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Mind and Thoughts
Bulls of Bashan
(#259 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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“Many bulls have surrounded me; bulls of Bashan have compassed and beset me; they gape at me with their mouths, as ravening and roaring lions.” (Psalm 22:12-13)
It’s time to cross over loved one. It’s time to seek the deeper implications of the Word. Consider this; is the bigger picture here that there were bulls staring at David? Was David’s true concern a bunch of wild animals? Was he closed in and surrounded by roaring bulls? Was that his real dilemma? Let us challenge you to be transformed. You do have the mind of the Messiah (1 Corinthians 2:16).
This new mind of yours will help you build a foundation that allows for a much greater understanding. This greater understanding involves the metaphysical aspect of scripture, in a sense, the more supernatural meaning. It will provide an appreciation for the underlying, deep, and secret truths that Yahweh intends for you to know. However, it is the glory of the Almighty to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter. (Proverbs 25:2) The search for the deeper things will aid in the transforming of your mind (Romans 12:2), but be not mistaken, it takes an effort on your part. “It is the glory of kings to search out a matter.” You are a royal priest, are you not?
However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. But we speak the wisdom of the Almighty in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which the Almighty ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Master of glory. But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart [mind] of man the things which the Almighty has prepared for those who love Him.” But Yahweh has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of the Almighty. (1 Corinthians 2:6-10)
Now let’s take a look at Psalm 22:12-13 again, but this time with more spiritual eyes, so we might search out the deep things of the Almighty:
Many [multiplying]
bulls [dispersed, divided, stubborn thoughts]
have surrounded me; [invaded thought processes]
bulls of Bashan [material consciousness not yet redeemed to spiritual consciousness]
have compassed [continually revolving thoughts]
and beset me; [entangled me]
they [broken, material, conscious, dividing carnal thought processes]
gape at me [speak into my consciousness]
with their mouths [scattering ideas],
as ravening [pulling and plucking at thoughts]
and roaring [rumbling and moaning within]
lions [roaring thoughts that obstruct calm thinking].
Here is a flowing paraphrase:
A growing number of dispersed and stubborn thoughts have invaded my thinking process. These are thoughts that enslave me to an unredeemed material consciousness as opposed to the freedom of spiritual thinking. These fleshly thoughts continually revolve in my mind and keep me entangled. These carnal thought processes create and propagate scattered and fragmented ideas. They pull and pluck at my brain; and they cause a rumbling and moaning within. They roar so loudly that I cannot even think straight.
It’s all about the mind, the thought processes, how we think about our “self,” and how we redeem those thoughts by the power of the Spirit. It’s all in the mind loved one. Life is in the mind!
Peace beyond Understanding
The Trade
(#258 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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It’s the offer of a lifetime for those with eyes to see and ears to hear. Yahweh has said in various ways, “Obey Me and I will give you My peace.” His intent, of course, is to realign your thinking process with one of radical, unconditional, reflex obedience. As an incentive, He is offering you a supernatural peace that surpasses all understanding, which will then guard your heart (mind) (Philippians 4:7). This is an extraordinary offer that you should not pass up. Let’s explore it more deeply.
Yahshua answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me. These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:23-27)
“My peace I give you, not the peace the world gives,” Yahshua said. Worldly peace is conditional; it is an absence of disturbance or hostilities, or a personality free from internal and external strife. This is good, but it is dependent on circumstances; it is not supernatural. The scriptural concept of peace (shalom) is dynamic and transcends circumstances; it is not conditional. “My peace I give you, not the peace the world gives.”
Obey Yahweh and you will have peace (shalom) no matter what!
· You will have what is needed to be whole, complete and to live well;
· You will have wholeness of life and health of your body;
· You will have harmony in relationships;
· You will have prosperity, success, and fulfillment;
· You will have safety and victory over your enemies.
As per Holy decree, the offer is no less than remarkable when properly perceived. Loss of your spouse, yet obedient; peace! Imprisoned and bound, yet obedient; peace! Loss of a child, yet obedient; peace! You will have peace implanted into your conscience that causes you to say, “I could not even be burdened if I tried to be. His peace has enveloped my mind!” This is the peace that surpasses all understanding. Is this not the master key to life? Is it not the very thing that every soul longs for? “No matter what, I obey, and therefore, no matter what, I have His peace.”
