Tag Archives: for christians
Faith and Hope
Mere Men
(#205 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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What is it with mortals? Yes, I could mean you! This question is not an exercise in futility or for My amusement; I ask questions because I seek answers. Men are but a mere breath, mortals, illusions, that if placed on a scale, all together would weigh less than air. How does this make you feel; how might this fact affect your actions? Ponder this My child; scrutinize those words; “Men are but a mere breath…” Am I not the rewarder of those who diligently seek Me? (Hebrews 11:6) Won’t I “reward” all deeds, both good and bad? I see everything and I reckon all things, beginning with your thoughts. Remember, mindsets precede actions!
The complication, My child, is that you simply don’t believe My words; this is the crux of your pain. Your discomfort and your dis-ease are fruits of unbelief, your choice of unbelief. The irony is that so many of your choices require effort to not trust Me. They encompass decisions, yes decisions which are riddled with fear and pride, all because you choose not to trust Me. You expend more effort to not believe, when all I require is faith. The battle in your mind: To be or not to be, and this about Me! Simple faith–this will answer every question, solve every mystery, conquer every fear, and open new revelation.
Repent! Without faith it is impossible to please Me (Hebrews 11:6). Has not My Son set the stage for a direct line of communication between us? Listen to Me; My longsuffering allows you to continue in unbelief, yet My love empowers change. Repent of your unbelief and step over. What other creation of Mine has the opportunity to change their existence? Mortal, only you can become immortal. I give you the chance to be eternal. Repent of your unbelief; take Me at My word. It is not simply that you can bet your life (consciousness) on it; it’s that you must!
Love’s Attributes (16) Love Never Fails
Love’s Attributes (16)
(#170 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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“Love never fails!” (1 Corinthians 13:7)
Love never fails, and therefore, Yahweh never fails!
This final pillar of love is the one upon which all others lean. In Hebrew reckoning, sixteen (one-six) is seven, and seven is “completion.” The true and complete essence of love, the only love, is that it never fails.
And so now, or once again, shall we say, we face the crux of the matter. We could sum it up with a simple question. “Have you told someone that you love them, and yet failed at any one of the sixteen attributes of love?” The sixteenth itself leaves no room for failure, and so the answer to the question for everyone becomes obvious. We teach others that love can fail because we profess to love them, while at the same time we are failing them. It is imperative you grasp the magnitude of this, thus we will repeat it! We teach others that love can fail because we profess to love them, while at the same time we are failing them. The effect of our fatal error is that we all mature with a sinking mindset about what love is, and then we sail that brokenness right into our relation-ship with the only One who ever truly loved.
Does it seem so difficult to understand why all of us have such a hard time trusting Yahweh? We spend our lives (conscious awareness) believing that our broken standard of idolatrous “love” is the real thing, only to have failed at love at every level. And because this love has always been unfulfilling in some way, our preconceived subconscious and conscious thoughts are that Yahweh’s love will also fail us. This leads to the inevitable conclusion that “His love will not be any different than everything else we called love, all of which have failed us in the past.”
We have never been, nor have we known a love that never fails, so the perception of it is far beyond us. To bring it closer, we must come face-to-face with our years of desecration of His love. “Father, forgive me for high-jacking Your created truth of love, and trying to use it to fit my own personal standards of love. I confess that I have never loved, nor have I learned to receive Your perfect love. Will You help me learn to be a true lover, so I can first love You Father, and then love others?” This is the prayer that will transform your own image of love into His image of love. This prayer of repentance, deeply embraced in your renewing conscience, will remove the flaming sword from the Tree of Life, and give you access once again to the abundant life that was always intended for the children of Yahweh! You are His child, His child whom He loves beyond your ability to perceive. And He is coming soon! If you have not experienced love by then, you will. But heed this admonishment; when you reflect on your life, you will consider every single moment that you did not live in true love wasted!
I give you a new commandment: that you should love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too should love one another. By this shall all [men] know that you are My disciples, if you love one another [if you keep on showing love among yourselves]. (John 13:34-35)
Meet James and Lea from Phila Ministries
Here is an interview with James and Lea from Philia Ministries.
