Category Archives: Holy

All Powerful / King of All, Holy, Idols / False Gods, Justice / Judgment, Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Psalms

The Lord Reigns: Rejoicing in God’s Righteous Rule (Psalm 97)

What does it mean for our lives and the world when we proclaim, “The Lord reigns”? Psalm 97 invites us to rejoice in God’s righteous rule and live with the confidence that His justice will prevail.

Key Verse: “The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad!” – Psalm 97:1 (ESV)

Background Context: Psalm 97 is a song of celebration for God’s sovereign reign over the world. It paints a picture of His majesty, righteousness, and justice, calling all of creation to rejoice. The psalm contrasts God’s light and glory with the darkness of idolatry and wickedness, offering assurance that God’s righteous rule will ultimately prevail. It is a reminder that no matter what happens in the world, God is in control, and He will bring about His perfect justice.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Psalm 97

The LORD’S Power and Dominion.

     1The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice;
Let the many islands be glad.

      2Clouds and thick darkness surround Him;
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.

      3Fire goes before Him
And burns up His adversaries round about.

      4His lightnings lit up the world;
The earth saw and trembled.

      5The mountains melted like wax at the presence of the LORD,
At the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.

      6The heavens declare His righteousness,
And all the peoples have seen His glory.

      7Let all those be ashamed who serve graven images,
Who boast themselves of idols;
Worship Him, all you gods.

      8Zion heard this and was glad,
And the daughters of Judah have rejoiced
Because of Your judgments, O LORD.

      9For You are the LORD Most High over all the earth;
You are exalted far above all gods.

      10Hate evil, you who love the LORD,
Who preserves the souls of His godly ones;
He delivers them from the hand of the wicked.

      11Light is sown like seed for the righteous
And gladness for the upright in heart.

      12Be glad in the LORD, you righteous ones,
And give thanks to His holy name.

Reflection on Psalm 97:

  • The Reign of God Brings Joy: The psalm begins with a triumphant proclamation: “The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice” (Psalm 97:1). This simple but profound statement invites all creation to rejoice in the fact that God is King. His reign is not just a future hope but a present reality. Even in the face of chaos and uncertainty, we can have joy because God is sovereign over all things. The knowledge that God is on the throne brings peace to our hearts and enables us to live with confidence, knowing that He is working out His purposes.
  • God’s Majesty and Power: Verses 2-5 describe God’s majesty and power in poetic language: clouds and thick darkness surround Him, and fire goes before Him, consuming His enemies (Psalm 97:2-3). Mountains melt like wax before the Lord, symbolizing His overwhelming power over creation. These vivid images remind us of God’s holiness and power, which are beyond human comprehension. As we reflect on God’s majesty, we are reminded that no force of evil or darkness can stand against Him. He is the ultimate authority, and His power will one day be fully revealed.
  • God’s Righteousness and Justice: The foundation of God’s throne is righteousness and justice (Psalm 97:2). This means that everything God does is rooted in what is right and just. We live in a world that is often marked by injustice and corruption, but we can take comfort in knowing that God’s rule is different. His kingdom is characterized by perfect justice. He will not allow evil to go unpunished, and He will bring justice to the oppressed. As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect God’s justice in our lives by standing up for what is right and caring for those who are mistreated.
  • The Futility of Idolatry: In contrast to God’s glorious reign, Psalm 97 warns against idolatry (Psalm 97:7). Those who worship idols or false gods are put to shame because their “gods” are powerless in comparison to the one true God. This is a reminder that anything we place above God—whether material possessions, personal ambitions, or other priorities—ultimately leads to disappointment and emptiness. Only God is worthy of our worship, and only in Him will we find true fulfillment and joy.
  • Light for the Righteous: Psalm 97:11 offers a beautiful promise: “Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart.” Those who live in right relationship with God will experience His light and joy, even in dark times. This light represents God’s guidance, protection, and presence in the lives of His people. The joy that comes from knowing God transcends our circumstances and fills us with hope, even in the midst of trials. The path of righteousness is illuminated by God’s truth, and as we walk in His ways, we experience the deep joy that comes from living in His will.
  • Rejoicing in God’s Holiness: The psalm closes with a call to rejoice in God’s holiness: “Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous, and give thanks to His holy name!” (Psalm 97:12). Holiness means that God is completely set apart, perfect, and pure. As we worship God, we are reminded of His holiness and are invited to reflect His character in our own lives. Our response to God’s reign should be one of gratitude, praise, and joy, as we recognize the beauty of His holiness and the goodness of His rule.

