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Go to the mountaintop
Go to the Mountaintop
(#225 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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It’s all a matter of perspective My child. Perceive with eyes of trust, hope, and understanding. Hear My still small voice. It was on a mountaintop that Yitshaq (Isaac) was to be sacrificed, not a valley, not a slum, not a prison. It was from the place of blessing I asked Abraham to pass the test. And Abraham called the name of the place Yahweh Yireh, as it is said to this day, “On the mountain Yahweh provides.” (Genesis 22:14) The reward was already prepared. Only one thing was needed; faith! And therefore, only one thing needed testing; faith!
Perhaps you feel like you are in a valley. Listen child, it is really a mountaintop in disguise. I have your reward here with Me. You have only one job; believe! Perhaps two; believe and rejoice when you are being tested (1 Peter 1:6). I Am Abba. I will not let you fall (Romans 11:11). Have I not told you that “Weeping might last for the night, but joy comes in the morning?” (Psalm 30:5) Morning signifies a time of Heavenly illuminations. Do you really think I would let you fall into the place of despair, and then leave you there? Did I not say, “Hope deferred makes the heart [mind] sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.” (Proverbs 13:12) Yes, I Am trying to change you, but only to make you holy (set-apart). If I left you the way you are, you could NOT stand in My presence.
Am I worth it to you? Am I worth the pain? Lay aside everything that keeps you from loving Me and seek first what I ask, My Kingdom and My righteousness. I will take care of everything else (Matthew 6:33). My plans for you are the reason you were created; and this is for goodness, for purity, for joy, and for My honor. I will not be changing My patterns for your life loved one; they are already perfect.
Yes My child, it feels like a valley; but, it is truly a mountaintop in disguise. If you quiet your mind, you will hear My gentle whispers. “Rise up My love, My fair one, and come away.” (Song of Solomon 2:10) Come away with Me; it’s on the mountaintop you will be tested; and it’s on the mountaintop you will be blessed.
Justice by The True Judge
His Gates of Authority
(#224 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him; bless His Name. For Yahweh is good [consciously right]; His kindness is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations. (Psalm 100:4-5)
Yes My child, the gates symbolize entrance into the knowledge of the truth that I Am the sole authority in consciousness, and the courts represent My justice and reverence. Don’t think for a moment I do not see the imbalance of your earthly scales; I call this brand of “justice” double mindedness.
Dishonest scales are an abomination to Me (Proverbs 11:1). But, the day is coming, the day I reserved for the wicked, the day set aside for those who will serve the sentences for the unjust yoke (mental bondage) they hung on the necks of the righteous (Psalm 149:5-9).
Yes, the gates of authority shall be restored to My people. And, know this My child; only those who understand righteous judgment shall sit in the seats of authority. Be still and know; be still and hear My quiet whispers. Listen to My still small voice. It is a remnant I Am making ready now. I have been setting the table. The remnant who dines at this table will have no fear of earthly kings. Know this loved one; My Kingdom suffers violence, and I need violent (consciously aggressive for righteousness) men who can take it by force (Matthew 11:12), men prepared to suffer violence and willing to be “spiritually violent” in return.
Why fear the courts of men (fleshly orders and rulings)? Have I not told you that I will go before you? Read My words: “The wicked watches the righteous, and seeks to slay him. Yahweh will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged. Wait on Yahweh, and keep His way, and He shall exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you shall see it.” (Psalm 37:32-34)
I always do as I say? Only your inability to trust, and therefore receive My promise, is what leaves you subject to men. Oftentimes, your desire to be “justified” in the eyes of men leaves you at the mercy of the very same men you’ve appealed to. Shaul chose to appeal to Caesar (Acts 25:10-12). What would’ve been the outcome had he not done so? Then Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been [literal translation: had the power to be] set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.” (Acts 26:32) Trusting in man’s justice is a desperate thing indeed; and the outcome is never good. (Read of Shaul’s entire trial in Acts 21:30-26:32)
Take the hits, bare the wounds, and trust Me to restore. Cease in your search for self-justification and self-preservation. I Am the only true Gate Keeper and I have the final say. Leave it to Me to judge for you and soon I will teach you to judge for yourself. Your hired counselors cannot overcome the beast systems that prevail. Only those taught by My Spirit can do so. Justice is Mine, and justice is here!
