Tag Archives: Yahweh
Why Bad Things Happen To God’s People
Acceptance
(#234 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse the Almighty and die!” But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Indeed, should we accept only good from Yahweh, and not accept evil?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips. (Job 2:9-10)
“Whom will He teach knowledge? And whom will He make to understand the message? Those just weaned from milk? Those just drawn from the breasts?” (Isaiah 28:9) My mature ones understand. Job understood. In My desire for your growth, I need to move you from feeding on the milk of babes to a more mature faith. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are mature, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Hebrews 5:13-14)
I Am Yahweh; I desire that you are able to “discern both good and evil.” However, it’s not simply that you need to distinguish good from evil; as a mature believer you need also to acknowledge that I Am the author of both good and evil. I can already hear your reflex response; it is common in your discussions and teachings. “God would never allow evil into our lives; that’s the Devil’s domain.” Ponder that for a moment…then consider this; if I Am the One who allows the evil of the adversary to test you, who then is Sovereign over your testing? And you also must decide whether the testing is within you, or from some outside force. Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. (Matthew 10:28-29) Fear who? The adversary? Or Me, Yahweh?
Your double-mind wants to tell you that an “All-loving Creator” would not allow such things. Remove the scales; because this is precisely how I operate. Your misperception tells you it’s “bad” when painful things happen. I tell you the opposite is true; trials are meant for your benefit. If this is hard to accept, it’s because you have the wrong perspective, My child. You’ve bought into the man-made theology that “a loving Creator would not do such things.” Rubbish I say, rubbish.
It is because I love you that the tests will continue. You rejoice that I planned My Son’s sacrifice to atone for your sins. Yet, you have difficulty accepting that I orchestrate your testing, your “sacrifice.” Let Me remind you; “A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you….” (John 15:20)
Rather you might say, “Yahweh knows what I need in order to be crafted into the image of the Messiah, for He alone is omniscient.” This would be the correct perspective.
It is in My deep love for you, loved one, that I will repeat this pattern over and over again. The goal is perfection, Messiah-likeness. Do you admit that more of “you” still needs to be removed in order to achieve this objective? Or, are you more like a modern-day Pharisee, who reckons himself far more spiritual than he really is, but in your case, by “grace” of course? Which describes you My child?
I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil [calamity, woe, trouble, disaster]: I Yahweh do all these things. (Isaiah 45:7) Accept this and be at peace not only with it, but because of it!
The Only Way
Greater Works
(#233 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.” (John 14:12)
Oh, if they only knew Abba. As they scorn and laugh at my calamity, their teeth set on edge. If they could only perceive the power being unleashed as they whisper in dark corners. They say of the tested ones, “They are losing their faith in God.” Your secret is safe with me Father. “For had they known, they would not have impaled the Master of glory.” (1 Corinthians 2:8) They could not have predicted that my faith would only get stronger. They don’t understand that faith is a gift. If they could fathom a Creator who “has dealt to each one a measure of faith” (Romans 12:3), they would not mock as they do.
To those who scoff I say, “Will it be well when He searches you out? Or can you mock Him as one mocks a man?” (Job 13:9) They try so hard to destroy my testimony; they are single minded and determined. Yet, I rejoice Abba that my faith is Your Faith, Your strength, and it serves Your purpose. Though You slay me, yet will I trust You. (Job 13:15) And thus, my faith can never be lost and it can never be lessened. And even if it were as little as a mustard seed, it would move mountains and transform kingdoms (Matthew 17:20).
For Your people, Father, illuminate how faith strengthens. Insults, accusations, and vengeful lies are Your tools. Oh that they might understand these are the “tests” You speak of, the trials meant to draw one closer to You and increase their faith. My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:2-4) Pain draws Your chosen people to Your words and Your words increase faith. As it is written, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of the Mighty One.” (Romans 10:17)
Your pattern: testing, increased faith; test again, increase faith. A pattern that of itself condemns the gentile while strengthening the chosen. If your enemies knew that their hatred was transforming mere men into sons of the Most High, they would not have impaled the Master of glory. The wickedness has purpose; it is supernaturally positioned. It is perfect for Your plan. You have made it so Mighty Father. The very things that must be “overcome” are that which increase faith and build the Kingdom within. Towards all those who attempt to offend (within and without), it is said, “Love and Forgive!” The pattern is clear, so take heed to yourself. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, “I repent; shall you forgive?” And the apostles said to the Master, “Increase our faith.” (Luke 17:3-5)
We have the perfect example; “Father, forgive them. They don’t know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) We sing of Him every week; we sing to Your beloved Son. How perfect is Your plan; how mysterious and lovely. If they ever found out, the accusers, would the hatred stop? If they knew You fashioned their hate into the tool that would produce perfected saints, would they change? Oh, that we would be transformed by your patterns of faith, Abba. What would the entire body of the Messiah look like who adhered to this beautiful plan of Yours? What could we then do upon the earth? Perhaps greater works!
