Category Archives: Persecution / Glorifying God

Eternal, Hope, Persecution / Glorifying God, Purposeful / Intentional, Tribulation, Truth

Living with Readiness and Trust Amidst the Signs (Luke 21:5-38)

How can we face an uncertain future with confidence?

Jesus’ words in Luke 21:5-38 remind us of both the signs of the end times and the importance of spiritual readiness, pointing us to a life grounded in faith, trust, and vigilance.

Key Verse: “But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” – Luke 21:28 (NASB)

Background Context: In this passage, Jesus speaks to His disciples about the destruction of the temple, the coming trials, and His eventual return. He warns of false teachers, natural disasters, persecution, and signs in the heavens, urging His followers to stay vigilant and rooted in faith. Though these warnings may evoke fear, Jesus emphasizes hope and redemption, encouraging us to trust God’s eternal plan.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Luke 21:5-38

 5And while some were talking about the temple, that it was adorned with beautiful stones and votive gifts, He said, 6“As for these things which you are looking at, the days will come in which there will not be left one stone upon another which will not be torn down.”

      7They questioned Him, saying, “Teacher, when therefore will these things happen? And what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” 8And He said, “See to it that you are not misled; for many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not go after them. 9“When you hear of wars and disturbances, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end does not follow immediately.”

Things to Come

     10Then He continued by saying to them, “Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, 11and there will be great earthquakes, and in various places plagues and famines; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.

      12“But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for My name’s sake. 13“It will lead to an opportunity for your testimony. 14“So make up your minds not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves; 15for I will give you utterance and wisdom which none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute. 16“But you will be betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death, 17and you will be hated by all because of My name. 18“Yet not a hair of your head will perish. 19“By your endurance you will gain your lives.

      20“But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize that her desolation is near. 21“Then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains, and those who are in the midst of the city must leave, and those who are in the country must not enter the city; 22because these are days of vengeance, so that all things which are written will be fulfilled. 23“Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days; for there will be great distress upon the land and wrath to this people; 24and they will fall by the edge of the sword, and will be led captive into all the nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled under foot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

The Return of Christ

     25“There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27“Then they will see THE SON OF MAN COMING IN A CLOUD with power and great glory. 28“But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

      29Then He told them a parable: “Behold the fig tree and all the trees; 30as soon as they put forth leaves, you see it and know for yourselves that summer is now near. 31“So you also, when you see these things happening, recognize that the kingdom of God is near. 32“Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all things take place. 33“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.

      34“Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day will not come on you suddenly like a trap; 35for it will come upon all those who dwell on the face of all the earth. 36“But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

      37Now during the day He was teaching in the temple, but at evening He would go out and spend the night on the mount that is called Olivet. 38And all the people would get up early in the morning to come to Him in the temple to listen to Him.

Reflection on Luke 21:5-38:

  • Earthly Things Are Temporary: As some marveled at the beauty of the temple, Jesus warned that it would one day be destroyed (Luke 21:6). This foreshadows not only the temple’s destruction but also the fleeting nature of all earthly things. We, too, are called to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that our true security lies in God, not in material or temporal things. Are you placing too much value on what is temporary? Reflect on how you can live with a heart fixed on eternal things, investing your time, energy, and resources in God’s kingdom.
  • Warnings Against Deception and Fear: Jesus cautions His followers about false messiahs and warnings of wars, natural disasters, and other troubling events. “See to it that you are not misled…do not go after them” (Luke 21:8). He urges us not to be misled or fearful when facing difficult times. In times of crisis, people often look for quick answers or charismatic leaders, but Jesus reminds us to stay rooted in His truth. Are you discerning in the voices you follow and the information you believe? Ground yourself in God’s Word and His promises to guard against fear and deception.
  • Persecution as an Opportunity for Testimony: Jesus speaks of coming persecution, betrayal, and hatred because of His name (Luke 21:12-19). Yet He also assures us that persecution can be an opportunity for testimony, promising to give us wisdom to answer our accusers. This calls us to live courageously, knowing that God can use even the hardest trials to bring others closer to Him. Are you willing to be a witness, even in times of difficulty? Trust that God will equip you with words and courage when needed.
  • Hope in Christ’s Return: Jesus describes signs in the sun, moon, stars, and the distress of nations, leading to His return in glory (Luke 21:25-27). Instead of fearing these signs, Jesus encourages His followers to “straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28). This is a powerful reminder that our hope is not in earthly security but in Christ’s coming kingdom. We can look forward to His return with hope, knowing that our ultimate redemption is near. Is your heart filled with hope in Christ’s return? Let this hope shape your outlook and give you strength to face challenges with confidence.
  • Staying Spiritually Alert: Jesus emphasizes the importance of vigilance, warning us not to let our hearts be “weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life” (Luke 21:34). Instead, He calls us to “keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength” (Luke 21:36). Spiritual vigilance requires intentional living, where we avoid distractions and remain focused on God. We are encouraged to pray for strength and readiness, so we are prepared to stand before the Son of Man. Are there areas of your life that need refocusing? Seek God’s help to remain alert and prayerful, preparing your heart for His return.

