Category Archives: Trinity

Father / Yahweh, Holy Spirit / Ruach HaKodesh, Jesus Christ / Yeshua

Yahweh Reveals Himself Through the Holy Trinity

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Many struggle to fully understand how one God has chosen to reveal Himself to us in the persons of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Some even fall away from true faith over their lack of understanding in this issue, or hesitate to follow Yeshua because of it. Others may simply dismiss it. Blessed are those who accept it on faith and those who study God’s word to gain a clearer understanding of it. Whatever your understanding, scripture is clear… Yahweh reveals Himself to us in three key relationships… that of Yahweh the Father, Yeshua the Son of God, and the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 3:16-18 16After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him, 17and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.”

Matthew 28:18-19 18And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Take note of the importance of the Holy Trinity by its explicit mention by God in both the beginning of Jesus’ public earthly ministry at baptism and the end after He has died and been raised from the dead. The fact that God finds it important to express Himself to us in this way is undeniable. He does not shy away from it. It is front and center and important.

We could do well to conduct a detailed Bible study on each aspect of the Trinity, and I encourage you to do so as you read through the Bible and study. I encourage you also to prayerfully ask God to reveal Himself clearly to you. For today’s devotion, I will summarize at a high level.

Let me first begin with a simple example that may help remove some of the mystery, and then we will explore Biblical insights into the persons of the Trinity through which God reveals Himself to His people.

Try not to get hung up on someone revealing themselves through three persons. It seems impossible at first, but consider even God’s humble people. I am a servant of God. So too am I a husband and a father. Further, I am a neighbor and a citizen of a city and a nation. I am an employee and also a leader. I am a son and a brother. I could go on. I am one person, but through many different roles, I reveal myself in different relationships with people I meet. I am the same person, yet the way I act towards my children is different in some ways from the way I act towards my employer. Each relationship is consistent with the person being revealed, but each may show a different aspect or part of that person. So it is likewise with God.

Also, allow for the fact that there may be nothing else exactly like it we can relate to. God is supernatural. Thy physical may help us understand Him, but may not be a perfect match.

God the Father, Yahweh

God the Father is the Creator, the Alpha and Omega… beginning and the end, He is our Father, our Provider, our Protector. He is sovereign. Respect and honor who God is. Take a few moments and be still before God. Contemplate the character of God:

  • The Great I Am
  • Creator of All
  • All-Knowing (omniscient)
  • All-Powerful (omnipotent)
  • Present In All Places At All Times (omnipresent)
  • The Beginning and the End (Alpha and Omega)

God’s name is to be separated from the world. To do this, we must separate from the world and focus on God. Focus on the Old Testament names for God.

God the Son, Yeshua

The word of God became flesh in the person of Yeshua and dwelt among us. He showed us how to live in relationship with God the Father and our fellow man. He suffered and died and was raised from the dead so our wrongs could be forgiven.

John 1:1-5 1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. 4In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. 5The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

John 1:14-18 14And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15John testified about Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’” 16For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. 17For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. 18No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.

John 14:6-11 6Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

7“If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.”

8Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9Jesus said to him, “Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10“Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works. 11“Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe because of the works themselves.

God The Holy Spirit, Ruach Chodesh

The Holy Spirit is a helper that God sends for each of us who believe in Him through the person of Jesus Christ and submit our lives to Him. The Spirit represents God living inside of each believer to help comfort, counsel, teach, and guide us.

John 14:16-26 16“I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; 17that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.

18“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19“After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me; because I live, you will live also. 20“In that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. 21“He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him.” 22Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord, what then has happened that You are going to disclose Yourself to us and not to the world?” 23Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him. 24“He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father’s who sent Me.

25“These things I have spoken to you while abiding with you. 26“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.

Embrace God’s word and allow God to more fully reveal Himself to you through each of these relationships He has chosen… God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please help me to more fully understand the mystery of how you reveal yourself, three persons in one. You are one God, but You reveal Yourself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Let me not reject the truth because I do not fully understand it, but rather help me to accept Your word and continue to grow in understanding. Help me not to redefine Your word to fit my understanding, but rather redefine my understanding based on Your word.  Amen. 

