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!

Acts 15 The Jerusalem Council

Acts 15 The Jerusalem Council

What Commandments should new Jewish people follow?

The Other Side

The Other Side

(#248 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

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Adam—Edom—Shedding of Blood—Ego—Flushed—Ashamed…

In scriptural context these are synonymous. They all emanate from Adam who “chose” to eat from the wrong tree, and therefore are also synonymous with all who came after him, all but one that is.

It is necessary that you understand what is intended when you read about blood sacrifices. The key element of the sacrifice is always about the shedding of the blood, and now we know this means no less than the shedding of shame. The shame is caused by your fierce and carnal desire to act like you have an option to choose rather than obey. “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving Spirit. (1 Corinthians 15:45) The first Adam chose ego; the last Adam was the perfect sacrifice because He chose to shed His ego (blood) in order to give life (spirit revival) to those the Father would choose to forgive.

You would do well to to consciously practice the recognition of the above words as synonymous with Adam each time you read the scriptures. When you read of blood, think “shame or ego.” When you consider the Edomite, think about the ego of man. Loved one, it is all about progressing in your level of consciousness from the fallen mind to the mind of Messiah. This transformation takes a constant “renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2), and ultimately the removal of your personal thoughts, as they give way to strict obedience to Yahweh’s decrees and commands (mind laws/mind patterns).

Yahshua knew His purpose; He had to eliminate His own will. “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” (Luke 22:42) He knew that it would always shame His Father, and ultimately Himself, if He chose His own way, if He sought His own glory. “My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from the Almighty or whether I speak on My own authority. He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him.” (John 7:16-18)

It’s quite simple; one side you choose ego, the other side you choose the shedding of ego! Is this not the pattern, “nevertheless not My will,” upon which you should base your own life? Remember, you were purchased for a great price and you no longer own yourself! (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

“And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood [ego], there is no remission.” (Hebrews 9:22)

What a friend we have in Yeshua

Shake it Off

(#247 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

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“But he shook the creature [viper] off into the fire, and suffered no harm.” (Acts 28:5)

How often have you considered such things, like Shaul’s (Paul’s) ability to overcome such a seemingly insurmountable physical obstacle? A viper “fastened on his hand” and he just “shook the creature off!” How about things that Abraham, Moses, and David overcame? How often have you thought, “Why not me?”

Let us consider how and why Shaul suffered no physical harm? It was not as you might think or imagine. Take heed loved one; nothing is ever physically achieved until it is spiritually conceived! Many acts of faith propelled Shaul’s ministry, but a recent specific memory of a spiritual promise fulfilled was most likely what inspired him during his encounter with the snake.

Just the night before, Shaul demonstrated amazing faith as he “believed” the promise of things to come even during a storm that was sure to take the lives of all aboard his ship, including his own. Consider his words; “For there stood by me this night a malak [messenger] of the Almighty to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Shaul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed the Almighty has granted you all those who sail with you.’ Therefore take heart, men, for I believe the Almighty that it will be just as it was told me.” (Acts 27:23-25)

Because Shaul could testify that “it will be just as it was told me,” not even a viper bite would mean death for him. Why? Because Yahweh made a promise to him that Shaul was certain would be fulfilled. “You must be brought before Caesar.” Just like Abraham believed Yahweh for his son’s inheritance, “My son, the Almighty will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering,” (Genesis 22:8) Shaul knew he would see the future Yahweh had promised.

Faith allowed Shaul to shake off the viper (mind tormentor) and move forward as if nothing had happened. Literally, he set his mind on things above, not on things on the earth (Colossians 3:2). He knew that Yahweh was his strength and his shield; his heart trusted in Him, and he was helped (Psalm 28:7). He was able to ignore the physical realm, and all of its illusions. It’s never from the physical where power is derived! Remember this! All power is spiritual; and all power is from Yahweh alone. There is no other source of power! (Psalm 62:11)

My soul, wait silently for the Almighty alone, for my expectation is from Him.

He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved.

In the Almighty is my salvation and my glory;

The Rock of my strength, and my refuge is in the Almighty.