As we write, we cry out for all of you. Our fervent prayer is that you accept “the offer,” the supernatural trade—obedience for peace. May His Spirit forever pierce your conscious behaviors. And may you acknowledge within that if you don’t have His peace right now, somehow, you are in disobedience. It is this very process of thinking that will begin to, and continually set you free from all that hinders and burdens you. Peace loved one. We pray that the peace of Yahweh overwhelms you. “Let not your heart [mind] be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
The Narrow Path
Chanok
(#257 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Everyone who commits [practices] sin is guilty of lawlessness [violating Yahweh’s law by transgression or neglect; being unrestrained and unregulated by His commands and His will]; for sin is lawlessness. (1 John 3:4) Sin, quite literally, is transgression of the law. It always starts in the mind and most often manifests in physical action. It is NOT, as most people think, a built-in biological certainty. Simply put, sin is a voluntary decision. The law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good. (Romans 7:12) You can either choose to obey it or not to obey it! But don’t be mistaken; it is your choice.
Here’s a question you have not likely been asked before. Do you sin because Adam (Adam #1) sinned, or because you would have made the same choice, and still do? The world loves to purport that biology is the inevitable cause of transgression (sin), if in fact they are of the secular camp that even admits transgression is possible. And certainly by mere self-identification as “non-believers,” the world would never categorize their failures as transgressions against Yahweh. As believers, we know otherwise; it is against Yahweh alone that we sin (Psalm 51:4).
Even more inviting to the world are terms like: innocent victim; unfortunate disease; hereditary disposition; or alternative lifestyle, as more palatable substitutes for the atrocious idea that they might be transgressing the law of some higher being, or even of nature itself. Sins such as addictive behaviors, immoral standards, gluttony, promiscuous behavior and clothing, aberrant sexual activity, or gender “re-identification,” are ignored or excused; and in recent years, simply accepted as the “new normal.” Why? “Because people are just born that way.” And the distinction between right and wrong is just culturally relative, or even more precariously, personally relative. As scripture says, futile thinking is where the downfall begins. (Romans 1:21)
Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (Isaiah 5:20) Now consider that this was not written to the world; it was to Yahweh’s chosen people. Have you also adopted the world’s excuses? Do you actually believe Yahweh created man to be evil and sinful on purpose? Does it comfort you in some way to believe the lie? “It is hereditary; I’m a victim; it’s not my fault.” Are these your acceptable excuses? Will you continue to reject the truth that committing transgression is a choice? Is your current belief system based on Romans 7:14-23? (Read it!) “Woe is me; I’m a victim of my flesh; I keep doing what I do not want to do and don’t do what I am supposed to do.” Or is your reality Romans 7:24-25? (Read it!) “Who will deliver me from this body of death? Praise Yahweh, Yahshua the Messiah DID!” For the law of the Spirit of life in the Messiah Yahshua has made me free from the law of sin and death. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of the Almighty dwells in you. (Romans 8:2, 9)
Chanok (pronounced khan-oke’), you know him better as Enoch. By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because the Almighty had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased the Almighty. (Hebrews 11:5) His very name means “dedicated, experienced, and trained.” He lived three hundred and sixty five years of a dedicated life, pleasing to Yahweh. He was the seventh (perfection) generation from Adam (Jude 1:14). He walked the narrow road and was taken from the earth without experiencing physical death. He became an example to all who would believe. Was his obedience hereditary as some believe about sinfulness? Or was it a choice?
It is in this time together that we remove scales and introduce the true reality; Enoch made the only choice that mattered. It was the choice to obey alone, and not attempt to add or take away from what Yahweh ordained to bring life and death. Not one jot or tittle could be changed, and he submitted to it (resisted the temptation of Adam #1).
His dedication to the narrow path was a choice; his carnal mind gave him every option to fail, but he chose otherwise. He chose to be pleasing to Yahweh. Yes, this was Enoch and he made no excuses.