Summary Key Points:

  • Value Eternal Things Over the Temporary: Earthly things are passing, so we are called to place our security in God and live with an eternal perspective.
  • Stay Rooted in Truth, Not Fear: Jesus warns of false teachers and crises that can lead to fear. By staying rooted in God’s Word, we avoid deception and find peace.
  • See Trials as Opportunities for Testimony: Persecution offers a chance to testify to God’s truth and love. God will give us the words and courage we need.
  • Live with Hope in Christ’s Return: Rather than fear, we can face the future with hope, knowing that our redemption is near and Christ will come again.
  • Remain Spiritually Vigilant: Jesus calls us to stay alert and pray for strength, resisting distractions that can pull us away from readiness for His return.

Application: Reflect on where your focus lies—are you more invested in earthly security or in God’s eternal promises? Take steps to cultivate a deeper trust in God’s Word and avoid the distractions that can lead to spiritual complacency. If you’re facing challenges, ask God to help you see them as opportunities to testify to His faithfulness. Pray for strength to stay vigilant, preparing your heart daily for Christ’s return.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your promises and the hope we have in Christ’s return. Help us to keep our focus on what is eternal and to trust You in times of uncertainty. Give us discernment to recognize truth from deception and courage to stand as witnesses, even in difficult times. Keep our hearts vigilant and prayerful, so we may be ready to meet You face-to-face. Thank You for the assurance that our redemption is near. In Jesus’ 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, Faithful, Government, Peace / Rest, Persecution / Glorifying God, Prophecy, Suffering / Adversity, Through Prophets, Visions

Visions of the Future: Trusting God in Uncertain Times (Daniel 8)

How do we respond when faced with visions of uncertainty, confusion, or even impending challenges?

Daniel 8 provides us with a glimpse into the future, revealing both troubling events and the assurance that God is in control.

Key Verse: “And the vision of the evenings and mornings that has been told is true, but seal up the vision, for it refers to many days from now.” – Daniel 8:26 (ESV)

Background Context: In Daniel 8, Daniel receives a vision of a ram and a goat, representing future empires and their conflicts. The ram with two horns symbolizes the Medo-Persian Empire, and the goat with a prominent horn represents the Greek Empire under Alexander the Great. The vision also predicts the rise of a fierce king who will desecrate the temple and persecute God’s people. While these events were future to Daniel, they are now recognized as prophetic descriptions of historical events. Despite the troubling nature of the vision, Daniel is reminded that God’s plans will ultimately prevail.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Daniel 6

Vision of the Ram and Goat

      1In the third year of the reign of Belshazzar the king a vision appeared to me, Daniel, subsequent to the one which appeared to me previously. 2I looked in the vision, and while I was looking I was in the citadel of Susa, which is in the province of Elam; and I looked in the vision and I myself was beside the Ulai Canal. 3Then I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, a ram which had two horns was standing in front of the canal. Now the two horns were long, but one was longer than the other, with the longer one coming up last. 4I saw the ram butting westward, northward, and southward, and no other beasts could stand before him nor was there anyone to rescue from his power, but he did as he pleased and magnified himself.

      5While I was observing, behold, a male goat was coming from the west over the surface of the whole earth without touching the ground; and the goat had a conspicuous horn between his eyes. 6He came up to the ram that had the two horns, which I had seen standing in front of the canal, and rushed at him in his mighty wrath. 7I saw him come beside the ram, and he was enraged at him; and he struck the ram and shattered his two horns, and the ram had no strength to withstand him. So he hurled him to the ground and trampled on him, and there was none to rescue the ram from his power. 8Then the male goat magnified himself exceedingly. But as soon as he was mighty, the large horn was broken; and in its place there came up four conspicuous horns toward the four winds of heaven.

