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We Don’t Trust God. We need to Follow Him!
We Don’t Trust You
(#017 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Every thought, every desire, and every action that does not conform to the will of the Father can be sized up in one simple statement. “I don’t trust you Yahweh.” “How can that be,” you ask? It really is so simple that a child will understand. Whenever you decide to go your own way, a way other than the Creator’s, you are saying that your way is better than His. It sets a very dangerous precedent and makes the undeniable statement that you ultimately don’t prefer His will over your own. Sin is always the verdict when this mindset prevails; it is a mindset that proves your lack of trust in Him.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares Yahweh, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) If you could go forward in time and see what the Father has planned for you, certainly you would not choose your own path. You would not attempt to alter His plan. Every sin does just that. It alters or delays the speedy and bountiful result that He has planned for you. Yes, for followers of Yahshua the Messiah there is mercy and grace. However, you can choose the forty year journey or take the direct route and arrive in eleven days.
Repent! Realize that anything other than complete trust in the will of the Father alone is a sinful lack of faith. Sin always extends your journey and delays your arrival to the destination you so desire. Take time to seek His face (Matthew 6:33) and He will always reveal His perfect plan for your life. Yes, you may have to set out on your journey by faith, not knowing exactly how to get to your destination. However, your obedience to take the first step will be rewarded.
He is not like a man that He should lie to you (Numbers 23:19). His hope and future is what you were created for. The ability to reach your dreams in life is only limited by your recognition that Yahweh put them in your heart (center of intellect) in the first place, and your lacking faith that He will fulfill them. Delight yourself also in Yahweh, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4) Delight yourself; Yes, it means to be soft or delicate toward, or in other words, to possess a soft heart toward Yahweh. He placed those desires in there and when your heart is soft (delights in Him), then He fulfills them. This is His plan; it cannot change. Only your heart can.
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. (Ezekiel 36:26)
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©)
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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©)
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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.
God of the Carnal Mind
God of the Carnal Mind
(#013 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, looking unto Yahshua, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Almighty.
For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin [resisted sin unto the death of your “self”]. And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons:
“My son, do not despise the chastening of Yahweh,
Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;
For whom Yahweh loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.” (From Proverbs 3:11-12)
If you endure chastening, the Almighty deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? (Hebrews 12:1-9)
Do you think I cannot provide for you? You must, because you continue to seek the gods of lesser things. I speak to you as an adult, even though I have asked you to be like a child in your faith (Matthew 18:3). Nevertheless, chastisement for your sins and rebuke for your resistance will be according to your age. Light spankings for adults will not suffice. You have heard My numerous warnings; My anger has been aroused. Beloved, do not despise My chastening. Do not be discouraged!
Even though it will hurt, I am with you during your correction. Do not pray against it; My rod has already swung. You will not escape this opportunity for growth. Perhaps now you will obey and return in true repentance. I know your thoughts. I know the truth about you. If your own carnality has overtaken your ability to see clearly, ask for help; My Son made the way. Whatever hinders you has been handled by His death and resurrection.
You can actively participate during this time of chastening; or you can struggle against it. But, either way, the path will be made straight. Throw off everything that obstructs your growth and the sin that so easily ensnares you. Remember…author and finisher. It is time to resist every sin, even unto your own bloodshed, even unto the death of your “self.” (Hebrews 12:1, 2, 4) It is the difference between true and illegitimate sons.
Who’s Judging Who
Who’s Judging Who?
(#012 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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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©)
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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©)
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“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.
False Peace: A Heavenly Perspective
False Peace: A Heavenly Perspective
(#009 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Your little carnal comforts,
They seem to make you smile.
“Check it out, smell the leather,
I’ll drive it for a while.”
Manicured yard, three-car garage,
Your square feet under air!
“Pop the bottle, twist the cap,
I haven’t got a care.”
Your little carnal comforts,
They seem to give you peace.
“Check it out, feel the paint,
I got it on a lease!”
