Faith and Hope

Saige’s Rainbow

(#198 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

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The heart of a child is pure, devoted, and altogether radical. My daughter says: “Daddy, I prayed to Yahweh and asked Him to show me a rainbow if you are coming home from jail this year. I’m giving Him one week.” As I hung up with her, it hit me like a flood.

“I need that rainbow, Father. Not just for Saige, but for me.” I thought of how He is not required to meet all of the signs we place before Him, but, “She’s so young, Father. She needs to see Your power,” is what I kept thinking. I fell asleep and I woke and began writing this. As I sit here, I again realize how much I want the rainbow. I want it for my entire family, and believe it or not, I want it for you, the one who also wants to be able to say with no doubts, “He’s real. He’s alive and He is really real.” I considered drawing a rainbow for her and sending it home. I also thought of having a poster of a rainbow sent to her.

I am challenged with all of the wonderful promises and the direct words He has given me this year. What is His intention with the rainbow? Why am I so quick to believe I need to send Saige something with a rainbow on it? “I’m giving Him a week,” she said. I find myself transfixed on this. My devotion time brought Proverbs 10 this morning. Verse 24 says, “What the righteous (right thinking) desire will be granted.” Can you guess what I desire today? I hope for life, joy, peace, prosperity, and yes, a rainbow for Saige, for me, and for you.

The Key To a Successful Relationship with God

Strive in This

(#197 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

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“…this day is holy to Yahweh. Do not be sad, for the joy of Yahweh is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)

Sadness? Worship! Bitterness? Worship! Grief? Worship!

Oh how I long for you to learn My patterns, My perfect patterns. How much I want you to perceive that all that I say is true and that you can bet your life on it. You can pursue your death by My words, the death of those things that keep you from crossing over into My likeness. I have made it so that rejoicing in Me cures all ailments. Understand that this death is the offering, it is the sacrifice of praise. Rejoice, worship, and give thanks no matter what your physical world “seems” like. It is the ratification of My Covenant with you (Psalm 50:5). The Covenant of sacrifice will transform the conscience of My children from the carnal to the spiritual.

When I told you I desire obedience, I intended that your worship would be just that, an act (mental stand) of obedience. I would not have it any other way, and you should know this, lest you believe My patterns are somehow flawed? Worship Me in obedience and I will give you the heart (mind) to worship Me in true joy as well. The obedience is what manifests the joy and peace. Consider it a trade off if you must; the end result is worthy!

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)

You rejoice, I supply peace and joy. I know all of the motives of your heart. I know when worship from My children is pure, and none is more pure than that which is offered when you are in the most pain, especially in your thoughts. Yes, I always look at the heart (mind) of the matter. Keep coming to Me. Keep reminding yourself that My patterns work out for your benefit every time. Remember: “All things work together for good to those who love Me, to those who are the called according to My purpose.” (Romans 8:28) Strive in this, and I will show you why I created you–perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

The Covenant of sacrifice: For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18)

Before Casting Pearls

Reality Check 1

(#195 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

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“When you see a man casting pearls without getting a pork chop in return – it is not against the swine that you feel indignation. It is against the man who valued his pearls so little that he was willing to throw them into the muck and let them become the occasion for a whole concert of grunting…”

-Ayn Rand, “The Fountainhead”.

Do not give what is set-apart to the dogs, nor throw your pearls before the pigs, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces. (Matthew 7:6)

Dogs? Pigs? Pearls? Literally? What is “set-apart” that I have commanded not to be spread abroad so liberally? You assume that I would have My treasures flagrantly passed around like a sample platter in a supermarket. Listen child; if I tell you there are dogs and swine, and yes, I mean men, then is it not made clear that My treasures are not for everyone? So many of your desires are specifically that; your desires.

My words are for My people, My people Israyl (ruled by and for Yahweh)! Perhaps you might stop to consider that there are those who are Mine and those who are not. I know who will be redeemed. My Son knew who He would die for, and though He specifically pointed out one who He would not be dying for, My words tell you there are many more. 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)

You see My loved one, when you understand Me and learn to obey Me, you won’t be so caught up in the idea that My love is to be handed out like a coupon. So many of you try so hard to spread My love, only to spread the rumor that you led someone to Me. It is I who woos a man! I alone draw a man towards spiritual things! Why is this important to Me? Because My redemption is not in word, but power! Redemption by grace is My gift to those whom I deem “children” of Mine.

