Tag Archives: Christmas

Sin is more contagious than covid-19

Sin is more contagious than covid-19

A Matter’s End

A Matter’s End

(#362 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

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“The end of a matter is better than its beginning. The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” (Ecclesiastes 7:8)

Is it because “it was finally over” that Solomon writes such things. What was he expressing within the exhale of such words as they vibrated over his vocal cords? Would you consider the character of Yahweh in every process loved one? Would you credit the pleasure and the pain, the victories and the defeats, all as the working of His hands?

The process should never culminate with a concession; “I just need to get through this.” A healthier introspection would yield a different inference, “Yahweh has orchestrated this to remove some idol in my life, to decimate a stronghold in my ego.” Pain in the thought world always equals the death of improper attachments to something in the physical realm. And so the conclusion of the matter is the removing of deadly adhesions to unholy things; it is the intent of the supernatural process. And because the intent is supernatural, its conclusion will have supernatural results: “The end of a matter is surely better than its beginning! And patience is always better than pride.”

Yahweh is very patient in removing the pride within you that actually keeps you from Him. Imagine a great love that never fails, His only way of loving, and then imagine how that love longs to envelope your entire being. But by being true love, it has no option but to wait (1 Corinthians 13:4)! This unsearchable perfect love, which longs to envelope you, waits patiently while all that rejects it is removed from within you. All fear must be cast out in order to dwell in perfect love (1 John 4:18). All pride gives way to meekness; and all boasting becomes wrapped in humility (1 Corinthians 13:4). Listen closely to the conclusion of the matter. Because you have been given revelation of this pattern, understanding and wisdom about this process, you can then participate in the supernatural; you can praise Him and give thanks even during the process (Psalm 100:4).

“Be pleased when things go well, but when things seem bad, consider this: Yahweh has made the one as well as the other, so man shall never know what lies ahead of him.” (Ecclesiastes 7:14) And even though you do not know what lies ahead, you do not need to wait for the end of a matter to praise Him; the end is ALWAYS better than the beginning!

Personal Note: As always, I never read the devotions until I open them to edit. But what has transpired in my life over the last few weeks is this EXACT process. I have actually thought this very thing, “I just need to get through this.” I have counted the days until that day that I would not be “REQUIRED” to sit at my computer for hours to write and edit. “I just need a few days off,” I would reason. My arm, hand and wrist have been in agony. I’ve had to change my position and change from mouse to the internal track pad and then to an external pad and back again. It has gotten to the point that on any given day I have to go back and forth between the three just to get through the day, just to manage the searing pain in my wrist. “Just a few more weeks, just a few more days,” I would concede.

But then Yahweh spoke to me. He showed me that this was my “self”, the remnants of my ego (pride) that was scratching and clawing to hang on to the last vestige of hope that it would NOT HAVE TO DIE. I felt as if I could not think straight anymore. After hundreds of days in a row, my mind was blank, numb and in pain. I was confused, angry, depressed and unmotivated. After hundreds of days in which I was 100% confident in His supernatural direction for each devotion, every word edited, and all the scriptures I was inspired to add, I was all of a sudden blank! Nonetheless, each morning when I would wake to read today’s devotion, what came from what seemed to be a blank, numb and unmotivated mind yesterday, was completely heavenly and inspired. What He was showing me was, “None of you, Jeff. All of Me! It has always been Me.” And then on the 361st day of the year, just four days till the end, as I sat to edit this devotion, number 362, I opened to read “A Matter’s End”! All I could say was, “O, Yahweh You are faithful and true. You must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30) And the end of a matter is surely better than its beginning.

If you want your Prayers Heard, Give Reverence to Yahweh

If you want your Prayers Heard, Give Reverence to Yahweh

Is it okay to celebrate Christmas?

