Tag Archives: Christianity
Broken Cisterns Equal a Broken Life
What fills us? What drives us? What helps us? The only answer we should have it, it’s not about what we want but what Yahweh wants. We must learn to deny ourself and follow Him.
Broken Cisterns
(#019 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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“My people have committed two sins [evils]. They have forsaken Me, the fountain of Living Waters, and they have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.” (Jeremiah 2:13)
Am I not I Am who points out transgressions in order to save you? Am I not I Am who sent My Son so that you would return to Me in repentance? Consider this before you readily entangle yourself with the world’s delicacies. My Son was sent to manifest My desire and to redeem a people unto Myself. This could only be done through a demonstration of My power (Ephesians 1:19-20). And, it is only by that power that you can overcome your disobedient choices to continually eat from My forbidden tree, the carnal desire for “free will.”
Stop! Listen! Think! Remember! It is I who draws you back to Me (John 12:32). It is I who chose you (John 15:16). Are you really so dull of mind to think you can fill your own cisterns and be satisfied? The abundance you long for, what will truly fulfill your soul’s desires, can never be “self” generated. I will ultimately dismantle anything that does not align with My will. The vessels I fill have no leak and no lack, and do not desire more than I freely give.
Loved one, I cannot be housed in unclean vessels. Dry bones (Ezekiel 37:1-14) will be your reward apart from Me, nothing but whitewashed tombs (Matthew 23:27). How joyful you were the day I found you. Now, you must count the cost of every thought and action (Luke 14:25-33); this is what I require from My children.
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) Stop trying to fill your own cisterns; they can never hold Living Water. Instead, choose life.
WARNING Beware of Tovia Singer Outreach Judaism
Rabbi Tovia Singer has a ministry called Outreach Judaism and tries to teach people Yeshua (Jesus) is not the Messiah. This video is a public call to repent to Tovia Singer and a warning.
Never a Robot! His BLOOD!
I am no longer a slave to sin. I am a child of God. HIs Blood has saved me. The life is in the blood. Are we following Yahweh by choice? How important is free will? We discuss all that in this video.
Never a Robot!
(#018 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
www.sufferwell.org
For we know that the Law is spiritual; but I am carnal, sold as a slave to sin. (Romans 7:14)
A quaint conversation joined midway through:
Church folk 1: Well, I do have free will. I can make my own decisions, like choosing Jesus.
Church folk 2: Hmm. The bible says, “I [He] chose you.” (John 15:16)
Church folk 1: Yes, but that’s because He knew I would choose Him.
Church folk 2: Where does it say that in the bible?
Church folk 1: Well, I’ll have to look it up, or ask my pastor.
Church folk 2: I am positive it does not say that in the bible, or anything like that. As a matter of fact, it says you were chosen before the foundations of the world (Psalm 90:2), even in your mother’s womb He was your Mighty One (Psalm 22:10). So, are you saying He predestined all of this based upon what you would do?
Church folk 1: Yes right, that is what I’m saying. Well, I think that’s what I’m saying.
Church folk 2: The bible says that the carnal man is at enmity [hostile] towards Him and will not subject himself to Yahweh (Romans 8:7). It also says that we all sin and fall short of His glory (Romans 3:23). So, how did you get holy enough, you know, get over your carnality, long enough to choose Him?
Church folk 1: Well, I did ask Him into my heart. I remember the day like it was yesterday.
Church folk 2: I believe you. I am curious however; was that before or after He gave you a new heart (Deuteronomy 30:6)?
Church folk 1: Well, I guess after.
Church folk 2: So then, did you ask for the new heart before He chose you, or was your new heart His gift to you before there was anything in you good enough to seek Him (Romans 3:10-18)?
Church folk 1: Now that you put it that way, I guess it was His doing.
Church folk 2: So then, what you are really saying is that the new heart He gave you (Ezekiel 36:26) is what prompted your choice to believe, to “ask Him into your heart,” right?
Church folk 1: Well, I guess so, but I’m not a robot you know.
Church folk 2: No, you’re not a robot, just a slave.
“Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or slaves to obedience, which leads to righteousness?” (Romans 6:16)
If it was a virgin birth how is Yeshua in the line of David?
A Jewish lady asked me, how could Yeshua be the messiah if he is of a virgin brith and not of the seed of Joseph or from the line of David. Check out the answer..