Peace and faith
Hold Tight Till I Bless You
(#223 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Yahweh will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace. (Exodus 14:14)
Whose battle do you think will be most difficult? Will I have trouble defeating your foes? Is My Right Arm not long enough to protect you? When My servant Mosheh (Moses) told you to, “hold your peace,” did you understand the magnitude of his words?
You see My loved one, holding your peace oftentimes means fighting to keep it. My battle is already won, but your fight is to keep your peace by trusting that My word will be fulfilled in your life. You can only lose your peace if you lose sight of Me. You cry out to Me for more faith, but you must follow the pattern I’ve put in place to build your faith. What pattern? Have I not written that, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by My word?” (Romans 10:17) You need to focus on what is required of you and leave the rest to Me. If you want the faith to believe all I say, then go into My word and get all the faith you need. Would you prefer it another way? Do you believe that your way is better than Mine?
Listen to Me My precious one. Listen to My still small voice. When I tell you something, you can bet your life on it. You can bet your eternity on the idea that My word is your vehicle to a greater faith because I have made it so. All you need to do to hold your peace is to stay rooted and grounded in love (Ephesians 3:17). And love is perfected in those who keep My word (1 John 2:5). I Am love! My Son is love! My Spirit is love!
So, you can hold your peace by increasing your faith by knowing My word, and I will handle all of your battles; I promise. Now, will you make Me a promise? Will you promise to hold your peace? Will you increase your faith by searching My word? In addition to peace, your great reward will include closer communion with Me, the Creator of peace in your conscience.
To our loved readers: Yahweh’s words are a gift; take from them freely and grow. Hold your peace by fighting to keep it as did Ya’aqob (Jacob) when he wrestled with the Almighty (Genesis 32:24-30). Exercise spiritual tenacity like he did when he held on like a pit bull till he was blessed. “I will not let You go unless You bless me!” (Genesis 32:26) Yes,”The Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.” (Matthew 11:12) The Kingdom is only established with such dogged vehemence.
Ya’aqob gripped tight with a “spiritual violence” and would not let go till all was accomplished. And for persevering he was rewarded with his new identity, the one who prevails with the Almighty. “Your name shall no longer be called Ya’aqob [the supplanted conscience], but Israyl [the conscience that strives with and for Yahweh]; for you have struggled with the Mighty One and with men, and have prevailed.” (Genesis 32:28)
Fight to keep the peace and embrace your new identity; you are one who prevails with the Mighty One!
Shine Brightly for Christ
How will I know?
(#222 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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“Abba?”
Yes child?
“How will I know when righteousness has rooted itself within me?”
Did you speak what was pleasant and edifying today? (Ephesians 4:29)
“Yes Father.”
Have you turned away from the thoughts that bribe you, and the trickery that would have once compelled you? (Exodus 23:8)
“Yes Father.”
Have you continued to reject profitable things which come from compromising your beliefs? (Proverbs 16:8)
“Yes Father.”
Have you closed your mouth to slander and your ears to gossip? (Proverbs 20:19)
“Yes Father.”
Did you covenant that your eyes would turn from looking upon that which is evil? (Habakkuk 1:13)
“Yes Father.”
Have you reminded yourself that I alone fill your soul? (John 6:35)
“Yes Father.”
If you have truly done these things, then there is evidence that righteousness has been rooted in you. You shall surely dwell in lofty security and have inaccessible cliffs as your stronghold. Your food shall be supplied and your drink assured. These are the things I have in store for My righteous ones (Matthew 6:33).
Remember your strong desire for My righteousness today and hold onto it with all your might; even unto death. If you just do this one thing, I shall do the rest.
To our loved readers: In your search for righteousness, we wanted to remind you that the most important thing is to know Yahweh (an intimate, scriptural knowing). The righteousness that draws Him near is a righteousness that is only achieved through the life of Yahshua the Messiah in you (Galatians 2:20). It was never, nor will it ever be your own righteousness (Romans 10:1-4; Philippians 3:9), but a righteousness imputed to you (Romans 3:21-22). It is a gift loved one.
Of course, as Shaul taught us, there is also a type of righteousness that you are responsible to achieve. “Therefore, my loved one, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation [mental well-being] with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12) Your righteousness (the non-imputed type) is a righteousness of obedience. But, this righteousness does not create intimacy with Yahweh or draw Him any closer to you; it is a byproduct of the intimacy established with Yahweh through the life of His Son. In other words, you are not redeemed by good works, as if the “self” could accomplish anything good, but for good works, those prompted and empowered by the Spirit alone (Ephesians 2:8-10).