Yeshua Saved Us
Under My Rod
(#256 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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“As I live,” says Yahweh Almighty, “surely with a mighty hand, with an outstretched arm, and with fury poured out, I will rule over you. I will bring you out from the peoples and gather you out of the countries where you are scattered, with a mighty hand, with an outstretched arm, and with fury poured out. And I will bring you into the wilderness of the peoples, and there I will plead My case with you face to face. Just as I pleaded My case with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so I will plead My case with you,” says Yahweh Almighty. “I will make you pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant; I will purge the rebels from among you, and those who transgress against Me; I will bring them out of the country where they dwell, but they shall not enter the land of Israyl. Then you will know that I Am Yahweh.” (Ezekiel 20:33-38)
Think of passing through a metal detector on your way into a courtroom. The detector, perfectly placed, will not allow entrance until anything potentially dangerous has been removed. And so it is with the rod that I cause to fall upon you. “I will make you pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant.” (v37) The covenant is love. The removal of anything that damages love must take place before you can stand in My presence. This is why the rod is a must. He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly. (Proverbs 13:24)
Even My Son cried out at His crucifixion, “Why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46) This is the fulfillment of the pure mind, as all the sins of mankind, past and future, were born by Him in that instant. Why was that necessary? That He might present her [the bride] to Himself a glorious congregation, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she [the bride] should be holy and without blemish. (Ephesians 5:27) There can be nothing but purity in My presence. There can be no trace of flesh (the Adam #1 previously spoken of); there can be no dross; there can be no defect. In My house, there is no spot and no speckle, only a glorious bride, holy and without blemish! My Son declares it so, “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in Heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48)
Yes child, take comfort that My eyes are ever upon you as My rod strikes. “Where are you still holding onto flesh thoughts? What are you still trying to hide from Me?” These are the questions that the rod answers. I desire you learn quickly, though My long-suffering endures.
Changing faulty patterns of the mind into pure patterns of the mind; it is for this that the rod was designed! For some, purity arrives more easily. How so? They relish the discipline; “Abba, Your rod is Your love; do not remove it until I have found You.” These will rise. These are My sons and daughters.
Choosing Friends
Old Ties
(#255 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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There is a special time for everything. There is a time for everything that happens under Heaven. There is a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pick what is planted. There is a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up. There is a time to cry, and a time to laugh; a time to have sorrow, and a time to dance. There is a time to throw stones, and a time to gather stones; a time to kiss, and a time to turn from kissing. There is a time to try to find, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away. There is a time to tear apart, and a time to sew together; a time to be quiet, and a time to speak. There is a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)
And there is a time to sever bad relationships. The reasons can be complex, but in the end the pattern is simple. As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife. (Proverbs 26:21) True friends are rare; casual acquaintances are many. The severing will be most necessary with the latter. What might warrant a separation? Some people have an antagonistic spirit and the energy they take from you harms your soul.
You might think it’s a sign of unconditional love and humility to work out a strained relationship. And in one sense it is. However, wisdom will tell you when you have done enough. “The contention became so sharp that they parted from one another.” (Acts 15:39) Like Shaul and Barnabas, some relationships are best ended for a season, and certain associations are best ended permanently. It’s okay to have a brother or sister with whom you might rather part ways. Not all relationships advance the Kingdom. In the future, a change in circumstances might allow room for reconciliation, but there is no guarantee that it must or will happen. Some people change; some won’t.
Truthfully, your first obligation is that which fills your soul, and that is your need for the companionship of a loving Creator. This relationship nurtures and supports self-love and allows you access to supernatural Power. Self-love is the love of the new man within (Adam #2; Messiah in you), through denial of the old man (Adam #1, the “self” will that must be crucified). The outcome: you will become all that Yahweh created you to be! His supernatural power has given to us all things that pertain to life and holy reverence, 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 holy nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (2 Peter 1:3-4)
A wise person guards his life (entire conscious thought plain)! If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men (Romans 12:18), and if not, move on. A wise man fears and departs from evil, but a fool rages and is self [Adam #1] confident. (Proverbs 14:16) Fake or unfruitful relationships, those that pretend to work but are really destructive, are not pleasing to the Father. True faith allows for old ties to break. True faith knows man is limited in what he can do for his fellow man. And it is not so arrogant that it is unwilling to leave the rest to Yahweh. There is a time to keep and a time to cast away. There is a time for everything that happens under Heaven.
