All posts by John (HFJ Director)

Adultery / Sex Outside Marriage, Creation, Free Will, Homosexual Behavior, Marriage

Formed with Purpose, Made for Relationship (Genesis 2:4-25)

Before sin entered the world, there was beauty, order, and intentionality. God’s creation of man and woman reveals His heart for relationship—with Himself and with one another.

Key Verse:
“Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.’” —Genesis 2:18 NASB

Background Context:
Genesis 2 revisits the creation account with greater detail, emphasizing humanity’s unique place in God’s design. Unlike the rest of creation, man was formed by God’s hands and filled with His breath (v. 7). God placed Adam in a well-watered garden, a place of provision and beauty. Here, Adam received purpose (to work and keep the garden), free will, and moral guidance. But something remained incomplete—until God created woman, a perfect companion, equal in value and unique in design.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Genesis 2:4-25

 4This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made earth and heaven. 5Now no shrub of the field was yet in the earth, and no plant of the field had yet sprouted, for the LORD God had not sent rain upon the earth, and there was no man to cultivate the ground. 6But a mist used to rise from the earth and water the whole surface of the ground. 7Then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. 8The LORD God planted a garden toward the east, in Eden; and there He placed the man whom He had formed. 9Out of the ground the LORD God caused to grow every tree that is pleasing to the sight and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

      10Now a river flowed out of Eden to water the garden; and from there it divided and became four rivers. 11The name of the first is Pishon; it flows around the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold. 12The gold of that land is good; the bdellium and the onyx stone are there. 13The name of the second river is Gihon; it flows around the whole land of Cush. 14The name of the third river is Tigris; it flows east of Assyria. And the fourth river is the Euphrates.

      15Then the LORD God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it. 16The LORD God commanded the man, saying, “From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; 17but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die.”

      18Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.” 19Out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the sky, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called a living creature, that was its name. 20The man gave names to all the cattle, and to the birds of the sky, and to every beast of the field, but for Adam there was not found a helper suitable for him. 21So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that place. 22The LORD God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man.

23The man said,
“This is now bone of my bones,
And flesh of my flesh;
She shall be called Woman,
Because she was taken out of Man.”

24For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. 25And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.

Reflection on Genesis 2:4–25:
This passage shows that man is set apart in his relationship with God—formed personally, instructed directly, and given a distinct role. God didn’t just give Adam existence; He gave him responsibility, freedom, and direction. Adam was called to care for the garden and was clearly instructed not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, with consequences plainly stated (v. 17). This reveals God’s desire for obedience rooted in love and free will—not robotic compliance.

God also met Adam’s emotional and relational needs. Though Adam had the companionship of animals, God declared, “It is not good for the man to be alone.” He made woman from Adam’s side, not as a lesser being, but as a perfectly suited partner. Their union was the first marriage—one man and one woman, joined together in covenant. This was not a cultural invention but a divine institution, foundational to society and ordained by God Himself (v. 24).

This marriage was to be held in the highest regard—second only to our relationship with God. It was not to be distorted by promiscuity, adultery, same-sex unions, or divorce. At this point in creation, there was no sin, no shame—only purity, purpose, and peace. God did not create sin; He gave man the gift of free will. Without choice, there can be no love. And without love, there can be no true relationship.

Application:

  • Consider how you view your identity: Do you see yourself as handcrafted by God with purpose?

  • If you are married, honor your spouse as God intended—your most intimate human relationship, second only to your relationship with God.

  • Reflect on God’s design for marriage and relationships. Are there any cultural distortions you’ve accepted that need to be surrendered to God’s truth?

Closing Prayer:
Lord, thank You for creating me with intention and purpose. Help me honor the relationships You have placed in my life—especially in marriage. Teach me to value the gift of free will and to use it to choose You daily. May my life reflect Your design, and may I walk in obedience, trusting that You are good in all Your ways. 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.

Sabbath / Rest

Rest with Purpose: God’s Gift of Sabbath (Genesis 2:1-3)

When God rested on the seventh day, it wasn’t because He was tired—it was because He was finished.