“So you mean to tell me that the very thing that brings Him near to me today, and thus fulfills my every desire, is a righteousness that He gifted to me through His son?” This is exactly what we want you to acknowledge. And as you contemplate this, never settle with your own vetting of an internal issue. Never lean on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). Look for the truth within. Meditate on this day and night (Psalm 1:2). And then cry out for it so you may be sure it is His truth. After that, listen for His still small voice!
Integrity
Integrity
(#221 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Integrity is the courage to stand behind an idea that emanates from the mind of Yahweh. But, you might be thinking, “Who has known the mind of Yahweh…?” [answer] But we have the mind of the Messiah. (1 Corinthians 2:16) Of course, to know His mind, you first must be able to hear His still small voice, and this does not come without effort. Remember, it is a: “still” [only speaking to the quieted mind] “small” [causing you to put forth effort] “voice” [the will of Yahweh within you]. Having integrity in all things is really just saying that you have the mind of Yahweh on all matters. It is recognizing His principles as they repeat over and over in noticeable patterns.
Like love, peace and joy, the idea of integrity is only defined by the Creator of the principle, the Creator of all commanded patterns. If our Father is perfection, then integrity is a portion of the pattern that leads to Him. Integrity must then be an integral part of any idea that emanates from the mind of His created ones. An idea that truly emanates from the eternal “I Am” incorporates every single principle (command) into the idea. Integrity sifts an idea like silver which is purified seven times, only to illuminate any piece of the idea that does not conform to all of the Creator’s principles, or in other words, His mind. Integrity removes all dross and then stands firmly no matter what comes against it.
Integrity understands that it is bound to face vast opposition, and therefore it expects to suffer; but it also expects to stand in the suffering. In a fallen world, any standard that espouses absolute integrity will be attacked from all sides. The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of the Almighty, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:14)
No doubt, integrity will stand as surely as its Creator stands; and it will inspire all of its enemies to wreak havoc on the spiritual idea. Because the carnal mind is enmity against the Mighty One; for it is not subject to the law of the Almighty, nor indeed can be. (Romans 8:7) At the same time, integrity exposes any part of your “self” that is not yet uprooted.
Integrity: the courage to stand behind (endure the suffering of) an idea that emanates from the mind of Yahweh. It is the state of being whole and undivided from Yahweh. Integrity is unity, coherence, cohesion, and togetherness.
“The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the transgressors will destroy them.” (Proverbs 11:3)
Yahweh First
Which Way is Up?
(#220 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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We offer these devotions as a guide, and as always, the mind is what needs to be guided first. These writings are inspired by the Spirit, and contained within them are biblical patterns or blueprints that must be consistent with Yahweh’s character and must always bring glory to Him. Otherwise, they are just personal vainglory with no lasting power.
Two distinct patterns are important to emphasize in this season; one has just now been unfolding; it is the idea of hearing “the still small voice.” The other, which upholds the first, is that you do not need man to teach you. We will unwrap the latter first, and then unpack the revelation of the former.
Who is your teacher?
“But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.” (1 John 2:27)
There is a fine line between doctrines of men and scriptural truth. The fine line is truth itself! And this we say of the entirety of this body of work as well. If it is not from the Spirit of truth (John 16:13), then it amounts to the doctrines and commandments of men (Mark 7:7). “You do not need that anyone teach you!” If truth is spiritually discerned, then it stands to reason that truth can only be revealed by the Spirit, not man! Although man might point out the truth, only the Spirit in you can filter spiritual information; and only the Spirit in you can validate the authenticity of it.
“These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of the Almighty, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Corinthians 2:13-14)
Many problems arise when you are “seeking,” and if you’re willing to receive it, it’s because you have been spiritually lazy, and would rather have other men tell you their version of truth, rather than discern it for yourself by listening for the whispers of the Holy Spirit. It is up to you to hear what the Spirit is saying to you. Only the Spirit is needed to learn of the truth and only the Spirit in you can speak truth.
How does Yahweh Speak?
