Tag Archives: Chaim Goldman
Broken Cisterns Equal a Broken Life
What fills us? What drives us? What helps us? The only answer we should have it, it’s not about what we want but what Yahweh wants. We must learn to deny ourself and follow Him.
Broken Cisterns
(#019 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
www.sufferwell.org
“My people have committed two sins [evils]. They have forsaken Me, the fountain of Living Waters, and they have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.” (Jeremiah 2:13)
Am I not I Am who points out transgressions in order to save you? Am I not I Am who sent My Son so that you would return to Me in repentance? Consider this before you readily entangle yourself with the world’s delicacies. My Son was sent to manifest My desire and to redeem a people unto Myself. This could only be done through a demonstration of My power (Ephesians 1:19-20). And, it is only by that power that you can overcome your disobedient choices to continually eat from My forbidden tree, the carnal desire for “free will.”
Stop! Listen! Think! Remember! It is I who draws you back to Me (John 12:32). It is I who chose you (John 15:16). Are you really so dull of mind to think you can fill your own cisterns and be satisfied? The abundance you long for, what will truly fulfill your soul’s desires, can never be “self” generated. I will ultimately dismantle anything that does not align with My will. The vessels I fill have no leak and no lack, and do not desire more than I freely give.
Loved one, I cannot be housed in unclean vessels. Dry bones (Ezekiel 37:1-14) will be your reward apart from Me, nothing but whitewashed tombs (Matthew 23:27). How joyful you were the day I found you. Now, you must count the cost of every thought and action (Luke 14:25-33); this is what I require from My children.
I call Heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live. (Deuteronomy 30:19) Stop trying to fill your own cisterns; they can never hold Living Water. Instead, choose life.
Never a Robot! His BLOOD!
I am no longer a slave to sin. I am a child of God. HIs Blood has saved me. The life is in the blood. Are we following Yahweh by choice? How important is free will? We discuss all that in this video.
Never a Robot!
(#018 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
www.sufferwell.org
For we know that the Law is spiritual; but I am carnal, sold as a slave to sin. (Romans 7:14)
A quaint conversation joined midway through:
Church folk 1: Well, I do have free will. I can make my own decisions, like choosing Jesus.
Church folk 2: Hmm. The bible says, “I [He] chose you.” (John 15:16)
Church folk 1: Yes, but that’s because He knew I would choose Him.
Church folk 2: Where does it say that in the bible?
Church folk 1: Well, I’ll have to look it up, or ask my pastor.
Church folk 2: I am positive it does not say that in the bible, or anything like that. As a matter of fact, it says you were chosen before the foundations of the world (Psalm 90:2), even in your mother’s womb He was your Mighty One (Psalm 22:10). So, are you saying He predestined all of this based upon what you would do?
Church folk 1: Yes right, that is what I’m saying. Well, I think that’s what I’m saying.
Church folk 2: The bible says that the carnal man is at enmity [hostile] towards Him and will not subject himself to Yahweh (Romans 8:7). It also says that we all sin and fall short of His glory (Romans 3:23). So, how did you get holy enough, you know, get over your carnality, long enough to choose Him?
Church folk 1: Well, I did ask Him into my heart. I remember the day like it was yesterday.
Church folk 2: I believe you. I am curious however; was that before or after He gave you a new heart (Deuteronomy 30:6)?
Church folk 1: Well, I guess after.
Church folk 2: So then, did you ask for the new heart before He chose you, or was your new heart His gift to you before there was anything in you good enough to seek Him (Romans 3:10-18)?
Church folk 1: Now that you put it that way, I guess it was His doing.
Church folk 2: So then, what you are really saying is that the new heart He gave you (Ezekiel 36:26) is what prompted your choice to believe, to “ask Him into your heart,” right?
Church folk 1: Well, I guess so, but I’m not a robot you know.
Church folk 2: No, you’re not a robot, just a slave.
“Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or slaves to obedience, which leads to righteousness?” (Romans 6:16)
If But Your Garment
What physical object in your life brings you comfort? There should only be one. See this video and learn what that object should be.
If But Your Garment
(#015 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
www.sufferwell.org
Father, you gave me a measure of faith (Romans 12:3), and the directive to grow in the grace and knowledge of Your Son (2 Peter3:18). Your Son promised that He would not only be the author of my faith, but also the perfector [finisher] of it (Hebrews 12:2).
Heavenly Father, I have sought You without ceasing, often with tears. Yet, I’ve remained locked in the prison of my mind. Today, I again surrender all that has mentally crippled me, and I humbly ask the perfector to redesign my thinking. Yahshua, I present my life as a living sacrifice; transform my mind (Romans 12:1-2), so that I might see and not just hear You (Job 42:5). Transform my fleshly understanding into spiritual perception.