The Little Horn

9Out of one of them came forth a rather small horn which grew exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east, and toward the Beautiful Land. 10It grew up to the host of heaven and caused some of the host and some of the stars to fall to the earth, and it trampled them down. 11It even magnified itself to be equal with the Commander of the host; and it removed the regular sacrifice from Him, and the place of His sanctuary was thrown down. 12And on account of transgression the host will be given over to the horn along with the regular sacrifice; and it will fling truth to the ground and perform its will and prosper. 13Then I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to that particular one who was speaking, “How long will the vision about the regular sacrifice apply, while the transgression causes horror, so as to allow both the holy place and the host to be trampled?” 14He said to me, “For 2,300 evenings and mornings; then the holy place will be properly restored.”

Interpretation of the Vision

15When I, Daniel, had seen the vision, I sought to understand it; and behold, standing before me was one who looked like a man. 16And I heard the voice of a man between the banks of Ulai, and he called out and said, “Gabriel, give this man an understanding of the vision.” 17So he came near to where I was standing, and when he came I was frightened and fell on my face; but he said to me, “Son of man, understand that the vision pertains to the time of the end.”

      18Now while he was talking with me, I sank into a deep sleep with my face to the ground; but he touched me and made me stand upright. 19He said, “Behold, I am going to let you know what will occur at the final period of the indignation, for it pertains to the appointed time of the end.

The Ram’s Identity

20“The ram which you saw with the two horns represents the kings of Media and Persia.

The Goat

21“The shaggy goat represents the kingdom of Greece, and the large horn that is between his eyes is the first king. 22“The broken horn and the four horns that arose in its place represent four kingdoms which will arise from his nation, although not with his power.

      23“In the latter period of their rule,
When the transgressors have run their course,
A king will arise,
Insolent and skilled in intrigue.

      24“His power will be mighty, but not by his own power,
And he will destroy to an extraordinary degree
And prosper and perform his will;
He will destroy mighty men and the holy people.

      25“And through his shrewdness
He will cause deceit to succeed by his influence;
And he will magnify himself in his heart,
And he will destroy many while they are at ease.
He will even oppose the Prince of princes,
But he will be broken without human agency.

      26“The vision of the evenings and mornings
Which has been told is true;
But keep the vision secret,
For it pertains to many days in the future.”

      27Then I, Daniel, was exhausted and sick for days. Then I got up again and carried on the king’s business; but I was astounded at the vision, and there was none to explain it.

Reflection on Daniel 8:

  • The Vision of the Ram and Goat: Daniel’s vision begins with the appearance of a ram with two horns, which symbolizes the Medo-Persian Empire (Daniel 8:3-4). The ram’s dominance is soon challenged by a goat with a prominent horn, representing the rise of Alexander the Great and the Greek Empire (Daniel 8:5-8). This part of the vision emphasizes the shifting powers and empires of the world, reminding us that earthly kingdoms are temporary and subject to God’s sovereignty.
  • The Rise of a Destructive Leader: The vision then shifts to the rise of a small horn from the goat, symbolizing a future king who would desecrate the temple, disrupt worship, and persecute God’s people (Daniel 8:9-12). Historically, this is associated with Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a ruler known for his oppression of the Jewish people and desecration of the temple. This period of suffering and desecration serves as a warning of the challenges God’s people may face in a fallen world.
  • God’s Ultimate Sovereignty: Despite the disturbing nature of the vision, Daniel is reassured that God is in control. The vision is said to be true and will come to pass, but Daniel is told to seal it up because it refers to distant future events (Daniel 8:26). This reminds us that God has a plan, even in the midst of chaos and confusion. While we may not always understand the timing or the details, we can trust that God is sovereign and that His purposes will be fulfilled.
  • Daniel’s Response: After receiving the vision, Daniel is overwhelmed and troubled by what he has seen (Daniel 8:27). He is physically and emotionally affected, which shows the weight of the revelation. However, Daniel’s response is also instructive—despite his distress, he continues with his responsibilities and remains faithful to God. This teaches us that even when we are faced with uncertainty or difficult revelations, we are called to remain faithful and continue in our service to God.
  • A Call to Trust: The vision in Daniel 8, while specific to historical events, speaks to a broader truth: in times of uncertainty, when the future seems daunting or unclear, we are called to trust in God’s sovereignty. He knows the end from the beginning, and His plans are perfect. Though we may face trials, persecution, or confusion, God’s ultimate purpose is for our good and His glory.