Key Verse:
“By the seventh day God completed His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.” —Genesis 2:2 NASB

Background Context:
Genesis 1 describes the methodical unfolding of creation. Light, land, life—each part carefully formed and declared good. But what follows in Genesis 2:1–3 is just as important: God rested. Not out of fatigue, but because the work was completed and perfect. God sanctified the seventh day as holy. Later, He commanded His people to observe the Sabbath not only as a memorial of creation but also as a gift of restoration and focus.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Genesis 2:1-3

The Creation of Man and Woman

      1Thus the heavens and the earth were completed, and all their hosts. 2By the seventh day God completed His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. 3Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.

Reflection on Genesis 2:1–3:
God’s rest was not due to exhaustion but satisfaction. He modeled something profound: that rest is part of a holy rhythm—not laziness, but intentional pause. Scripture reinforces this through His commands:

  • “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy… in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth… and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.” —Exodus 20:8–11

  • “You shall work six days, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even during plowing time and harvest you shall rest.” —Exodus 34:21

  • “For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day there is a sabbath of complete rest, a holy convocation.” —Leviticus 23:3

Jesus, too, observed the Sabbath:

  • “And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and stood up to read.” —Luke 4:16

Yet He made it clear that Sabbath is not a burden:

  • “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.” —Mark 2:27

  • “How much more valuable then is a person than a sheep! So then, it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” —Matthew 12:12

Sabbath is a time of delight in God, reflection on His works, rest from our own, and readiness to do good. It’s not about legalism—it’s about trust. By resting, we declare that God—not our efforts—sustains us.

Application:

  • Plan your week to honor the Sabbath. Prepare your household in advance so that the day can truly be restful and God-focused.

  • Use Sabbath not only to rest physically but to renew spiritually through Scripture, prayer, worship, and acts of mercy.

  • Reflect on your attitude toward rest—do you resist it? View it as optional? Or embrace it as a gift from your Creator?

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for modeling rest and inviting me into it. Help me trust You enough to step away from my own striving. Teach me to honor the Sabbath, not as a rule to obey but as a relationship to nurture. May I rest in You and draw near to You, finding peace and purpose in Your presence. 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, Creation, Creative, Marriage

In the Beginning: A Foundation for Faith (Genesis 1)

God’s design is not random or accidental—it is intentional, purposeful, and deeply good.

Key Verse:
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” —Genesis 1:1 (NASB)

Background Context:
Genesis 1 opens the Bible with a grand declaration of truth: God is Creator. He speaks and it is so—light, sky, land, seas, stars, creatures, and humankind. In six days, whether literal or literary, God reveals His nature through His creation: powerful, orderly, wise, and good. These opening verses are not only foundational to our understanding of the world but also to our identity as those made in His image.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Genesis 1

The Creation

      1In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. 3Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. 4God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. 5God called the light day, and the darkness He called night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day.

      6Then God said, “Let there be an expanse in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.” 7God made the expanse, and separated the waters which were below the expanse from the waters which were above the expanse; and it was so. 8God called the expanse heaven. And there was evening and there was morning, a second day.

      9Then God said, “Let the waters below the heavens be gathered into one place, and let the dry land appear”; and it was so. 10God called the dry land earth, and the gathering of the waters He called seas; and God saw that it was good. 11Then God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees on the earth bearing fruit after their kind with seed in them”; and it was so. 12The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit with seed in them, after their kind; and God saw that it was good. 13There was evening and there was morning, a third day.

      14Then God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years; 15and let them be for lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth”; and it was so. 16God made the two great lights, the greater light to govern the day, and the lesser light to govern the night; He made the stars also. 17God placed them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth, 18and to govern the day and the night, and to separate the light from the darkness; and God saw that it was good. 19There was evening and there was morning, a fourth day.

      20Then God said, “Let the waters teem with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth in the open expanse of the heavens.” 21God created the great sea monsters and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarmed after their kind, and every winged bird after its kind; and God saw that it was good. 22God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” 23There was evening and there was morning, a fifth day.

      24Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures after their kind: cattle and creeping things and beasts of the earth after their kind”; and it was so. 25God made the beasts of the earth after their kind, and the cattle after their kind, and everything that creeps on the ground after its kind; and God saw that it was good.

      26Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28God blessed them; and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” 29Then God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the surface of all the earth, and every tree which has fruit yielding seed; it shall be food for you; 30and to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the sky and to every thing that moves on the earth which has life, I have given every green plant for food”; and it was so. 31God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.

