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The Fig Tree and Its Lesson
The Fig Tree and Its Lesson
(#334 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Now in the morning, [illumination] as He [the way to the saved mind] was returning to the city [mental stronghold], and He was hungry [spiritual longing]. And He saw [mentally perceived] a fig [opportunity] tree [firmly established] by the road [mind path], and He came to it. But found nothing [no spiritual fruit] but leaves [a wall, blocked ambition] on it, and He said to it [the unfruitful endeavor] “May fruit [profitability towards goodness] never grow on you again,” and IMMEDIATELY the fig tree withered [revealed wickedness]. When the disciples [redeemed faculties in thought consciousness] saw [spiritually perceived], they marveled [experience a changed paradigm] and said, “How did the fig tree wither away so quickly?” (Matthew 21:18-20)
Man lives on every word revealed from the mouth of Yahweh (Matthew 4.4 from Deuteronomy 8:3). Heaven’s language is profound, yet meant for little children. The wise and learned so often misunderstand because of dulled spiritual senses (Matthew 11:25). “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.” (Luke 10:23-24) So, what is the lesson from the fig tree?
Starting our discussion with a critical question would be appropriate. Where in Scriptures do you ever see Yahshua the Messiah praying about what to do? Slow your mind and walk this out; and it will help you perceive this lesson. The “model prayer” itself (Matthew 6:9-13) teaches complete reliance on the Father’s will (v. 10), and cautions against “mindless repetition,” (v. 7) as the Father “knows what things you need before you ask Him.” (v. 8)
Yahshua only walked to the fig tree because He was led to the fig tree. The reality that there was no “fruit” was the superficial issue. Obedience to go and His reaction to what He found were the real issues. There would be no weeping prayers; no lengthy intersession or explanations, and no repetitive pleas to make something that He may have personally desired appear. It was His Father’s will that the tree had no fruit and He would not pray to change that. “I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those You have given Me, for they are Yours.” (John 17:9)
If we peer into the mind of the Messiah (1 Corinthians 2:16), what might He be thinking? “I expected there to be fruit on the tree, but I found none. However, the ‘none’ that I found was My fruit of obedience for going; that is what mattered to My Father. Also, the fact that as soon as I perceived there was no fruit like I had imagined there would be, it was IMMEDIATELY illuminated to Me that this was My Father’s will. And I did not succumb to My own will, nor did I desire its fruit any longer, because had it been My Father’s will for Me to eat its fruit, THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN FRUIT ON THE TREE!” You see, this is so simple that a small child can understand; it is the wise and learned who have difficulty.
If you are stuck wondering what to do, then you suffer from double mindedness loved one (James 1:8); a divided house (mindset) that cannot stand (Mark 3:25)! Stop willing things to happen according to personal desire, while claiming, “I’m just waiting for the Lord, trusting Him for it.” You should know IMMEDIATELY in all things if only One will is being considered. And if He intends for you to hold out for something, then complete peace and an undetached tranquility is proof that it is of Him. If He says, “Wait!” then no more prayers are necessary on this matter, if you are willing to receive it.
The lesson of the fig tree: IMMEDIATELY go when you are told; leave when you are told; wait how long you are told; and in all matters, be content with what you find! Stop trying to impose your “self” desire upon Yahweh (serving yourself), while claiming to be His servant. “Your will be done!” It’s not just another pleasant Christian sound bite that you can wear on a rubber bracelet. It’s the mind of the Messiah and all the power and responsibility that comes with it.
We are going to the deepest places loved one. Prepare your mind and receive because this is what you will find when you arrive. Yahshua replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done.” (Matthew 21:21)
Sometimes
Sometimes
(#333 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Sometimes I feel so afraid, like if I vanished in an instant, no one would miss me.
Sometimes I hold on by a fraying thread, like the best of tomorrow is a thread yet unbroken.
Sometimes it all seems like a lie, like I’m pretending this journey’s all been predestined.
Sometimes I sit alone in the silence, and I long for the silence to speak back to my loneliness.