Lips For Bulls – How to Love God
Of all the bible verses, of all the things we do, there are just 2 things He ultimately asks of us. Just 2 things! To Show love and to Know Him! All the other scriptures and commands teach us how to do those to things he requires of us. Every single one of us can surly do these 2 things, but we need to read his world to understand how to joyfully accomplishing them each day.
Lips for Bulls
(#016 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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I will not take a bull from your house, nor goats out of your folds. For every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.I know all the birds of the mountains, and the wild beasts of the field are Mine. “If I were hungry, I would not tell you; for the world is Mine, and all its fullness [all that is in it]. Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats? Offer the Almighty thanksgiving, and pay your vows [promises] to the Most High. (Psalm 50:9-14)
It is simple; I say, “Offer thanksgiving and pay your promises.” But instead, you exert so much effort and endure so much self-inflicted struggle, all in vain. Who asked this of you? Do you think your striving is what draws Me near? Do you feel your fear or concerns for provision are some sort of sacrifice that earns you favor? Listen to Me child; My Son demonstrated the only type of sacrifice that I find pleasing, obedience unto death (Philippians 2:8). Your fear-driven sacrifices will never provide what you are looking for, or what I require.
I Am not like an earthly father who seeks to be obeyed, yet lives in sin. My ways are perfect. Yes, I do seek to be obeyed, but not because I Am a self-indulgent task master; My commands are life for you, not tasks (Leviticus 26:3-12). By obeying them, you live the abundant life.
There is no selfishness in My desire to be honored and glorified by you. Remember, I Am your Creator. The blueprint is Mine. The way to peace and joy cannot be altered by your bad doctrine. The only sacrifice I desire from you is the sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15). The fruit of which brings about obedience to My commands. I have given you the instructions; they are your path to blessings, the way to peace and joy.
Do not be deceived any longer thinking that the bulls you choose to slaughter are pleasing to Me. My choice of “bull” is all that matters, and I choose your “self.” A sacrifice of praise from your lips is the authentic sacrifice I Am looking for; it says, “Though You slay me, I will trust in You (Job 13:15). In other words, I surrender my “self.” It empowers unconditional obedience and unquestioned loyalty. Offer thanksgiving and pay your promises; that is what I require; and that is what I will have.
If But Your Garment
What physical object in your life brings you comfort? There should only be one. See this video and learn what that object should be.
If But Your Garment
(#015 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
www.sufferwell.org
Father, you gave me a measure of faith (Romans 12:3), and the directive to grow in the grace and knowledge of Your Son (2 Peter3:18). Your Son promised that He would not only be the author of my faith, but also the perfector [finisher] of it (Hebrews 12:2).
Heavenly Father, I have sought You without ceasing, often with tears. Yet, I’ve remained locked in the prison of my mind. Today, I again surrender all that has mentally crippled me, and I humbly ask the perfector to redesign my thinking. Yahshua, I present my life as a living sacrifice; transform my mind (Romans 12:1-2), so that I might see and not just hear You (Job 42:5). Transform my fleshly understanding into spiritual perception.
Why have I held onto these thoughts that keep me bound? I have attempted to surrender these things in the past, yet they remain. Has the prison of my mind actually become a safe place for me, like a child’s favorite blanket, which embodies the fragrance, texture, comfort, and security of what is familiar? Have I become comfortable in my prison, afraid to come out? In faith that possessing Your sound mind is my destiny, I again give You permission to take this blanket of fear and replace it with a touch of the hem of Your garment (Matthew 9:20), the garment of praise (Isaiah 61:3)
Remove my false comforts and save this child who is frozen in time, stuck seeking security from his favorite blanket. I will not go back there again. Yahshua, I declare that, from this day forward my mind is renewed, and my only security will be the hem of Your garment. And Abba, if I try to hold the old blanket tight against my chest, rip it from me.
“I know that You can do everything,
And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You.
You asked, ‘Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?’
Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,
Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.
Listen, please, and let me speak;
You said, ‘I will question you, and you shall answer Me.’
“I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear,
But now my eye sees You.
Therefore I abhor myself,
And repent in dust and ashes.”
(Job 42:2-6)
In the past, I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. But, today my faith is perfected; I feel His garment.