Trust in Him at all times, you people;

Pour out your heart before Him; The Almighty is a refuge for us. (Psalm 62:5-8)

Abundant Life

Abundant Life

(#246 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

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I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (John 10:10) If it is life abundant that Yahshua died for, then what exactly did His sacrifice offer you? What is the abundant life?

It’s time for a permanent shift. If your definition of the abundant life is primarily focused on external things, life in the physical realm, then we must submit that you are missing true abundance. Would you consider a new paradigm? “See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.” (Hebrews 8:5) Moses was commanded many times in Exodus to follow Yahweh’s exact instructions to build the Tabernacle (the dwelling place within where Yahweh reigns). Why? Because the pattern serves as a copy or shadow of heavenly things. (Hebrews 8:5) The physical, in this case the Tabernacle, is a pattern? Yes, and it is true of all things. Our entire physical world is a shadow of the “real thing.” What is the real thing?

Your physical life is a direct result of your thought life, both conscious and subconscious. For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. (Proverbs 23:7) Your thoughts are the real thing! Your thoughts create your physical world. Here is something dramatic to consider; your thoughts are real and the world you see is a shadow. Man’s fallen thoughts (mind) manifested a fallen world. And the reverse is expected! The whole creation waits breathless with anticipation for the revelation [manifestation] of Yahweh’s sons and daughters. (Romans 8:19). Sons and daughters of Yahweh will have the mind of Messiah (1 Corinthians 2:16) which will redeem all of creation. Fallen mind fallen world; redeemed mind redeemed world!

Your thought life is a very individual thing as well, as no one else can live in your mind for you. Your entire personal world is first a thought, before it manifests. Peace, joy, love, poise, balance, and power; are these not all states of mind, abundant states of mind? Is not all of life a byproduct of your thinking?

Consider Jerusalem, the “center” of all scriptural activity? Jerusalem means “city of peace, foundation of peace, or possession of peace.” Peace also must be the center of all your thought activity. The pattern (physical manifestation) serves as a copy or shadow of heavenly things (thoughts). Peaceful thoughts must therefore precede physical peace. “Shalom” in Hebrew is from the root word “shalem” which denotes completeness, wholeness and soundness. This is what His death was meant to offer you loved one, peace! Peace is a whole, pure, and sound mind; a mind so focused on Yahweh Almighty that the physical aspect of life becomes secondary. The flesh can die while the mind says, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23:34) This is life loved one. Perfect life! Abundant life!

Giving up everything you own

A Hard Saying

(#241 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

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If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be My disciple. And anyone who does not carry his own stake and follow Me cannot be My disciple. (Luke 14:26-27)

Read it again!

Be still in your soul My child, and listen to Me. If I gave you revelation about whom and what in your life are your greatest priorities, it would be brutally convicting. I Am grace and mercy, but I Am also truth and judgment. If I took everything from you today, whether in a whirlwind, or in what men call an “accident,” it would reveal so much about you. It would show in what and in whom you place your trust. Trust in the flesh (any thought fueled by the personal will) always plants you in parched places; trust in Me and you are like a tree (truth) planted by many waters (Jeremiah 17:5-8).

If I took everything you value in your physical world, who would I be to you then? “Cruel,” is what I often hear. Is that what you would say as well, loved one? Would I still be the “Mighty One” to you? Would I still be “Loving Father?” The truth says so much about your love for Me, about who and what really comes first in your life? In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything [utterly forsake dependency upon your own understanding] cannot be My disciples. (Luke 14:33) It is good that I challenge you to consider such things.

“Who do you say I Am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living Mighty One.” Yahshua replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by My Father in Heaven.” (Matthew 16:15-17)

Now read from Luke 14:26 all the way to the end of the chapter, and talk to Me. Let’s really talk about who I Am to you, and in this you will receive your heavenly revelation.