Why have I held onto these thoughts that keep me bound? I have attempted to surrender these things in the past, yet they remain. Has the prison of my mind actually become a safe place for me, like a child’s favorite blanket, which embodies the fragrance, texture, comfort, and security of what is familiar? Have I become comfortable in my prison, afraid to come out? In faith that possessing Your sound mind is my destiny, I again give You permission to take this blanket of fear and replace it with a touch of the hem of Your garment (Matthew 9:20), the garment of praise (Isaiah 61:3)
Remove my false comforts and save this child who is frozen in time, stuck seeking security from his favorite blanket. I will not go back there again. Yahshua, I declare that, from this day forward my mind is renewed, and my only security will be the hem of Your garment. And Abba, if I try to hold the old blanket tight against my chest, rip it from me.
“I know that You can do everything,
And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You.
You asked, ‘Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?’
Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,
Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.
Listen, please, and let me speak;
You said, ‘I will question you, and you shall answer Me.’
“I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear,
But now my eye sees You.
Therefore I abhor myself,
And repent in dust and ashes.”
(Job 42:2-6)
In the past, I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. But, today my faith is perfected; I feel His garment.
Who’s Judging Who
Who’s Judging Who?
(#012 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
www.Sufferwell.org
Oh My children, if you would only judge yourselves honestly as did Shaul (Paul), your contentions would not exist. I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Master who judges me. (1 Corinthians 4:3-4) You see, he was not saying he did not judge himself, as evidenced by his very next words; “My conscience is clear.” He was simply stating that the outcome of his self-assessment left nothing to be judged. I call you to rightly judge yourself, or you will be judged by Me and others. “For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged.” (1 Corinthians 11:31)
If it becomes necessary that you be judge by others, it is the weak child who misrepresents a rebuke done in love. Have I not given you permission to tend to one another? What business is it of mine to judge those outside the congregation? Are you not to judge those inside? The Almighty will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked person from among you.” (1 Corinthians 5:12-13) Have I not allowed for the removal of one who calls himself a brother, yet disavows rebuke and good counsel? If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the congregation; and if they refuse to listen even to the congregation, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. (Matthew 18:17) Such a man is to be removed from the presence of My body.
Yet, it remains important to differentiate between a rebuke done in love and fleshly judgment. A rebuke, My child, is always intended to be done in love, and is to benefit not only the one being rebuked, but the one bringing the rebuke, as well as the entire congregation. It is for Divine correction and all of My people need it. Fleshly judgment involves condemnation which is never from or inspired by Me (Romans 8:1).
Many of My sheep tend to call open rebukes, judgments. This is especially common from the one receiving the rebuke. I will not let you get away with it. A wise man heeds rebukes and it brings life to his soul. A fool scoffs at a proper rebuke, calling it judgment. (Read all of Proverbs 13) I will discipline such folly. Also, when you claim someone is judging you and they have not done so or intended to do so, it is a sin unto yourself. Take the rebuke My child; humility is My way. It is how I shall prosper you. The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. (Proverbs 15:31)
And finally, beware beloved, for if you judge someone else, you have no excuse for it. When you judge another person, you are judging yourself [saying you have already determined your conscience is clear- 1 Corinthians 4:4]. You do the same things you blame others for doing. We know that when the Almighty judges those who do evil things, he judges fairly. Though you are only a human being, you judge others. But you yourself do the same things. So how do you think you will escape when the Almighty judges you? (Romans 2:1-3)
Faith by Hearing; A Heavenly Perspective
Faith by Hearing; A Heavenly Perspective
(#008 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
www.Sufferwell.org
“So then faith comes by hearing, and by hearing I mean hearing My word.” (Romans 10:17)
How can you trust if you don’t know what I have said? How can you rely on promises when you have not heard them? Faith comes by hearing My word. I speak to you as My own child because My children hear my voice (John 10:27); they understand My principles, which are always repeated in patterns.
Your heart (center of intellect) wants only to receive My promises, My blessings. If you liken My commands to a list of chores, then My promises are the rewards for doing those chores. In order to receive the rewards from doing the chores, it stands to reason that you must first know what the chores are. Can you recognize the principle here and pattern in which it repeats?
The principle: The principle is knowing My living and active word; My word 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) I have magnified My word even above My Name. (Psalm 138:2)
The Pattern: When you magnify My word, make it supreme in your life, you will be inspired to obey Me; and obedience always brings blessings. “Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey My voice, to observe carefully all My commandments which I command you today, I will set you high above all nations of the earth.” (Deuteronomy 28:1) You obey Me; I bless you!