Shalom

Devotion by John in service to Christ

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Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Protector / Deliverer, Sin, Traditions / Holidays

Celebrating True Freedom this July 4

As we celebrate the freedom of our nation this Independence Day, have we stopped to consider the even greater freedom that Christ has given us?

Key Verse:
“It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” —Galatians 5:1 NASB

Background Context:
Independence Day reminds us of the tremendous sacrifices made to secure the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. Those freedoms are worthy of gratitude and celebration. Yet Scripture reminds us of an even greater freedom—the freedom Yeshua purchased for us through His death and resurrection.

Unlike political freedom, this freedom reaches the heart. It frees us from the bondage and penalty of sin so that we may live according to God’s will and enjoy a restored relationship with Him. However, similar to political freedom, it does not mean there are no more boundaries to how we live. Freedom does not mean we can or should do anything we choose.

Reflection:

As we gather with family and friends to celebrate July 4, it is fitting to thank God for the blessings of living in a nation where we have long enjoyed remarkable freedoms. Many men and women have sacrificed greatly to preserve those liberties, and we should never take them for granted. At the same time, our national freedom provides an opportunity to reflect on an even greater freedom that no government can grant and no earthly power can take away—the freedom we have in Christ.

The Apostle Paul explains this freedom beautifully in Romans 8:1–4:

“Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death… so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”

Through Yeshua, we are no longer condemned by our sin. We have been forgiven, redeemed, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live differently. This freedom is not freedom to sin; it is freedom from sin’s dominion.

Unfortunately, some misunderstand Christian freedom as though it means God’s instruction no longer matters. Yet Yeshua addressed this directly in Matthew 5:17–19:

“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.”

Yeshua perfectly fulfilled the Law, but He never taught His followers to reject God’s instruction. Instead, He taught its true meaning and demonstrated what wholehearted obedience looks like. Throughout His ministry, He challenged the legalistic traditions that religious leaders had added to God’s commands, while consistently affirming the righteousness and wisdom of God’s Word.

Paul makes this same point in Galatians 5:13:

“For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”

Christian freedom is not lawlessness. It is the freedom to love God, to love our neighbor, and to walk in obedience through the power of the Holy Spirit.

The psalmist understood this long before the coming of Messiah. Psalm 119 repeatedly celebrates God’s law not as a burden, but as a blessing.

“O how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.” (Psalm 119:97)

“Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Your law is truth.” (Psalm 119:142)

“Those who love Your law have great peace, and nothing causes them to stumble.” (Psalm 119:165)

God’s instruction was never intended to keep us from experiencing joy. It was given to help us walk in wisdom, righteousness, and peace. Through Christ, we are not freed from God’s ways—we are finally empowered to live them as He intended.

Perhaps no passage summarizes true freedom better than the words of Yeshua in John 8:31–36. Speaking to those who believed Him, He explained that abiding in His Word leads to knowing the truth, and “the truth will make you free.” He concluded with this wonderful promise:

“So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

Political freedom is a tremendous blessing, but it is temporary. Spiritual freedom is eternal. One allows us to worship without coercion. The other transforms our hearts so that we desire to worship God willingly and joyfully.

As we celebrate our nation’s independence, may we give even greater thanks for the freedom that only Christ can provide. May we use that freedom not to pursue our own desires, but to love, serve, and glorify the One who gave everything to redeem us.

Application:

  • Thank God for both the freedoms we enjoy as a nation and the greater freedom we have in Christ.
  • Remember that Christian freedom is freedom from the power of sin, not freedom to ignore God’s instruction.
  • Spend time studying God’s Word so you can better understand His will and walk in His ways.
  • Use your freedom to love God, serve others, and be a faithful witness for Yeshua.
  • Pray for our nation and its leaders, asking God to grant wisdom, justice, and hearts that turn toward Him.