I really enjoy their videos and think everyone should see them.
Their Website is
www.philiaministries.org
You can support James and Lea on their patreon page at:
https://www.patreon.com/philiaministries
Love’s Attributes (5) Love is not puffed up!
Love’s Attributes (5)
(#159 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
www.sufferwell.org
“Love is not puffed up!” (1 Corinthians 13:4)
Love is not puffed up, and therefore, Yahweh is not puffed upped!
Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles! (Proverbs 24:17) This holy instruction summarizes well this fifth attribute of love. As the redeemed of Yahweh, we must always remember from where we came. “Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18) It is only due to His love being shed abroad into our hearts (minds) and souls, as a gift from the Spirit (Romans 5:5), that we ourselves can stumble and NOT fall (Romans 11:11).
At love’s final attribute, all of the previous attributes are summed up as a whole. The continuing pattern that must be practiced with every thought is that one cannot fail at any of the sixteen attributes of love, and yet claim to love. You have been told to “Take every thought into captivity to the obedience of the Messiah” (2 Corinthians 10:5). And in this, every thought is accountable to love’s true standards. “Self” reliance, self-satisfaction, and self-aggrandizement all scream out, “Look what I did!” and all of these are puffed up failures.
Would it be too profound for you to acknowledge what He has told you throughout His written word; you are your own greatest idol and that the very thing you are being “saved” from is yourself, your pride?
Open your spiritual eyes loved one. See what is really going on.
I give you a new commandment: that you should love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too should love one another. By this shall all [men] know that you are My disciples, if you love one another [if you keep on showing love among yourselves]. (John 13:34-35)
Love’s Attributes (4) Love is Not Boastful
Love’s Attributes (4)
(#158 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
www.sufferwell.org
“Love is not boastful!” (1 Corinthians 13:4)
Love is not boastful, and therefore, Yahweh is not boastful!
Shaul urged Timothy to; “Teach no other doctrine,” (1Timothy 1:3) so, as with jealously, we find the need to define terms in order to hold to pure doctrine. “I am Yahweh and there is no other” (Exodus 20:3) should make His doctrine on boasting quite clear. When it comes to boasting, it is Yahweh who expects all the glory! Shaul says, “Of such a One I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities.” (2. Corinthians 12:5) And he also admits, “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells.” (Romans 7:18) And so, in this boasting on Him alone, we could only see beauty if He who claims all the glory saves us from our own depravity. If He was to boast, yet leave us in our fallen state, could this be described as perfect love? Of course not, and so we see that Yahweh alone is due His boasting.
As for us, the redeemed, love speaks to our carnal ways of boasting. And though all such boasting is horrid, there are the worse kinds of boasting. False humility (Colossians 2:18-23) and self-righteousness (Romans 10:3) are the worst of the ego’s ways of boasting. Pride and spirituality have no place in the same conscience chosen for salvation; for it is the contrite and humble mind that would never boast of its own importance.
If you are to be saved (a redeemed conscience, fully given over to Yahweh’s commands) by Him, then how could you ever have anything to do with such a grand design? It was by the death of One (Hebrews 2:14, Romans 5:15) that many men would be saved, and it is that death alone that opens His mind within man’s conscience. What credit can you take for this, other than the murder of the One who died for you? I will not boast!
I give you a new commandment: that you should love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too should love one another. By this shall all [men] know that you are My disciples, if you love one another [if you keep on showing love among yourselves]. (John 13:34-35)
Consider others with Love
Do you really understand what tenderhearted really means? Please see this video…
The Way of Man II
(#147 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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A man and his wife enter the church. After the worship, the pastor begins to preach. The wife is fully engaged while the husband dozes off. He tries his best to stay awake. She nudges him when the service is over. They rise up and leave. For many weeks, this same pattern continues. The pastor notices the husband’s tendency and labels the man as disinterested in spiritual matters. He wonders why the man even comes. Others in the congregation have noticed and wonder the same.