Summary Key Points:

  • Earthly Kingdoms Are Temporary: The shifting powers represented by the ram and the goat remind us that earthly kingdoms rise and fall under God’s sovereign control.
  • Challenges and Persecution: The vision of the small horn predicts a time of great suffering for God’s people, but it also points to the reality that we may face trials and persecution in our own lives.
  • God’s Sovereignty: Despite the troubling nature of the vision, we are reminded that God is in control and His plans will be fulfilled in His perfect timing.
  • Faithfulness in Uncertainty: Daniel’s response to the vision teaches us to remain faithful and continue in our service to God, even when faced with uncertainty or fear.
  • A Call to Trust: In times of uncertainty and confusion, we are called to trust in God’s sovereignty, knowing that He holds the future and works all things for our good and His glory.

Application: Reflect on the areas of your life where you feel uncertain or anxious about the future. Are there challenges or fears that seem overwhelming? Take comfort in knowing that God is sovereign over all things, including the events of history and the details of your life. Like Daniel, choose to remain faithful in your responsibilities and trust that God’s plans will unfold according to His perfect timing. Let this vision remind you that no matter what challenges you face, God is in control, and His ultimate purpose is for your good and His glory.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the assurance that You are sovereign over all things, even in times of uncertainty and confusion. Help us to trust in Your perfect plan, knowing that You hold the future in Your hands. Strengthen our faith to remain steadfast and faithful, even when we face trials or difficult circumstances. Give us the courage to continue in our service to You, trusting that Your purposes will be fulfilled. In Jesus’ 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.

Discerning / Judging, Peace / Rest, Persecution / Glorifying God, Wise

Dividing Lines: Understanding the Cost of Discipleship (Luke 12:49-56)

Have you ever felt the tension between living out your faith and maintaining peace with others?

In Luke 12:49-56, Jesus speaks about the inevitable divisions that arise when we fully commit to following Him.

Key Verse: “Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division.” – Luke 12:51 (NKJV)

Background Context: In Luke 12:49-56, Jesus addresses the reality of division that His message brings. While He is the Prince of Peace, His teachings and call to discipleship often create conflict and division among people, even within families. Jesus emphasizes the urgency of discerning the times and understanding the cost of following Him.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Luke 12:49-56

Christ Divides Men

     49“I have come to cast fire upon the earth; and how I wish it were already kindled! 50“But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished! 51“Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you, no, but rather division; 52for from now on five members in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three. 53“They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”

      54And He was also saying to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, ‘A shower is coming,’ and so it turns out. 55“And when you see a south wind blowing, you say, ‘It will be a hot day,’ and it turns out that way. 56“You hypocrites! You know how to analyze the appearance of the earth and the sky, but why do you not analyze this present time?

Reflection on Luke 12:49-56:

  • Fire on Earth: Jesus begins by expressing His desire to cast fire on the earth, symbolizing the purification and judgment that His coming brings (Luke 12:49). He speaks of a baptism He must undergo, referring to His impending suffering and crucifixion (Luke 12:50).
  • Division, Not Peace: Contrary to the expectation of earthly peace, Jesus states that His coming will bring division, even within families (Luke 12:51-53). This division arises because His call to follow Him demands a total commitment that often conflicts with worldly values and relationships.
  • Discerning the Times: Jesus criticizes the crowd for their ability to interpret weather signs while failing to discern the significant spiritual moment they are witnessing (Luke 12:54-56). This highlights the importance of spiritual awareness and understanding the implications of Jesus’ message.

Summary Key Points:

  • Purification and Judgment: Jesus’ coming initiates a process of purification and judgment, challenging us to examine our lives.
  • Cost of Discipleship: Following Jesus can lead to division and conflict, even among those closest to us, as His teachings challenge worldly values.
  • Spiritual Awareness: We are called to discern the times and recognize the significant spiritual realities of Jesus’ message.