Reflection on Genesis 1:
Genesis 1 is written with such simplicity that a child can grasp it, and yet with such depth that scholars have wrestled with its richness for centuries. Whether you believe this is a poetic framework or a literal historical account, the truths it declares remain constant:

  • God created everything.

  • He did it with purpose and intention.

  • He made humanity in His image—male and female, to work together, not in rivalry but in unity.

  • He called His creation “good,” and only after mankind was made did He call it “very good.”

  • He gave mankind a divine assignment: to fill the earth, subdue it, and rule over the other living things.

We do not serve a God of confusion or randomness. Creation was not the result of chaos or cosmic accident. It was a masterpiece, painted stroke by stroke by the hand of God.

In a world that often devalues God’s design—denying creation, rejecting gender distinctions, or elevating nature above humanity—we are called back to this foundational truth: we are image-bearers of the Creator, designed with identity and purpose.

Application:
How you view Genesis 1 shapes how you live. If God created everything with purpose, then your life is not meaningless. You are not an accident. Your body, your identity, your relationships—all have been designed with intention. Let that truth humble you before your Creator and embolden you to live out your calling.

Take time to reflect on what it means to be made in His image. Honor God’s design—in yourself, in others, in creation, and in the gift of male and female partnership. Live with gratitude and reverence, knowing your life is part of His intentional plan.

Closing Prayer:
Creator God, thank You for the beauty and purpose of Your creation. Help me to embrace the truth that I am made in Your image and called to reflect Your glory in how I live. Teach me to honor the design You declared good—from the rhythms of creation to the roles You’ve established. May I walk humbly in Your wisdom, confident in Your purpose, and in awe of who You are. 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.

Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Father / Yahweh, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Truth

True Freedom Comes Through the Son (John 8:31-59)

We may think we’re free, but unless we abide in Jesus’ word, we remain in bondage to sin.

Key Verse:
“So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, ‘If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.’” —John 8:31–32 (NASB)

Background Context:
In John 8:31–59, Jesus continues teaching in the temple, now addressing Jews who had believed in Him—or at least claimed to. He speaks to the heart of true discipleship: not simply believing His words, but continuing in them. This passage sharply contrasts the freedom found in Christ with the slavery caused by sin and rebellion.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

John 8:31-59

The Truth Will Make You Free

     31So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; 32and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” 33They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never yet been enslaved to anyone; how is it that You say, ‘You will become free’?”

      34Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. 35“The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. 36“So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. 37“I know that you are Abraham’s descendants; yet you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you. 38“I speak the things which I have seen with My Father; therefore you also do the things which you heard from your father.”

      39They answered and said to Him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you are Abraham’s children, do the deeds of Abraham. 40“But as it is, you are seeking to kill Me, a man who has told you the truth, which I heard from God; this Abraham did not do. 41“You are doing the deeds of your father.” They said to Him, “We were not born of fornication; we have one Father: God.” 42Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and have come from God, for I have not even come on My own initiative, but He sent Me. 43“Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear My word. 44“You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45“But because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me. 46“Which one of you convicts Me of sin? If I speak truth, why do you not believe Me? 47“He who is of God hears the words of God; for this reason you do not hear them, because you are not of God.”

      48The Jews answered and said to Him, “Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?” 49Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon; but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me. 50“But I do not seek My glory; there is One who seeks and judges. 51“Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he will never see death.” 52The Jews said to Him, “Now we know that You have a demon. Abraham died, and the prophets also; and You say, ‘If anyone keeps My word, he will never taste of death.’ 53“Surely You are not greater than our father Abraham, who died? The prophets died too; whom do You make Yourself out to be?” 54Jesus answered, “If I glorify Myself, My glory is nothing; it is My Father who glorifies Me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God’; 55and you have not come to know Him, but I know Him; and if I say that I do not know Him, I will be a liar like you, but I do know Him and keep His word. 56“Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.” 57So the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?” 58Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.” 59Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple.

Reflection on John 8:31–59:
Jesus’ bold declaration that the truth will set you free sparks offense in His audience. They claim to be descendants of Abraham and insist they have never been enslaved. Yet Jesus points to a deeper bondage—not of politics or nationality, but of the soul: “Everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin.”