Closing Prayer:

Father, thank You for the freedoms we enjoy and for the sacrifices that have made them possible. Above all, thank You for the freedom You have given us through Yeshua. Thank You for rescuing us from the bondage of sin and inviting us into a life of joyful obedience and fellowship with You. Help us never to misuse our freedom, but to use it to love You, serve others, and honor Your name. We pray for our nation and its leaders, asking that You would guide them with wisdom and righteousness. May our lives reflect the true freedom that can only be found in Christ. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Father / Yahweh, Parenting, Traditions / Holidays

Yahweh Is A Good Father: Let Us Honor Him

As we celebrate Father’s Day, it is good to focus on our Creator and Father in addition to celebrating good earthly fathers. Take time to prayerfully and thoughtfully reflect on who He is and what He has already done for You.

Respect and honor who God is. Take a few moments to be still before God. Contemplate the character of God:

  • The Great I Am
  • Creator of All
  • All-Knowing (omniscient)
  • All-Powerful (omnipotent)
  • Present In All Places at All Times (omnipresent)
  • Unchanging (immutable)
  • Eternal (without beginning or end)
  • Incapable of Making a Mistake (flawless)
  • Infinite (without limit or boundaries)
  • Holy (worthy of devotion as one perfect in goodness)
  • Just (behaving according to what is morally right and fair)
  • The Beginning and the End (Alpha and Omega)

In Ephesians  1:18-19 Paul prays, “…that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.”

Reflect on the greatness of God’s power toward you as God the Father. He is Father, Provider, Shelter, and Protector.

Honor and glorify His name. God’s name is to be separated from the world. To do this, we must separate from the world and focus on God. Focus on the Biblical names for God.

Focus on God’s character, praise Him, and be thankful. His character should be reflected in our character.

  • Compassionate
  • Gracious
  • Humble
  • Pure (in body and mind)
  • Merciful
  • Giving (in time and resources)
  • Slow to anger / Patient
  • Filled with love
  • Truthful
  • Forgiving
  • Kind
  • Faithful
  • Wise
  • Servant’s heart
  • Disciplined (self-control)
  • Joyful
  • Holy (set apart from sin; set apart for God’s purpose)
  • Just (e.g., justice)

Consider picking one or more of God’s characteristics, starting with the one you understand the least, and study its meaning, including a study of application in scriptures. This activity will renew your mind in that area and, in turn, transform your character to be more like God and our Lord Jesus Christ. After completing this, consider doing the other character traits over time, perhaps one a week.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, thank You for being such a wonderful Father. Thank you for caring for me even when I may not understand why I experience certain things that are difficult. You are worthy of praise. You are the model for the father I should strive to be. Please help me (and/or pray for fathers in your life here) to become more like You. Amen. 

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Children, Father / Yahweh, Parenting, Traditions / Holidays

Guided by YHWH: Embodying the Qualities of a Good Father

Good fathers should pursue Christ and be spiritual leaders in their families. They should put YHWH first, their wife next, and then the children in their priority list, and then actually live their lives according to that standard. YHWH has said much about what it means to be a good father. It need not be a mystery.

Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Psalm 103:13 Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.

Colossians 3:21 Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart.

Psalm 127:3-5 Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; they will not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.

Luke 11:11-12 “Now suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? “Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he?

Joshua 24:14-15 “Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. 15“If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

Perhaps some scripture does not explicitly call out “fathers”, but as in Joshua 24:14-15, he demonstrates the role of a good father as a strong leader for his family committed to serving YHWH even if others refuse to do so. Psalm 127:3-5 shows a good father feels blessed to have received the gift of children.

There are many more such scriptures. I encourage you to do an internet search for “Bible scriptures about good fathers” and invest time to dive deeper. In fact, YHWH gives us the metaphor to think of Him like a Father, and He is perfect. Thus, we can learn much about being a good father from studying how He relates to His people.

Good fathers are not perfect… There is only one perfect Father. On behalf of all those fathers out there who are trying to lead, protect, and provide for their families, we appreciate your grace and forgiveness when we get it wrong, and we welcome your prayers and encouragement on our behalf so we may become better and better at what YHWH has called us to be… fathers.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, thank You for the righteous fathers who strive to lead their families in Your ways. Please help and encourage fathers to actively lead and love their families. Help fathers reflect Your character traits and be a light to others who do not know You and a godly example to their children. Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Revelation, Satan, Spiritual Warfare

Behind the Curtain, the Battle Rages (Revelation 12)

Have you ever felt like there was more happening behind the scenes than what you could see with your eyes?