Summary Key Points:

  • God’s Reign Brings Joy: The knowledge that God reigns over all creation should fill our hearts with joy and confidence, even in uncertain times.
  • God’s Majesty and Power: The imagery of clouds, fire, and mountains melting reminds us of God’s overwhelming power and holiness. No force of darkness can stand against Him.
  • Righteousness and Justice: God’s reign is characterized by righteousness and justice. He will bring justice to the oppressed and hold the wicked accountable.
  • The Futility of Idolatry: Anything we place above God—whether material things or personal ambitions—will ultimately lead to disappointment. Only God is worthy of our worship.
  • Light for the Righteous: Those who live in right relationship with God will experience His light and joy, even in difficult times. His presence guides and protects His people.
  • Rejoicing in God’s Holiness: We are called to rejoice in God’s holiness and give thanks for the beauty of His perfect, righteous rule.

Application: Reflect on how the knowledge that God reigns brings joy and peace to your life. Are there areas where you need to surrender control, trusting in God’s sovereign rule? Consider how you can reflect God’s righteousness and justice in your own life, standing up for what is right and caring for those in need. Ask yourself if there are any “idols” in your life—things that are taking priority over your relationship with God. Take time to recommit to worshipping God alone, knowing that He alone is worthy. Finally, rejoice in the promise that God’s light and joy are available to you as you walk in His ways.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we rejoice in the knowledge that You reign over all creation. Your power, majesty, and holiness are beyond our understanding, and we thank You for Your righteous and just rule. Help us to live in the light of Your reign, reflecting Your justice and mercy in the world around us. Keep us from placing anything above You, and teach us to worship You alone with hearts full of joy and gratitude. May Your light guide our steps, and may we always rejoice in Your holy name. 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, Eternal, Faithful, Holy, Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Psalms

The Lord Reigns: Resting in God’s Eternal Power (Psalm 93)

Where do you turn when life feels uncertain and the world around you seems unstable?

Psalm 93 calls us to rest in the truth that the Lord reigns, sovereign over all creation, and nothing can shake His eternal power.

Key Verse: “The Lord reigns; He is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed; He has put on strength as His belt. Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.” – Psalm 93:1 (ESV)

Background Context: Psalm 93 is a short but powerful declaration of God’s kingship and authority over all creation. It praises God as the eternal ruler, whose throne was established long before the world began and whose reign will never end. This psalm reminds us that, despite the chaotic and ever-changing nature of the world, God’s rule is unshakable and everlasting.

Psalm 93

The Majesty of the LORD.

1The LORD reigns, He is clothed with majesty;
The LORD has clothed and girded Himself with strength;
Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved.

      2Your throne is established from of old;
You are from everlasting.

      3The floods have lifted up, O LORD,
The floods have lifted up their voice,
The floods lift up their pounding waves.

      4More than the sounds of many waters,
Than the mighty breakers of the sea,
The LORD on high is mighty.

      5Your testimonies are fully confirmed;
Holiness befits Your house,
O LORD, forevermore.

Reflection on Psalm 93:

  • The Lord Reigns in Majesty: The psalm begins with a bold declaration: “The Lord reigns!” (Psalm 93:1). God is not a distant or passive ruler but one who is actively reigning, clothed in majesty and strength. His authority is absolute, and He is exalted above all creation. This imagery of God being robed in majesty and strength emphasizes His sovereignty and the security that comes from knowing He is in control.
  • The Stability of God’s Creation: The psalmist affirms that the world is established by God and “shall never be moved” (Psalm 93:1). This speaks to the stability and order that God has built into His creation. While the earth may seem fragile at times, and the events of the world may feel chaotic, God’s sustaining power ensures that His creation remains firm. We can trust that God’s order will prevail, even when life feels uncertain.
  • God’s Eternal Throne: Verse 2 emphasizes that God’s throne was established long ago and will last forever: “Your throne is established from of old; You are from everlasting” (Psalm 93:2). Unlike human rulers, whose reigns are temporary, God’s reign is eternal. His authority has no beginning or end, and nothing can dethrone Him. This gives us confidence that, no matter what happens in the world, God’s sovereign rule remains unchallenged.
  • The Might of God Over the Waters: The psalmist uses the image of mighty waters to symbolize the forces of chaos and opposition (Psalm 93:3-4). In ancient times, the sea was often seen as a symbol of chaos and danger, but here, the psalmist reminds us that even the most powerful and turbulent forces are under God’s control. “Mightier than the thunders of many waters, mightier than the waves of the sea, the Lord on high is mighty!” (Psalm 93:4). God’s power is greater than any force of nature or chaos we face.
  • God’s Holiness and Faithfulness: The psalm concludes with a focus on God’s holiness and faithfulness: “Your decrees are very trustworthy; holiness befits Your house, O Lord, forevermore” (Psalm 93:5). God’s commands and promises are reliable, and His holiness pervades all that He is and does. We are reminded that God’s rule is not only powerful but also righteous and good. His faithfulness endures forever, and we can trust Him completely.