Here is the video to watch The Insanity of God https://www.revelationmedia.com/watchinsanityofgod/?_thankyou=Y

Altar Cry

Altar Cry

(#325 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

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“For which of you who plans to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, to see if you have enough to finish?” (Luke 14:28)

Consider this: the tower is an expansion of thought processes from carnal to spiritual. Sitting down is the meditation before and about what you intend to step into. The cost is nothing less than the sanctification of your entire spirit, soul, and body (1 Thessalonians 5:23). The ability to finish is none other than agreeing to nail your “self” to the torture stake. Whoever rejects the stake, or refuses to utterly forsake everything, even his own life, cannot be His disciple (Luke 14:26-27; 33).

And now a proper perspective of forgiveness is warranted. Reflect on this question; “Why would Yahweh ever forgive that which He has said to die to?” Stated another way, “Is His forgiveness for the man whom He says must lose his life, or is His forgiveness for His Son alone?” Here is the clue; “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in the Messiah the Mighty One forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32) It is in Yahshua alone that we have forgiveness from Yahweh!

So, if it is in Him alone that forgiveness resides, then we must begin to question if the practice of the modern “altar call”, each plea to come forward, is merely a continuation of Catholic dogma. Is it just a resurrected religious code that sacrifices (sacraments) the Messiah over, and over, and over again? This may make you feel very uncomfortable, but how you feel about it does not matter. What matters is truth!

The message for everyone who claims to be a disciple is to count the cost before you say, “forgive me.” It costs everything and the forgiveness is in Yahshua alone, who will authorize and perfect your faith. It will require every ounce of what you had formerly valued to be utterly shattered!

Now, who would like to come to the altar and receive? Would you? Yes indeed, come as you are, but be ready to be crushed, to never be the same again. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for [His] sake will find it. (Matthew 10:39)

Your sin requires that you be annihilated into nothingness. It is time for the modern day altar call to become the altar cry. Yes, he who takes warning will save his own life. (Ezekiel 33:5) They hear the cry of the true watchman. “Blow the trumpet and warn the people!” (Read Ezekiel 33:1-9)

Presumptions

Presumptions

(#317 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

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Gold: a precious metal with timeless value because of its rarity.

Fool’s gold: a shiny, brassy gold counterfeit confused for real gold but which has absolutely no value because of how common it is.

The Law from Your [Yahweh’s] mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold. (Psalm 119:72) How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. (Proverbs 16:16) Gold is rare and valuable; but applying Yahweh’s Law and wisdom brings even greater treasures. In contrast, presumptions are like fool’s gold. They are far more common and lead to disappointment and sorrow.

Gold is to fool’s gold as real is to the counterfeit. When His wisdom and commands invade your entire mindset then His reality sets in and all lies are exposed. His reality is the only truth there is. All else is an imposter. Yes indeed, this is reality according to Yahweh, rather than… [fill in your name]. The moment you move away from His reality you risk disappointment and sorrow, and experience the pain of feeling separated from Him.

“Everything was going so good, and then at the last minute…” This type of mindset expresses the belief that it is only good if it ends up the way you had hoped. If Yahweh works all things for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28), then why still judge certain outcomes as if they are not good? False presumptions, as such, are what set you up for disappointment and despair and, at moments like these, there’s a disconnect from Him.

Every moment is His loved one, every second of every minute of every hour of every day. He forms His vessels in the palms of His Hands. He never lets go of the vessel until it reaches the place where He alone says, “Perfect!” The only thing that can stifle that perfection is self will. This is why He proclaims that “All things work for good!” unless, of course, you get in the way. For those the Mighty One foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. (Romans 8:29)

Never determine what the end result of anything should look like, other than that you will be One with the will of Yahweh. Let go! His hopes and dreams for you can only be achieved when you lose your life (Mark 8:35), when you release control. And your hopes and dreams pale in comparison to His hopes and dreams for you (Ephesians 3:20). Let go and let every moment be His. He would never lie to you.

“Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and I shall be innocent of great transgression.” (Psalms‬ 19‬:13‬)

Things Unsaid (Four)

Children of The Most High

Children of The Most High

(#294 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

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For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says Yahweh. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9)

A servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. (John 13:16) If a child cannot be greater than his Creator, then how can one who is “lesser” do as Yahshua proclaimed? “The works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do.” (John 14:12) Is it possible for greater works to be done by the created one, the child? Yahshua revealed the secret to doing just that; “I am in the Father and the Father in Me” (John 14:11) In other words, “The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, so you may marvel.” (John 5:19-20)

How do you do greater works?

Step one: receive Him and become a child of the Most High (John 1:12);

Step two: believe that you are in the Father and the Father is in you (John 14:11);

Step three: do nothing in your own strength (John 5:19);

Step four: do only what you see the Father (as portrayed through the lifestyle of Yahshua) doing (John 5:19);

Step five: live like it is no longer your life, but the Messiah’s life in you (Galatians 2:20).

Even with these five steps, you will never be greater than the vision you hold in your heart (mind). For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he. (Proverbs 23:7) Fortunately, as a child of the Most High, He has planted His vision in your heart, and you can discover it if you are willing to search it out. Ask, seek and knock (Luke 11:9); “For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does.” (John 5:20) Moreover, as you submit your will to His, in other words, delight your “self” in Yahweh, He guarantees you the desires and secret petitions of your heart (Psalm 37:4). You see, He planted His vision in your heart and, therefore, greater works are possible because it is His power being expressed through you, not your own.

As a child of the Most High, you are His house (the place where He releases His wisdom and understanding within His Temple in your conscience) (Hebrews 3:6), and you are being continually shaped and formed to fulfill the Master’s plan. As His vision for you expands, your “house” must mature to contain the increase! There is, however, no need to strive because “Unless Yahweh builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.” (Psalm 127:1) In other words; a submitted child can do nothing of himself, but what he sees the Father do!

Greater works result from His Spirit producing a supernatural transformation in you. You no longer live; instead, He lives in you! You decrease and He increases. His increase then manifests a vision in you, far greater than any you can imagine. He will do exceedingly abundantly above all that you could ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).

“By wisdom a house is built and through understanding, it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.” (Proverbs 24:3-4)

Ever Growing, Ever Knowing

Ever Growing, Ever Knowing

(#285 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

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I pray that the glorious Father, the Mighty One of our Master Yahshua the Messiah, would give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know Him [Yahshua] better. Then you will have deeper insight. You will know the confidence that He calls you to have, and the glorious wealth that Yahweh’s people will inherit. (Ephesians 1:17-18)

In order to keep advancing in wisdom and understanding, you will need to know that the power of the “self” or “ego” is the ever present and ever ready power of opposition and resistance to Holiness, which itself is “The Messiah in you; the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27) Never will it be “you in you” that rises to the mind of the Messiah.

It is crucial that you recognize that even after an entire life of sinlessness, Yahshua had a moment of doubt, in other words, a moment of “self.” “Why have you forsaken [abandoned] Me?” (Matthew 27:45-46 from Psalm 22:1) What is so critical for proper understanding is the realization that His doubt manifested after He had done everything the Father asked of Him up until that moment. He was on the stake, already pierced, just on the cusp of obedience unto death; His commanded task would be “finished” (Matthew 27:50; John 19:30) within the next few breaths. And then, a single thought of doubt. Was it sin? Of course not! Was it necessary? Most definitely! Was it a lesson for all ages about the human struggle? Absolutely!

Do you remember we discussed Psalm 22 in Devotion 259? The conclusion of the matter was this:

“It’s all about the mind, the thought processes, how we think about our “self,” and how we redeem those thoughts by the power of the Spirit. It’s all in the mind loved one. Life is in the mind!”

We broke down verses 12 and 13 from a more metaphysical, in a sense, supernatural perspective.

“A growing number of dispersed and stubborn thoughts have invaded my thinking process. These are thoughts that enslave me to an unredeemed material consciousness as opposed to the freedom of spiritual thinking. These fleshly thoughts continually revolve in my mind and keep me entangled. These carnal thought processes create and propagate scattered and fragmented ideas. They pull and pluck at my brain; and they cause a rumbling and moaning within. They roar so loudly that I cannot even think straight.”