Is it a sin to eat animals?
Is it a sin to eat animals?
Repent and Believe, Repent and Rejoice
Repent and Believe; Repent and Rejoice
(#232 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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“…But we have the mind of the Messiah.” (1 Corinthians 2:16)
What do you envision when you think about Jericho? You see a bunch of radical Israylites marching around the walls, and maybe you even hear them shouting as the walls crumble after the seventh day! Now I want you to envision the walls of your mind tumbling down. Yes, My child; it’s all in your head. Sin is birthed in the mind (heart) before it manifests in the flesh. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. (James 1:14-15)
If you continue to entertain sin, Yahweh will “give you up to uncleanness, in the lusts of your heart [mind].” (Romans 1:24) and “give you over to a debased mind [heart], to do those things which are not fitting (Romans 1:28).” Before this happens, you must allow the strongholds of your mind, the walls that keep you bound, to be torn down. If not, it’s as if “you know the Almighty, but do not glorify Him as the Almighty, nor are you thankful, and so you become futile in your thoughts, and your foolish heart [mind] becomes darkened (Romans 1:21).” You must be transformed by the renewing of your mind [heart] (Romans 12:2). How can you do this? Here are three practical steps:
1. Acknowledge that you don’t believe and obey all that I say. Repent and ask for healing.
2. Take every thought captive, and ask yourself, “Does this thought reflect total trust in Yahweh?”
3. Recognize that the battle is spiritual and that the physical is merely a manifestation of thoughts.
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in Yahweh for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of the Almighty, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of the Messiah, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6)
The weapons to tear down the walls of your mind are mighty in Yahweh. You must simply believe it! When your thoughts come into captivity to the obedience of the Messiah, “joy will be your strength (Nehemiah 8:10).” Yes, that’s correct; when you need strength, rejoice in Him. Take every thought captive. Filter every activity in your mind through Yahshua’s life and resurrection. His life is a display of Yahweh’s power. And access to that power will come in every situation as you meditate on His resurrection (complete mind renewal through the utter shedding of the “self”). The walls of Jericho (carnal voice within) must come down. Believe it! This is the pattern; it can be no other way.
Enough said; His yoke [mind work] is easy and His burden [right thinking for the fallen] is light (Matthew 11:30). Your only problem is unbelief. Repent and return! Repent and live! Repent and believe! Repent and rejoice!
Be Honest with Yourself
Death of the Upright
(#231 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Balaam understood that even if it required death to partake in the promises of Israyl, it was an inheritance to be coveted.
“Who can count Jacob’s descendants, as numerous as dust?
Who can count even a fourth of Israyl’s people?
Let me die like the upright; let my life end like theirs.” (Numbers 23:10)
Balaam recognized that those who were chosen to become heirs to the name of “Israyl” were inheriting something greater than land; he was seeing the eternal. It was not through the law that Abraham and his descendants received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. (Romans 4:13) For not all who are descended from Israyl are Israyl. Those who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of the Almighty; but the children of the promise are counted as the seed. (Romans 9:6, 8)
Who are the children of the promise; who then is Israyl? Israyl: one who prevails with or overcomes with the Mighty One. What a legacy! Balaam was seeing with prophetic eyes, not just natural eyes. It was more than worldly protection that inspired him; it was the promise of their everlasting inheritance. Yes, what Balaam saw in the prophetic was the inheritance of those who would walk with Yahweh through the shed blood (life force) of Yahshua. And he claimed that he would gladly die for it. “Let me die like the upright; let my life end like theirs.” Can you imagine? It was as if he could have professed, “For [I] died, and [my] life is now hidden with the Messiah in the Mighty One.” (Colossians 3:3)
Israyl was a protected and supernaturally guided people who had a destiny to be envied. They were blessed coming in and blessed going out (Deuteronomy 28:6). Balaam declared, “There is a people that dwells apart, not reckoned among the nations.” (Numbers 23:9) Yes, they are a people raised so high that they are not to be counted among the gentiles. [They] are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, the Almighty’s special possession, that [they] may declare the praises of Him who called [them] out of darkness into His wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9) And “they” means “you!”