Sometimes I’m confused; why does faith find its substance in hope, if hope has no substance?
Sometimes I’m angry; how can faith and hope have any substance if their only evidence is invisible?
Sometimes it seems cruel that I was created with such frailty; I question why love would do such a thing.
But who are you, a human being, to talk back to the Almighty? “Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’” Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor? (Romans 9:20-21)
We have learned so much together that has helped us overcome such thoughts. So why here; why now? Very simply, it is to comfort you. It is to let you know that you should not be dismayed if these thoughts still arise, even after all the sacrifice, all the pressing in to obedience, and all the longing to be conformed to His image. Yahshua Himself, at the end of His entire journey of obedience, and standing firm in the hope of all that was promised, shouted, “Why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46) His whole life was a sinless journey and, in the end, He too had to experience doubt. The Kingdom was within Him, and in a moment, it was snatched from Him. Why? It was necessary that He be tested in every way as we are, yet to remain sinless (Hebrews 4:15). It was the final test for Him to be released from His own self will, and it took doubting the Father to finish it!
After this, Yahshua, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. So when Yahshua had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. (John 19:28-30)
He had to receive the sour wine from your vessel into His vessel. Remember loved one, a servant is not greater than his master; what was necessary for Him is also for you (John 15:20). Don’t be dismayed if sometimes you receive sour wine; your resurrection is near. Don’t give in. Don’t shrink back. Soon, you will be in glory.
Spiritual Nutrition
Nutrition
(#332 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Thinking burns calories! Thoughts require energy, both conscious and subconscious; they are living and active. Is it any wonder that ulcers (disease) are most often created from mind stress rather than physical exertion? It would then be prudent and coherent to create a nutrition chart for the mind in order to maximize your potential in the physical. And considering the wholistic nature of the Scriptures (1 Thessalonians 5:23), you should know this about physical nutrition, so you can relate it wholistically to mental nutrition. It is not just about food, but the sum total of all things that contribute to growth, repair, and preservation of a healthy body. Let us, therefore, consider wholistic nutrition for your mind:
1. Psalms = Carbohydrates
2. Deuteronomy = Protein
3. Obeying the Torah (5 books of Moses); Spiritual blessings = Good Fat
4. Disobeying the Torah; Spiritual curses = Bad Fat
5. Prophets = Fiber
6. Proverbs = Water
7. Prayer and Meditation = Calories
8. Praying in the Spirit = Phytonutrients, Vitamin and Minerals
9. Spiritual Warfare (the Epistles) = Renewing the mind; Detoxification
10. Taking Dominion (embracing your identity before Yahweh) = Exercise
11. The Good News = Rest
12. Revelation = Dreams and Sleep
13. History Books = Firm foundation, Deep Roots, Stability
Prepare your mind to hear. We will go beyond the standard comfort zones today. Having often discussed the reality that life manifests within (the thought world) before it is expressed without (the physical world), let us move on to perfection (perfect thinking). These invaluable pearls allow us to further express the true roots of disease.
Your physical health is directly related to your knowledge of the words of Yahweh loved one. Listen closely and listen well as your diagnosis could be supernaturally transformed today. If your body is the manifestation of the totality of your thoughts, then you can use the Scriptures as your nutrition guide to renew your mind and therefore your body. You would do well to perform an analysis of your predominant mental status (congregating thoughts) in order to determine the cause of the physical state of your body (the reason for your diagnosis). Then you can decide to “choose life” (Deuteronomy 30:19), instead of death.
