Category Archives: Merciful

Compassionate, Consequences of Sin, Grace / Forgiveness, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Justice / Judgment, Merciful, Traditions / Holidays

Greater Love: Honoring Sacrifice on Memorial Day

As we observe Memorial Day, it offers us a poignant opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who have laid down their lives for our freedoms in the United States. It’s also a time to uphold in prayer those who currently serve, those who have served, and families who have lost loved ones. This day intertwines with our nation’s Judeo-Christian heritage, reminding us of the ultimate act of love — laying down one’s life for others, a principle deeply embodied by Yeshua (Jesus).

(continued after scripture)

John 15:12-17

Disciples’ Relation to Each Other

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

The Ultimate Sacrifice: Yeshua’s teachings in John 15:12-17 encapsulate the essence of true love — sacrificing for one’s friends. He not only taught this principle but lived it by laying down His life for us, offering forgiveness and the hope of reconciliation with God. His sacrifice sets a profound example for us all, inspiring us to show love through our actions, whether in moments of crisis or in daily life.

The Call to Love One Another: Yeshua emphasized the importance of loving one another as He has loved us. This command challenges us to support and care for each other, reflecting His love in our interactions. In the context of Memorial Day, this call to love can extend to how we treat our veterans and their families, recognizing their service and sacrifice as expressions of love for our country and its freedoms.

Prayer for Service Members and Leaders: Our military personnel, past and present, deserve our respect and gratitude. Not all may serve with perfect motives, but the sacrifices made in the line of duty demand our acknowledgment and prayerful support. Furthermore, it’s crucial to pray for our leaders, that they may make wise decisions that honor these sacrifices and uphold the values upon which our nation was built.

Reflection on Our Savior: Amidst our Memorial Day observances, let us also reflect on the sacrifice made by our Savior, Yeshua, who gave His life so that we might live in freedom from sin. His example not only offers spiritual liberation but also guides us in living a life of service and submission to His will.

Call to Action:

  1. Pray: Dedicate time to pray for our active-duty military, veterans, and their families. Ask for their protection, courage, and strength.
  2. Reflect: Spend time reflecting on the passages from John 15. Consider how you can live out Yeshua’s command to love one another in your own community.
  3. Act: Engage in acts of kindness and support for military families in your community. Whether it’s volunteering at a local VA hospital, sending care packages, or simply offering a listening ear, every small act of love counts.
  4. Give Thanks: Offer gratitude not only to those who have served but also to Yeshua for His redemptive sacrifice. Let His selfless love inspire you to live a life of service and gratitude.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we are deeply grateful for Your son Yeshua, who taught us the highest form of love through His sacrifice. We remember and honor those who have mirrored this love by laying down their lives for our freedom. Bless and protect those who serve today, guide our leaders with wisdom, and help us as a nation to uphold the values of liberty and justice. Empower us to reflect Yeshua’s love in our lives, serving as beacons of Your light and hope to the world. Amen.

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

John Golda

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

Compassionate, Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Idols / False Gods, Justice / Judgment, Merciful, Repenting from Sin, Wickedness / Evil

God’s Judgment and Mercy: A Vision in Ezekiel 9

Ever see someone who is doing things you know God does not like, but they don’t recognize it? Ever stop to consider if you, too, are doing things that God does not like, but you can’t see it? The book of Ezekiel takes us on a journey where God’s judgment and mercy intersect in profound ways. Today, let’s delve into Ezekiel 9, where we witness a vision that reveals the consequences of disobedience and the depths of God’s compassion.

Reconnect: Before we dive into Ezekiel 9, let’s reconnect with the broader context of this prophetic book. Ezekiel was a priest and prophet who lived during the Babylonian exile. In this tumultuous period, God used Ezekiel to convey His messages to the exiled Israelites, calling them to repentance and foretelling future events. The vision in Ezekiel 9 is part of a series of prophetic revelations that Ezekiel received, each offering insights into God’s character and His dealings with His people.

(Summarized and continued after the scripture)

Ezekiel 9

The Vision of Slaughter

      1Then He cried out in my hearing with a loud voice saying, “Draw near, O executioners of the city, each with his destroying weapon in his hand.” 2Behold, six men came from the direction of the upper gate which faces north, each with his shattering weapon in his hand; and among them was a certain man clothed in linen with a writing case at his loins. And they went in and stood beside the bronze altar.

      3Then the glory of the God of Israel went up from the cherub on which it had been, to the threshold of the temple. And He called to the man clothed in linen at whose loins was the writing case. 4The LORD said to him, “Go through the midst of the city, even through the midst of Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations which are being committed in its midst.” 5But to the others He said in my hearing, “Go through the city after him and strike; do not let your eye have pity and do not spare. 6“Utterly slay old men, young men, maidens, little children, and women, but do not touch any man on whom is the mark; and you shall start from My sanctuary.” So they started with the elders who were before the temple. 7And He said to them, “Defile the temple and fill the courts with the slain. Go out!” Thus they went out and struck down the people in the city. 8As they were striking the people and I alone was left, I fell on my face and cried out saying, “Alas, Lord GOD! Are You destroying the whole remnant of Israel by pouring out Your wrath on Jerusalem?”