Is your heart stirred like Balaam’s? Are you as excited about your inheritance as Balaam was desirous of it? Are you walking in the fullness of gratitude that you should when given such a spectacular gift, willing to die for it? Be honest; if you know you have diminished appreciation for what was offered to you by the shed blood of Yahshua, perhaps you might come naked and bare before the Father. Perhaps you might seek forgiveness for living as a pauper, when you really have royal (holy) blood (life force) coursing in your veins (pathways of thought).
Or, perhaps you are in danger of forfeiting your inherited identity because you, like Balaam, only claim a willingness to die for it, yet resist the actual death necessary to attain it. Balaam’s words and the true intent of his heart never merged as one, and this was a curse unto him (Deuteronomy 23:5, Jude 1:11, Revelation 2:14).
The journey to riches begins in the mind. Take some time today to contemplate your inheritance. You must first believe that you are royalty to become royalty. And royalty implies rulership; Yahweh requires much from His rulers. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. (Luke 12:48)
Rulers must also understand that they are called to worship in the valleys, just as on the mountaintops. Embrace your inheritance, and like Solomon pray, “Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” (2 Chronicles 1:10) Then, take your rightful portion and rejoice in it. Rejoice I say, rejoice!
The Scary Truth about Islam from a former muslim
This is a link to Laur’s youtube page https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCfXiGWeUcWZsFjsTdEGduQ
Here is a link to part one of Laur’s story of her conversion from Islam, to Christianity to Torah Observant
https://youtu.be/JZHSkjdzRCA
Don’t Tread on My Suffering
Don’t Tread on My Suffering
(#230 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Are you so predictable that when I expose my suffering you will tell me of all the others who have it worse? Who are you to diminish my capacity to suffer? Did not our Messiah become perfected through His suffering? (Hebrews 5:8-9) If my greatest dream is being a father, could there be a worse suffering than losing a child? If a woman’s deepest desire is to be a faithful wife, is there a suffering for her greater than an adulterous husband? The magnitude of suffering is relative to each individual, and suffering, like blessings are always under the sovereign will of the Almighty (Lamentations 3:37-38). How can you declare that anyone can have it worse, when you have never asked me what suffering means to me?
You expect your words should bring comfort, like some garment you can throw over my suffering. I suspect you do this because you are not comfortable with suffering, and you do not acknowledge that Yahweh created suffering to bring hope. Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with the Almighty through our Master Yahshua the Messiah, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of the Mighty One. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. (Romans 5:1-4) Don’t you understand that when you take away the substance of my suffering, you take away my joyful reward? Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of the Almighty has been poured out in our hearts [centers of intellect] by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:5)
Your words of comfort actually inhibit my joy. You cannot find joy by easing suffering; you can only find joy by embracing it! Stop assigning any meaning to suffering other than what my Creator has intended. My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:2-4)
If Yahweh tells me He will never give me more than I can handle, why do you tempt me to reject His promise? Why would you rescue me from my opportunity to be “perfect and complete, lacking nothing?” No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others. And the Mighty One is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Whatever pricked your conscience during this devotion needs to be fully explored. The natural man cannot handle Yahweh’s truth about suffering and is quick to flee. Have you ever come face-to-face with these words of Yahshua in your own life loved one; “Do you too desire to leave Me?” (John 6:67) When you attempt to appease or alleviate the suffering of another you are hindering their ability to be perfect and complete, as Yahweh commanded them to be!
I will bear my cup, as it is just that, “mine to bear!” It is mine and it was given to me. Please don’t tread on my suffering; my hope is found in it.
Wearing a mask is not persecution
Wearing a mask is not persecution
Should We Keep The Sabbath?