Their physical heritage could not save them. Spiritual freedom only comes through the Son. Jesus was not challenging their lineage but revealing their hearts. If they truly belonged to God, they would love and receive the One sent by Him. Instead, they sought to kill Him, showing they followed a different father—Satan, the father of lies.

This passage climaxes with Jesus declaring, “Before Abraham was born, I am.” With those words, He reveals His divine identity, invoking the very name God used with Moses—“I AM.” The crowd picks up stones to kill Him, unwilling to accept the truth that could set them free.

Application:
What do you rely on for your identity and assurance—your heritage, knowledge, or good works? Jesus calls you to remain in His word, not just admire it. True discipleship means obedience, trust, and ongoing transformation. Let His truth expose and free you from the hidden bondage of sin.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for revealing truth through Your Son. Help me to continue in Jesus’ word so that I may live in true freedom. Expose any lies I’ve believed, and break the chains of sin in my life. Teach me to walk as a true disciple, honoring You with a heart surrendered fully to Christ. In His name I pray, 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.

Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Traditions / Holidays

The Light That Breaks the Darkness (John 8:12-30)

Jesus didn’t come just to reveal truth—He is the Truth and the Light that leads us out of sin and into life.

Key Verse:
“I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” —John 8:12 (NASB)

Background Context:
In John 8:12–30, Jesus continues teaching in the temple during the Feast of Tabernacles—a time when large lampstands lit the temple courtyard, symbolizing God’s presence guiding Israel in the wilderness. Against this backdrop, Jesus declares, “I am the Light of the world.” His words challenge both the traditions and the hardened hearts of the religious leaders who were more concerned with appearances than truth.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

John 8:12-30

Jesus Is the Light of the World 12Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” 13So the Pharisees said to Him, “You are testifying about Yourself; Your testimony is not true.” 14Jesus answered and said to them, “Even if I testify about Myself, My testimony is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going; but you do not know where I come from or where I am going. 15“You judge according to the flesh; I am not judging anyone. 16“But even if I do judge, My judgment is true; for I am not alone in it, but I and the Father who sent Me. 17“Even in your law it has been written that the testimony of two men is true. 18“I am He who testifies about Myself, and the Father who sent Me testifies about Me.” 19So they were saying to Him, “Where is Your Father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither Me nor My Father; if you knew Me, you would know My Father also.” 20These words He spoke in the treasury, as He taught in the temple; and no one seized Him, because His hour had not yet come.

      21Then He said again to them, “I go away, and you will seek Me, and will die in your sin; where I am going, you cannot come.” 22So the Jews were saying, “Surely He will not kill Himself, will He, since He says, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come’?” 23And He was saying to them, “You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world. 24“Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” 25So they were saying to Him, “Who are You?” Jesus said to them, “What have I been saying to you from the beginning? 26“I have many things to speak and to judge concerning you, but He who sent Me is true; and the things which I heard from Him, these I speak to the world.” 27They did not realize that He had been speaking to them about the Father. 28So Jesus said, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me. 29“And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him.” 30As He spoke these things, many came to believe in Him.

Reflection on John 8:12–30:
Jesus presents a clear and sobering choice: follow Him—the Light—or remain in darkness and die in sin. The Pharisees scoffed at His testimony, clinging to their man-made rules and earthly judgment. But Jesus makes it plain: He doesn’t speak on His own authority but on behalf of the Father, and His words carry eternal weight.

He doesn’t just invite belief—He warns of the consequences of unbelief. “Unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” That statement isn’t harsh—it’s merciful. It’s a plea for repentance and recognition. Those who reject Jesus remain separated from God, walking blind in spiritual darkness.

But those who hear and believe are promised something radical: the Light of life. This light isn’t just for knowledge—it brings transformation, guidance, hope, and intimacy with God. It means we are no longer slaves to sin or bound by guilt. We walk forward as children of the Light.

Application:
Are you walking in the light, or are there places in your life where you’re still hiding in darkness? Surrender those areas to Jesus. Let His truth illuminate your heart, guide your steps, and free you from the burden of sin.