If you want me to
Door of Hope
(#254 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Therefore, behold, I Am going to allure her [My Son’s bride], will bring her into the wilderness and give her understanding [speak comfort to her]: And I will assign to her these, her vineyards, and the Valley of Achor [troubled mind] as a door of hope. She will sing there, as in the days of her youth, as in the days when she came up from the land of Egypt [carnal materiality]. (Hosea 2:14-15)
This is the never changing and ever difficult pattern for the fallen mind to grasp. But it is that which leads to the perfected mind. The valley is the place where hope is created and destinies revealed. And you must make a conscious decision to either conform to this most Holy of patterns or continue to rebel. The rebellion always manifests with predictable signs: anger, resentment, sadness, doubt, fear, bitterness, rage, jealousy, judgment, pride, etc. Each of these are indicators of your denial of this pattern; “The door of hope is in the valley (wilderness).”
Yahweh has seen fit to show His supernatural Hand in your life, a magnanimous gift unto itself. And He has chosen the wilderness as His place for this revelation. But, because the valley is the designated place of revelation, denial of the pattern leads to denial of revelation.
The voice of one crying, “In the wilderness prepare the way for Yahweh; make straight in the desert a highway for our Mighty One.” (Isaiah 40:3) Interestingly, each time John quotes this: Matthew 3:3; Mark 1:3; Luke 3:4; and John 1:23, the translators write, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness, prepare a way…,” whereas Isaiah actually says “The voice of one crying, in the wilderness prepare a way….” Do you see the subtle difference? It’s just a misplaced comma, yet it changes everything! It is not the “voice” that is in the wilderness; it is the “way” that is in the wilderness!
Remember this loved one! It makes all the difference and it will not change! And when you seek to grasp it, an amazing thing takes place as a result of your obedience. Yahweh will gift you with a supernatural peace which empowers you to actually rejoice in the wilderness; it is the ability to suffer well! Think about it. The wilderness is not a punishment as it is often presented. It is actually a place of freedom; the Israylites were freed from bondage. It is place of training in reverence; Yahweh gave His people the instruction manual for life. And it is a place of supernatural provision; where else can you get water from rocks, manna from heaven, and shoes that don’t wear out, etc.?
However, once you are given permission to go free from “Egypt” (the carnal ego), it is all too predictable that you will desire to return, as the lusts of the flesh have been rooted deeply in your subconscious. We remember the fish which we ate freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; but now our whole being is dried up; there is nothing at all except this manna before our eyes!” (Numbers 11:5-6) This is the very thing that causes you to dread the valley experience and that which creates desires to “go back into bondage.” As a dog returns to his own vomit, so a fool repeats his folly. (Proverbs 26:11)
These carnal desires can be overcome by allowing the Spirit in you (the Son’s presence) to dominate your personal choices rather than seeking to satisfy your sensual desires. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of the Mighty One dwells in you. (Romans 8:5, 9)
Understanding this most precious pattern prepares you to receive the mind of the Messiah promised to you; be perfect! “So, you mean that when I finally grasp that suffering is the only road to perfection, the narrow road to perfection, then Yahweh will actually give me joy in the midst of the suffering, so that it no longer feels like suffering to my mind?” The words of our Messiah will best explain. As they tore His flesh and drove nails through His limbs; as He hung suffocating and in agony on a tree; and as He bore all the past and future sins of humanity in an instant; He said, “Father, forgive them!” He had a mind at peace and filled with love in the midst of the most amazing display of suffering the world had or will ever witness. Suffer well loved one. Suffer well.
Consider It
Consider It
(#253 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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“And He did not speak to them except in parables, but when they were alone, He expounded all things to His disciples.” (Mark 4:34)
He led “the” life to emulate. Every pattern Yahshua demonstrated with His words and actions was a guide for our perfection. With this in mind, as we closely examine His ministry, one that would ultimately reach the masses, we notice something peculiar to our sensibilities. He consistently moved away from the crowds (Matthew 15:38-39), and chose rather to reveal the deepest things about Himself and His Father in the most intimate settings, to a distinct few. Now after six days Yahshua took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. (Matthew 17:1-2) To change the world He moved away from the crowds. Counterintuitive to our instincts for sure, yet this was the formula He used to impact the masses. Interesting!
Even when He did speak to larger groups, parables were His chosen method. But He always reserved the revelation of the deeper mysteries, the secrets of the Kingdom, for a chosen few. And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, but to them it has not been given.” (Matthew 13:10-11) Ask yourself why.
Preprogrammed agendas of men have often caused us to err in a “we must save the world” mentality. We fabricate self-prescribed missions, believing that everyone “must know.” Yahshua never had this mindset. Take a moment and consider what Matthew 4:34 and 13:10-11 are revealing? “It has been given to you [the few] to know; to them [the masses] it has not been given; when they were alone, He expounded all things.”