But Yahweh was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but Yahweh was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but Yahweh was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. (1 Kings 19:11-12)
We have embarked upon a new season in our time together. The Spirit (Ammah-Ruach-woman) has led us to this place. We will continue to dance the heavenly dance; maybe some of you will learn of a new rhythm, a new choreography, and receive new revelation.
Break away from anything in your life that is causing you to rely on the words of men in order to hear the voice of Yahweh. It’s time to move past “feelings” to “knowing!” Yes, even if it requires more time away from devotions, you need to hear for yourself. It’s time to learn to cultivate that voice within, the still small voice, and to follow His guidance through the Spirit manifesting in your life. We know you hear His voice in these devotions, but you need to go beyond. You must discover which specific part of the body you represent!
Speak these words to Him and then listen:
“You and I, Yahweh, with Your Son, my perfector, and Your Spirit, my guide. I need to know who I am in You, and who You are in me. I need to know You, so I might find my true self.”
Won’t you pray this prayer? Won’t you do more than just pray it; won’t you be still and listen for the still small voice? The “still” [only speaking to the quieted mind] “small” [causing you to put forth effort] “voice” [the will of Yahweh within you]. Then, after that, obey what He tells you and show Him that what He commands matters!
Receive, Cry out, and Search!
“If, then!”
(#219 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
www.sufferwell.org
If you commune with My still small voice… (1 Kings 19:12)
Proverbs 2
· You will understand the fear of Yahweh;
· You will understand what is right and just;
· Wisdom will enter your heart;
· Knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;
· Discretion will guard you;
· Understanding will save you from the ways of the wicked;
· Understanding will save you from the immoral woman;
· You will walk in the ways of righteousness and goodness;
· You will live in the land and remain in it;
· The wicked will be cut off from the earth;
· The treacherous will be uprooted from the earth.
Yes loved one, all of these things are promises; they are absolute guarantees. They are already done. Do you perceive? Do you want what is freely yours? I said these things are already done. So then, what is the key that opens the door so you can walk through to these promises? “If!”
1) If you receive My words and treasure My commands, and turn your ear to wisdom and apply your heart to understanding;
2) If you cry out for discernment and lift up your voice for understanding;
3) If you search for wisdom and understanding as if silver, and search for them as hidden treasures.
I ask these three things of you; and then all I have promised is yours. Receive, cry out, and search! My patterns will not change and their beauty is in their simplicity. It is an if—then pattern loved one. If you do what is commanded, then all that is promised is already yours. Test Me child; know Me.
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11) If you, then I loved one. The “then” is a guarantee; the only question is, “If?”
Trust Yahweh
If Moses could, then who else?
(#218 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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And they provoked wrath at the waters of Meribah [strife, controversy], and Moses suffered on account of them; because they rebelled against His Spirit, and he spoke rashly with his lips. (Psalm 106:32-33)
Do you believe your secret things are personal, hidden from plain sight? How easily you forget My decrees, the patterns in which I operate. Have you not heard; have you not read? Moses, My priest, My chosen ruler, was unable to cross over into the land promised to him (Numbers 20:7-13), and ultimately to you (1 Corinthians 10:1-4). How convenient it was for My children to blame Moses for striking the rock twice, in his own personal anger, instead of speaking to it as commanded. How quaint to rest it all on his shoulders, this momentary sinful act. Listen to Me child; it was you who provoked My servant, it was you who pulled him to his fleshly edge, just as it was you who nailed Yahshua to the stake! Consider this; were you a sinner because Adam sinned, or were you a sinner because you would have done what Adam did? I purposely use “were you a sinner” in place of “are you a sinner” assuming you have adopted your true identity in Messiah.
Quiet now, and listen to Me. Do not say in your heart, “I was not there; I was not even alive at the time.” No, you were not, but should I call to account the many ways you provoked Me this year alone; or this week; or this very day? For the obstinate ones, let Me help you. Has your complaining ever caused another to lose peace? Has your discontent ever bothered someone else? This is why I have called you to rejoice no matter what your circumstances might be. You need to rejoice, not only to remain obedient for your own personal peace, but for others as well. I hold you responsible for the joy and peace of others.
Are you still resisting? Freely My Son has given, and yet you hold back, not willing to die to your own personal desires. “What desires,” you ask? Naming one should suffice. The desire to simply not obey Me and do all that I say. Perhaps you remember how I often called My people “stiff necked!” I still do.
