Tag Archives: Torah Life Ministries

Who is Double Minded

Who is Double Minded?

(#124 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

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For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Do you recognize this verse as it is commonly translated? John 3:16 might be the most misused verse in the entire Bible. To clarify, let’s read John 17:14-17.

I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

Now tell us who is double minded, the Creator or man? John 17:14 states that “they [believers] are not of the world.” Is this not the same world that so many of you say John 3:16 describes, the world Yahweh so loves? Let’s highlight John 17:16 for the moment. “They [believers] are not of the world, even as I [Messiah] am not of the world.”

We ask again, who is double minded? The common mistake when interpreting the scriptures is trying to understand Hebrew thought forms with a Greek mindset. The Hebrew, a language of adjectives and verbs, promotes action. It is a “hear and do” language. The Greek, on the other hand, is a noun based language, a “sit and contemplate” language.

Let’s look again at John 3:16 and John 17:14-17. What’s the deal? How can Yahweh so “love” a world that Yahshua clearly states we are not of? They are two different worlds, correct? Right!!!!!! Yet, the Greek interpretation makes no distinct difference. It uses the same word, Kosmos (Cosmos) in both verses. This creates double mindedness!

Satan (ego, self) rules this world (carnal desire) we live in, the world we are NOT of. Yahweh does not love this world of Satan’s; as a matter of fact, it is set to be destroyed. The “John 3:16 world” that He so loves, is His world, the world we are headed back to. The Hebrew language describes it as a place of absolute purity: socially, morally, governmentally and spiritually. It is a perfect place, His Garden of love. He sent His Son to take us back to that place.

If you are still struggling with this paradigm shift, these verses should help you. Oh, and pray for truth (John 17:17). Know the truth! It will set you free (John 8:32).

* John 15:19—If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

* 1 John 2:15-16—Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.

* 1 John 5:19—We know that we are of the Mighty One, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.

The world that is coming is the world He loves, not the one that we are leaving. Be of good cheer, He has overcome the [this] world. (John 16:33).

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)

Seeds of Doubt

Seeds of Doubt

(#109 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

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Father, it is with a heart (mind) of remorse that I come, regret for all mankind. Why are we so quick to turn? Why is it so easy to forget? When water is turned into wine, how sweetly we rejoice. When the wine is gone, we wonder if You would, or even could, do it again. When You heal the blind, we stand back in wondrous awe. Then, soon after, we wonder if You would do it for us. We see You turn the darkness into light and make crooked paths straight before us (Isaiah 42:16), yet, we sinfully wonder if You will take us all the way, as You promise?

Oh Father, if there are seeds I do not want to sow; they are the seeds of doubt. Why are we like this? What is in us that continually forgets, or chooses to doubt, that You have promised to cover us from beginning to end? Yes Father, it seems to bring You glory when the seeds of doubt are majestically overcome by faith, but it’s the doubt that burdens me. Doubting You hinders my growth. My unbelief dishonors You and for that I apologize.

Show me the way Father. Again, I hand You all of the seeds of doubt until they are no more. Please take them Father. Let the ground on which I have scattered them become parched, and till the new soil of my heart with Your presence (Jeremiah 4:3-4).

When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. And Yahshua came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” (Matthew 28:17-18)

New In Yeshua

What Do You Do?

(#104 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

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Reality, true reality, exists only where there is no human intervention. It exists between you and your Maker in the crucible of the refiner’s fire (judgment for every thought you think). Everything in you is exposed and laid bare. He enters by force, illuminating every crevice of your heart (mind). Every action, every word, every deed, and all your “secret motivations” are uncovered. There will be no waiting. You stand face-to-face with Him now!

Your emotions: naked, ashamed, remorseful, alone and bare. You wonder what’s left. You know, deep down, there’s no going back. When He exposes you, He lets others know. Directly or indirectly, others know. There is no more hiding the real you. At this point, it matters not if others know. You see it! Whatever was removed was not of Him; and so much has been removed, so little seems left. In truth, what is left is pure and holy; what is left is the “real you.”

You can’t run from it! Stripped bare, only what is of Him remains. You spent all those years running and hiding, and in an instant the lies are revealed. The weakness, the rebellion, the insecurity, and the fear, are all on display. Everyone can see what you believed in the past, because who you had become was the result. Now, look what’s left; there’s not much. What has been removed is now on display for all to see by virtue of what remains in the new creature left behind.

It is because of “Messiah in you” that you have hope (Colossians 1:27). You need it; it’s all you have. You hold onto promises not yet fulfilled. It is painful; it is a brutal realization of just how much He had to remove. “Just stop existing,” is the new emotion you so often feel about your own life.

You wonder if your suffering makes others happy. A voice speaks. “I will restore. I will repair. This was for good. Don’t give up. Dream again.” You cry. That’s what you do. You cry and hope, and hold on.