Yahshua was never concerned that anyone who His Father chose would be lost. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your Name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. (John 17:12) This was because Yahshua was promised that if He shed His blood, all those the Father intended to come would come. And the Father’s Word was all He ever needed. That is why He could focus on a small inner circle with intimate fervor, and at times, on just three even more closely. These few powerhouses; these seasoned, mature men and women, operating in the full power of Yahweh, were distinct from the masses who were hardly prepared to receive anything more than parables. Once fully persuaded, they were able to affect others with whom they were intimate. And on and on it shall go.
You too have this promise loved one, for your family; your friends; and your community and nation; and whoever is chosen shall be redeemed. This was established before the foundations of the world (Ephesians 1:4). Take heed to why you are constantly trying to “save the world,” while your own inner world (your conscience) is battling about who Yahweh really is to you. Know that you have been called to be a “witness” to and about Him. How can you rightly represent Him in any matter pertaining to life and Holiness if you are double minded in your beliefs, words, and actions? Of course it sounds silly to think otherwise, and yet, you minister while undone! Work out your salvation (the perfecting of your conscience), and then perhaps He will allow you to truly witness for Him. Broken minds cannot lead, and blind men only lead other blind men into pits (Luke 6:39).
Perfect Love Casts
Perfect Love Casts
(#252 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. (1 John 4:18)
Fear has a life of its own. It feeds on emotional energy yet it is separate from the human. As an entity, it exists outside the human and enters only when invited. Fear is energized by all who oppose the Kingdom of Yahweh within (Luke 17:20-21). Fear’s greatest ally is guilt, and guilt believes it deserves punishment. And the carnal shame that invites punishment is the very thing in the conscience of man that simultaneously rejects love. Fear, guilt and shame cannot coexist with love. Remember, it has been decreed “A house divided cannot stand.” (Mark 3:25)
Wrong thinking is a battlefield and you must know where the frontline is. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. (2 Corinthians 10:3) “I feel this guilt, therefore I must be deserving of punishment;” or “I feel this shame, therefore I am punished;” or “I asked for forgiveness, but I still feel like I am being punished.” These enemy mindsets within you, and there are more, are the very foes that perfect love intends to defeat. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in the Almighty for pulling down strongholds. (2 Corinthians 10:4) The weapons are mighty in Yahweh and perfect love will cast out all the enemies that oppose it. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame.” (Romans 10:11)
Even so, everything has an appointed time; in the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. (Habakkuk 2:3) Yahweh’s plan for rooting out wrong mindsets in your life is no different. But ultimately, Instead of your shame you shall have double honor. (Isaiah 61:7)
That is great news. Instead of shame you shall have double honor! The life of Yahshua the Messiah in you guarantees it. If anyone is in Messiah, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17) He is saying, “You are brand new and you are no longer guilty. I took your shame and I removed it forever. You are not being punished; you are being transformed. Fear, guilt and shame are based on lies. It is I who set you free, and if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. (John 8:36) Love casts out fear, guilt and shame; and it is I who will cause you to know this at the appointed time.” Hold on loved one; it is a supernatural process. Therefore, do the supernatural and offer praise even when everything seems unknown.
Circle of Death
Circle of Death
(#251 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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The process of dying to self looks something like this: denial; then grief; anger; and then more grief; partial acceptance; even more grief; and then finally a subtle change in perspective. Although you might be at different stages in the process, relative to the different aspects of your character that Yahweh happens to be circumcising (shedding blood) at the moment, all of the above are part of the circle of death within the mind going through transformation. We have explored, more than once, the transformation of the mind alluded to in Romans 12:2, but now let us speak of the death that is required for that transformation to occur, and more importantly how our Heavenly Father views that death.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of the Almighty, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to the Almighty, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of the Almighty. (Romans 12:1-2)
A sacrifice in Shaul’s day was an animal whose neck was sliced, blood poured out, body chopped to pieces and parts burned on the altar. We’d say this represents a “complete transformation” of the animal, wouldn’t you? In other words, this is a picture of 100% commitment. There is no concept of a partial sacrifice; a sacrifice is “all in!” And what does Yahweh think of this “all in!” concept as He demands that you, “present your bodies a living sacrifice?” He calls this “reasonable service!” Giving it all, having your neck sliced, blood poured out, body chopped to pieces and parts burned on the altar is not extraordinary in Yahweh’s perspective. A 100% transformation of your mind from carnal to Holy is not astonishing. It is just…reasonable.