Summary Key Points:

  • God’s Sovereign Reign: God reigns with majesty and strength over all creation, and His rule is unshakable and eternal.
  • The Stability of Creation: The world is established by God and sustained by His power, giving us confidence in His control over the chaos of life.
  • God’s Eternal Throne: Unlike earthly rulers, God’s reign has no beginning or end, and nothing can dethrone Him.
  • God’s Might Over Chaos: Even the forces of chaos and opposition are under God’s authority, and He is mightier than any challenge we face.
  • Holiness and Trustworthiness: God’s decrees are trustworthy, and His holiness defines His rule, ensuring that He is both powerful and good.

Application: Reflect on areas in your life where you may feel uncertain, overwhelmed, or fearful. How does the truth of God’s reign and sovereignty impact those situations? Take comfort in knowing that God’s power is greater than any chaos or challenge you may face. Trust in His holiness and faithfulness, knowing that He is both mighty and good. Rest in the assurance that God’s rule is eternal, and nothing can shake His authority.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we praise You for Your majesty, strength, and sovereignty. Thank You for reigning over all creation with power and goodness. Help us to trust in Your authority and to rest in the assurance that Your rule is eternal and unshakable. When life feels chaotic, remind us that You are mightier than the waters and that You are in control. May we live with confidence and peace, knowing that You reign forever. 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, Holy, Holy Spirit / Ruach HaKodesh, Obeying God, Protector / Deliverer, Provider, Purposeful / Intentional, Repenting from Sin, Submitted / Servant

A New Heart and a New Spirit: God’s Promise of Restoration (Ezekiel 36)

Have you ever longed for a fresh start, a renewed sense of purpose and direction?

In Ezekiel 36, God promises to restore His people by giving them a new heart and a new spirit, transforming them from within.

Key Verse: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” – Ezekiel 36:26 (NKJV)

Background Context: Ezekiel 36 is a powerful chapter in which God speaks to the mountains of Israel, promising restoration after the devastation brought by their disobedience. Despite Israel’s past unfaithfulness, God declares His intention to restore them, not because of their righteousness, but for the sake of His holy name. This chapter is a profound expression of God’s grace and mercy, offering hope and renewal to a people who had turned away from Him.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Ezekiel 36

The Mountains of Israel to Be Blessed

      1“And you, son of man, prophesy to the mountains of Israel and say, ‘O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the LORD. 2‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Because the enemy has spoken against you, ‘Aha!’ and, ‘The everlasting heights have become our possession,’ 3therefore prophesy and say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “For good reason they have made you desolate and crushed you from every side, that you would become a possession of the rest of the nations and you have been taken up in the talk and the whispering of the people.”’” 4‘Therefore, O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD. Thus says the Lord GOD to the mountains and to the hills, to the ravines and to the valleys, to the desolate wastes and to the forsaken cities which have become a prey and a derision to the rest of the nations which are round about, 5therefore thus says the Lord GOD, “Surely in the fire of My jealousy I have spoken against the rest of the nations, and against all Edom, who appropriated My land for themselves as a possession with wholehearted joy and with scorn of soul, to drive it out for a prey.” 6‘Therefore prophesy concerning the land of Israel and say to the mountains and to the hills, to the ravines and to the valleys, “Thus says the Lord GOD, ‘Behold, I have spoken in My jealousy and in My wrath because you have endured the insults of the nations.’ 7“Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, ‘I have sworn that surely the nations which are around you will themselves endure their insults. 8‘But you, O mountains of Israel, you will put forth your branches and bear your fruit for My people Israel; for they will soon come. 9‘For, behold, I am for you, and I will turn to you, and you will be cultivated and sown. 10‘I will multiply men on you, all the house of Israel, all of it; and the cities will be inhabited and the waste places will be rebuilt. 11‘I will multiply on you man and beast; and they will increase and be fruitful; and I will cause you to be inhabited as you were formerly and will treat you better than at the first. Thus you will know that I am the LORD. 12‘Yes, I will cause men—My people Israel—to walk on you and possess you, so that you will become their inheritance and never again bereave them of children.’

      13“Thus says the Lord GOD, ‘Because they say to you, “You are a devourer of men and have bereaved your nation of children,” 14therefore you will no longer devour men and no longer bereave your nation of children,’ declares the Lord GOD. 15“I will not let you hear insults from the nations anymore, nor will you bear disgrace from the peoples any longer, nor will you cause your nation to stumble any longer,” declares the Lord GOD.’”

      16Then the word of the LORD came to me saying, 17“Son of man, when the house of Israel was living in their own land, they defiled it by their ways and their deeds; their way before Me was like the uncleanness of a woman in her impurity. 18“Therefore I poured out My wrath on them for the blood which they had shed on the land, because they had defiled it with their idols. 19“Also I scattered them among the nations and they were dispersed throughout the lands. According to their ways and their deeds I judged them. 20“When they came to the nations where they went, they profaned My holy name, because it was said of them, ‘These are the people of the LORD; yet they have come out of His land.’ 21“But I had concern for My holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the nations where they went.