And this is where we go beyond comfort zones. Your physical body is the outward expression of your thought life! Listen again and let this seed plant itself in good soil (Mark 4:20). An unhealthy perspective of scripture, and therefore Yahweh Himself, leads to an unhealthy physical life. Let’s relate this to some common diagnoses and see what transpires: Physical to Mental
High blood pressure: Disobedience, fear, unbelief
Obesity: Discontent, gluttony
Diabetes: Lack of self-control/self-discipline
Digestive Problems: Stress, confusion, anxiety
Arthritis: Anger, rage, foul language
Use of Steroids: Insecurity, vanity, pride
Cancer: Breaking food laws, bitterness, unforgiveness
Lethargy: Sloth, indifference, apathy; rebellion
Lean and fit: Application of Biblical truth
The Abundant Life: Wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and obedience
And there are so many more loved one, but this was intended to be an eye opener (spiritual perception stimulus). What you allow to feed your mind can be directly equated to what you stare at in a mirror. If sickness is what you see, then confess and begin the healing and wholeness process, back to a fit life. A renewed mind and, therefore, a renewed body awaits you.
Yahshua answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:31-32)
All Roads Lead Where?
All Roads Lead Where?
(#331 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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In various forms, you have heard it said, “All roads lead to Heaven.” This humanistic perspective, when expressed outside the “Church,” is of no concern of ours. But inside the body of the Messiah, the congregation, this type of diversity (many roads) has become the new unity. Really, it is just the candy-coating on human apathy disguised under the banner of becoming all things to all men (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). But, with a resounding cry, let us remind you that this is precisely what Shaul warned against; he cautioned about the wrong application of such doctrine.
“But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the adversary’s cunningness, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to the Messiah. For if someone comes to you and preaches a Yahshua other than the Yahshua we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the Spirit you received, or a different good news from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.” (2 Corinthians 11:3-4) Don’t put up with lies couched under the placard of unity in the midst of diversity; stand up and shout, “I am a fundamentalist!”
However, amongst those who confess “Jesus,” because the concession has become that all roads lead to heaven, each denomination has paved its own way, and declares that whatever road it travels will suffice. “God will receive all,” even those preaching another doctrine, preaching another Jesus. Yet even Yahshua Himself did not come with His own doctrine (John 7:16). To travel this congested road one must negate such mandates as: “The road is narrow that leads to life, and only a few will find it.” (Matthew 7:14) And they must become apathetic to such truths as: “For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many are those that go that way.” (Matthew 7:13)
They must also ignore the chief command which is to prove your love to the Most High by actually keeping His commands. “Yahweh will circumcise your hearts [centers of intellect] and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love Him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live; you will again obey Yahweh and follow all His commands; the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.” (Deuteronomy 30:6, 8, 14) Yahshua, because He did not teach His own doctrine, taught likewise; “If you love Me, keep My commands.” (John 14:15) This, of course, assumes you actually know what they are!
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of Yahweh rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but Yahweh rises upon you and His glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.” (Isaiah 60:1-3)
This illumination is not for the apathetic. It’s for those who love Yahweh with all they are. Perhaps you? Or, perhaps you’ve enjoyed the “many roads” doctrine; maybe you just didn’t know. But now you do! Don’t buy into the jargon, the “self” appeasing doctrines of men. Confusion comes from “self” reliance, the might (god) of this world; it is the reliance on Babylon (babel-on). Instead be a fundamentalist; only one doctrine is allowed on the narrow road. Only one road leads to Heaven. His name is Yahweh; He changes not (Malachi 3:6). It’s a serious matter, loved one. And today you know; there is only One road.
“In the beginning Yahweh created the Heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)
Fellowship and The Congregation
The Congregation
(#330 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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The congregation is the gathering of redeemed minds called to think and do as the Messiah did. It is meant to propagate His teachings and His thinking, which then produces evidence that is demonstrable in the physical realm. By faithful execution of this calling, we will produce even greater works than His because He demonstrated to us how He “went” to the Father (John 14:12). This is best understood in context as if Yahshua went “the way of” His Father, as in “not My will but Your will be done.” (Luke 22:42)
The metaphysical picture of the congregation is to imagine many souls gathered together, the gathering of redeemed thoughts, or in other words, the congregation of minds pressing in together to apprehend the mind of the Messiah. Your commission is to hear and understand the Father’s language. “Why is My language not clear to you?” Yahshua asked. “Because you are unable to hear My word.” (John 8:43) And what were His words as a manifestation of the Father’s mind? “I am He and I do nothing on My own but speak just what the Father has taught Me.” (John 8:28) Can you recognize in His words that He went the way of the Father? This is the pattern; His mind congregated with the Father; He received direction; and He spoke only the Father’s words. The Messiah, as with all men, had two minds within, His own and the Father’s. He always submitted to the Father’s mind, expressed as “His will,” and it always produced greater works. Within first, and then without! And you?
