strong hand is obvious; Your mighty works are undeniable.’ Come Abba.”
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.
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.
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.