Israel to Be Renewed for His Name’s Sake

      22“Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for My holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you went. 23“I will vindicate the holiness of My great name which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD,” declares the Lord GOD, “when I prove Myself holy among you in their sight. 24“For I will take you from the nations, gather you from all the lands and bring you into your own land. 25“Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. 26“Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27“I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances. 28“You will live in the land that I gave to your forefathers; so you will be My people, and I will be your God. 29“Moreover, I will save you from all your uncleanness; and I will call for the grain and multiply it, and I will not bring a famine on you. 30“I will multiply the fruit of the tree and the produce of the field, so that you will not receive again the disgrace of famine among the nations. 31“Then you will remember your evil ways and your deeds that were not good, and you will loathe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and your abominations. 32“I am not doing this for your sake,” declares the Lord GOD, “let it be known to you. Be ashamed and confounded for your ways, O house of Israel!”

      33‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “On the day that I cleanse you from all your iniquities, I will cause the cities to be inhabited, and the waste places will be rebuilt. 34“The desolate land will be cultivated instead of being a desolation in the sight of everyone who passes by. 35“They will say, ‘This desolate land has become like the garden of Eden; and the waste, desolate and ruined cities are fortified and inhabited.’ 36“Then the nations that are left round about you will know that I, the LORD, have rebuilt the ruined places and planted that which was desolate; I, the LORD, have spoken and will do it.”

      37‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “This also I will let the house of Israel ask Me to do for them: I will increase their men like a flock. 38“Like the flock for sacrifices, like the flock at Jerusalem during her appointed feasts, so will the waste cities be filled with flocks of men. Then they will know that I am the LORD.”’”

Reflection on Ezekiel 36:

  • Restoration of Israel: God promises to restore the land of Israel, making it fruitful and prosperous once again (Ezekiel 36:8-12). This physical restoration symbolizes the deeper spiritual renewal that God intends for His people.
  • God’s Motivation: The restoration is motivated by God’s desire to uphold His holy name, which had been profaned among the nations due to Israel’s unfaithfulness (Ezekiel 36:22-23). This shows that God’s actions are rooted in His character and His desire to be known as holy and righteous.
  • A New Heart and a New Spirit: One of the most profound promises in this chapter is God’s commitment to give His people a new heart and a new spirit. He will remove their heart of stone—symbolizing hardness, rebellion, and insensitivity—and replace it with a heart of flesh, which is responsive and obedient to His will (Ezekiel 36:26). This inner transformation is essential for true restoration.
  • Indwelling of the Holy Spirit: God also promises to put His Spirit within His people, enabling them to follow His statutes and keep His judgments (Ezekiel 36:27). This speaks to the empowerment that comes from the Holy Spirit, who guides and strengthens believers to live according to God’s ways.
  • The Resulting Blessing: As a result of this transformation, God’s people will live in the land promised to their forefathers, and they will know that He is the Lord (Ezekiel 36:28). This restored relationship with God brings peace, security, and blessing.

Summary Key Points:

  • God’s Restoration: God promises to restore His people, not just physically, but spiritually, giving them a new heart and a new spirit.
  • God’s Holiness: The restoration is driven by God’s desire to uphold His holy name and demonstrate His righteousness.
  • Inner Transformation: True restoration begins with inner transformation—God removes the heart of stone and gives a heart of flesh.
  • Empowerment by the Spirit: God’s Spirit empowers His people to live in obedience and righteousness.
  • Resulting Blessing: The transformation leads to a renewed relationship with God, bringing peace, security, and blessing.

Application: Let us open our hearts to God’s transforming power, allowing Him to remove any hardness or rebellion and replace it with a heart that is responsive and obedient to His will. May we welcome the Holy Spirit into our lives, relying on His strength to follow God’s ways. Let us embrace the promise of restoration, knowing that God’s desire is to bring us into a deeper, more fruitful relationship with Him, filled with His peace and blessings.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your promise of restoration and transformation. Remove our hearts of stone and give us hearts of flesh that are sensitive and obedient to Your will. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, empowering us to walk in Your ways. May we experience the fullness of Your restoration and live in the peace and blessings that come from knowing You. 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.

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

Do Not Be Bound Together with Unbelievers

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

2 Corinthians 6

Their Ministry Commended

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shalom. May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. Devotion by John in service to Christ

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

All Powerful / King of All, Creative, Eternal, Holy, Justice / Judgment, Loving / Kind, Merciful, Protector / Deliverer, Provider, Strong in Our Weakness, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Reflect on the Greatness of Our God

As you read through this today, reflect on the greatness of our God. This is not a time for speed reading or hurrying. This is a time for slowly digesting the word and what it means in our lives.