When you become a child of the Most High, it is My heart (mind) that is placed in you (Ezekiel 36:26). And I have many revelations waiting for you loved one, but they will only be revealed to your heart in proportion to your effort.
Effort: Your purposeful intent to know My word and to follow it. No worries if you feel inadequate, My grace is sufficient and in your weakness I am strong (2 Corinthians 12:9). It is the thoughts and intents of the heart that I am discerning.
And finally, “My word is living” therefore, do not think it will reveal the same things to you next month or next year as it does today. You are being transformed from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18). You will grow in My word precept upon precept and line upon line (Isaiah 28:13). If you are My child, I will take the lead in raising you; however you are still responsible to make the effort. If you need help simply ask.
My word builds faith. There is no other way. Do what you must, for the days are short. I know this will help. I love you. I want you to know Me. I want you to increase your faith and therefore increase your blessing. Come to Me child; not because I have the answer to everything, but because I Am the answer to everything. Faith by hearing, this is My Heavenly Perspective.
No Enemies
The greatest thing man has ever done is being beaten and put to death but at the same time being at peace with the situation. Yeshua express true love for his enemies when he asked the father to forgive them for beating and killing him. This devotional today is a very helpful reminder of the importance of following Yahweh’s Torah and the shalom it brings.
No Enemies
(#006 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
“When a man’s ways please Yahweh, He will make even his enemies at peace with him.” (Proverbs 16:7)
If you have children, ask them to read this scripture. Then, ask them this question. How will you know if your ways are pleasing to Yahweh? The beauty here is that you actually don’t need a child to answer the question. You simply need to change and become like a child to grasp this Kingdom principle. (Matthew 18:3)
Yes, this is a good litmus test indeed. It is also a noble pursuit. Living at peace with all men will result from a life that is pleasing to Yahweh. And if you take delight in Him (Psalms 37:4), the desire of your heart will be to have your enemies at peace with you. Think about it. Yahshua taught, “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matthew 5:44-45) It even pleases Yahweh to be at peace with His enemies.
His command is to love your enemy. Woe to any man who convinces himself otherwise. Your strength cannot make an enemy flee; only your obedience can. You love them; He guards you. You praise Him; He removes them from your midst. You endure; He gives you strength. You submit to Him; He lifts you up. These are immutable patterns. Sing aloud; “The battle belongs to Yahweh.” (1 Samuel 17:47) Make your ways pleasing to Yahweh and even your enemies will be at peace with you!
As we progressively unfold the patterns of the perfected mind, you will begin to recognize them and even seek them. As you adhere to them, you will find that they produce good fruit every time. You do what He says; you reap the blessings He promises. At last, you will testify, “It was so easy once I applied His ways to every situation.” Enjoy His instructions; they were created just for you. Obey them and even your enemies will be at peace with you. You have His word.
A Personal FIRST HAND relationship with Yahweh
Understanding that knowing Yahweh on a personal level is more than just know him. This teaching is about the importance of creating a first hand relationship with HIm.
This devotion was from www.wufferwell.org
First Hand (#004 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
Oh yes Father, you have heard my cry. You understand my form and structure, for it is Your design. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. (Psalm 139:14) I have reached the end of the self that I knew. I’m ready to begin again, to be rebirthed, and to become new. No longer can I live by what was done for Abraham. I cannot survive from the miracles done for Daniel. It is not enough to read of David and all the wondrous works done on his behalf. No my Father, I must confess; “It is not enough!”
I have depended on third-party experiences for far too long. Forgive me for not realizing it sooner. Forgive me for depending on what You did for others, as if Your power and renewal were not meant to be personal. Forgive me for not crying out for the first-hand experience I now cry for; I long to know why You created me Father. I appreciate the testimonies of your faith-filled children (Hebrews 11). But, now it is my time to be one-on-one with You. This is my heart’s desire.
Your resurrection power is not just for others, but for me (Ephesians 1:19-20). It is not simply to be read about, but lived in. I can no longer live apart from this reality. Forgive me Father for waiting so long to realize deep in my soul that Paul’s life and experiences cannot transform me. Joseph’s life should make me desire to experience what he experienced, but it cannot satisfy my soul. I am not Joseph, I am me. And I am ready for my own personal experience Father.
Yes, it is all for Your glory, but also for my journey, the one You made for me to travel from the foundations of time. I am not a wasted creation living off the faith of past saints. I am alive now. I am a new creation. I am Your personal representative on the earth. Write my story for all to see Father, the story of Your other son, created for glory (1 Corinthians 2:7). My life is no longer a life of third party faith. Abba, it is now You and me in Yahshua the Messiah.