Application: Let us embrace the reality that following Jesus may bring division and conflict, understanding that true discipleship requires unwavering commitment. May we be spiritually aware, discerning the times and the significance of Jesus’ call in our lives. Let us not be swayed by the desire for earthly peace but remain steadfast in our commitment to Christ, even when it leads to difficult choices and divisions.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the clarity and challenge of Jesus’ words. Help us to understand the cost of discipleship and to embrace the divisions that may come as we commit to following Him. Grant us the spiritual awareness to discern the times and the courage to stand firm in our faith. May we remain unwavering in our commitment to You, even when it leads to difficult choices and conflicts. In Jesus’ 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.

Learning To Pray Effectively, Persecution / Glorifying God, Protector / Deliverer, Psalms, Seeking God

Cry Out to God for Help in Times of Trouble (Psalm 83)

Have you ever felt surrounded by enemies or overwhelmed by challenges you face, desperate for God’s intervention?

Psalm 83 resonates with the cry of the oppressed, seeking divine help in the face of overwhelming opposition or struggle.

Reconnect: Continuing our journey through the Psalms, we arrive at Psalm 83, a poignant plea for God’s protection amidst fierce adversaries. As we explore this heartfelt prayer, let us uncover its timeless relevance in our own struggles against spiritual and earthly foes as well as consider that sometimes the struggles or challenges we find overwhelming, may not be “enemies” but difficult situations we find ourselves dealing with.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Psalm 83

God Implored to Confound His Enemies.

A Song, a Psalm of Asaph.

     1O God, do not remain quiet;
Do not be silent and, O God, do not be still.

      2For behold, Your enemies make an uproar,
And those who hate You have exalted themselves.

      3They make shrewd plans against Your people,
And conspire together against Your treasured ones.

      4They have said, “Come, and let us wipe them out as a nation,
That the name of Israel be remembered no more.”

      5For they have conspired together with one mind;
Against You they make a covenant:

      6The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites,
Moab and the Hagrites;

      7Gebal and Ammon and Amalek,
Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre;

      8Assyria also has joined with them;
They have become a help to the children of Lot.

Selah.

      9Deal with them as with Midian,
As with Sisera and Jabin at the torrent of Kishon,

      10Who were destroyed at En-dor,
Who became as dung for the ground.

      11Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb
And all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna,

      12Who said, “Let us possess for ourselves
The pastures of God.”

      13O my God, make them like the whirling dust,
Like chaff before the wind.

      14Like fire that burns the forest
And like a flame that sets the mountains on fire,

      15So pursue them with Your tempest
And terrify them with Your storm.

      16Fill their faces with dishonor,
That they may seek Your name, O LORD.

      17Let them be ashamed and dismayed forever,
And let them be humiliated and perish,

      18That they may know that You alone, whose name is the LORD,
Are the Most High over all the earth.

Summary Key Points:

  • The Setting of Conflict: Psalm 83 opens with a vivid depiction of nations conspiring against God’s people, plotting their destruction. The psalmist enumerates various enemy nations, symbolizing the multifaceted threats faced by the faithful.
  • A Desperate Plea for Help: Amidst the turmoil, the psalmist implores God to arise and defend His people. The language is urgent, reflecting the dire circumstances and the profound need for divine intervention.
  • Recalling God’s Mighty Deeds: In verses 9-12, the psalmist invokes God’s past acts of deliverance, appealing to His faithfulness and power. By remembering God’s interventions in history, the psalmist strengthens the case for His intervention in the present.
  • Prayer for Divine Judgment: The psalm concludes with a plea for God to confound and scatter the enemy forces, demonstrating His sovereignty over all nations. The ultimate goal is not merely victory for Israel but the vindication of God’s name and glory.
  • Hope Amidst Despair: Despite the dire circumstances portrayed in Psalm 83, there is a glimmer of hope in the unwavering trust placed in God’s character. The psalmist finds solace in the belief that God will ultimately triumph over the forces of evil.

Call to Action:

  • Pray for Deliverance: Like the psalmist, earnestly seek God’s intervention in times of trouble, trusting in His power to deliver you from adversity.
  • Remember God’s Faithfulness: Reflect on God’s past faithfulness in your life and in history, drawing strength from His track record of deliverance.
  • Stand Firm in Faith: In the face of opposition and adversity, stand firm in your faith, knowing that God is sovereign and mighty to save.