Key Verse:
“Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come…” —Revelation 12:10 NASB

Background Context:
In Revelation 11:15–19, heaven celebrated the certainty of God’s coming kingdom and the ultimate reign of Messiah.

Now in Revelation 12, John is shown a vision that pulls back the curtain on a larger spiritual conflict. Rather than continuing the chronological flow of judgments, the chapter provides a panoramic view of the conflict between God’s purposes and Satan’s opposition throughout history.

This chapter introduces three major figures:

  • a woman
  • a child
  • a dragon

And through them, God reveals the larger spiritual battle unfolding behind earthly events.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Revelation 12

The Woman, Israel

      1A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars; 2and she was with child; and she cried out, being in labor and in pain to give birth.

The Red Dragon, Satan

3Then another sign appeared in heaven: and behold, a great red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads were seven diadems. 4And his tail swept away a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her child.

The Male Child, Christ

5And she gave birth to a son, a male child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron; and her child was caught up to God and to His throne. 6Then the woman fled into the wilderness where she had a place prepared by God, so that there she would be nourished for one thousand two hundred and sixty days.

The Angel, Michael

7And there was war in heaven, Michael and his angels waging war with the dragon. The dragon and his angels waged war, 8and they were not strong enough, and there was no longer a place found for them in heaven. 9And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. 10Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying,
“Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night. 11“And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death. 12“For this reason, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them. Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time.”

      13And when the dragon saw that he was thrown down to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male child. 14But the two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, so that she could fly into the wilderness to her place, where she was nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. 15And the serpent poured water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, so that he might cause her to be swept away with the flood. 16But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and drank up the river which the dragon poured out of his mouth. 17So the dragon was enraged with the woman, and went off to make war with the rest of her children, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.

Reflection on Revelation 12:1–17:
Revelation 12 is one of the most symbolic chapters in the entire book.

While believers differ on certain details, the major message of the chapter is remarkably clear:

There is a real spiritual battle taking place.

John sees a great sign in heaven:
a woman clothed with the sun, the moon under her feet, and a crown of twelve stars.

He then sees a great red dragon seeking to destroy the child she is about to bear.

The dragon is later identified plainly as Satan.

Unlike some symbols in Revelation that require careful interpretation, Scripture leaves no doubt about his identity.

From the beginning, Satan has opposed God’s purposes.

He opposed:

  • God’s people
  • God’s promises
  • God’s Messiah

The dragon waits for the child to be born so that he might destroy Him.

This immediately reminds us of numerous attempts throughout biblical history to prevent God’s redemptive plan.

Yet every attempt fails.

The child is born.
The child rules the nations.
The child is caught up to God and His throne.

This points clearly to Messiah.

One of the encouraging themes of Revelation 12 is that God’s plans cannot be stopped.

Satan opposes.
Satan attacks.
Satan deceives.

But he cannot overthrow God’s purposes.

The chapter then shifts to a heavenly conflict where Satan is cast down from heaven.

Again, the focus is not on Satan’s power but on his defeat.

Notice the declaration that follows:

“Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God… have come.”

Heaven celebrates because the accuser has been thrown down.

For believers, this is deeply encouraging.

Satan is often described as an accuser.

He seeks to condemn, discourage, and attack God’s people.

But Revelation reminds us that his authority is limited and temporary.

The victory belongs to God.

Verse 11 contains one of the most beloved statements in the chapter:

“They overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony…”

Notice what brings victory.

Not human strength.
Not human wisdom.
Not human effort.

Victory comes through:

  • the blood of the Lamb
  • faithful testimony
  • perseverance

This connects beautifully to themes we’ve already seen throughout Revelation.

God’s people overcome by remaining faithful to Him.

The chapter concludes with the dragon continuing his hostility toward God’s people.

Even after suffering defeat, he persists in opposition.

This reminds us that spiritual warfare remains a reality.

Believers should not be surprised by opposition, temptation, or spiritual struggle.