This powerful understanding of “the congregation” is lost when the erroneous translation of “the church” is substituted. What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of church? Honest introspection is warranted and advised at this time. When you hear church, do you think of internal things, like the mind of the Messiah that only thinks what the Father thinks? Or, do you see external things, like ministries and buildings? Do you think mindsets or ministries? If “church” immediately conjures up thoughts of external things, it is because you do not yet speak His language or hear His words. It’s good that we have congregated to discuss such things; two or more of us gathered to propagate the Father’s thoughts.
Our Daily Bread
Our Daily Bread
(#329 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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“My Kingdom is not of this world!” (John 18:36)
Listen closely loved one, and do so with an inquiring mind. If Yahshua proclaimed that His Kingdom was not of this world, then are His teachings of or about this world? If you believe that everything in Scripture pertains to the physical realm, you are severely hindered from grasping the spiritual truth intended with each word He spoke. “Yahweh is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth; I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things.” (John 4:24; 8:28)
And so, what will enable you to grasp the truth; what will give you the “keys” to this Spiritual Kingdom, so you understand what it means that “whatever you bind on earth will be bound in Heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in Heaven?” (Matthew 16:19) If you need keys to the Kingdom, then it should be obvious that the door is locked and you must obtain the keys in order to open it. And this Kingdom does not come with physical observation; it is within you (Luke 17:20-21). It takes spiritual eyes to see it!
Do you erroneously believe that by saying you “trust in Jesus” the door automatically swings wide open to you? Not so, not so! Yes, it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 13:11), but you must ask, seek and knock (Matthew 7:7-8). And be wise all who are redeemed; for just as you must diligently seek it, it will not prevail in your life if you are divided in your thinking (Mark 3:24), like a wave of the sea tossed by the wind (James 1:6).
For the longing soul, needy for more, and desperate for the power promised, your mind cries, “What are the keys? What are the keys?” First go back and read paragraph one above again. Stop attempting to attain spiritual manna from a fallen world. The precepts of Yahweh are for the conscience, the renewing of the mind, and never for this physical world. Yes, this paradigm in thought will wage a war within you for quite some time, but let it rage. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another. (Galatians 5:17)
The daily bread you are offered is spiritual manna for the renewing of thought processes (Romans 12:2), and only after the spiritual man is fed can anything good be transfigured into the physical realm. Your fears of lack of earth’s food and resources only exist because you have been seeking the world’s bread, and not the bread of life. When the conscience is perfected loved one, all things are yours, on earth as it is in Heaven.
And Yahshua said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35) The key loved one: put on the mind of the Messiah and stop seeking the earth’s junk food. Then, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in Heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in Heaven.
A Good Gauge
A Good Gauge
(#328 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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“If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me before you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. But because you are not of the world, for I have chosen you out of the world, for this reason the world hates you.” (John 15:18-19)
As your mind continues to conform to the mind of the Messiah, let this thought continue its invasion into your old ways of thinking. Eventually it will be all that is left in you. “Everything is born in the mind first; it happens within. And then it is manifested in the physical; it happens without.” Everything that Yahshua the Messiah taught was true to this pattern. Let’s reread His words, and this time be mindful of the pattern, within and then without.
“If the world [material, carnal thoughts born in the conscience and people who are void of the Spirit] hates [has enmity toward] you [redeemed mind and redeemed person], understand [stand under this truth] that it hated Me [the embodiment of a saved mind and a saved person] before you. If you were of the world [material consciousness and material people], the world would love [the type that always fails, yet continues to embrace] its own [carnal thoughts and carnal people]. But because you are not of the world, for I have chosen [pre-determined / predestined to save] you out of the world, for this reason the world [carnal thoughts striving to rule your mind and unholy people] hates you.”