Closing: Psalm 83 serves as a poignant reminder of the reality of spiritual warfare and the desperate need for God’s intervention in times of crisis. Let us echo the psalmist’s cry for deliverance and find hope in the assurance of God’s ultimate victory over all adversaries.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we lift our voices to You in times of trouble, seeking Your deliverance from the schemes of the enemy. Strengthen our faith, O Lord, and grant us the assurance that You are mighty to save. May Your name be exalted above all, and may Your kingdom come, bringing peace and victory to Your people. 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.

Interceding for Others, Learning To Pray Effectively, Love, Obeying God, Persecution / Glorifying God, Protector / Deliverer, Share the Good News

Prayerful Reflections: Spreading His Word, Seeking Protection, and Growing in Love (2 Thessalonians 3:1-5)

Delve into the richness of 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5, a passage that unfolds like a tapestry of prayer, protection, and devotion.

Join us in heartfelt intercession as we lift our voices together: praying for the rapid spread and glorification of the Word, seeking rescue from the grasp of perverse influences, and acknowledging the Lord’s faithful protection.

Let’s explore the confidence in following His instruction and the transformative power of hearts directed into the deep love of God and the unwavering steadfastness of Christ.

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

1Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you; 2and that we will be rescued from perverse and evil men; for not all have faith. 3But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 4We have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you are doing and will continue to do what we command. 5May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.

Summary of Key Points:

  1. Rapid Spread and Glorification of the Word: Engage in heartfelt prayer for the swift and glorious spread of the Lord’s Word. Reflect on the transformative impact it can have beyond acceptance, leading to a profound understanding of God’s instructions to be walked out in our lives.
  2. Rescue from Perverse and Evil Influences: Unite in prayer for one another’s deliverance from the clutches of perverse and evil men. Recognize the reality of external influences that challenge faith and seek divine protection for resilience and spiritual strength.
  3. Faithful Lord and Protector: Acknowledge the Lord’s faithfulness and His role as our protector. In prayer, express gratitude for His unwavering commitment to His people, providing a secure refuge in the face of challenges and uncertainties.
  4. Confidence in the Lord’s Instructions: Cultivate confidence in the Lord and encourage fellow believers to persist in obeying His instructions. Explore the transformative power of steadfast commitment to God’s guidance, fostering a sense of assurance and spiritual resilience.
  5. Directed Hearts into the Love of God and Steadfastness of Christ: Pray earnestly for one another’s hearts to be directed into the love of God and the steadfastness of Christ. Reflect on the transformative journey of deepening love and unwavering commitment that comes with divine guidance.

As we immerse ourselves in these prayerful reflections from 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5, let’s unite in lifting our voices for the Word’s spread, protection from external influences, and a deepening love for God.

Share your reflections in the comments and initiate conversations with friends or family, fostering a collective exploration of the profound nature of prayer.

Join us by commenting, and let’s uncover the deep truths woven into the fabric of these transformative verses together.

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.

Interceding for Others, Justice / Judgment, Learning To Pray Effectively, Persecution / Glorifying God, Thankfulness

Embracing Endurance in the Face of Adversity (2 Thessalonians 1)

Have you ever found yourself facing the relentless winds of adversity and challenges simply because of your faith?

The emotions that arise in those moments, the weight of persecution, and the toll it takes on your spirit—these are the very sentiments we’ll explore in the enduring words of 2 Thessalonians 1.

Join us on an intimate journey through these verses as we uncover the transformative power of enduring faith, the assurance of God’s justice, and the unwavering hope that sustains us even in the midst of our deepest struggles.