But neither should we be fearful.

The overarching message of Revelation 12 is not that Satan is powerful.

It is that God is greater.

The dragon appears throughout the chapter.

But he never controls the outcome.

God remains sovereign.

God preserves His people.

God accomplishes His purposes.

And God’s victory is certain.

This chapter encourages believers to view life through a larger lens.

The struggles we see around us are often part of a bigger spiritual reality.

Yet through it all, God’s people can remain confident because the Lamb has already secured the victory.

Application:

  • Remember that spiritual battles often exist behind visible circumstances.
  • Trust that God’s purposes cannot be defeated by Satan’s opposition.
  • Stand firm in the victory provided through the blood of the Lamb.
  • Remain faithful in your testimony regardless of opposition.
  • Take comfort in God’s sovereignty and ultimate victory.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for reminding me that You remain sovereign over every battle and every circumstance. Help me to see beyond temporary struggles and remember that Your victory is certain. Strengthen me to stand firm through the blood of the Lamb and the testimony of my faith. Give me courage to trust You when opposition comes and confidence that Your purposes will never fail. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

All Powerful / King of All, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Persecution / Glorifying God, Protector / Deliverer, Salvation, Satan, Spiritual Warfare, Strong in Our Weakness

Keep God’s Commandments AND Hold to the Testimony of Christ

Revelation 12 lays out some key fundamentals in the spiritual warfare between Satan and YHWH’s people in some attention-grabbing visualizations. Notice you will find no labels of “Jewish” or “Christian”. These labels are not always meaningful as many call themselves by these names but do not follow YHWH or do not hold to the testimony of Yeshua. In verse 17 we see that the key is not what label someone claims, but if you actually “keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus”.

It seems obvious that the Jewish people do not hold to the testimony of Yeshua. However, it may only be slightly less obvious that most who identify as “Christian”, holding to the testimony of Christ, do not keep the whole of the commandments of YHWH. Common Christian teaching holds to some commandments and dismisses many others. It is not simply about “the 10 commandments”. There is so much more to be learned and followed in studying the foundational books of the Bible, the Torah (written by Moses), and the writings of the prophets. For many, they do well to genuinely focus on starting to really live out the 10 commandments in their lives. This is a good place to begin.

I encourage Jewish people to seek Messiah in Yeshua. I encourage Christians to seek to study the Bible and challenge to deepen our understanding of the Hebrew roots of our faith and the fullness of the wonderful things in the law of YHWH.  (Focused Ministries – Understanding the Hebrew Roots of Christianity)

Revelation 12

The Woman, Israel

     1A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars; 2and she was with child; and she cried out, being in labor and in pain to give birth.

The Red Dragon, Satan

     3Then another sign appeared in heaven: and behold, a great red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads were seven diadems. 4And his tail swept away a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her child.

The Male Child, Christ

     5And she gave birth to a son, a male child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron; and her child was caught up to God and to His throne. 6Then the woman fled into the wilderness where she had a place prepared by God, so that there she would be nourished for one thousand two hundred and sixty days.

The Angel, Michael

     7And there was war in heaven, Michael and his angels waging war with the dragon. The dragon and his angels waged war, 8and they were not strong enough, and there was no longer a place found for them in heaven. 9And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. 10Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying,
“Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night. 11“And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death. 12“For this reason, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them. Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time.”

      13And when the dragon saw that he was thrown down to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male child. 14But the two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, so that she could fly into the wilderness to her place, where she was nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. 15And the serpent poured water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, so that he might cause her to be swept away with the flood. 16But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and drank up the river which the dragon poured out of his mouth. 17So the dragon was enraged with the woman, and went off to make war with the rest of her children, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please help open my eyes to both the testimony of Yeshua and obedience to all Your commandments. Help me fully embrace You and Your ways and not only do so in part as so many do. I want to do more than just claim Your name and go to church. I want to live my life for You. I know I fall short, but please help me. Amen.  