Some of you call this gift “unmerited favor,” and yet you pretend that everyone has merits. You are too quick to try to spread My love when in fact your life does not prove My love has changed you. A secret for those who long to be wise: focus on the internal race (conquering your “self”) that I have commanded you to run, and I will make sure your life speaks to the lost. I will love them through My actions in you.

Slow down child. All of Mine will be in My Kingdom. Do you really believe that I would allow for a single drop of My Son’s blood to be wasted? Do you really think that man’s decision to deny Him was man’s and not Mine? I pity the man who serves a “god” who lets the man decide, and then acts. I Am far more than you know loved one. I Am the beginning (Aleph) and the end (Tau)!

The Bible shows us how to deal with oppression

Rescue Me

(#194 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

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I sat and pondered the wickedness of this world, and the hatred that one man could have towards another. I watched the oppressors; they have no love or compassion in their hearts. It was not enough to see people in pain; these kind desire to increase their pain. The wounded and hurting were their prey; they actually sought out the lame with the intent to disable further. How could it be? From where does this wickedness in the heart come? From where does this cruelty originate?

I set out to do something about it. I talked with my eternal Father. I questioned Him on this way of man, this way that it seems man has chosen. He answered me; “The heart [center of intellect] is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)

Many nights I pondered the wickedness of the heart of man. I read the Psalms of David and was able to relate to all that he felt about those who oppressed men. I often prayed like he did; “Rescue me, O Yahweh, from evildoers, from treacherous, dishonest, and violent man.”

It was then that the Spirit spoke to me. “I Am doing exactly as you had hoped. I Am rescuing you. You simply did not perceive that the one I was rescuing you from was yourself. Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? (Matthew 7:3) When I Am done cleansing you, then we can look towards your oppressors.” What can I say to you about this type of revelation? Only confession and repentance can flow from this place.

Have mercy upon me, O Mighty One, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies,

blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,

and cleanse me from my sin.

(Psalm 51:1-2)

Cleanse me; purify me; help me!

Sense-Less

Sense-less

(#193 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

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I pray that the eyes of your heart [understanding] may be enlightened… (Ephesians 1:18)

To hear, taste, touch, smell, and see…or not!

What would your perceptions be if you minimalized the use of these senses?

Don’t lose “sight” of their ultimate limitation. Can any of the senses provide greater faith? It is possible; however, as the carnal nature manipulates them so easily, it is very unlikely. Perhaps a more balanced perspective is required in order to evaluate what your senses perceive and the limitations they have. Certainly, in the realms of higher understanding (consciousness) these senses are not even necessary. When you are completely connected in the Spirit, then is this not the Tree of Life you eat from? This connection plugs you into the knowledge of all things as they truly are, not the misguided perceptions of what you see in the natural? This is the connection to the highest order of energy (frequency). I Am, as you know, the Master scientist.

The losing of your life (Matthew 16:25), many times, means leaving behind perceptions of life and Spirit as understood by your senses, and discerned by your carnal nature. If faith is the evidence of things unseen (Hebrews 11:1), then stop trusting in everything your senses can perceive on earth. Yes indeed, the senses can be a great tool to navigate inside the dimension I placed you in; but, it is for the wise to know the limitations of these senses. Can you imagine an existence where spiritual perception (the mind of the Messiah) is accessible at all times? You would constantly experience everything that is perfect throughout eternity. Everything would be in perfect harmony. Speak to Me about these things. Open your spirit to Me. In silence, listen with only your mind, leaving all senses behind.