See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a Kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve Yahweh acceptably with reverence and with fear and awe of the Almighty. For our Mighty One is a consuming fire. (Hebrews 12:25-29)

Bridle Your Tongue

Like Dust

(#090 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

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If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. (James 1:26)

Oh my King, I pray that a guard would remain on my tongue and that these lips would utter no deceit. If others curse me Father, silence will be my reaction. Remind me that I am but dust. Remind me quickly how my affirmation can only come from You. Yes, others may approve of me, but for how long and why? Only Your favor fills this soul of mine. Father, this Spirit You placed in me causes me to ponder many things, yet these three come to mind often:

1. First Father, is how remarkable it is that this Spirit you placed in me is not impressed with the praise of men. Yes, the Spirit that marks me is only truly energized by Your approval. Oh, how I treasure this new nugget of wisdom. I was created for love and only Your love towards me is the pure love the Spirit in me craves;

2. Second Father, is the depravity of men, even those who call themselves, “brothers.” How quickly they turn. You certainly did warn me that this would happen as they even consider it a service to You (John 16:2);

3. Third Father, is the reality that I am a daily target for the minions who would never consider losing their lives to find You; yes, because I bear Your mark. Their purpose is to destroy and harm Your children.

Again I say yes Father. Grant me the spirit of humility; may I be like dust to all men so that I might win some. Grace me with the wisdom to know when to speak and when to stay silent. I beg you My King, that you grant me this most precious of gifts. I will then serve You in silent adoration, waiting for my orders.

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)

A Hebrew View of Prayer

If you want to find if you must be willing to lose it. That is what our prayers should be about.

A Hebrew View of Prayer

(#060 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

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The Torah of Moses, the first five books of Scripture, contains the totality of Yahweh’s commandments. In it, the concept that we have come to know as prayer is identified: “tefillah.” The root of the word tefillah means: to judge, differentiate, clarify, or decide. The intention is to bring forth a desire to hold oneself accountable, to make an honest self-assessment. The belief system in the Messiah to come warranted the desire to “judge oneself” according to the precepts of Yahweh. It was a requirement for young men coming of age to be accountable to the Torah and thereby to the Creator, hence the Bar mitzvah. Bar mitzvah conveys the idea of becoming a “son of the covenant,” or quite literally, “a son of good works.”

The modern-day believer needs to take note of this perspective, for we live in the era of the Messiah who has already come. Because of His death and resurrection, more wisdom, more insights, more revelation, and more promises have been revealed to us. As a result, we are to bring every thought captive unto the obedience of Messiah (2 Corinthians 10:5). The only way that can happen is through the shedding of the self (Hebrews 12:4). Prayer was given to help you achieve the Luke 22:42 lifestyle; “Not My will but Your will be done.” When you live that way, all of His promises are “yes” and “so be it!” (2 Corinthians 1:20).

Many believers today spend too much time praying for things that have already been given, rather than considering prayer as a tool to judge oneself from the Creator’s perspective. Consider the Hebrew view of prayer and pray about what Yahweh would have for your prayer life. Above all, set aside requests made in fear, as well as those that display that your struggle against sin remains only because you refuse to surrender your “self.”

In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.(Hebrews 12:4)

Apple of Whose Eye

Apple of Whose Eye

(#048 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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But Yahweh said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. Yahweh does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but Yahweh looks at the heart [center of intellect].” (1 Samuel 16:7)

Shaul (Paul) taught that we must take every thought captive and make it obedient unto the Messiah (2 Corinthians 10:5). He was revealing the Messianic allusion of the words of the great prophet. He says, “You judge by appearances;” (v. 7) you are looking at the outside, the physical, but it is the mind that truly matters (v. 5). Yes, the mind, and the command to take every thought captive, is magnificently congruous with the prophet’s Hebrew understanding of the heart, the center of intellect. People look at the outward appearance, but Yahweh looks at the heart! Yahweh is looking for the mind of the Messiah in you. Oh yes loved one, [His] ways are higher than your ways and [His] thoughts [higher] than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:9)

King David was a man after Yahweh’s heart; “the apple of His eye” (Psalm 17:8). Who was David? He was a murderer, an adulterer! Let there be no doubt; there are many “Davids” in the church today, who are lost in their iniquity, and yet who are madly devoted to the things of the Father. The church itself would deem these modern-day “Davids” as sinners, guilty, unclean, and even not fit for salvation. And they would accuse those sinners in their hearts, while at the same time singing praises to the “Lord” at weekly services, using words from the very Psalms written by David, the murder and adulterer.

The truth about David’s courage and lineage is preached, which of course leads to the Messiah. But, the preaching commences with fervor as does the condemnation of these modern-day Davids. And all of this is shielded under the umbrella of self-proclaimed righteousness. This disconnect is not because so much time has passed since King David walked the earth, as if time would heal the constructs of the ego. Time does not change the heart of man. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of the Almighty. (Romans 3:23)

This disconnect is due to the denial that the brand of “church” or practice of “Christianity” they preach does not coincide with the true intent of their thoughts, the wickedness in their hearts. Unforgiveness and condemnation is the manifest evidence. We love to acknowledge the Messiah’s greatness as He “forgives us even though we do not know what we are doing. (Luke 23:34).” And yet, it is a rarity indeed to witness a modern-day believer lay down his life for another, especially one who is “unworthy.”

Yahweh is looking for those who realize that if He only used “good” people to do His work on the earth, then there would be no one to use. Stop wrongly judging your living brother by appearances, while at the same time glorifying the dead heroes of the faith who were just like them. This, indeed, is a reality check for us all!

The Goal of The Torah