Shalom

Devotion by John in service to Christ

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Consequences of Sin, Grace / Forgiveness, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Loving / Kind, Traditions / Holidays

The Ultimate Act of Love: Reflections on Memorial Day

As we recognize Memorial Day, it is a good time to reflect on and appreciate those who have laid down their lives for the rest of us to be able to live free in the United States of America. It is a good time to pray for those who are actively serving, have served, or are surviving family of those who have died in service to our country. God gave us this unique nation based on Judeo-Christian values and heritage. Many have served and died protecting it.

Yeshua demonstrated and taught that there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for his friends. He laid down His life for all those who choose to follow Him and submit to Him. We can be thankful for sure that our sins can be forgiven because of Him. We could never pay that debt.

Yeshua also encouraged His disciples to show this kind of love for one another as well… to lay down their life for one another. So, too, are we encouraged to lay down our lives for one another. At times, we may face a situation where we literally must make that choice in an instant. Other times we lay down our lives by how we live for others rather than living for ourselves.

As we read, we should not overlook that Yeshua said that “You are my friends if you do what I command you.” This is clearly important, but a different context in our relationship with Him vs. relationships with each other that we may consider friends. We should obey Yeshua to be His “friend”. We do not need to obey each other to be friends.

John 15:12-17

Disciples’ Relation to Each Other

12“This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. 13“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. 14“You are My friends if you do what I command you. 15“No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. 16“You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. 17“This I command you, that you love one another.

Take time to pray for those who risk their lives or lose them for others. Pray also for their families. Of course, not everyone in uniform is righteous or acts with righteous motives, but many have sacrificed none the less to protect our country and our freedom. Pray also for the leadership in our government so that they would lead well and not recklessly. Further, pray for the people of our nation that they would hold in high regard those that serve to protect our nation and risk their lives to do so.

Take time to also pause and reflect on our Savior, Yeshua, who laid down his life for us so we could be forgiven and reconciled with the Father. Give thanks to him. Do not let that offer be wasted. Rather, submit to him, turn from your sin, and seek him. Let him be Lord of your life. You will find greater joy and peace in this world and after.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, thank You that You sent Yeshua to lay down His life for me, so that I could be forgiven and reconciled to You. Thank You for the people that have sacrificed personally to protect and build up our nation as a free nation built on individual liberty and not dominated by tyrants or a ruling class that controls the people. Please help protect and maintain that nation based on Your principles and ideals from those who would change it for something else, like socialism or simply giving up more and more individual freedom to government control. Please raise up the righteous and bring restoration to the land that we would be a light for the world to bring You glory. 

Shalom

Devotion by John in service to Christ

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Faithful, Father / Yahweh, His Timing Not Ours, Interceding for Others, Learning To Pray Effectively, Merciful, Prophecy, Revelation, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

When God Responds to Prayer (Revelation 8:1-5)

Have you ever wondered if your prayers are truly heard by God?

Key Verse:
“And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand.” —Revelation 8:4 NASB

Background Context:
In Revelation 6–7, the seals are opened, revealing judgment on the earth and raising the question: who can stand? Chapter 7 answers by showing that God secures His people even in the midst of tribulation.

Now in Revelation 8:1–5, the seventh seal is opened—but instead of immediate action, there is silence in heaven. This moment prepares us for what comes next and reveals something profound about how God works.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Revelation 8

The Seventh Seal—the Trumpets

      1When the Lamb broke the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. 2And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them.

      3Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden censer; and much incense was given to him, so that he might add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne. 4And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand. 5Then the angel took the censer and filled it with the fire of the altar, and threw it to the earth; and there followed peals of thunder and sounds and flashes of lightning and an earthquake.

Reflection on Revelation 8:1–5:
When the seventh seal is opened, heaven becomes silent for about half an hour.

This is striking.

After chapters filled with worship, proclamation, and movement, everything stops. The silence is not empty—it is full of anticipation, reverence, and significance. It signals that something weighty is about to occur.

But before judgment continues, we are shown something unexpected.

An angel stands at the altar with a golden censer. Incense is given to him, and it is combined with the prayers of the saints and offered before God.

This is a powerful image.

The prayers of God’s people are not ignored. They are not lost. They rise before Him, presented with value and significance. What may feel small or unnoticed on earth is seen clearly in heaven.