All of creation is eagerly waiting for a people who live what they preach (Romans 8:19). You boast of My might and My glory. Yet, your boasting is only a “form” of righteousness because your behavior is as if I Am powerless (2 Timothy 3:5). I Am waiting to reveal those who trust My every word, and therefore, find the fullness of life. These infectious ones are the literal manifestation of what My Word calls “the sons of Yahweh,” and they will transform people by their very presence (Again Romans 8:19). It is an infectious power that will draw people to you, just like My Son. Take responsibility for your own peace and joy, and in doing so, become responsible for the joy and peace of others. You never know who you are keeping from the Promised Land; you never know who you might bless.
Hearing from Yahweh
In the Silence
(#217 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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It is in the silence that You speak. It is in the whispers, not in the strong wind, not in the earthquake, nor in the fire, but in a still small voice that You commune with us (1 Kings 19:12).
Perhaps with more experience, perhaps with knowledge of what to listen for, I would hear You. I’ve sat alone in silence for many days and nights. Oh, how I have longed for the whispers of my Maker; anything will do. Whisper to me Abba, even just my name; I need my own testimony. The desire burns within me to know Your whispers; I cannot exist without hearing them. My heart assures me that I will learn the sound of Your voice. I yearn to speak in the language of our love, our relationship, and our journey together. I have exhausted everything the world can offer and none of it brings life; nothing can satisfy. I know there is only one True Source; “Power belongs to the Mighty One.” (Psalm 62:11)
Father, I understand that it is You who even empowers a man to pray. And I know Your word says that I can only love You because You first loved me (1 John 4:19). I praise You for orchestrating the love song in my heart; and the music of my soul which now delights in You. Your wooing Spirit sets all things in order. Now, may I ask You to take me even further? I am wise enough to know that You are already speaking and that it is I who must hear. Will You teach me something special, something intimate? Here is my desire Father: please give me ears to hear and NEVER miss Your voice; give me a language of love, filled with wisdom; and give me comfort the moment You speak, confidence that it is You!
I desire nothing else. Your voice is all that is left, all that is needed; the world has nothing to offer. Continue to speak to me Daddy; I will not cease to listen in the silence. You say, “Be still and know that I Am the Almighty.” (Psalm 46:10) Yahweh, I am still.
The Truth About Your Walk with Yahweh
It is so
(#216 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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For in much wisdom is much grief, and he who increases knowledge increases suffering. (Ecclesiastes 1:18)
When a man begins to see things as they are, pain (thought turmoil) is increased. When the truth is illuminated, the number of lies one perceives is magnified as well, including blatant deception. Deception is food to the intellectually dishonest person, who would prefer to be told what truth is, rather than to gain spiritual discernment for himself. Sloth and laziness, first mental, and then physical, become apparent to those who gain understanding (“Binah” of the Tree of Life within you). The enlightened one begins to decree what the Father has already made known; “You are inexcusable, O man!” (Romans 2:1) Everything becomes clear, every excuse becomes easy to detect.
Once the deceptive ways (mind paths) of man (carnal thinking) become so easily detectable, love seems impossible. Seeing behind the veil actually makes it more difficult to increase love for mankind. It becomes obvious that the only way to have an authentic sentiment such as, “Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do,” is by supernatural intervention. It is only Him in you that makes you capable of love, and this comes only with daily supplication and practice. For he who practices righteousness is righteous.
Then self-loathing may come as you realize that you too are guilty of the same hypocrisy. You realize you are exactly what you despise in the blatantly sinful. The pain in your heart (mind) is compounded, as even the “perfect days” you have lose their glory because of one “bad day.” The battle inside, the one between flesh (carnal nature) and spirit (mind of the Messiah) consumes you. You detect the inconsistency, yet you have no ability to correct it on your own. This inner battle can lead to many sleepless nights as you recognize the disdain you have for the “you” in you. This is necessary as you must lose your life to find it (Matthew 10:39). But, “There is a life to live, mouths to feed, and debts to pay.” Which life is real; which life do you lose? The answer is simple, yet not easy; “Seek first…!” (Matthew 6:33)
And so we see why wisdom increases grief and sorrow, and by seeing only the surface of it all, we acknowledge there is so much more to learn. When you come to this beautiful place, “Be still and know that He is Yahweh.” (Psalm 46:10) And then, be wise enough to do this for just a moment; thank Him for the chance to figure it all out.