Several weeks pass since the last time the man and his wife attend when she appears alone at a service. Afterwards, she finds the pastor and asks him if she could speak with him. The pastor willingly agrees and quickly discerns the meeting will be about her “disinterested” husband. He is ready to minister to her heart as needed.
As the meeting begins the pastor says, “I have not seen you in church for quite some time. How have you been?”
The lady, with tears streaming down her eyes says, “It’s my husband.”
“Yes, I figured that,” the pastor replies.
She continues, “You see. He has cancer. He is dying. He takes his medication and it makes him very tired and sleepy. He was embarrassed about coming and falling asleep so we’ve just stopped coming. He does not seem to have much time left and he wanted me to tell you something. He said that it made him so happy to be able to come and see you, to listen to you preach. You are his favorite teacher. He asked me to thank you.”
Never judge loved one. Never think you know what’s going on within someone, just by the external appearance of things. Caring takes time, and if you are willing to ask yourself the tough question, do you struggle with caring for others? Healing comes from a mind, spiritually redeemed, that can admit, “I don’t really care about other people as much as I should; help me Yahshua. Give me a heart (mind) that cares for others more than it cares for myself.”
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. (John 15:13)
Faithfullness
Enter His Courts and Answer!
(#133 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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He [the one] who believes [clings to, trusts in, relies on] in Him [Yahshua] is not judged [rejected, condemned, damned], but he who does not believe [cling to, trust in, rely on] is judged [rejected, condemned, damned] already [sentenced] because he has not believed in and trusted in the Name of the only [just one] begotten [accepted] Son of the Almighty [Yahweh]. (John 3:18)
Is John addressing the believer or the non-believer? Is the believer not to be judged according to this scripture? Am I not deeper than your surface thoughts? Is this scripture only a warning to the non-believer and not to be considered by those who are redeemed to be saved?
Is belief a one-time event, and then it’s over? Is the need to continue believing irrelevant? I tell you the truth; you need to read John 3:18 again, and consider applying it to your daily life. Is your faith in My Son “finished?” Is it over; or do you need to continue to trust Him for everything? This Word is to be applied every day My child, every day. Every time you operate in fear, doubt, pride or rebellion, I judge accordingly. I said judge but do not condemn, and it is a judgment that is just and appropriate.
Have I not told you that I take no pleasure when my people shrink back? (Hebrews 10:38) Yes, I sit on the throne and you are accountable to every act, every word, and every thought. All of them are judged! This is the perfect pattern to draw you close. Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly (John 7:24). And to do so, judge yourself first. It may lessen the chastening that comes appropriately to all who follow Me. Believe My Son for all your needs, and remind yourself daily that all of your needs are geared toward the redemption of your conscience first, after which your physical needs are met. Each of your thoughts is measured against the sacrificial act of My only begotten. It is no small matter loved one; I take it very seriously. This is the way I planned it; do you believe?
Yes, I said “All”
Yes, I said “All”
(#123 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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All the ways of Yahweh are kindness [love] and truth [faithfulness] for those who keep the covenant and His testimonies. (Psalm 25:10)
The greatest command releases the keys to My Kingdom. I have many doors of blessing for you to walk through, all of them leading to a spacious place. And what is the greatest command? Yes, obedience unto death sums it up. Would I lie to you? Is it possible? I cannot reverse the pattern, for I am Yahweh, and whatever I create, is perfect from the beginning. Look again at Psalm 25:10. Do you notice the pattern; the lovingkindness, and the truth and faithfulness? “For those who keep…” It is so fitting and convenient for the world to turn Me into the god of every desire; flesh or spirit. Oh, how longsuffering I have been. “If He, their “self” made versions of Me, was so loving…” How many times do you think I have heard that since Adam? My response is always the same; “If they (and that means you) would just keep My commands!”
Yes My child; activate My promises. Remind Me of My word. All of My ways are kind, loving, true and faithful—to the obedient! I don’t need perfection from you to get started. My Son handled that part for you. I’m watching your heart, as a willing heart (mind) overflows into an obedient heart, which becomes an obedient life. I need your heart. Let it be unto Me a heart that sacrifices praise under all circumstances at all times. Do this My child; do this and then sit back in awestruck wonder. I have more than you can ask, think or imagine waiting for you.