2 Thessalonians 1

Thanksgiving for Faith and Perseverance

      1Paul and Silvanus and Timothy,
To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: 2Grace to you and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

      3We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater; 4therefore, we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure. 5This is a plain indication of God’s righteous judgment so that you will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering. 6For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, 7and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, 8dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 10when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed—for our testimony to you was believed. 11To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power, 12so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Summary of Key Points:

  1. Endurance in Persecution: Paul commends the Thessalonian believers for their steadfastness and faith in the face of persecution and affliction. This chapter highlights the transformative power of endurance, illustrating how their response to adversity becomes a beacon of inspiration.
  2. God’s Righteous Judgment: The passage emphasizes the concept of God’s righteous judgment, assuring believers that justice will be served. Those who endure persecution for their faith will find relief, while those who oppose God will face the consequences of their actions.
  3. A Prayer for Spiritual Growth: Paul offers a prayer for the Thessalonians’ spiritual growth, desiring that their love may abound and their hearts be established. This prayer underscores the transformative impact of love and spiritual maturity, even in the midst of challenges.
  4. The Glorious Return of Christ: The chapter concludes with the anticipation of the glorious return of Christ. Believers are reminded that, ultimately, the challenges and persecutions they face are temporary in light of the eternal hope found in Christ’s second coming.

As we explore the enduring words of 2 Thessalonians 1, let’s reflect on the theme of enduring in the face of persecution.

How can we cultivate a steadfast faith in the midst of challenges?

Take a moment for personal reflection and prayer, considering the transformative power of endurance in your own life. Additionally, share your insights with others, discussing how the assurance of God’s justice and the hope in Christ’s return inspire you to endure.

Join the conversation, and let’s delve into the profound lessons woven into these verses, discovering the strength that comes from unwavering faith in the midst of trials.

I invite you to pray with me.

Heavenly Father,

In adversity, grant us strength to stand firm, anchored in hope and the promise of Christ’s return. May our love abound, and our hearts be established in unwavering faith. Kindle within us enduring love, even in trials. Remind us that our struggles are temporary, but Your promises are eternal. Prepare our hearts for the glorious return of Your Son.

Amen.

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

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.

Faith / Trusting God, Greed, Guide, Persecution / Glorifying God, Submitted / Servant, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

What Does It Profit A Man To Gain The World?

Yeshua has a way of putting things in sharp focus for His followers.  If we are to follow Him, we must deny ourselves, shoulder difficulties, and follow Him. The world will often come against us. If we try to save our own life to do with as we will, instead of as God wills, then we will lose eternal life.

Mark 8:34-38

      34And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. 35“For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. 36“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? 37“For what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 38“For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”

If we seek after Yeshua wholeheartedly, we will experience eternal life. He will save our soul. If we pursue the worldly things we shall perish, even if we gain the whole world along the way.

Take time to reflect on verses 37 and 38 above. This is serious business. Do not be ashamed of our Savior or the word of God in this world or He will be ashamed of us when we come before God.

It is the ultimate “choose your own adventure” opportunity. Will you follow Yeshua to the Father? or Will you pursue the world? One must be master. You can not serve both or you will love one and hate the other (Luke 16:13).

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please lead and guide me through the Holy Spirit so that I would truly be passionate for You and not ashamed. Help me to pick up my cross and follow You. Help me be joyful in doing so. Help me to lay down my life for and devote my life for You and the gospel message of salvation You represent. 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.

Faith / Trusting God, Persecution / Glorifying God, Submitted / Servant

Enduring Faith: Trials and Persecution in the Service of the LORD

When we choose to serve the LORD, we are not guaranteed an easy life. In fact, many who are used mightily by the LORD experience trials and persecution. They must endure. We may often think of  “Bible” heroes as always being joyful even in challenging times, like Paul and Silas singing in jail. However, the men and women in the Bible were people, just like you and me. They struggled at times as well when things did not go well in the carnal view of what was around them.

Jeremiah is a great example. He felt that he had to speak the word of God, but when he did he felt humiliation and persecution. People came against him.

Jeremiah 20

Pashhur Persecutes Jeremiah

      1When Pashhur the priest, the son of Immer, who was chief officer in the house of the LORD, heard Jeremiah prophesying these things, 2Pashhur had Jeremiah the prophet beaten and put him in the stocks that were at the upper Benjamin Gate, which was by the house of the LORD. 3On the next day, when Pashhur released Jeremiah from the stocks, Jeremiah said to him, “Pashhur is not the name the LORD has called you, but rather Magor-missabib. 4“For thus says the LORD, ‘Behold, I am going to make you a terror to yourself and to all your friends; and while your eyes look on, they will fall by the sword of their enemies. So I will give over all Judah to the hand of the king of Babylon, and he will carry them away as exiles to Babylon and will slay them with the sword. 5‘I will also give over all the wealth of this city, all its produce and all its costly things; even all the treasures of the kings of Judah I will give over to the hand of their enemies, and they will plunder them, take them away and bring them to Babylon. 6‘And you, Pashhur, and all who live in your house will go into captivity; and you will enter Babylon, and there you will die and there you will be buried, you and all your friends to whom you have falsely prophesied.’”