Isaiah 40

The Greatness of God

1“Comfort, O comfort My people,” says your God.

      2“Speak kindly to Jerusalem;
And call out to her, that her warfare has ended,
That her iniquity has been removed,
That she has received of the LORD’S hand
Double for all her sins.”

      3A voice is calling,
“Clear the way for the LORD in the wilderness;
Make smooth in the desert a highway for our God.

      4“Let every valley be lifted up,
And every mountain and hill be made low;
And let the rough ground become a plain,
And the rugged terrain a broad valley;

      5Then the glory of the LORD will be revealed,
And all flesh will see it together;
For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”

      6A voice says, “Call out.”
Then he answered, “What shall I call out?”
All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field.

      7The grass withers, the flower fades,
When the breath of the LORD blows upon it;
Surely the people are grass.

      8The grass withers, the flower fades,
But the word of our God stands forever.

      9Get yourself up on a high mountain,
O Zion, bearer of good news,
Lift up your voice mightily,
O Jerusalem, bearer of good news;
Lift it up, do not fear.
Say to the cities of Judah,
“Here is your God!”

      10Behold, the Lord GOD will come with might,
With His arm ruling for Him.
Behold, His reward is with Him
And His recompense before Him.

      11Like a shepherd He will tend His flock,
In His arm He will gather the lambs
And carry them in His bosom;
He will gently lead the nursing ewes.

      12Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand,
And marked off the heavens by the span,
And calculated the dust of the earth by the measure,
And weighed the mountains in a balance
And the hills in a pair of scales?

      13Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD,
Or as His counselor has informed Him?

      14With whom did He consult and who gave Him understanding?
And who taught Him in the path of justice and taught Him knowledge
And informed Him of the way of understanding?

      15Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket,
And are regarded as a speck of dust on the scales;
Behold, He lifts up the islands like fine dust.

      16Even Lebanon is not enough to burn,
Nor its beasts enough for a burnt offering.

      17All the nations are as nothing before Him,
They are regarded by Him as less than nothing and meaningless.

      18To whom then will you liken God?
Or what likeness will you compare with Him?

      19As for the idol, a craftsman casts it,
A goldsmith plates it with gold,
And a silversmith fashions chains of silver.

      20He who is too impoverished for such an offering
Selects a tree that does not rot;
He seeks out for himself a skillful craftsman
To prepare an idol that will not totter.

      21Do you not know? Have you not heard?
Has it not been declared to you from the beginning?
Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?

      22It is He who sits above the circle of the earth,
And its inhabitants are like grasshoppers,
Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain
And spreads them out like a tent to dwell in.

      23He it is who reduces rulers to nothing,
Who makes the judges of the earth meaningless.

      24Scarcely have they been planted,
Scarcely have they been sown,
Scarcely has their stock taken root in the earth,
But He merely blows on them, and they wither,
And the storm carries them away like stubble.

      25“To whom then will you liken Me
That I would be his equal?” says the Holy One.

      26Lift up your eyes on high
And see who has created these stars,
The One who leads forth their host by number,
He calls them all by name;
Because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power,
Not one of them is missing.

      27Why do you say, O Jacob, and assert, O Israel,
“My way is hidden from the LORD,
And the justice due me escapes the notice of my God”?

      28Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth
Does not become weary or tired.
His understanding is inscrutable.

      29He gives strength to the weary,
And to him who lacks might He increases power.

      30Though youths grow weary and tired,
And vigorous young men stumble badly,

      31Yet those who wait for the LORD
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary.

Take a few more minutes and ask the Holy Spirit to really bring forth the rich message in this scripture. Meditate for a few minutes on the greatness of our God. What impact should this have on how you live your life?

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.

Compassionate, Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Doubt / Lacking Faith, Grace / Forgiveness, Heaven and Hell, Holy, Justice / Judgment, Loving / Kind, Merciful, Obeying God, Salvation, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Doors of the Bible

Today I want to share an interesting perspective I gained from the Ark Encounter in Kentucky. I am sharing their material, which can be found at arkencounter.com/about/good-news/. I am grateful for the ministry and outreach efforts of that organization. I would encourage you to consider it for future family vacation plans. My family greatly enjoyed it and it supports a ministry that shares the truth of God’s word in a powerful way.

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Why Did God Send the Flood?

The pre-Flood world was exceedingly wicked and filled with violence. The Bible states that all flesh had corrupted its way on the earth. God sent the global Flood to judge the evil world while preserving Noah’s family and representatives of land animals.

The Ark’s Door

One of God’s specific instructions for Noah was to build a door in the side of the Ark. Noah and his family entered this door to be saved from the Flood. Everyone outside of the Ark perished.

What’s Wrong with This World?