Stay Near

(#192 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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And whenever the children of Israyl saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses’ face shone radiant, then Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with Yahweh. (Exodus 34:35)

Have I not told you My physical presence could be unbearable for you? Just a small impartation of Me and Moses needed to veil his face from the people (Exodus 34:29-35). The skin of his face shone radiant, and they were afraid to come near him (Verse 30). I have many ways of revealing Myself to you and through you; but I need your full attention to do so. I am long-suffering and because I love you, I will always be here for you. The problem, however, is the amount of time you waste simply trying to “get by.” Yes, I have created a Kingdom people, yet you often fail to realize what Kingdom you are from. And getting you to realize your identity, My child, takes up so much of our time together.

In the Messiah, the veil has been taken away (2 Corinthians 3:14). Is it not true then that disbelief in all I say, My mind patterns (Law), is your only battle? I Am continually amazed at the amount of effort involved in just bringing you to the place where you fully believe everything I tell you. If I say I work all things for “good” (Romans 8:28), then what can truly ever be bad? If I tell you I will finish the work I have started in you (Hebrews 12:2), then perfect you will be. If I tell you that all of your enemies are Mine to deal with, then is it even possible for you to have an enemy? I Am that I say I Am. My Spirit resides in you because, through My Son, I placed it there. Be still for a moment and think. I let your sin murder My Son, just so you could love Me and live in the fullness of My presence.

So many of you cry out, longing for Me every day, forgetting I have told you, “I Am Here.” (Isaiah 58:9) “I Am with you.” “I shall never forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) I cannot be any more near you than to have placed My Spirit inside of you. It is you who needs to acknowledge who you are in Me. I desire that My vessels of honor open themselves up to Me, that I might increase in you and transform the earth. Yes, of course it is for My glory. Am I worthy of such to you?

We will get a new body

Behind the Veil

(#191 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

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The Scriptural patterns or blueprints are all hidden from the simpleton, the proud, and the spiritually lazy. If you have come this far in our time together, then you have certainly shown yourself to be of spiritual fortitude. One overarching pattern we have shown time and time again is that it takes a great commitment to will your “self” to die. Another is that it takes time to realize that there is no power but Yahweh’s, and just as paramount, that your inner rebellion, or “self-power,” will always be resistant lest He crushes it. The Scripture that comes to mind which speaks of this is from John 12:24-25: Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies, it brings forth much fruit. He who loves his life will lose it; but he who hates his life in this world will protect it for eternal life.

You are the kernel loved one. But even more significant is that you are learning to accept that you are the kernel. That’s why we are here together. We are those who have been given permission to enter behind the veil. We have been found worthy, not of our own strength of course, but because we have accepted the requirements which grant that permission. “The permission?” This Word should be like an old friend by now: “It is no longer I who live, but the Messiah who lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20)

Many are called, but few are chosen. (Matthew 22:14) Few understand; however, the masses claim to be “of Him,” while really just following an idol of their own vain imaginings. “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Master, Master,’ shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the WILL of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord [Baal], Lord [Baal], have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ (Matthew 7:21-23)

The crushed ones, the kernels planted in fertile soil, have broken open and will bear much fruit (Matthew 13:8). They are quieter than others, quicker to listen, and more apt to lend a hand. These qualities reflect the glorious life of Yahshua the Messiah within. Everything illuminates one grand idea; it is the premier pattern of being crushed, crucified with Messiah, and becoming unoffendable (Psalm 119:165).

The kernels “found worthy” quickly say, “Unless I had been crucified with Messiah (Galatians 2:20), I would have been ruined forever by my “self.”” Others only allow so much crushing until they shrink back. They refuse to embrace, “To die is to gain.” (Philippians 1:21) We know the price, and we realize that many will turn cold (Matthew 24:12). But, we also must admit we would have done the same, had Yahweh not done within us that which we would have never desired. “If not for Your mercy, I too would shrink back.” When we embrace this we become un-offendable. We experience a supernatural joy as we recognize, “that would have been me.”

This is your true rebirth, your mental resurrection. So few have been behind the veil loved one. Remember, the road is narrow (Matthew 7:14)! With every thought that enters into your conscience, remember that!