This connects back to the earlier cry of the martyrs in Revelation 6: “How long, O Lord?”

Here we see that God has heard.

The prayers of the saints are part of what leads into what happens next.

The angel then takes the censer, fills it with fire from the altar, and throws it to the earth. This results in thunder, lightning, and an earthquake.

This moment reveals something profound:

God’s judgment is not disconnected from His people—it is, in part, a response to their prayers.

This challenges how we often think about prayer.

We may think of prayer as personal or small, something that affects only our immediate circumstances. But Scripture shows that prayer is part of God’s greater work. It is woven into His purposes and His timing.

The silence, the offering of prayers, and the response all happen before the next wave of judgment begins.

This shows that God is not impulsive.

He is deliberate.
He is attentive.
He is just.

He listens before He acts.

For us, this is both encouraging and sobering.

Encouraging, because our prayers matter. God hears them, values them, and responds in His time.

Sobering, because God’s response is not always immediate, and it is not always what we expect. His answers are aligned with His will, His justice, and His greater plan.

This passage reminds us that even when it feels like heaven is silent, it is not inactive.

God is listening.

And He will respond.

Application:

  • Be encouraged that your prayers are heard and valued by God.
  • Continue to pray faithfully, even when you do not see immediate answers.
  • Trust that God’s timing is intentional and aligned with His purposes.
  • Recognize that prayer is part of God’s larger plan, not separate from it.
  • Approach God with reverence, knowing He is both attentive and just.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You that You hear my prayers and that they matter to You. Help me to remain faithful in prayer, even when I do not see immediate answers. Teach me to trust in Your timing and Your purposes. Remind me that You are always at work, even when it feels quiet. Strengthen my faith to continue seeking You with a sincere heart. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Justice / Judgment, Protector / Deliverer, Revelation

Judgment Falls, But God Secures His Own (Revelation 6-7)

When everything in the world is shaken, what determines whether you will stand?

Key Verse:
“For the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?” —Revelation 6:17 NASB

Background Context:
In Revelation 6–7, the opening of the seals reveals the unfolding of God’s judgment upon the earth. The imagery is intense—war, famine, death, and cosmic disturbance—culminating in a sobering question: who can stand before the wrath of God?

Before continuing the judgments, Revelation 7 provides a pause. In that pause, God reveals an essential truth: He not only judges, but He also secures and preserves those who belong to Him.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Genesis 6-7

Reflection on Revelation 6–7:
Revelation 6 makes it clear that God’s judgment is real, powerful, and unavoidable. The seals reveal a progression of events that shake every form of earthly stability. Power, wealth, status, and position offer no protection. Even kings and mighty men recognize that they cannot escape what is coming.

This leads to the defining question: who can stand?

Revelation 7 answers that question—not by removing judgment, but by revealing God’s provision within it.

Before the winds of destruction are released, they are held back. God delays the next phase of judgment for a specific purpose: to seal His servants. This sealing represents His authority, ownership, and protection. Those who belong to Him are not overlooked or forgotten. They are marked as His.

This is an important truth—God’s judgment is never reckless. It is measured, purposeful, and always aligned with His covenant and promises.

The sealing of the 144,000 from Israel reminds us that God remains faithful to His people. His promises do not fail, even across generations and in the midst of global upheaval.

Then the vision expands.

John sees a great multitude that no one can count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language. This is a powerful picture of God’s redemptive plan fulfilled beyond any single nation. Salvation extends to all who belong to Him.

These believers have come through great tribulation. They are not spared from hardship—but they are sustained through it. Their robes are made white in the blood of the Lamb, showing that their victory is not earned, but given through Yeshua.

The outcome is not fear—it is worship.

They stand before the throne, serving God continually. His presence covers them. The Lamb, who was once slain, now becomes their Shepherd—guiding, providing, and protecting them.

The promises given are deeply personal:

  • No more hunger
  • No more thirst
  • No more suffering from the elements
  • God Himself wipes away every tear

This is the final answer to the question: who can stand?