      9Then He said to me, “The iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah is very, very great, and the land is filled with blood and the city is full of perversion; for they say, ‘The LORD has forsaken the land, and the LORD does not see!’ 10“But as for Me, My eye will have no pity nor will I spare, but I will bring their conduct upon their heads.”

      11Then behold, the man clothed in linen at whose loins was the writing case reported, saying, “I have done just as You have commanded me.”

Ever see someone who is doing things you know God does not like, but they don’t recognize it? Ever stop to consider if you, too, are doing things that God does not like, but you can’t see it? The book of Ezekiel takes us on a journey where God’s judgment and mercy intersect in profound ways. Today, let’s delve into Ezekiel 9, where we witness a vision that reveals the consequences of disobedience and the depths of God’s compassion.

Summary Key Points:

  • God’s Call for Judgment: In Ezekiel 9, we encounter a vision where God instructs a man clothed in linen to go through Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of those who sigh and groan over the abominations committed in the city. This marking signifies protection from the impending judgment that will befall the wicked inhabitants of Jerusalem.
  • Consequences of Sin: The vision vividly portrays the consequences of sin and disobedience. The city of Jerusalem is filled with violence, idolatry, and injustice, prompting God’s righteous judgment. However, amidst the impending judgment, God shows mercy to those who remain faithful to Him, sparing them from destruction.
  • God’s Compassion and Mercy: Despite the severity of the judgment, we see God’s compassion and mercy on display. He provides a way of escape for the righteous, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to those who remain faithful to Him. This reveals God’s heart for His people, desiring repentance and restoration rather than judgment and destruction.

Call to Action:

  • Seek God’s Protection: Just as God marked those who remained faithful in Ezekiel’s vision, seek His protection and guidance in your life. Stay close to Him, sighing and groaning over the sin and brokenness in the world, and trust in His promise of deliverance.
  • Examine Your Heart: Take time to examine your heart and actions. Are there areas of disobedience or idolatry that need to be addressed? Ask God to reveal any sin or wrongdoing in your life, and seek His forgiveness and guidance in turning away from it.
  • Embrace God’s Mercy: Reflect on the mercy and compassion that God extends to His people, even in the face of judgment. Let His mercy inspire you to extend grace and compassion to others, showing the love of Christ in your words and actions.

Closing: Ezekiel’s vision serves as a poignant reminder of God’s justice and mercy. As we navigate our own journey, may we remain faithful to God, trusting in His protection and mercy, and may His grace lead us to lives of obedience and compassion.

Prayer: Lord, we come before You with humble hearts, acknowledging Your sovereignty and righteousness. Thank You for the insights we’ve gained from Ezekiel 9, reminding us of the consequences of sin and the depth of Your mercy. Help us, O God, to examine our hearts and lives, seeking Your forgiveness and guidance where we have fallen short. Protect us, Lord, from the judgment that befalls the wicked, and mark us with Your seal of righteousness. Grant us the strength to remain faithful to You, even in the midst of trials and temptations. May Your mercy and compassion abound in our lives, leading us to extend grace and love to those around us. In Jesus’ name, we 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.

Compassionate, Grace / Forgiveness, Love, Merciful, Repenting from Sin, Thankfulness

Forgiven Much, Love Much: Embrace God’s Grace with Thanks (Luke 7:36-50)

Have you ever been overwhelmed by your own mistakes, feeling as if forgiveness is out of reach?

In Luke 7:36-50, we encounter a powerful story of grace that challenges our notions of worthiness and redemption.

Reconnect: This passage follows Jesus’ interactions with John the Baptist’s disciples and the crowd’s response to John’s ministry. It continues to illustrate Jesus’ authority over sin and his willingness to extend forgiveness to those society deems unworthy.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Luke 7:36-50

    36Now one of the Pharisees was requesting Him to dine with him, and He entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37And there was a woman in the city who was a sinner; and when she learned that He was reclining at the table in the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster vial of perfume, 38and standing behind Him at His feet, weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears, and kept wiping them with the hair of her head, and kissing His feet and anointing them with the perfume. 39Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet He would know who and what sort of person this woman is who is touching Him, that she is a sinner.”