Jeremiah’s Complaint

7O LORD, You have deceived me and I was deceived;
You have overcome me and prevailed.
I have become a laughingstock all day long;
Everyone mocks me.

      8For each time I speak, I cry aloud;
I proclaim violence and destruction,
Because for me the word of the LORD has resulted
In reproach and derision all day long.

      9But if I say, “I will not remember Him
Or speak anymore in His name,”
Then in my heart it becomes like a burning fire
Shut up in my bones;
And I am weary of holding it in,
And I cannot endure it.

      10For I have heard the whispering of many,
“Terror on every side!
Denounce him; yes, let us denounce him!”
All my trusted friends,
Watching for my fall, say:
“Perhaps he will be deceived, so that we may prevail against him
And take our revenge on him.”

      11But the LORD is with me like a dread champion;
Therefore my persecutors will stumble and not prevail.
They will be utterly ashamed, because they have failed,
With an everlasting disgrace that will not be forgotten.

      12Yet, O LORD of hosts, You who test the righteous,
Who see the mind and the heart;
Let me see Your vengeance on them;
For to You I have set forth my cause.

      13Sing to the LORD, praise the LORD!
For He has delivered the soul of the needy one
From the hand of evildoers.

      14Cursed be the day when I was born;
Let the day not be blessed when my mother bore me!

      15Cursed be the man who brought the news
To my father, saying,
“A baby boy has been born to you!”
And made him very happy.

      16But let that man be like the cities
Which the LORD overthrew without relenting,
And let him hear an outcry in the morning
And a shout of alarm at noon;

      17Because he did not kill me before birth,
So that my mother would have been my grave,
And her womb ever pregnant.

      18Why did I ever come forth from the womb
To look on trouble and sorrow,
So that my days have been spent in shame?

Like Jeremiah, we can come before the LORD and share our feelings honestly. He knows them anyway. I am reminded of 1 Pet 5:7, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” We can give our anxiety to God in order to find peace.

Just remember to praise God along the way!

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

Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, Holy, Joy / Happiness / Rejoicing, Persecution / Glorifying God, Thankfulness

Do Not Be Bound Together with Unbelievers

In order to serve the Father and to dedicate ourselves to Him, we must not be bound together with unbelievers. We can associate with them, following the example of Jesus and the apostles, but we do not draw them into our closest personal circle of family and friends. We must have some separation. If your blood relatives are not believers, you will have to keep some separation in order to be set apart and holy and not be constantly torn in the direction of unbelievers. This does not mean you cast them away, but to be holy God’s people must be at some level separate from the world and be comfortable that way.

2 Corinthians 6

Their Ministry Commended

     1And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain—

2for He says,
“AT THE ACCEPTABLE TIME I LISTENED TO YOU,
AND ON THE DAY OF SALVATION I HELPED YOU.”
Behold, now is “THE ACCEPTABLE TIME,” behold, now is “THE DAY OF SALVATION”—

3giving no cause for offense in anything, so that the ministry will not be discredited, 4but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses, 5in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in hunger, 6in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, 7in the word of truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left, 8by glory and dishonor, by evil report and good report; regarded as deceivers and yet true; 9as unknown yet well-known, as dying yet behold, we live; as punished yet not put to death, 10as sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet making many rich, as having nothing yet possessing all things.

      11Our mouth has spoken freely to you, O Corinthians, our heart is opened wide. 12You are not restrained by us, but you are restrained in your own affections. 13Now in a like exchange—I speak as to children—open wide to us also.

      14Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever?

16Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said,
“I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM;
AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE.

      17“Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE,” says the Lord.
“AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN;
And I will welcome you.

      18“And I will be a father to you,
And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,”
Says the Lord Almighty.

Ask God to show you what areas of your life may need change to separate from ties that are too close with non-believers. Ask Him for the courage to change. Trust that He will welcome you and be a father to you. You can rely on God.

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

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

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.