To know the love of Messiah that surpasses knowledge; that you may be filled with the measure of all the fullness of the Mighty One. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or imagine [think], according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the congregation and in Messiah Yahshua throughout all generations, forever and ever! So be it. (Ephesians 3:19-21)
They That Wait
They That Wait
(#120 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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But those who wait on Yahweh
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not grow weary,They shall walk and not faint.
(Isaiah 40:31)
Not one more step! Not one more thought of action! I know; I know. This is the place in between life and death. This is the place in which you must trust Me with everything you have. I put enough faith in you to do this. This faith must be put into action in order to please Me (Hebrews 11:6). However, in some instances doing absolutely nothing takes far more faith than doing something. It is in this hold pattern that you will grow far beyond what you imagine. Doing nothing can be a powerful way of doing so much.
When I breathed life into you, I knew. Men explain it this way; “it is utilizing both your left brain and right brain.” I call it My brain. Your zeal to solve what burdens you is My design. It is a trigger I put in place. I also designed the choice you have. It is the choice which allows you to transform the brain to a higher calling, a better purpose. Yes, proactive people are who I desire, but always in accordance with My will. For instance, how many problems have you attempted to solve on your own, only to find the problems increase? You see, I have designed it so that many times, in the waiting, the answer is revealed. The proper choice, when you know not what to do, is to submit and wait. I will solve it for you. I love doing so for My children. Glory is what I desire; glory I will have.
For your comfort My child, let’s do it this way, so as to not cause more anxiety. The next time you have a problem that is affecting your life beyond your ability to solve, make the choice to give it to Me—completely. I will then guide you into the solution, while drawing you closer to a mature relationship with Me. Your part? Praise Me during the process. Confess if you don’t know how, and I will teach you. Your most paramount problems are solved by Praise!
Trust me My child. Test Me; know Me. In the midst of waiting is where some of My best work is done. Remember who designed you. Remember who loves you. And remember it is with a love that never fails.
“Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” (Psalm 50:15)
Listen To Yahweh
7000
(#110 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
www.sufferwell.org
“But the Mighty One replied to him, ‘I have reserved for Myself, seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal (the Lord; ego).’” (Romans 11:4)
Oh My child, what do you think I meant when I said, “I have reserved?” Does this mean I actually have seven thousand who do My will perfectly, or is it that there are seven thousand I perfect? Yes, I know you. There is a big difference between My hand doing it and it being done by the hand of man. Remember I said that it was, “not by might nor by power” of the carnally minded, which should have given you illumination into My predestined plans. But, it is “by My Spirit!” (Zechariah 4:6)
Many of My children fight Me on this pattern, this principle. It is a losing battle indeed. How they long to believe their own decisions would lead them to perfection. Have I not told you, “There is none righteous?” (Psalm 53:3) Give Me your ears (understanding) and your eyes (perceptions) My child. My pattern, an everlasting pattern, is one that reveals My Sovereignty. How long will you compete with My glory? How long will you trust in your chariots (personal ideas and self-reliance) and horses (personal power)? Have I not told you, “The battle is mine?” (1 Samuel 17:47) Your job, My child, is to hand the battles to Me. Detect the problem and hand it to Me; then leave it with Me!
Yes My child; it sounds so easy. Yet, you fight Me on it at every turn. The real battle I want you to fight is the one warring internally. Your choice is to follow your flesh or My Spirit (Romans 8:9). The power I have given you is the power to root out all that is not of Me and hand it over. I am your Father; I will protect you. I remove nations (constructs of thought processes) for My children. I root out and destroy all that burdens you. All I ask is that you not attempt to steal My glory. I won’t let you anyway, and all it will cause is the necessity that I chasten you. These patterns are Mine! Now, go ahead and submit and find the path to the life I have for you. What do you have that was not received from Me anyway? Give in; I’m waiting.