Parable of Two Debtors

     40And Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he replied, “Say it, Teacher.” 41“A moneylender had two debtors: one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42“When they were unable to repay, he graciously forgave them both. So which of them will love him more?” 43Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have judged correctly.” 44Turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45“You gave Me no kiss; but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss My feet. 46“You did not anoint My head with oil, but she anointed My feet with perfume. 47“For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.” 48Then He said to her, “Your sins have been forgiven.” 49Those who were reclining at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this man who even forgives sins?” 50And He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Summary Key Points:

  • The profound act of love and service demonstrated by the sinful woman who anointed Jesus’ feet with perfume and tears demonstrates how grateful she feels for the forgiveness she has received.
  • Jesus’ parable about the two debtors highlights the depth of forgiveness and the transformative power of grace.
  • The contrast between the woman’s humble repentance and the Pharisee’s judgmental attitude towards her reveals the essence of true faith.

Call to Action:

  • Embrace the grace of Jesus by acknowledging our own need for forgiveness and extending that same grace to others.
  • Cultivate a spirit of humility and gratitude, recognizing that we are all recipients of God’s boundless mercy.
  • Seek opportunities to demonstrate love and compassion, following the example of Christ in extending forgiveness and acceptance to those society may reject.

Closing Prayer: Lord, we thank you for your boundless grace and mercy, which knows no bounds. Help us to embrace the radical forgiveness offered through Christ and extend that same love to others. May our lives be a testament to your transformative power and unending love. 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.

Free Will, Grace / Forgiveness, Loving / Kind, Merciful, Repenting from Sin

A True Clean Start: Embracing God’s Grace

As another year dawns, it’s a time when many of us contemplate the idea of a fresh start. The turning of the calendar seems to hold the promise of leaving behind past mistakes and embracing new opportunities. It’s a season of New Year’s resolutions, where we pledge to rid ourselves of bad habits or adopt better ones. However, as January fades into February, the enthusiasm for these “clean starts” often wanes, and we find ourselves back where we began.

But what if there’s a way to attain a genuine clean start—one infused with divine power and lasting transformation? The good news is that such an opportunity exists, and it’s not confined to the month of January. Through Christ, we can experience true forgiveness, redemption, and renewal. Our past sins need not define us, for God’s grace offers a pathway to a fresh beginning at any moment.

1. The Prodigal Son: A Story of Forgiveness (Luke 15:11-32)

“And He said, ‘A man had two sons…'” (Luke 15:11)

In the parable of the prodigal son, Jesus illustrates God’s unwavering love and forgiveness. The younger son squandered his inheritance in a distant land but came to his senses and returned home, expecting nothing more than to be a hired servant. However, his father’s response was a powerful demonstration of God’s grace. The father ran to embrace his wayward son, showering him with love, forgiveness, and a clean start.

2. God Awaits Our Return

God, our heavenly Father, awaits our return just as the father in the parable did. He watches the horizon for our humble repentance, ready to run and embrace us. There’s no sin too great for His forgiveness, no rebellion beyond His reach. It’s within our power to choose whether we return to Him or remain separated.

3. The Helper: God’s Power in Our Transformation (John 16:5-15)

“But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you…” (John 16:7)

When we turn to Christ for forgiveness and renewal, we receive more than forgiveness alone. God graciously sends the Holy Spirit as our Helper. The Spirit empowers us to overcome sin, make lasting changes, and embark on our fresh start. We are not alone in this journey; we have the divine power and guidance of God Himself.

4. A Call to Repentance and Obedience

While God’s forgiveness is boundless, it requires sincere repentance and a commitment to follow His ways. Repentance means turning away from our sinful past and submitting to God. The Bible is clear that we must obey God’s commandments and live according to His Word to walk in His grace.

5. God’s Promises of Forgiveness

God’s promises of forgiveness are abundant throughout the Scriptures:

  • “Come now, and let us reason together,” says the LORD, “Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow…” (Isaiah 1:18-20)
  • “Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord…” (Acts 3:19-21)
  • “In Him, we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace…” (Ephesians 1:3-14)

6. The Invitation to a Fresh Start

So, as the calendar turns from one year to the next, remember that a clean start isn’t limited to January. Through Christ, we can experience forgiveness, renewal, and transformation at any moment. God’s grace is always available, ready to wash away our sins and empower us to live according to His will.

Embrace Your Fresh Start

As you embark on this new year, remember that God’s grace offers you a fresh start—a clean slate free from the burdens of past mistakes. You need not rely on the changing of the calendar or societal norms for a new beginning. Instead, turn to God, repent of your sins, and submit to His guidance. Allow His Spirit to empower you in your journey of transformation. In God’s grace, every moment is an opportunity for a true clean start.

May the grace and peace of our Lord 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.

Faith / Trusting God, Faithful, Learning To Pray Effectively, Merciful, Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Protector / Deliverer, Psalms

Shelter in the Storm – Finding Peace Under God’s Wings (Psalm 57)

Step into the passionate verses of Psalm 57, where David, amidst the storm of adversity, finds solace in the shelter of the Almighty.