God created a perfect world, but our first parents, Adam and Eve, chose to rebel against their holy Creator. Their sin brought suffering and death into creation, and since all people are descendants of Adam, all have inherited a sin nature set against God. Furthermore, all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). We live in a fallen, sin-cursed world where men love darkness rather than light.

Will God Judge the World Again?

The Bible states that God will judge this wicked world once again, but this time it will be by fire. In fact, Jesus compared the days of His return to the days of Noah. People were caught unaware by the judgment because they were so focused on the things of this world, such as eating, drinking, and marriage. Similarly, Peter prophesied that skeptics would come in the last days and would mock the biblical teachings of creation, the Flood, and the coming judgment. We see these things happening in our day, and God always keeps His promises—judgment will come.

Another Door

Noah’s family entered the Ark’s door to escape the physical destruction of the Flood. God has provided another “door” to save people from the coming eternal judgment. Jesus Christ said, “I am the door of the sheep” (John 10:7). In that culture the shepherd really was the door to the pen—they would rest in the entryway, ensuring that the sheep would be kept safe. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is the door through which we must enter to be saved from our sin.

The Substitute

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, became a man, lived a sinless life, and then willingly died on the Cross as a substitute. As man’s sin brought death, the Son of God died to redeem man from his sins. Three days later, Jesus rose from the dead, showing that He held power over death and demonstrating God’s acceptance of Christ’s payment for sin.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Who Needs to Be Saved?

The short answer is “everyone.” Since God is holy and perfect in every way, He must judge sin. As such, each of us deserves to face God’s justice because we have broken His laws. If you stop and examine your own heart, you will recognize times where you have lied, stolen, coveted, and failed to honor God as He deserves. On our own each of us stands condemned to suffer eternally because of our rebellion, and we need someone to save us from God’s wrath.

How Can I Go Through This Door?

We cannot earn God’s forgiveness as manmade religions teach—it is offered freely through the sacrificial death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We receive God’s forgiveness only through faith in what Christ has done. This means that we repent of our sins, trusting in Jesus and believing that He died for our sins and rose from the dead. In faith, we acknowledge our guilt before God and plead with our Creator to forgive us and save us from our sins.

“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)

Have You Entered the Door?

Have you placed your faith in Christ alone to save you from your sins? If not, we urge you to turn from your sins (repent) and call out to God for His merciful forgiveness. Enter the door of salvation today.

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

All Knowing, Compassionate, Grace / Forgiveness, Holy, Loving / Kind, Merciful, Prophecy, Thankfulness

Jesus Was A Willing Sacrifice

As I read through certain passages in scripture, I am boldly and plainly reminded that Yeshua knew what was to happen and willingly submitted to the Father in sacrificing Himself to pay for our sins. A good way to internalize this a bit more personally is to say to yourself, “Jesus died for MY sins.”

Don’t rush past this thought, dwell on it. Jesus knew what was going to happen before it happened. He was not surprised or trapped or “caught”. He already knew exactly what was to happen. He willingly took the place of the Passover lamb, sacrificed for MY sins… and yours.

Mark 14:12-21

The Last Passover

      12On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb was being sacrificed, His disciples said to Him, “Where do You want us to go and prepare for You to eat the Passover?” 13And He sent two of His disciples and said to them, “Go into the city, and a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him; 14and wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher says, “Where is My guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?”’ 15“And he himself will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; prepare for us there.” 16The disciples went out and came to the city, and found it just as He had told them; and they prepared the Passover.

      17When it was evening He came with the twelve. 18As they were reclining at the table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me—one who is eating with Me.” 19They began to be grieved and to say to Him one by one, “Surely not I?” 20And He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who dips with Me in the bowl. 21“For the Son of Man is to go just as it is written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.”

Knowing that Jesus willingly suffered and died on MY behalf, and yours… should I not come before Him humbly and thankfully to accept this offer of forgiveness by grace through faith? We each must decide. If someone offered you a new car, would you be thankful or would you reject them and keep doing your own thing? So too we must each decide if we will come before Jesus humbly and ask forgiveness for our sins, turning from them and turning our actions and behaviors and attitudes to the ways of Jehovah, that we see modeled in the life of Jesus. Will we choose to accept the gift of salvation, of forgiveness, from the punishment and judgment we have justly earned?

Take care, however, as you can not simply call on the name of Jesus to save you and then continue to go about ignoring or rejecting everything He taught and lived as example. You must truly accept Him as Lord, which will be reflected in how your life changes to reflect His ways instead of your own.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, thank You for Yeshua. Thank You for grace and forgiveness. Please forgive my sin and help me to repent and live wholeheartedly for You, according to Your ways snd not the ways of man or the flesh. You are worthy of praise! Amen.

 Shalom.