We are nothing without Yahweh

Certainly Imputed

(#239 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

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Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But the Almighty chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; the Almighty chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. The Almighty chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before Him. It is because of Him that you are in the Messiah Yahshua, who has become for us wisdom from the Almighty —that is, our righteousness, set-apartness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in Yahweh.” (1 Corinthians 1:26-31)

If any of you are wise, if any of you have understanding, then let this mind be in you. What mind? The mind that understands and accepts that no goodness, effort, esteem, talent, or gifting is of you (“self” created). If you are “good,” you were made so by the spilling of blood. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights. (James 1:17) Everything you have been given, anything that helps you excel, has been given to do one thing. And what is that one thing? To serve for good. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of the Almighty, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in the Messiah Yahshua for good works, which the Almighty prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8-10)

To help this one thing become real to you, let me suggest a short prayer to repeat over and over until this truth becomes part of your DNA. “Father, I recognize that all of my talents; all of my gifts; all of my skills; as well as my generosity and wisdom; anything that is good in me; comes from You! None of it is actually mine. It was given to me by You, O Yahweh, for one purpose, and that is to honor You. May my life glorify You.”

If this is real to you, then repeat one more prayer: “Father, thank you for the spilled blood of Yahshua. Forgive me for not remembering the truth. Forgive me for robbing You of Your esteem. Set my heart (center of intellect) and soul (emotional character) into a right relationship with You. Remind me daily why I have anything good in my life.”

You are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify Yahweh in your body and in your spirit, which are the Almighty’s. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) Yes, remember that. Have that mind in you. It is a dangerous thing to forget the proper order of things, to forget the price that was paid so you could be what you are. It would be a fearful thing to be reminded with a Heavenly chastening. Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of the Almighty underfoot, counted the blood of the Covenant by which He was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says Yahweh. And again, “Yahweh will judge His people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living Mighty One. (Hebrews 10:29-31)

Listen very closely loved one. Quiet your mind and listen. The amount of mental strife you suffer is directly related to your belief in the delusional non-reality that there is some personal (self-achieved) “good” in you, and that you are worthy of anything from anyone. Your lust for personal vindication, in any area of life (conscious activity), is a denial of the Sovereignty of Yahweh! Make the shift!

Consider every day a wonderful new journey. Shout to your Savior; “I want to be the best Your blood could buy; And I want to honor the reality that I was created to glorify You.” So be it!

No Excuse for your Sin

“Everyone’s a Sinner!” Ministry or Death Blow?

(#238 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)

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Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. (Matthew 12:34)

With every statement, a mindset is revealed. What is in you will ultimately “overflow” from you. Whatever is brewing in the heart eventually erupts into words spoken. We explored recently that “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil.” (Luke 6:45) Your inner thoughts or mental disposition is always mirrored by your verbal exposition. Yes indeed, your words expose your mind’s intent, for out of the abundance of your heart your mouth speaks. Are you a viper, or do you bring forth good?

If you believe that you are unworthy of forgiveness; that the burden of your personal sin is overwhelming; and that redemption is not possible; to you I say, “All have sinned and fall short!” (Romans 3:23) and, “While you were still a sinner, the Messiah died for you.” (Romans 5:8) This is the spiritual antidote that is meant to soothe the suffering, humbled soul. Humility is the reason these words actually penetrate the conscience of the sinner. The humble soul knows they need a remedy and appreciates that true repentance brings forgiveness. Their heart is ripe to bring forth good.

However, if you continue to sin and justify your actions with excuses and lies like, “Everyone’s a sinner!” “I’m covered by the blood!” and “No one is perfect!” sin has not only crouched at your doorstep (Genesis 4:7), it has made its way into the deep recesses of your conscious and subconscious mind, and taken over. Your sin is literally telling the Messiah, “Listen, if You died for all my sins, then just add this one to the list; it’s covered!” This is an arrogant, irreverent, and boisterous mind indeed. For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries [ego-driven thoughts]. (Hebrews 10:26-27)

Which mindset dwells within you? How far will you push Yahweh’s grace? “But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more…?” (Romans 5:20) Can you push so far that you might not be permitted to turn back? The answer is simple; the answer is Scriptural. “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” (Romans 6:1-2)

There is only Light and darkness loved one. There is no variation or shadow of turning with the Father of lights (perfect mental illuminations). (James 1:17) There are no gray (compromised) areas (thought plains) in His Kingdom. In the end, in your eternal destiny, you are either Light or darkness. Nothing in the middle exists.

Taking Drugs in any form. What does God say

Taking Drugs in any form. What does God say

Here is the link to the video of the mind of Messiah