Join us on a journey through this soul-soothing psalm, discovering the timeless echoes of seeking refuge and finding hope in the midst of life’s storms.

(summarized and continued after the scripture)

Psalm 57

Prayer for Rescue from Persecutors.

For the choir director; set to Al-tashheth. A Mikhtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave.

     1Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me,
For my soul takes refuge in You;
And in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge
Until destruction passes by.

      2I will cry to God Most High,
To God who accomplishes all things for me.

      3He will send from heaven and save me;
He reproaches him who tramples upon me.

Selah.

God will send forth His lovingkindness and His truth.

      4My soul is among lions;
I must lie among those who breathe forth fire,
Even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows
And their tongue a sharp sword.

      5Be exalted above the heavens, O God;
Let Your glory be above all the earth.

      6They have prepared a net for my steps;
My soul is bowed down;
They dug a pit before me;
They themselves have fallen into the midst of it.

Selah.

      7My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast;
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises!

      8Awake, my glory!
Awake, harp and lyre!
I will awaken the dawn.

      9I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing praises to You among the nations.

      10For Your lovingkindness is great to the heavens
And Your truth to the clouds.

      11Be exalted above the heavens, O God;
Let Your glory be above all the earth.

Summary of Key Points:

  1. A Cry for Mercy in Adversity: Psalm 57 begins with David’s earnest plea for mercy as he takes refuge in God. The psalmist’s cry becomes a timeless expression of vulnerability and trust in the face of challenges.
  2. Wings of Shelter: David paints a vivid metaphor of finding refuge under the shadow of God’s wings—a powerful image that captures the protective and comforting nature of God’s presence in times of trouble.
  3. A Heart Fixed on God: Despite the adversity, David’s heart remains steadfast in praise. He expresses a commitment to awake the dawn with songs of gratitude, showcasing the transformative power of maintaining a worshipful spirit in difficult times.
  4. Confidence in God’s Faithfulness: The psalm concludes with a resounding declaration of confidence in God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. David’s trust becomes a beacon of hope for all who navigate the storms of life.

As we immerse ourselves in Psalm 57, let’s reflect on the refuge we find in God amidst life’s storms.

How can we cultivate a heart fixed on praise, even in the midst of adversity?

Share your thoughts on finding shelter under God’s wings and the assurance that comes from trusting in His faithfulness.

Psalm 57 invites us to embrace hope and resilience, knowing that even in the tempest, we can find solace in the unwavering love of our Heavenly Father.

Join the conversation by commenting, and let the echoes of Psalm 57 resonate in your heart.

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, Learning To Pray Effectively, Merciful, Protector / Deliverer, Psalms, Seeking God

Finding Refuge in the Midst of Fear (Psalm 56)

Enter the heartfelt verses of Psalm 56, a poetic journey penned by David during a time of intense fear and uncertainty.

Join us as we explore the timeless wisdom of this psalm, discovering the profound message it holds for those navigating the challenges of fear and seeking refuge in the embrace of faith.

Psalm 56

Supplication for Deliverance and Grateful Trust in God.

For the choir director; according to Jonath elem rehokim. A Mikhtam of David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath.

     1Be gracious to me, O God, for man has trampled upon me;
Fighting all day long he oppresses me.

      2My foes have trampled upon me all day long,
For they are many who fight proudly against me.

      3When I am afraid,
I will put my trust in You.

      4In God, whose word I praise,
In God I have put my trust;
I shall not be afraid.
What can mere man do to me?

      5All day long they distort my words;
All their thoughts are against me for evil.

      6They attack, they lurk,
They watch my steps,
As they have waited to take my life.

      7Because of wickedness, cast them forth,
In anger put down the peoples, O God!

      8You have taken account of my wanderings;
Put my tears in Your bottle.
Are they not in Your book?

      9Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call;
This I know, that God is for me.

      10In God, whose word I praise,
In the LORD, whose word I praise,

      11In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid.
What can man do to me?

      12Your vows are binding upon me, O God;
I will render thank offerings to You.

      13For You have delivered my soul from death,
Indeed my feet from stumbling,
So that I may walk before God
In the light of the living.

Summary of Key Points:

  1. A Cry for Mercy: Psalm 56 begins with a desperate plea for mercy as David finds himself in a vulnerable and threatening situation. His transparent cry reflects the human experience of facing fear and adversity.
  2. Confidence in God’s Protection: Amidst the peril, David expresses unwavering confidence in God’s ability to protect and deliver. The psalm serves as a reminder that, even in the face of fear, placing trust in the Almighty brings comfort and assurance.
  3. The Power of Trust: David’s trust in God is not just a passive acknowledgment but an active decision to place his confidence in the Divine. This choice becomes a source of strength and courage in the midst of life’s storms.
  4. A Song of Deliverance: As the psalm progresses, David transitions from fear to a declaration of praise, anticipating the deliverance that he believes is certain. It illustrates the transformative power of trust and faith in God’s steadfast love.