And this “commanded” death, what does it get you? “He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:39) And how does this circle of death, the stages you pass through while dying, apply to you in reference to finding your spiritual man? The death of self must occur for the new life to begin. In essence, ego-driven doctrine must give way to Holy-minded doctrine, recognizing patterns, and obeying Yahweh’s commands.
To embrace the necessity of death is to master the process of life. Let us say that again as it is most powerful. To embrace the necessity of death is to master the process of life. “He who loses his life for His sake will find it.” Pay close attention loved one. When asked to die, you can expect to deny the process. You can expect to get angry in the process. You can expect to grieve in the process. Eventually, by His Spirit in you, you can expect to supernaturally accept the process and therefore, change. Every time a piece of the flesh dies, the supernatural occurs.
How many of you stumble simply because it does not “feel” good to change your doctrine? Listen, He did not intend for the death of the “self” to feel good. Rather, He mandated that it be a brutal and piercing transformation, no less than a personal crucifixion. As it is written; “Anyone who desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his stake daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23)
These are predictable patterns. When He manifests new truth into your mind, either directly or through His servants, He intends for you to grasp the patterns and practice them within, and by this you come to understand the Holy process; the knowable patterns. Say to yourself, “I know the death of ‘self’ is not pleasant at first, however, I will not be so quick to reject these painful truths that transform lies in my mind, and therefore, I will walk this out.”
As much as you abhor the death that Yahweh warrants, and He knows you struggle believing that He will do His part, you must walk through it, trusting that He will give you new life. Give in to Him. Embrace the circle of death and find abundant life. He is everything He says He is, and He will not fail you. His love guarantees it.
I don’t trust myself
Worldly Wisdom
(#250 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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You have heard it said in various ways, “This above all: to thine own self be true.” And what is meant by this worldly wisdom? Is it meant to construe that if something “feels” right, then it is right? And what makes something right, or wrong for that matter? Is it a matter of “to thine own self?” Or does the Almighty make it so? These words of wisdom come from Polonius in Hamlet Act 1, scene 3. And of course, Polonius is just the mere fictional voice of Shakespeare, a man. Here are a few other “words of wisdom” from the same scene. If they are wise, what makes them so?
· Give thy thoughts no tongue…
· But do not dull thy palm with entertainment…
· Give every man thy ear but few thy voice…
· Take each man’s censure but reserve thy judgment…
· For the apparel oft proclaims the man…
· Neither a borrower nor a lender be…
· For loan oft loses both itself and friend…
Now, take into account that Yahweh has declared that man’s unredeemed heart (center of intellect) is “wicked and deceitful above all things.” (Jeremiah 17:9) Then consider that the very thing that opposes obedience to Yahweh’s commands is, “To thine own self be true.” Can you trust yourself, Shakespeare, or any man? Or would you be better off knowing what the Master has to say? “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) My commandments! Cursed is the man who trusts in man; blessed is the man who trusts in Yahweh. (Jeremiah 17:5, 7) How do you “feel” about this? It is black and white, no? Trust Yahweh and keep His commands. These are not actions based upon feelings or man’s wisdom, but rather those based on immutable truth.
“To thine own self be true?” Perhaps you might consider stating the following out loud, making a decree that will forever keep you from trusting “thine own self”: “Self, I must tell you that I cannot trust you. My Almighty Father has often told me, throughout His word, that you are only interested in your own personal desire (will). And that you will never conform to the Holy standard ‘because the carnal mind is enmity against the Almighty; for it is not subject to the law of the Almighty, nor indeed can be.’ (Romans 8:7) Self, you must decrease so the Spirit of Yahweh, through the life of His Son, might increase within me (John 3:30). Goodbye self; you are not welcome here anymore!” Think it not silly loved one. This is what it looks like to take a very powerful step towards the Light and to leave behind all that the world might offer.
And here is a final thought to consider; any “words of wisdom” from Polonius that are true, are only so because they represent Yahweh’s Word. Man apart from the Almighty has no wisdom to offer humanity. “Cursed is…! Blessed is…!” It’s that simple!