Let’s reassemble His words. The carnal thoughts born in the conscience by people who do not possess the Holy Spirit are full of hated for any beliefs or ways of thinking that start transforming to Holy thinking patterns. Carry this truth like an umbrella. It is not about you personally; it is actually prejudiced against and despises anything that embodies a mind that prospers with a Kingdom mindset. If you persist to think like the world, and remain focused on what the material world can offer you, the world will continue to love and embrace you in the only sick and perverted way that it can. Its type of love always fails; and is flooded with carnal thoughts for carnal people. But, because you have been predestined to not remain part of the world, you will always be at enmity with the carnal thoughts striving to rule your mind and the unholy people who support that way of thinking.
For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. The carnal mind is enmity against [Yahweh]; for it is not subject to the law of [Yahweh], nor indeed can be. (Romans 8:6-7) The carnally minded will always hate the spiritually minded, and the majority of humanity, ego driven thoughts and people, are carnally minded (are of the flesh). The road that leads to destruction is broad and many follow it (Matthew 7:13-14).
The predominant thinking patterns in the earth are destructive and lead to physical calamity as well. In order to prevail, you must expect to be abused, not embraced, for your choice to take the narrow road. The spiritually mature walk with Yahweh within and then without, and they never concern themselves with being liked by those on the broad road.
But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of [Yahweh] dwells in you. (Romans 8:9)
Ten Virgins
Ten Virgins
(#327 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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“The Kingdom of Heaven may be compared to ten virgins…” (Matthew 25:1)
The intent of the parable is to express what the Kingdom is like, and knowing this has vast significance for your life of discipleship. As of yet, are you ready to sum up exactly what the Kingdom of Heaven is? Could you do it with one word? Let’s explore the parable and see what it produces; and let’s do so simply by defining Yahshua’s words in Matthew 25:1-13:
1. The Kingdom of Heaven is… [This is what will be produced in a moment!]
2. Ten = 1 (one is male) and 0 (zero is female, womb), in Hebrew Numbers (gematria) ten = 1 + 0 = 1; Yahweh is one!
3. Virgin: child yet held accountable;
4. Five and five: five senses (to see, hear, taste, touch, and smell); five spiritually redeemed and five carnally bound to the material world. Five is also grace.
5. Trimming: pruning or refinement;
6. Lamps: glistening light;
7. Bridegroom: to give away; Yahshua the Messiah gave His life for you.
8. Oil: spiritual illumination, anointing;
9. Jars: thoughts that are concealed or confined;
Two signifies opposition (male and female), unless of course there is redemption (two becoming one flesh—Genesis 2:24). Virgins are like little children who are not yet held accountable, who can be raised in homes with the Holy Spirit, or carnally without. They remain innocent (virgins) until they become accountable for their own choices. The five wise (prudent) senses are used solely to promote the Kingdom of Heaven. Yahshua the Messiah did so completely and so was deemed the [fill in the blank] sacrifice. The trimming of the lamps signifies pruning or refinement in thoughts in order to be reckoned spotless. It is the light in you becoming like the Messiah. There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. (John 1:9) The oil in the jar signifies an anointing on the once confined minds of those who master the five senses for spiritual purposes alone.
If you can now fill in the blank above correctly, you can answer the question about what exactly the Kingdom of Heaven is. Doing so, you will be absolutely amazed at how you now perceive eternity. It is [perfect] loved one. The Kingdom of Heaven is the perfect conscience, a permanent perfect mind. It is the mind of the Messiah in you (1 Corinthians 2:16), the Kingdom within you (Luke 17:21). It is a mind completely free from any and all sin, a mind made innocent forever with no capacity for “self” will. It is the resurrected mind. The Kingdom of Heaven is perfection!
“Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!” (Matthew 3:2) “Behold, the Lamb of Yahweh who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)
Looking at Yahshua, John announced, “Turn back to Yahweh; that is what the Kingdom of Heaven is. It’s the fullness of Yahweh manifesting in man!” His eyes transfixed on Yahshua; “That is what it looks like!”
From this day forward, every time you read in the Renewed Covenant, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like,” meditate on what has just been revealed to you.
As we forgive
As We Forgive
(#326 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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“And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12)
It’s because you’re stuck in the physical realm that these and other scriptures remain unfulfilled. 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 [mind].” (1 Samuel 16:7) It is what is on the inside that is most important. With this, again, brought to the forefront of your mind, let’s re-examine what Yahshua was teaching in Matthew 6:12.
“And forgive us [minds meant for redemption and salvation] our debts [obligations owed due to carnal thoughts; acknowledgement of idols in thought processes] as we [the mind being renewed] forgive [move past, press on] our debtors [former thought processes that bring back memories of pain, fear, anger, sadness, etc.].” Our minds were meant to be redeemed and then preserved whole with full release from any current obligations. The renewed mind can then also move beyond any memories of the past that threaten to drag us back into old mindsets.
When Yahshua’s words are considered from the Holy mind perspective (a circumcised heart), their intent is to demonstrate that the obligation of both the debt and the debtor were yours; each is one side of a sharp double-edged sword. It is not about what others may owe us in the physical world, but obligations of ego centered thinking that have been forgiven once they are confessed, yet which still linger because of the residues of sin. That is why you are called to forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead (Philippians 3:13).
Listen loved one; it’s never about anyone else. It has always been, and always will be about every thought you think, and whether or not those thoughts are obedient to the Holy mind patterns. Forgiving EVERYTHING is a byproduct of believing in Yahweh! Press on toward the goal to win the prize for which the Mighty One has called [you] heavenward in the Messiah Yahshua. All who are mature [perfect] should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too the Mighty One will make clear to you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same [Holy] mind. (Philippians 3:14-16)
Altar Cry
Altar Cry
(#325 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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“For which of you who plans to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, to see if you have enough to finish?” (Luke 14:28)
Consider this: the tower is an expansion of thought processes from carnal to spiritual. Sitting down is the meditation before and about what you intend to step into. The cost is nothing less than the sanctification of your entire spirit, soul, and body (1 Thessalonians 5:23). The ability to finish is none other than agreeing to nail your “self” to the torture stake. Whoever rejects the stake, or refuses to utterly forsake everything, even his own life, cannot be His disciple (Luke 14:26-27; 33).
And now a proper perspective of forgiveness is warranted. Reflect on this question; “Why would Yahweh ever forgive that which He has said to die to?” Stated another way, “Is His forgiveness for the man whom He says must lose his life, or is His forgiveness for His Son alone?” Here is the clue; “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in the Messiah the Mighty One forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32) It is in Yahshua alone that we have forgiveness from Yahweh!
So, if it is in Him alone that forgiveness resides, then we must begin to question if the practice of the modern “altar call”, each plea to come forward, is merely a continuation of Catholic dogma. Is it just a resurrected religious code that sacrifices (sacraments) the Messiah over, and over, and over again? This may make you feel very uncomfortable, but how you feel about it does not matter. What matters is truth!
The message for everyone who claims to be a disciple is to count the cost before you say, “forgive me.” It costs everything and the forgiveness is in Yahshua alone, who will authorize and perfect your faith. It will require every ounce of what you had formerly valued to be utterly shattered!
Now, who would like to come to the altar and receive? Would you? Yes indeed, come as you are, but be ready to be crushed, to never be the same again. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for [His] sake will find it. (Matthew 10:39)
Your sin requires that you be annihilated into nothingness. It is time for the modern day altar call to become the altar cry. Yes, he who takes warning will save his own life. (Ezekiel 33:5) They hear the cry of the true watchman. “Blow the trumpet and warn the people!” (Read Ezekiel 33:1-9)