As we delve into the soul-soothing verses of Psalm 56, let’s reflect on the powerful themes of trust and refuge in the face of fear.

How can David’s example inspire us in our own moments of uncertainty?

Share your thoughts on finding courage through faith and the transformative power of trusting in God’s mercy.

Together, let’s draw strength from Psalm 56 and encourage one another to face our fears with unwavering faith, confident in the refuge found in the Almighty.

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.

Hope, Justice / Judgment, Merciful, Obeying God, Repenting from Sin, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Jeremiah 49: A Message of Hope, Redemption, and God’s Judgment

📖 Let’s embark on another journey through the Book of Jeremiah, this time exploring chapter 49. Discover the enduring message of hope, redemption, and the unwavering love of God, along with the solemn reminder of His judgment for those who turn away from Him. Dive into today’s message and be inspired. 🙏

Continuing our exploration of the Book of Jeremiah, we now turn our attention to chapter 49, which contains a message of hope and redemption, but it also carries a solemn warning about God’s judgment for those who turn away from Him. In a world filled with challenges, Jeremiah’s words offer us a profound reminder of God’s love and grace, as well as the consequences of rejecting His ways.

Jeremiah 49:11 (NIV) declares, “Leave your orphans; I will protect their lives. Your widows too can trust in me.”

In this verse, God assures us of His protection and care, especially for the most vulnerable in society. It’s a testament to His unfailing love and the promise of redemption. However, alongside this message of hope, we also find Jeremiah’s proclamation of God’s judgment on those who persist in disobedience.

Jeremiah 49:16 (NIV) serves as a stark reminder, “The terror you inspire and the pride of your heart have deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks, who occupy the heights of the hill. Though you build your nest as high as the eagle’s, from there I will bring you down, declares the Lord.”

Call to Action:

  1. Embrace God’s Protection: Just as God promised to protect the orphans and widows, we should embrace His protective love and trust in His providence during challenging times.
  2. Extend Love and Compassion: Reflect God’s love and compassion in your own life. Seek out opportunities to help those who are in need, as God does for the vulnerable.
  3. Redemption and Forgiveness: The message of Jeremiah 49 is a reminder that no matter how difficult our circumstances may be, God offers us redemption and forgiveness. If you’re burdened by guilt or regret, turn to Him in repentance and experience His unending grace.
  4. Acknowledge God’s Judgment: Remember that while God’s love and grace are boundless, His judgment is also a reality. Those who persist in disobedience face the consequences of their choices. It’s a call to self-examination and repentance.
  5. Turn to God: If you’ve strayed from God’s path, now is the time to turn back to Him, seeking forgiveness and reconciliation. His love and mercy are available to all who genuinely seek Him.

Jeremiah 49

Prophecy against Ammon

      1Concerning the sons of Ammon. Thus says the LORD:
“Does Israel have no sons?
Or has he no heirs?
Why then has Malcam taken possession of Gad
And his people settled in its cities?

      2“Therefore behold, the days are coming,” declares the LORD,
“That I will cause a trumpet blast of war to be heard
Against Rabbah of the sons of Ammon;
And it will become a desolate heap,
And her towns will be set on fire.
Then Israel will take possession of his possessors,”
Says the LORD.

      3“Wail, O Heshbon, for Ai has been destroyed!
Cry out, O daughters of Rabbah,
Gird yourselves with sackcloth and lament,
And rush back and forth inside the walls;
For Malcam will go into exile
Together with his priests and his princes.

      4“How boastful you are about the valleys!
Your valley is flowing away,
O backsliding daughter
Who trusts in her treasures, saying,
‘Who will come against me?’

      5“Behold, I am going to bring terror upon you,”
Declares the Lord GOD of hosts,
“From all directions around you;
And each of you will be driven out headlong,
With no one to gather the fugitives together.

      6“But afterward I will restore
The fortunes of the sons of Ammon,”
Declares the LORD.

Prophecy against Edom

7Concerning Edom.
Thus says the LORD of hosts,
“Is there no longer any wisdom in Teman?
Has good counsel been lost to the prudent?
Has their wisdom decayed?

      8“Flee away, turn back, dwell in the depths,
O inhabitants of Dedan,
For I will bring the disaster of Esau upon him
At the time I punish him.

      9“If grape gatherers came to you,
Would they not leave gleanings?
If thieves came by night,
They would destroy only until they had enough.

      10“But I have stripped Esau bare,
I have uncovered his hiding places
So that he will not be able to conceal himself;
His offspring has been destroyed along with his relatives
And his neighbors, and he is no more.

      11“Leave your orphans behind, I will keep them alive;
And let your widows trust in Me.”