Not those who rely on the world.
Not those who trust in their own strength.
But those who belong to God, are sealed by Him, and remain faithful to Him.

Revelation 6–7 reveals both sides of God’s nature—His justice and His mercy. Judgment is certain, but so is His protection for those who are His.

This calls us to examine our own lives. Are we aligned with Him? Are we trusting in Him? Are we living in a way that reflects that we belong to Him?

Because in the end, that is what determines whether we will stand.

Application:

  • Examine where your security truly lies—in the world or in God.
  • Remember that God knows and seals those who belong to Him.
  • Remain faithful through hardship, trusting God’s purpose and protection.
  • Rejoice that salvation is available to people from every nation.
  • Live with eternal perspective, focusing on standing before God rather than pleasing the world.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You that You are both just and merciful. Help me to trust in You as my security and not in the things of this world. Strengthen my faith so that I remain steadfast no matter what comes. Seal my heart fully as Yours, and lead me to live in obedience and trust. Thank You for the hope of standing before You in victory through Yeshua. In His name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Compassionate, Grace / Forgiveness, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Loving / Kind, Protector / Deliverer, Submitted / Servant, Traditions / Holidays

Passover and Our Path to Salvation Through Yeshua

As we draw near to the season of Passover and Unleavened Bread, we’re reminded of the profound significance these celebrations hold in our journey of faith. They’re not merely historical observances but pivotal events that invite us to reflect on the sacrifice of Yeshua (Jesus) for our sins and the remarkable gift of salvation available to us through Him. This season provides a unique lens through which to view the message of the cross—a message that is both beautifully simple for a child to grasp and infinitely rich for scholars to explore.

The Gospel according to John and the teachings of Paul provide foundational insights into the nature of belief and the essence of the gospel message. John 3:16-21 eloquently expresses God’s immense love for humanity, a love so great that it led to the ultimate sacrifice—sending His only Son to save us, not to condemn us but to offer eternal life through belief in Him.

However, understanding “belief” in its biblical context requires more than acknowledging Yeshua’s existence or His role in history. True belief necessitates a submission to Yeshua as Lord, evidenced by a life increasingly reflective of His character and teachings. It’s a belief that transforms, impacting not just our thoughts but our actions and priorities (James 2:14-20).

Sin, our inherent separation from God, demands a price we’re unable to pay. Yet, through God’s grace and mercy, Yeshua paid that price on our behalf. He lived a sinless life, took on our sins, and overcame death, offering us a path to reconciliation with God. Acknowledging this gift involves repentance—a genuine turning away from sin—and embracing Yeshua as the Lord of our lives (Romans 3:23, Matthew 5:21-48).

The call to salvation is a call to transformation. It’s not merely about attending church or identifying as a Christian but about a deep, personal submission to God. This journey begins with accepting Yeshua’s lordship, continues with living out our faith through our actions, and requires us to share this truth with the world (Matthew 5:21-48).

For those ready to take this step, to move from acknowledging Yeshua academically to surrendering to Him heart and soul, consider this prayer:

Heavenly Father, in the name of Yeshua, I confess my sins and seek Your forgiveness. I believe Yeshua died for me and rose again, and I accept Him as my Lord and Savior. Guide me to turn from my sinful ways and to live in a manner that honors You. Help me to boldly declare my faith and to find fellowship with those who genuinely seek You. Thank you for the gift of salvation and the promise of eternal life. Amen.

This decision marks the beginning of a lifelong journey—a journey of growing closer to God, understanding His Word, and living out His teachings. It’s a path marked by learning, love, and an unwavering commitment to follow Yeshua.

As we observe Passover, let’s embrace the full depth of its connection to the message of the cross. Let’s allow it to deepen our understanding of God’s love, Yeshua’s sacrifice, and the transformative power of embracing salvation through faith in Him.

For those seeking to explore this path further, we invite you to take the next step by exploring our teachings on Celebrating God’s Holy Days (Moedim). Let this Passover be a time of reflection, renewal, and rejoicing in the salvation Yeshua offers.

May this season inspire us all to reflect deeply on our response to Yeshua’s call and to live out the true meaning of belief in every aspect of our lives.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.