Closing Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for being the Light of the world. Shine into every shadowed part of my heart and lead me fully into Your truth. Help me to walk in the light, not only hearing Your words but obeying them. May my life reflect Your presence and draw others from darkness into Your marvelous light. 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 also focus on our Creator and Father in addition to celebrating good earthy 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 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)
  • 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 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 for 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 may be 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 after Christ and be spiritual leaders in their family. 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 a lot 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 that are trying to lead their families in Your ways. Please help and encourage fathers to lead and love their families actively. Help fathers reflect Your character traits and be a light to others that do not know You and  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.

Adultery / Sex Outside Marriage, Grace / Forgiveness, Merciful, Repenting from Sin

Neither Do I Condemn You—Go and Sin No More (John 8:1-11)

Mercy without repentance is not the message of Christ; He calls us to both grace and change.

Key Verse:
“Jesus said, ‘I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more.’” —John 8:11 (NASB)

Background Context:
In John 8:1–11, Yeshua (Jesus) is teaching in the temple when the scribes and Pharisees bring before Him a woman caught in adultery. Their motive is not justice but entrapment. They seek to put Jesus in a position where He will either deny the Law of Moses or contradict His reputation for mercy. What unfolds instead is a masterful, righteous display of both truth and grace.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

John 8:1-11

The Adulterous Woman

      1But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2Early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people were coming to Him; and He sat down and began to teach them. 3The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, and having set her in the center of the court,4they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in adultery, in the very act. 5“Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women; what then do You say?” 6They were saying this, testing Him, so that they might have grounds for accusing Him. But Jesus stooped down and with His finger wrote on the ground. 7But when they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up, and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8Again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9When they heard it, they began to go out one by one, beginning with the older ones, and He was left alone, and the woman, where she was, in the center of the court. 10Straightening up, Jesus said to her, “Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?” 11She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more.”]

Reflection on John 8:1–11:
This account is not about excusing sin, nor is it about ignoring the Law. Yeshua did not deny the woman’s guilt, nor did He rebuke the accusers for identifying her sin. What He did confront was their hypocrisy and hardness of heart. They had no concern for justice or repentance—only for using this woman’s shame as bait in their trap.

What did Yeshua write in the dirt? We are not told. But His words rang louder than any writing: “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone.” One by one, the accusers left, convicted of their own guilt.

Then, in a powerful moment of compassion and clarity, Yeshua turns to the woman and says, “I do not condemn you, either.” But He does not stop there. He adds the command: “Go. From now on sin no more.”

Yeshua extended mercy, but He also called her to repentance. That’s the full picture of grace—not permission to stay in sin, but the loving offer of forgiveness that invites transformation.

Application:
Are you clinging to God’s grace while excusing ongoing sin in your life? Yeshua offers forgiveness, but He also commands us to change.
Take time today to reflect on areas of your life where repentance is needed. Confess your sins before Him. Receive His mercy. And go—live differently, by His power and for His glory.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for the mercy You show me daily. Help me not to take that grace for granted but to respond with sincere repentance. Search my heart and reveal where I need to turn from sin. Teach me to walk in obedience and reflect Your holiness. May my life bear witness to the truth that Your forgiveness is not permission to continue in sin but an invitation to be made new. 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.

Healer, Justice / Judgment

The Sun of Righteousness Will Rise (Malachi 4)

Judgment is coming—but so is healing, joy, and victory for those who fear the Lord’s name.

Key Verse:
“But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and frolic like calves from the stall.” —Malachi 4:2 (NASB)

Background Context:
Malachi 4 is the closing chapter of the Old Testament and serves as both a warning and a promise. It speaks of the coming “day of the Lord”—a day of fire and judgment for the wicked, but of warmth, healing, and joy for the righteous. The chapter exhorts the people to remember the Law of Moses and foretells the coming of Elijah the prophet before the great and terrible day arrives.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Malachi 4

Final Admonition

      1“For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace; and all the arrogant and every evildoer will be chaff; and the day that is coming will set them ablaze,” says the LORD of hosts, “so that it will leave them neither root nor branch.” 2“But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall. 3“You will tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day which I am preparing,” says the LORD of hosts.

      4“Remember the law of Moses My servant, even the statutes and ordinances which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel.

      5“Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the LORD. 6“He will restore the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers, so that I will not come and smite the land with a curse.”

Reflection on Malachi 4:
God’s justice cannot be avoided. For the arrogant and wicked, the day of the Lord will be like a furnace, consuming all that is rebellious. But for those who fear God’s name, His coming is like the sunrise after a long, dark night—full of light, healing, and freedom.