Devotion by John in service to Christ

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

Consequences of Sin, Fear / Reverence for God, Forgive Others / Seek Forgiveness, Grace / Forgiveness, Holy, Justice / Judgment, Obeying God, Submitted / Servant, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

God Is a Consuming Fire

Yahweh is often represented as some kind of pushover or marshmallow who is happy with any who even sort of identify with Him even if they are not really submitted to Him. No one says it as directly as this, but we should reflect on how we compromise with the culture and world around us as an indicator. Yah calls us to be a set apart people, holy, for His purposes. We should not put other gods or focus areas in our lives competing with Him or sharing our priority with Him. This could be work, golf, power, money, sports, and literally accepting other gods as another way to salvation, even if we don’t follow them. It could be putting government on God’s place as our father and provider. It could be many things.

What is more direct is those that outright oppose God. This could be in choices like abortion, taking God out of school and government, persecuting those who do follow Yah and many others.

God is a consuming fire, not a marshmallow. He is not insecure and desperately seeking any type of friendship, even half hearted. He expects all of us!

I am sharing the below article from GotQuestions.org.

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What Does it Mean That God Is a Consuming Fire?

God is first identified as a “consuming fire” in Deuteronomy 4:24 and 9:3. The writer to the Hebrews reiterates, warning the Hebrews to worship God with reverence and awe “for our God is a consuming fire.” There is nothing mysterious about the Hebrew and Greek words translated “consuming fire.” They mean exactly that—a fire that utterly consumes or destroys. How, then, can a loving and merciful God also be a consuming fire that utterly destroys?

In both Deuteronomy passages in which God is called a consuming fire, Moses is speaking first to warn the Israelites against idolatry (Deuteronomy 4:23-25) because God is a “jealous God” and will not share His glory with worthless idols. Idolatry provokes Him to a righteous anger which is justified when His holiness is disrespected. In Deuteronomy 9:3, Moses again refers to God as a consuming (or devouring) fire who would go ahead of the Israelites into the Promised Land, destroying and subduing their enemies before them. Here again we see God’s wrath against those who oppose Him depicted as fire that utterly consumes and destroys anything in His path.

There are several incidents in which God’s wrath, judgment, holiness or power are displayed by fire from heaven. Aaron’s sons Abihu and Nadab were destroyed by fire when they offered a profane sacrifice, “strange fire,” in the tabernacle, a sign of their disregard for the utter holiness of God and the need to honor Him in solemn and holy fear. The confrontation between Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel is another example of consuming fire from God. The prophets of Baal called upon their god all day long to rain fire from heaven to no avail. Then Elijah built an altar of stones, dug a ditch around it, put the sacrifice on the top of wood and called for water to be poured over his sacrifice three times. Elijah called upon God, and God sent fire down from heaven, completely consuming the sacrifice, the wood, and the stones and licked up the water in the ditch. Then His anger turned against the false prophets, and they were all killed. When prophesying the destruction of the Assyrians, who resisted the true and living God and warred against His people, Isaiah refers to the tongue of the Lord as a consuming fire and His “arm coming down with raging anger and consuming fire” (Isaiah 30:27-30).

God’s holiness is the reason for His being a consuming fire, and it burns up anything unholy. The holiness of God is that part of His nature that most separates Him from sinful man. The godless, Isaiah writes, tremble before Him: “Who of us can dwell with the consuming fire? Who of us can dwell with everlasting burning?” Isaiah answers this by saying that only the righteous can withstand the consuming fire of God’s wrath against sin, because sin is an offense to God’s holiness. But Isaiah also assures us that no amount of our own righteousness is sufficient (Isaiah 64:6).

Fortunately, God has provided the righteousness we need by sending Jesus Christ to die on the cross for the sins of all who would ever believe in Him. In that one act, Christ mitigates God’s wrath, exchanging His perfect righteousness for our sin. “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). All the wrath of God was poured out on Jesus, so that those who belong to Him would not have to suffer the same fate as the Assyrians. “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31), but we need not fear the consuming fire of God’s wrath if we are covered by the purifying blood of Christ.

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I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please help me be fully submitted and devoted to You. Let me not try to be in relationship and submission to You half hearted. I want to be all in. Please forgive me for my sins and failures through the blood of Christ. Thank You for Your Grace and mercy. Amen.

Shalom

Devotion by John in service to Christ

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

 

 

Fear / Reverence for God, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Holy, Obeying God, Seeking God, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Focus on God’s Mission, Not Your Own, and Do It His Way

Sometimes we may have a tendency to get angry with Yahweh when something does not work out well, even if it was relating to the church or ministry or service to others. David experienced this when he tried to move the ark and Uzza was struck down by Yahweh for touching the ark. David became fearful, which is understandable, and paused the movement of the ark.