And those were David’s thoughts after he had cried out; “My Mighty One, my Mighty One, why have You forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?” (Psalm 22:1) Those too were Yahshua’s words! This is our lesson loved one. Until death, and this means your last breath, the ego will always be lurking. Self-will, which forever stands in opposition to the will of Yahweh, will not be eradicated until your mental resurrection.

With this knowledge we can identify the pattern. When Yahweh increases your power, the ego will always be right there desiring to use that power for self-glorification. Be ever on guard, ever so diligent, to not only understand this, but to daily confess it. “I know that everything about the fallen me would want to misuse Your power and grace Yahweh, but for today I would ask that You give me Your strength and courage to deny myself and take up my stake, and that Your Son would reign and rule within me.” And know this truth loved one; one day, when your mind is resurrected, your ego will never again be present in your thought processes. For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins. (Hebrews 10:2) You will, at that point, have the mind of Yahweh. Rejoice we say! Consider this and rejoice!

“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his stake daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23)

Be Honest with Yourself

Death of the Upright

(#231 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

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Balaam understood that even if it required death to partake in the promises of Israyl, it was an inheritance to be coveted.

“Who can count Jacob’s descendants, as numerous as dust?

Who can count even a fourth of Israyl’s people?

Let me die like the upright; let my life end like theirs.” (Numbers 23:10)

Balaam recognized that those who were chosen to become heirs to the name of “Israyl” were inheriting something greater than land; he was seeing the eternal. It was not through the law that Abraham and his descendants received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. (Romans 4:13) For not all who are descended from Israyl are Israyl. Those who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of the Almighty; but the children of the promise are counted as the seed. (Romans 9:6, 8)

Who are the children of the promise; who then is Israyl? Israyl: one who prevails with or overcomes with the Mighty One. What a legacy! Balaam was seeing with prophetic eyes, not just natural eyes. It was more than worldly protection that inspired him; it was the promise of their everlasting inheritance. Yes, what Balaam saw in the prophetic was the inheritance of those who would walk with Yahweh through the shed blood (life force) of Yahshua. And he claimed that he would gladly die for it. “Let me die like the upright; let my life end like theirs.” Can you imagine? It was as if he could have professed, “For [I] died, and [my] life is now hidden with the Messiah in the Mighty One.” (Colossians 3:3)

Israyl was a protected and supernaturally guided people who had a destiny to be envied. They were blessed coming in and blessed going out (Deuteronomy 28:6). Balaam declared, “There is a people that dwells apart, not reckoned among the nations.” (Numbers 23:9) Yes, they are a people raised so high that they are not to be counted among the gentiles. [They] are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, the Almighty’s special possession, that [they] may declare the praises of Him who called [them] out of darkness into His wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9) And “they” means “you!”

Is your heart stirred like Balaam’s? Are you as excited about your inheritance as Balaam was desirous of it? Are you walking in the fullness of gratitude that you should when given such a spectacular gift, willing to die for it? Be honest; if you know you have diminished appreciation for what was offered to you by the shed blood of Yahshua, perhaps you might come naked and bare before the Father. Perhaps you might seek forgiveness for living as a pauper, when you really have royal (holy) blood (life force) coursing in your veins (pathways of thought).

Or, perhaps you are in danger of forfeiting your inherited identity because you, like Balaam, only claim a willingness to die for it, yet resist the actual death necessary to attain it. Balaam’s words and the true intent of his heart never merged as one, and this was a curse unto him (Deuteronomy 23:5, Jude 1:11, Revelation 2:14).

The journey to riches begins in the mind. Take some time today to contemplate your inheritance. You must first believe that you are royalty to become royalty. And royalty implies rulership; Yahweh requires much from His rulers. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. (Luke 12:48)

Rulers must also understand that they are called to worship in the valleys, just as on the mountaintops. Embrace your inheritance, and like Solomon pray, “Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” (2 Chronicles 1:10) Then, take your rightful portion and rejoice in it. Rejoice I say, rejoice!