When you deny Yeshua, Rooster’s Crow
Rooster’s Crow
(#014 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
www.Sufferwell.org
And again Peter denied it. And immediately a rooster crowed. (John 18:27)
Every time you doubt, a rooster crows;
Every time you rage, a rooster crows;
Hold a record of wrongs; a rooster crows;
Boast; a rooster crows;
Strife, a rooster crows;
Bitterness, a rooster crows;
Envy, a rooster crows;
Wrath, a rooster crows;
Fear; a rooster crows;
Anxiety, a rooster crows;
Lust; a rooster crows;
Pride; a rooster crows;
Unforgiveness, a rooster crows;
Every time you sin, a rooster crows;
Your present denial that this is true… and a rooster is crowing.
Your choices and emotions speak loudly to Yahweh. Your predominant mindset tells the story. It says that you don’t really believe what His Son did for you, at least not the fullness of it. You can accept that He is your redeemer, that He secured a place for you with His Father in eternity. But, that He is ruler over your life here on earth, and that He has empowered you to resist sin, this you have not truly apprehended. Rather, your life testifies that you believe there is a way to prosper outside of His will? Oh, recognizing this is not easy to stomach, but submitting to His rulership in this life is just as necessary as in the life to come.
Yahshua has been exalted above and made ruler over all things in heaven and on earth (Philippians 2:9-11). He sits at the right hand of power (Matthew 26:64), at Yahweh’s throne of Majesty (Hebrews 8:1; 12:2), and has been given all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18), which, of course, He passed on to you (Luke 10:19). Notice it says, “In heaven AND on earth.”
The power to live righteously here on earth is your inheritance. You have been endowed with the same power the Father used to raise His Son from the dead (Ephesians 1:19). When you live in anything less than the pure life He has given you as an inheritance, you deny the Son. Yes, just like Peter, your denial manifests in the life you live and the decisions you make. And your life is speaking to all who are watching. Are you preaching “Jesus” while roosters are crowing all around you?
As far as east is from west beloved; that’s how far removed your transgressions are. (Psalm 103:12) There’s nothing to earn in regards to forgiveness, but much to learn about your gratitude for it. How do you live because of it? Receive the gift; His resurrection is your resurrection (Colossians 3:1). And if so, live as the new creation you are (2 Corinthians 5:17)!
The rooster crowed after Peter denied Yahshua three times (John 18:15-27). Later, Yahshua silenced the rooster by asking Peter, also three times, “Do you love me?” “Yes, Master, You know everything; You know that I love You,” Peter affirmed each time (John 21:15-17). Yahshua already knows everything; but you can demonstrate your love for Him by allowing Him to kill your crowing roosters. And after they are dead, don’t ever use His power in you to resurrect those “fowl” birds again.
Who’s Judging Who
Who’s Judging Who?
(#012 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
www.Sufferwell.org
Oh My children, if you would only judge yourselves honestly as did Shaul (Paul), your contentions would not exist. I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Master who judges me. (1 Corinthians 4:3-4) You see, he was not saying he did not judge himself, as evidenced by his very next words; “My conscience is clear.” He was simply stating that the outcome of his self-assessment left nothing to be judged. I call you to rightly judge yourself, or you will be judged by Me and others. “For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged.” (1 Corinthians 11:31)
If it becomes necessary that you be judge by others, it is the weak child who misrepresents a rebuke done in love. Have I not given you permission to tend to one another? What business is it of mine to judge those outside the congregation? Are you not to judge those inside? The Almighty will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked person from among you.” (1 Corinthians 5:12-13) Have I not allowed for the removal of one who calls himself a brother, yet disavows rebuke and good counsel? If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the congregation; and if they refuse to listen even to the congregation, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. (Matthew 18:17) Such a man is to be removed from the presence of My body.
Yet, it remains important to differentiate between a rebuke done in love and fleshly judgment. A rebuke, My child, is always intended to be done in love, and is to benefit not only the one being rebuked, but the one bringing the rebuke, as well as the entire congregation. It is for Divine correction and all of My people need it. Fleshly judgment involves condemnation which is never from or inspired by Me (Romans 8:1).