      12For thus says the LORD, “Behold, those who were not sentenced to drink the cup will certainly drink it, and are you the one who will be completely acquitted? You will not be acquitted, but you will certainly drink it. 13“For I have sworn by Myself,” declares the LORD, “that Bozrah will become an object of horror, a reproach, a ruin and a curse; and all its cities will become perpetual ruins.”

      14I have heard a message from the LORD,
And an envoy is sent among the nations, saying,
“Gather yourselves together and come against her,
And rise up for battle!”

      15“For behold, I have made you small among the nations,
Despised among men.

      16“As for the terror of you,
The arrogance of your heart has deceived you,
O you who live in the clefts of the rock,
Who occupy the height of the hill.
Though you make your nest as high as an eagle’s,
I will bring you down from there,” declares the LORD.

      17“Edom will become an object of horror; everyone who passes by it will be horrified and will hiss at all its wounds. 18“Like the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah with its neighbors,” says the LORD, “no one will live there, nor will a son of man reside in it. 19“Behold, one will come up like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan against a perennially watered pasture; for in an instant I will make him run away from it, and whoever is chosen I shall appoint over it. For who is like Me, and who will summon Me into court? And who then is the shepherd who can stand against Me?”

      20Therefore hear the plan of the LORD which He has planned against Edom, and His purposes which He has purposed against the inhabitants of Teman: surely they will drag them off, even the little ones of the flock; surely He will make their pasture desolate because of them. 21The earth has quaked at the noise of their downfall. There is an outcry! The noise of it has been heard at the Red Sea. 22Behold, He will mount up and swoop like an eagle and spread out His wings against Bozrah; and the hearts of the mighty men of Edom in that day will be like the heart of a woman in labor.

Prophecy against Damascus

23Concerning Damascus.
“Hamath and Arpad are put to shame,
For they have heard bad news;
They are disheartened.
There is anxiety by the sea,
It cannot be calmed.

      24“Damascus has become helpless;
She has turned away to flee,
And panic has gripped her;
Distress and pangs have taken hold of her
Like a woman in childbirth.

      25“How the city of praise has not been deserted,
The town of My joy!

      26“Therefore, her young men will fall in her streets,
And all the men of war will be silenced in that day,” declares the LORD of hosts.

      27“I will set fire to the wall of Damascus,
And it will devour the fortified towers of Ben-hadad.”

Prophecy against Kedar and Hazor

      28Concerning Kedar and the kingdoms of Hazor, which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon defeated. Thus says the LORD,
“Arise, go up to Kedar
And devastate the men of the east.

      29“They will take away their tents and their flocks;
They will carry off for themselves
Their tent curtains, all their goods and their camels,
And they will call out to one another, ‘Terror on every side!’

      30“Run away, flee! Dwell in the depths,
O inhabitants of Hazor,” declares the LORD;
“For Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon has formed a plan against you
And devised a scheme against you.

      31“Arise, go up against a nation which is at ease,
Which lives securely,” declares the LORD.
“It has no gates or bars;
They dwell alone.

      32“Their camels will become plunder,
And their many cattle for booty,
And I will scatter to all the winds those who cut the corners of their hair;
And I will bring their disaster from every side,” declares the LORD.

      33“Hazor will become a haunt of jackals,
A desolation forever;
No one will live there,
Nor will a son of man reside in it.”

Prophecy against Elam

      34That which came as the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet concerning Elam, at the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, saying:

      35“Thus says the LORD of hosts,
‘Behold, I am going to break the bow of Elam,
The finest of their might.

      36‘I will bring upon Elam the four winds
From the four ends of heaven,
And will scatter them to all these winds;
And there will be no nation
To which the outcasts of Elam will not go.

      37‘So I will shatter Elam before their enemies
And before those who seek their lives;
And I will bring calamity upon them,
Even My fierce anger,’ declares the LORD,
‘And I will send out the sword after them
Until I have consumed them.

      38‘Then I will set My throne in Elam
And destroy out of it king and princes,’
Declares the LORD.

      39‘But it will come about in the last days
That I will restore the fortunes of Elam,’”
Declares the LORD.

In a world filled with trials and tribulations, Jeremiah 49’s message reminds us that God’s love is unwavering, His promises of hope and redemption are within our reach, but His judgment awaits those who persist in rebellion. Let’s live out these principles in our daily lives, extending love and compassion to others, trusting in God’s enduring protection, and recognizing the importance of obedience to His will.

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. How do you find hope and redemption in your faith journey, and how can we support one another in embracing these promises while acknowledging God’s righteous judgment?

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.

Forgive Others / Seek Forgiveness, Grace / Forgiveness, Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, Merciful, Repenting from Sin, Seeking God, Traditions / Holidays

Explore and Observe Yom Kippur

It is easy to embrace celebrations that are “fun”.  Even holidays that had significant meaning can be overwhelmed by the distractions of celebrating as people focus on making it fun.  Thanksgiving is a great example. It started as a way to come together as a nation to give thanks to the one true God. Now, most people really breeze over the original purpose of Thanksgiving. It is about family, football, and feasting.  I think most people put more time and thought into the food than they do giving thanks to God.