And then let this inspire other sons and daughters of Yours to write their own story. Let them all see that it is not good enough to be dependent upon the lives of others, and what You did for them. They were all created for glory and to glorify You. It is time for them to claim their own first–hand experience of You, Your Son, and Your Spirit. Now it’s personal.
Lamentations 3
Lamentations 3
Hope in the Lord’s Faithfulness
1 I am the one who has seen the afflictions
that come from the rod of the Lord’s anger.
2 He has led me into darkness,
shutting out all light.
3 He has turned his hand against me
again and again, all day long.
4 He has made my skin and flesh grow old.
He has broken my bones.
5 He has besieged and surrounded me
with anguish and distress.
6 He has buried me in a dark place,
like those long dead.
7 He has walled me in, and I cannot escape.
He has bound me in heavy chains.
8 And though I cry and shout,
he has shut out my prayers.
9 He has blocked my way with a high stone wall;
he has made my road crooked.
10 He has hidden like a bear or a lion,
waiting to attack me.
11 He has dragged me off the path and torn me in pieces,
leaving me helpless and devastated.
12 He has drawn his bow
and made me the target for his arrows.
13 He shot his arrows
deep into my heart.
14 My own people laugh at me.
All day long they sing their mocking songs.
15 He has filled me with bitterness
and given me a bitter cup of sorrow to drink.
16 He has made me chew on gravel.
He has rolled me in the dust.
17 Peace has been stripped away,
and I have forgotten what prosperity is.
18 I cry out, “My splendor is gone!
Everything I had hoped for from the Lord is lost!”
19 The thought of my suffering and homelessness
is bitter beyond words.[a]
20 I will never forget this awful time,
as I grieve over my loss.
21 Yet I still dare to hope
when I remember this:
22 The faithful love of the Lord never ends![b]
His mercies never cease.
23 Great is his faithfulness;
his mercies begin afresh each morning.
24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance;
therefore, I will hope in him!”
25 The Lord is good to those who depend on him,
to those who search for him.
26 So it is good to wait quietly
for salvation from the Lord.
27 And it is good for people to submit at an early age
to the yoke of his discipline:
28 Let them sit alone in silence
beneath the Lord’s demands.
29 Let them lie face down in the dust,
for there may be hope at last.
30 Let them turn the other cheek to those who strike them
and accept the insults of their enemies.
31 For no one is abandoned
by the Lord forever.
32 Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion
because of the greatness of his unfailing love.
33 For he does not enjoy hurting people
or causing them sorrow.
34 If people crush underfoot
all the prisoners of the land,
35 if they deprive others of their rights
in defiance of the Most High,
36 if they twist justice in the courts—
doesn’t the Lord see all these things?
37 Who can command things to happen
without the Lord’s permission?
38 Does not the Most High
send both calamity and good?
39 Then why should we, mere humans, complain
when we are punished for our sins?
40 Instead, let us test and examine our ways.
Let us turn back to the Lord.
41 Let us lift our hearts and hands
to God in heaven and say,
42 “We have sinned and rebelled,
and you have not forgiven us.
43 “You have engulfed us with your anger, chased us down,
and slaughtered us without mercy.
44 You have hidden yourself in a cloud
so our prayers cannot reach you.
45 You have discarded us as refuse and garbage
among the nations.
46 “All our enemies
have spoken out against us.
47 We are filled with fear,
for we are trapped, devastated, and ruined.”
48 Tears stream from my eyes
because of the destruction of my people!
49 My tears flow endlessly;
they will not stop
50 until the Lord looks down
from heaven and sees.
51 My heart is breaking
over the fate of all the women of Jerusalem.
52 My enemies, whom I have never harmed,
hunted me down like a bird.
53 They threw me into a pit
and dropped stones on me.
54 The water rose over my head,
and I cried out, “This is the end!”
55 But I called on your name, Lord,
from deep within the pit.
56 You heard me when I cried, “Listen to my pleading!
Hear my cry for help!”
57 Yes, you came when I called;
you told me, “Do not fear.”
58 Lord, you have come to my defense;
you have redeemed my life.
59 You have seen the wrong they have done to me, Lord.
Be my judge, and prove me right.
60 You have seen the vengeful plots
my enemies have laid against me.
61 Lord, you have heard the vile names they call me.
You know all about the plans they have made.
62 My enemies whisper and mutter
as they plot against me all day long.
63 Look at them! Whether they sit or stand,
I am the object of their mocking songs.
64 Pay them back, Lord,
for all the evil they have done.
65 Give them hard and stubborn hearts,
and then let your curse fall on them!
66 Chase them down in your anger,
destroying them beneath the Lord’s heavens.
Footnotes:
God Says Eating Animals Is Okay But…
God Says Eating Animals Is Okay But…