Dare you attempt to find peace in another, peace in objects? I know what you dream about. I know what brings you “peace.” I have asked you to deny yourself (Luke 9:23). Yet, you continue to indulge. How long do you think your objects of desire can compete with My infectious touch? Yes, My love is infectious, but so is My heavenly chastening.
I see how concerned you are about your bank account. I see you check the numbers often. I too do accounting. My Son paid a hefty price with His shed blood, and He has debtors. Do not misunderstand loved one, it is not your redemption that I Am talking about here; that cost Him everything and you nothing. It is the life you live because of it, your discipleship, which I speak of today (Luke 14:25-33). Consider this; do your desires manifest from fear and trembling, in other words reverence and righteous awe (Philippians 2:12; Psalm 2:11), or is that which is carnal still causing your dis–ease, your tendency to search outside of Me for your pleasure and comfort? Did you forget that I Am the One who gives and takes away (Job 1:21)?
May I ask you how much My Son’s death is worth to you? He is here at My right hand, seated high above all things, and He is watching (Ephesians 1:20; Hebrews 8:1). He says, “I see everything that gives your heart more pleasure than what you derive from our Father’s presence. I see all things that please you more than the life I gave for you. I see all of your objects of worship. And I weep for you.”
There are many things for you to enjoy loved one. But I demand the proper order of your worship. Your false peace will be revealed to you with or without your consent. Do you have the courage to join this heavenly dance before being forced (Philippians 2:10)? The work I have started in you will be completed. I gave you My word (Philippians 1:6). Listen and obey My Son’s words as recorded by My servant Matthew (Mattityahu in Hebrew – the gift of Yahweh). But, seek first the Kingdom of the Mighty One and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:33) This is the only way. It will not change. Walk in it!
Serve Yahweh with fear, and rejoice with trembling. (Psalm 2:11)
Faith by Hearing; A Heavenly Perspective
Faith by Hearing; A Heavenly Perspective
(#008 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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“So then faith comes by hearing, and by hearing I mean hearing My word.” (Romans 10:17)
How can you trust if you don’t know what I have said? How can you rely on promises when you have not heard them? Faith comes by hearing My word. I speak to you as My own child because My children hear my voice (John 10:27); they understand My principles, which are always repeated in patterns.
Your heart (center of intellect) wants only to receive My promises, My blessings. If you liken My commands to a list of chores, then My promises are the rewards for doing those chores. In order to receive the rewards from doing the chores, it stands to reason that you must first know what the chores are. Can you recognize the principle here and pattern in which it repeats?
The principle: The principle is knowing My living and active word; My word is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12) I have magnified My word even above My Name. (Psalm 138:2)
The Pattern: When you magnify My word, make it supreme in your life, you will be inspired to obey Me; and obedience always brings blessings. “Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey My voice, to observe carefully all My commandments which I command you today, I will set you high above all nations of the earth.” (Deuteronomy 28:1) You obey Me; I bless you!
When you become a child of the Most High, it is My heart (mind) that is placed in you (Ezekiel 36:26). And I have many revelations waiting for you loved one, but they will only be revealed to your heart in proportion to your effort.
Effort: Your purposeful intent to know My word and to follow it. No worries if you feel inadequate, My grace is sufficient and in your weakness I am strong (2 Corinthians 12:9). It is the thoughts and intents of the heart that I am discerning.
And finally, “My word is living” therefore, do not think it will reveal the same things to you next month or next year as it does today. You are being transformed from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18). You will grow in My word precept upon precept and line upon line (Isaiah 28:13). If you are My child, I will take the lead in raising you; however you are still responsible to make the effort. If you need help simply ask.
My word builds faith. There is no other way. Do what you must, for the days are short. I know this will help. I love you. I want you to know Me. I want you to increase your faith and therefore increase your blessing. Come to Me child; not because I have the answer to everything, but because I Am the answer to everything. Faith by hearing, this is My Heavenly Perspective.