Surrender

Surrender

(#189 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

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The Messiah came with this new agreement so that all who are invited may come and have forever all the wonders Yahweh has promised them. For the Messiah died to rescue them from the penalty of the sins they had committed while still under that old system. Now, if someone dies and leaves a will—a list of things to be given away to certain people when he dies—no one gets anything until it is proved that the person who wrote the will is dead. The will goes into effect only after the death of the person who wrote it. While he is still alive no one can use it to get any of those things he has promised them (Hebrews 9:15-17).

I have spoken to you much about My patterns. It is crucial that you not only understand them, but that these patterns direct all of your choices in life. You cannot receive what you are promised until there is a death! And that is the death of the old you! You must testify; “I have been crucified with the Messiah; it is no longer I who live, but the Messiah lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of the Mighty One, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

You know how I have spoken of life that comes from death? Yes, it is the death of your old self that is the only path to your new life. I know that most of you remain bewildered by the crossing over part, the period between death and new life. I Am not speaking of physical death, of course, but rather the death of old patterns of thinking. Put off your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to the Mighty One, in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:22-24)

It is proper to call this life-to-death-to-life process a wilderness experience. In these times it will certainly seem like you are being stripped of many of your physical wants. But, all of your needs are provided; His Heavenly power has given to us all things that pertain to life and holy reverence. (2 Peter 1:3) However, you must embrace the faith that gives you the confidence to trust that all you need is available. A desert is hot and dry; deserts test resolve, and deserts are vast. Deserts have no natural provision to offer. But, consider Israyl; in Yahweh’s wilderness everything was provided for supernaturally! Life-to-death-to-life: life in Egypt, death in the wilderness, and then new life in the Promised Land. Again, you cannot receive what you are promised until there is a death!

Who among you can see the wilderness as a time of supernatural provision? Who among you will take the physical loss and endure the trial in order to see something new? Who will cross over? I Am not speaking of getting by or merely “holding out” until better days come. Who among you would sing songs to Me and be joy filled, with the impending wilderness?

Why would I ask you to rejoice during loss, pain, and hardship? It is My pattern. I need you to be lost in Me. You need to be lost in Me. When I take the old life from you, your increase comes from your worship. This is My way child; it is better than yours. This is how I create My miracles. I tell you these things so you are comforted, but the wilderness is the only way. Obey Me child. I Am the Light of Life, and I Am He who has designed the Valley of The Shadow of Death (Psalm 23).

Freedom? 4th of July Message Who to Vote For

Freedom? 4th of July Message Who to Vote For

Give Thanks to Yahweh

Thanks

(#188 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His Name. (Psalm 100:4)

O Yahweh, let my words of thanksgiving settle in Your ears like the dew. Let my praise form like manna on the earth. May my worship be as sweet as honey cakes. I know that it is Your joy that my words of thanksgiving actually become provision for me, blessings and the bread of life.

You knew me before You formed me in the womb (Jeremiah 1:5). I dreamed of You then. I felt Your love before I was born. Then, as an innocent child, my dreams remained from You, nothing clouding my intention. They were good, pure, and hopeful. They were thoughts of what good I could do for others.

Thank You Father; the fire of affliction has returned me to this place. Thank You for Your love which has forged the hot iron of my will to conform to Yours. Thank You that You did not leave me to myself. Thank You for Your pruning which exposed my heart, and for Your power that comes with Your revelation. Thank You for skimming the dross so that what is pure in me remains. Thank You for not letting me stay the same.

I became a child again and You removed my abilities in this season. And You did it to reconstruct my temple. Thank You that during this rebirth You sustained only those things that I truly love most, the things of You. My spirit thanks You. Wonderful are Your ways; magnanimous are Your deeds.

Note to the reader: No matter what you are going through right now, even if it seems like no one cares, we care. We want to tell you to hold on, not with gritting teeth, but with a mind that says “He won’t lie to me. He won’t let my life become worthless. My day is coming; I will rise again, and I will be better than ever.” We know what it feels like to wonder if life is worth it, and we have come to a new place, a Promised Land. And we want to tell you that all your pain will soon be something glorious. You will look back at it and you will truly understand that without it, you could have never known what pure joy is. You will realize that grief and the feeling of despair are actually holy emotions used to allow you to experience how joyful joy is. Hold on: we are with you.

I Am is with you.