Many of My sheep tend to call open rebukes, judgments. This is especially common from the one receiving the rebuke. I will not let you get away with it. A wise man heeds rebukes and it brings life to his soul. A fool scoffs at a proper rebuke, calling it judgment. (Read all of Proverbs 13) I will discipline such folly. Also, when you claim someone is judging you and they have not done so or intended to do so, it is a sin unto yourself. Take the rebuke My child; humility is My way. It is how I shall prosper you. The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. (Proverbs 15:31)
And finally, beware beloved, for if you judge someone else, you have no excuse for it. When you judge another person, you are judging yourself [saying you have already determined your conscience is clear- 1 Corinthians 4:4]. You do the same things you blame others for doing. We know that when the Almighty judges those who do evil things, he judges fairly. Though you are only a human being, you judge others. But you yourself do the same things. So how do you think you will escape when the Almighty judges you? (Romans 2:1-3)
Foolish Men
Foolish Men
(#011 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
www.sufferwell.org
Stay away from a foolish man, for you will not find knowledge on his lips. (Proverbs 14:7)
Why do you pretend I have directed you to waste your words, My child? If your waxing wise was truly for My glory and based on My words, you would succeed in your purpose. Your words would not return void. How do I know this? Mine never do (Isaiah 55:11)!
Have I not told you that the mocker hates correction so they avoid the wise (Proverbs15:12)? Why, then, do you insist on casting your pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6)? I dare say that if it was truly My Kingdom you were trying to advance, you would not lose your joy or composure in the midst of your endeavor to be convincing.
I have watched repeatedly, as My children claim My Spirit is at work, when it is not actually I who Am prompting them. By way of their own desires, they engage in heated debates over spiritual matters with those who cannot see. Under these conditions, their words will always return empty. For any such ministry to be fruitful, I must first remove the veil that remains over the eyes of those who do not believe (2 Corinthians 3:14). If I have not, you will be “performing” before the blind and “preaching” before the deaf. I am nowhere near this type of outreach, other than to take note of your errors. Would I tell you to stay away from foolish men, and then have you pursue foolish men? When you do, it amounts to nothing more than entertainment for them and vainglory for you. Are you engaging in such folly?
I know My child; it is painful to reconcile your emotions as you contemplate how many passionate debates you may have had in futility. Nevertheless, it is better to know now, rather than waste more words, is it not? Rejoice in this alone, as humility is the only trait that will allow you to hear what I Am saying. I give grace to the humble heart and oppose the proud (James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5 from Psalm 138:6 and Proverbs 3:34).
If you receive this in humility, I will bless you. Besides, it is none other than the plan of the wicked one to convince you that arguing with his minions over spiritual matters is going to bear fruit. Ask Me who I have drawn unto Myself (John 12:32) and I will tell you. It is to those whom you should testify. Otherwise, your words will just return void!
I can’t; I won’t; I must!
How many of you are ready to lose your life for Yeshua? This devotion will be hard to hear and many people don’t understand how we can rejoice in death but listen to this video and pray about that.
I can’t; I won’t; I must!
(#010 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
www.sufferwell.org
“He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:39)
How do I die and yet hope Father? How do I give You everything: faith, family, freedom, career?
Am I to give You My wife Father? Can I still be living the abundant life You promised if she lies alone or becomes another’s? And what about my children, Father? Am I to believe they could live without my daily presence, as if fatherless, and still have joy? Or, could I still trust You if they were fathered by a stranger or wolf, out of my arm’s reach?
I am crying to You Father, from the deepest places, as I resist losing my life. I am begging for a move of Your hand. I don’t know how to lose my life. I can’t; I won’t; I… I love them. I love them with Your love, a love that never fails. They are my trace of goodness on earth. How can I let them go? How do I lose my life? How do I find my life? I don’t know how. I can’t; I won’t! Can You hear the depths of my despair as I cry out? It could demolish cities. All I am cries out. I can’t; I won’t; I… I must!
It is a desolate place. I am caught between the death that is necessary and the life You promise. I’m caught in the middle. “Grab the unknown,” my soul says. “Release, then grab.” My flesh holds tight to both sides. This feels like the death of the one thing I cannot bear. I can’t; I won’t; I… I must! This is my death. Faced with this now, either way I die. If I give into the flesh, I die. If I give into the Spirit, I die. Father, what will be left of me? Will I find my life?
The man I was is gone. You have found your little boy again Daddy. Abba, I beg for Your help. Help Daddy.
The Almighty is [my] refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. (Psalm 46:1)
Note to our readers: At the time of this writing, Michael was in prison. At the time of this publication he still remains incarcerated. Pray for him.