We truly benefit in our relationship with the Lord when we embrace the holy days He created, such as Yom Kippur. We should humble ourselves before Him throughout the year. However, having a day set aside to come humbly before the Lord and reflect on atonement for our sins is a very good idea. It is focused solely on our relationship with our Father and the forgiveness we receive through Yeshua. We are to humble ourselves and contemplate our need for atonement, repentance, and forgiveness from sin. He does not want us getting distracted during this holy day, and thus sets aside another Sabbath day of rest for it.

Leviticus 23:25-32

The Day of Atonement

26The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 27“On exactly the tenth day of this seventh month is the day of atonement; it shall be a holy convocation for you, and you shall humble your souls and present an offering by fire to the LORD. 28“You shall not do any work on this same day, for it is a day of atonement, to make atonement on your behalf before the LORD your God. 29“If there is any person who will not humble himself on this same day, he shall be cut off from his people. 30“As for any person who does any work on this same day, that person I will destroy from among his people. 31“You shall do no work at all. It is to be a perpetual statute throughout your generations in all your dwelling places. 32“It is to be a sabbath of complete rest to you, and you shall humble your souls; on the ninth of the month at evening, from evening until evening you shall keep your sabbath.”

I encourage each of you to join me in observing this holy day in which we humble ourselves before God. We should take this opportunity to focus on the wonderful gift God sent in Yeshua. Yeshua died for our sins. Through His perfect life and then death for our sins, He has made it possible for us to be reconciled to YHWH. He was the sacrificial lamb on our behalf. Let us not take Yeshua for granted and miss out on our need for His sacrifice due to our sins.

Romans 3

10as it is written,
“THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE;

On our own, we can never be made righteous. It would be like trying to jump the Grand Canyon. One may be able to jump further than another, but none can span the gap. We can be made righteous only through Christ, who in this canyon metaphor serves as a bridge to enable us to come before the Lord and be reconciled.

I would encourage each of you to study more about our Creator’s appointed times. As you study, remember to separate what is Jewish tradition from what is written in the Bible specifically. The study of tradition can be helpful and enriching, but I find it good to know what is of scripture and what is of tradition. Especially when getting started, I focus on the scriptural first. The traditional would then be optional as it fits with and helps or supports the scriptural message. I have provided a few links to help you get started, but you can search on your own, of course.

I hope that studying and learning about our Creator’s appointed times, and then following them, will be as enriching for you and your family as it has been for me and mine.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please help me to focus on my relationship with You as I observe Yom Kippur. I thank You for forgiveness and grace through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, dying for my sins. Help me to truly repent and live my life for You. Help open the eyes of Your people to Your wonderful ways and lead them into a restoration of all things so that the ways of man would be lessened and the ways of God would be increased. Amen.

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.

Demons, Doubt / Lacking Faith, Faith / Trusting God, Grace / Forgiveness, Learning To Pray Effectively, Loving / Kind, Merciful

Yeshua, Help My Unbelief!

Praise Yahweh that He sent us a perfect example for us to follow in order to understand how to live in the right relationship with Him. Yeshua demonstrates a marvelous example. I seek to study and learn from His example. Our faith is a key element of effective prayer. Yeshua stressed this over and over in His earthly ministry. However, He also recognizes our failures and treats us with grace and mercy. He knows our faith is not always as strong as it should be.

Pay attention to how Yeshua interacts with the man whose son is suffering in Mark 9. The man does not have absolute faith, but he simply asks Yeshua to help him in his unbelief. Yeshua answers his prayer.

Mark 9:14-29

      14When they came back to the disciples, they saw a large crowd around them, and some scribes arguing with them. 15Immediately, when the entire crowd saw Him, they were amazed and began running up to greet Him. 16And He asked them, “What are you discussing with them?” 17And one of the crowd answered Him, “Teacher, I brought You my son, possessed with a spirit which makes him mute; 18and whenever it seizes him, it slams him to the ground and he foams at the mouth, and grinds his teeth and stiffens out. I told Your disciples to cast it out, and they could not do it.” 19And He answered them and said, “O unbelieving generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him to Me!” 20They brought the boy to Him. When he saw Him, immediately the spirit threw him into a convulsion, and falling to the ground, he began rolling around and foaming at the mouth. 21And He asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. 22“It has often thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!” 23And Jesus said to him, “‘If You can?’ All things are possible to him who believes.” 24Immediately the boy’s father cried out and said, “I do believe; help my unbelief.” 25When Jesus saw that a crowd was rapidly gathering, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You deaf and mute spirit, I command you, come out of him and do not enter him again.” 26After crying out and throwing him into terrible convulsions, it came out; and the boy became so much like a corpse that most of them said, “He is dead!” 27But Jesus took him by the hand and raised him; and he got up. 28When He came into the house, His disciples began questioning Him privately, “Why could we not drive it out?” 29And He said to them, “This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer.”