The image of calves frolicking from the stall conveys unrestrained joy and new life. This is the promise for the faithful—not only healing, but complete restoration and delight in God’s presence.

God’s people are reminded to hold firmly to His Word and to stay anchored in His truth while they wait. The mention of Elijah prepares the way for John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, emphasizing that God’s redemptive plan has always been moving toward fulfillment in Jesus.

Application:
Are you living in reverent awe of God’s name? Do you long for His return with joy or shrink back in fear?
Let Malachi 4 motivate you to examine your life. Remember God’s Word, walk in His ways, and keep your eyes fixed on the hope of Christ’s return.
Rejoice! The Sun of Righteousness will rise.

Closing Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the hope we have in You. Though judgment is coming, You promise healing and joy for those who fear Your name. Help me to walk in obedience, to remember Your Word, and to live with expectation for the return of Jesus. Let my life shine with Your light until that great day. 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.

Repenting from Sin, Submitted / Servant

Refined by Fire, Blessed by Faith (Malachi 3)

God’s justice is sure, His refining fire is purifying, and His blessings are poured out on those who return to Him.

Key Verse:
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and put Me to the test now in this,” says the Lord of armies, “if I do not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.” —Malachi 3:10 (NASB)

Background Context:
Malachi 3 addresses a rebellious people, calling them back to God through repentance, reverence, and faithful giving. The chapter opens with a prophecy of the coming of the Lord and His messenger, describing how He will refine His people like gold and silver. It then shifts to God’s challenge—”Return to Me, and I will return to you.” The people’s sin of withholding tithes is confronted, yet God’s mercy shines through with a promise of overflowing blessing if they will obey.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Malachi 3

The Purifier

      1“Behold, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming,” says the LORD of hosts. 2“But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap. 3“He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the LORD offerings in righteousness. 4“Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the LORD as in the days of old and as in former years.

      5“Then I will draw near to you for judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers and against the adulterers and against those who swear falsely, and against those who oppress the wage earner in his wages, the widow and the orphan, and those who turn aside the alien and do not fear Me,” says the LORD of hosts. 6“For I, the LORD, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.

      7“From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from My statutes and have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you,” says the LORD of hosts. “But you say, ‘How shall we return?’

You Have Robbed God

      8“Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, ‘How have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. 9“You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing Me, the whole nation of you! 10“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the LORD of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows. 11“Then I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of the ground; nor will your vine in the field cast its grapes,” says the LORD of hosts. 12“All the nations will call you blessed, for you shall be a delightful land,” says the LORD of hosts.

      13“Your words have been arrogant against Me,” says the LORD. “Yet you say, ‘What have we spoken against You?’ 14“You have said, ‘It is vain to serve God; and what profit is it that we have kept His charge, and that we have walked in mourning before the LORD of hosts? 15‘So now we call the arrogant blessed; not only are the doers of wickedness built up but they also test God and escape.’”

The Book of Remembrance

      16Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD gave attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who esteem His name. 17“They will be Mine,” says the LORD of hosts, “on the day that I prepare My own possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.” 18So you will again distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.

Reflection on Malachi 3:
God is not indifferent to sin, but neither is He indifferent to His people. He does not change—His justice, love, and promises remain constant. Malachi 3 reminds us that God refines us, not to destroy us, but to purify us. Like gold in the fire, we are made more valuable when we endure His refining.

Tithing, mentioned in this chapter, is not just about money. It’s about trust and obedience. God invites His people to test Him—one of the only places in scripture where He does so—promising abundant provision when we surrender our resources in faith.

Even amid judgment, there’s mercy. God hears those who fear Him. Their names are written in His “book of remembrance.” What a powerful reminder that our faithfulness is never forgotten by the Lord.

Application:
Are you allowing God to refine you, even when it’s uncomfortable? Are you trusting Him with your time, your talents, and your treasures?

Reflect on areas where you may be holding back from God—whether in giving, obedience, or trust. Ask Him to help you return fully to Him, and experience the open windows of heaven in your life.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your unchanging nature and faithful promises. Refine me like silver, purify my heart, and help me walk in obedience. I want to return to You with my whole heart, trusting that You will provide and bless according to Your perfect will. 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.