Double-Edged Sword
(#229 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
www.sufferwell.org
Read Hebrews 4:1-16.
No creature is hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:13) We are all completely exposed.
Do I have your attention? This is the “I see you” part of My Word. I watch everything with purpose, precision, and intent. This includes all matters of the heart, especially your attitude about My commands. In this instance, I Am showing you My Sabbath rest. It is a fool who tests Me by relegating My set-apart day as a pittance to suit his culture and lifestyle.
I have picked the day. Yes, it is the seventh day. For He has spoken in a certain place of the seventh day in this way: “And the Mighty One rested on the seventh day from all His works.” (Hebrews 4:4) And it has not and will never change! There remains therefore a rest for the people of the Almighty. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as the Mighty One did from His. (Hebrews 4:9-10)
Go back into the history of My chosen people, and the confirmation of which day is the Sabbath is simple. Even the modern calendar you have embraced, although pagan in origin, has My seventh day correctly identified. Enough of this “pick a day, any day” mindset that permeates the conscience of followers who claim to serve Me. It’s not a Kingdom mindset. Dare you stand against Me? I see the lack of investment you make in confirming My Word (as opposed to the Bereans in Acts 17:11). You find scripture verse sound-bites that suit your pleasure, and then you build an entire theology around them. With that mindset, try these:
Search me, O Mighty One, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24)
For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened by Yahweh, that we may not be condemned with the world. (1 Corinthians 11:31-32)
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 Mighty One. (Romans 12:2)
Seven is “completion” in My Kingdom language; yes, including completion of the week loved one. It is confirmed by the Words of Yahshua Himself:
“And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath.” (Matthew 24:20)
“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.” (Matthew 5:17) If the Sabbath was altered to “pick a day, any day,” or changed to the “first day” of the week (Sunday), My Son’s own words would be lies.
Instead, I call all of My people to rest on the same day, as I commanded, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is One body and One Spirit, just as you were called in One hope of your calling; One Master, One faith, One baptism; One Almighty Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (Ephesians 4:3-6) It is the Sabbath rest, a resting of the mind. Resting on the seventh day is proof that you trust Me to supply all your needs for the next six days according to My riches and glory (Philippians 4:19). Are you a child of Light who trusts in My supply or a child of darkness who goes his own way? The Word says that “your fruit” will reveal which you are (Matthew 7:15-20).
For the Word of the Mighty One 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)
Confidence in who you are
Flesh Thoughts
(#228 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
www.sufferwell.org
Oh My little children, have I not told you that you are One with Me and My Son? (John 17:21) If this is true, can you lack anything? The reality is that you can only lack if it is possible for Me to lack. Is it possible? Is there something beyond Me? Tell Me child, if you are heir to My Kingdom as declared, “And if you are the Messiah’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:29), then why do your prayers continually petition Me for what is already yours? Ah, the next verse might explain, “Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child [immature], does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all. (Galatians 4:1)
Think about your immature prayers; “Father, please help me;” “Forgive me Father;” “Show me the way Father;” “Bless me Father.” Have I not told you that I Am your help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1); that I saved you while you were yet sinning (Romans 5:8); that My Son is My forgiveness (1 John 1:9); that Yahshua is the Way (John 14:6)? My blessings are yours to take loved one. Do you understand Me?
You have continually prayed for what has already been given to you. It is a choice you make which denies the perfected person that I have made you. Yes, that is correct. My Word declares that in My Son you are already perfected. “Come now, and let us reason together,” says Yahweh, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” (Isaiah 1:18)
The secret is to catch up to who I have already allowed you to become. When My servant David wrote, “Blessed is he…” and “He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of the waters,” (Psalm 1:1-3), he was coming into alignment with Me. He was stepping into what I had for him. Agreement with My Word is the spiritual prerequisite which activates My Word, making it a tangible reality. He believed Me, spoke forth that belief, thus prompting Me to give him what he asked for. He chose to believe Me, and therefore live as the powerful, perfected man that he was. Yes, like a dog, he at times repeated his follies (Proverbs 26:11), yet, he always got back on course. “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Embrace your true identity! You are with Me in perfection this very moment. It is up to you to align with this true reality. The illusion is anything other than this. Remove all flesh thoughts. It is called repentance loved one. Then, and only then, can you step into the destiny I’ve created for you.