It is truly good news that we do not need perfect faith. We can humbly and openly ask our Father in heaven for His help to strengthen our faith. Praise Yahweh for His grace and mercy!

In what areas do you struggle to trust our Father? Come humbly to Him in prayer, in the name of Yeshua, and ask Him to help you in your unbelief.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please strengthen my faith that You are always with me, even in difficult times. Help me to know confidently that You are able to take care of any challenge in my way. Help me to stay strong in my faith even when You choose not to answer my prayers the way I am hoping/expecting. 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.

Father / Yahweh, Grace / Forgiveness, His Timing Not Ours, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Justice / Judgment, Loving / Kind, Merciful

Yahweh Is a God of Restoration

Yahweh is a God of restoration. Even when He brings discipline to His people that results in challenges and suffering, His heart and His plans are toward restoration.

I am so glad that He forgives and heals and restores! I am glad that my mistakes are not so big that I cannot be reconciled to God.

We should follow this example personally as well with relationships in our lives. There may be times of separation or difficult consequences, but our heart should  be toward restoration of relationships if the person/people involved turn from whatever wickedness or difficulty created the rift in the first place.

If we created the rift, then we should repent, ask forgiveness, and seek restoration.

Jeremiah 33

Restoration Promised

      1Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the second time, while he was still confined in the court of the guard, saying, 2“Thus says the LORD who made the earth, the LORD who formed it to establish it, the LORD is His name, 3‘Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’ 4“For thus says the LORD God of Israel concerning the houses of this city, and concerning the houses of the kings of Judah which are broken down to make a defense against the siege ramps and against the sword, 5‘While they are coming to fight with the Chaldeans and to fill them with the corpses of men whom I have slain in My anger and in My wrath, and I have hidden My face from this city because of all their wickedness: 6‘Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them; and I will reveal to them an abundance of peace and truth. 7‘I will restore the fortunes of Judah and the fortunes of Israel and will rebuild them as they were at first. 8‘I will cleanse them from all their iniquity by which they have sinned against Me, and I will pardon all their iniquities by which they have sinned against Me and by which they have transgressed against Me. 9‘It will be to Me a name of joy, praise and glory before all the nations of the earth which will hear of all the good that I do for them, and they will fear and tremble because of all the good and all the peace that I make for it.’

      10“Thus says the LORD, ‘Yet again there will be heard in this place, of which you say, “It is a waste, without man and without beast,” that is, in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem that are desolate, without man and without inhabitant and without beast,

11the voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the voice of those who say,
“Give thanks to the LORD of hosts,
For the LORD is good,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting”;
and of those who bring a thank offering into the house of the LORD. For I will restore the fortunes of the land as they were at first,’ says the LORD.

      12“Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘There will again be in this place which is waste, without man or beast, and in all its cities, a habitation of shepherds who rest their flocks. 13‘In the cities of the hill country, in the cities of the lowland, in the cities of the Negev, in the land of Benjamin, in the environs of Jerusalem and in the cities of Judah, the flocks will again pass under the hands of the one who numbers them,’ says the LORD.

The Davidic Kingdom

      14‘Behold, days are coming,’ declares the LORD, ‘when I will fulfill the good word which I have spoken concerning the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 15‘In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch of David to spring forth; and He shall execute justice and righteousness on the earth. 16‘In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will dwell in safety; and this is the name by which she will be called: the LORD is our righteousness.’ 17“For thus says the LORD, ‘David shall never lack a man to sit on the throne of the house of Israel; 18and the Levitical priests shall never lack a man before Me to offer burnt offerings, to burn grain offerings and to prepare sacrifices continually.’”

      19The word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, saying, 20“Thus says the LORD, ‘If you can break My covenant for the day and My covenant for the night, so that day and night will not be at their appointed time, 21then My covenant may also be broken with David My servant so that he will not have a son to reign on his throne, and with the Levitical priests, My ministers. 22‘As the host of heaven cannot be counted and the sand of the sea cannot be measured, so I will multiply the descendants of David My servant and the Levites who minister to Me.’”

      23And the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, saying, 24“Have you not observed what this people have spoken, saying, ‘The two families which the LORD chose, He has rejected them’? Thus they despise My people, no longer are they as a nation in their sight. 25“Thus says the LORD, ‘If My covenant for day and night stand not, and the fixed patterns of heaven and earth I have not established, 26then I would reject the descendants of Jacob and David My servant, not taking from his descendants rulers over the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. But I will restore their fortunes and will have mercy on them.’”

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.