1 Chronicles 13

Peril in Transporting the Ark

      1Then David consulted with the captains of the thousands and the hundreds, even with every leader. 2David said to all the assembly of Israel, “If it seems good to you, and if it is from the LORD our God, let us send everywhere to our kinsmen who remain in all the land of Israel, also to the priests and Levites who are with them in their cities with pasture lands, that they may meet with us; 3and let us bring back the ark of our God to us, for we did not seek it in the days of Saul.” 4Then all the assembly said that they would do so, for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people.

      5So David assembled all Israel together, from the Shihor of Egypt even to the entrance of Hamath, to bring the ark of God from Kiriath-jearim. 6David and all Israel went up to Baalah, that is, to Kiriath-jearim, which belongs to Judah, to bring up from there the ark of God, the LORD who is enthroned above the cherubim, where His name is called. 7They carried the ark of God on a new cart from the house of Abinadab, and Uzza and Ahio drove the cart. 8David and all Israel were celebrating before God with all their might, even with songs and with lyres, harps, tambourines, cymbals and with trumpets.

      9When they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzza put out his hand to hold the ark, because the oxen nearly upset it. 10The anger of the LORD burned against Uzza, so He struck him down because he put out his hand to the ark; and he died there before God. 11Then David became angry because of the LORD’S outburst against Uzza; and he called that place Perez-uzza to this day. 12David was afraid of God that day, saying, “How can I bring the ark of God home to me?” 13So David did not take the ark with him to the city of David, but took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. 14Thus the ark of God remained with the family of Obed-edom in his house three months; and the LORD blessed the family of Obed-edom with all that he had.

A common attitude in reading this scripture may be that Yahweh was harsh or that David was only trying to honor Yahweh. However, if we look deeper the history gets more interesting.  David clearly asked the people if moving the ark was a good idea, and said he wanted to do it if it was from Yahweh. However, there is no firm indication that David went to the LORD in prayer and sought an answer from Yahweh about moving the ark. It is not clear if he did so, but its absence of mention may imply he did not as elsewhere in scripture that action is explicitly mentioned.

Further, David moved the ark his own way, not the way Yahweh had instructed. David used a cart where Yahweh instructed it was to be carried by men in a certain way. Yahweh also said noone should touch it and that was violated when Uzza reached up to stabilize it. It would not have tipped and needed to be stabilized if it was carried properly as Yahweh instructed.

I suppose a summary may be that David was so excited with what he wanted to do, perhaps with good intention for honoring the LORD, that he may not have consulted with the LORD on the mission and definitely went about it his own way instead of Yah’s way. The ark was holy and set apart for Yahweh’s purpose. It was not to be treated as common cargo.

I believe there is a lesson in this for all of us. It is not enough to seek to honor God in what we think is right and do it however we want. We must honor God how He instructs and seek Him to make sure we are lined up with His mission and not our own.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please help me to stop and ask You about those things I want to accomplish, even if my heart is towards You. Help me pause and seek You. Let me hear from You. May the Spirit guide me. Show me how to accomplish all You call me to do in a way that is pleasing to You. Help me not to just hurry to do it how I think is right without seeking You. 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.

Children, Faith / Trusting God, Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Holy, Justice / Judgment, Loving / Kind, Obeying God, Study the Word, Traditions / Holidays

Yeshua Is the Passover Lamb

As the final days of his earthly ministry were passing, Yeshua led His disciples to prepare to celebrate Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Think about that for a few moments. Yeshua, God himself living among us, chose to spend some of the closing moments of His brief earthly ministry in preparation of Passover. It was clearly important to him and for good reason.

The timing is not coincidental that Yeshua would be sacrificed for our sins at Passover time. It was intended that way by our Creator. Passover not only reminds us of deliverance from bondage in Egypt but also foreshadows our deliverance from the bondage of sin through the sacrifice of Yeshua on the cross. Yeshua was sacrificed as our Passover lamb… dying for our sins so we can be set free from sin and death.

Mark 14:12-21

The Last Passover

12On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb was being sacrificed, His disciples said to Him, “Where do You want us to go and prepare for You to eat the Passover?” 13And He sent two of His disciples and said to them, “Go into the city, and a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him; 14and wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher says, “Where is My guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?”’ 15“And he himself will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; prepare for us there.” 16The disciples went out and came to the city, and found it just as He had told them; and they prepared the Passover.

17When it was evening He came with the twelve. 18As they were reclining at the table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me—one who is eating with Me.” 19They began to be grieved and to say to Him one by one, “Surely not I?” 20And He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who dips with Me in the bowl. 21“For the Son of Man is to go just as it is written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.”

These celebrations are not “Jewish” tradition. They are not just somehow a meaningless or obsolete instruction from our Creator either. Now we who believe in Yeshua as Messiah have more reason to celebrate it than ever before! Passover and Unleavened Bread are part of God’s tradition for celebrating and remembering our deliverance from sin through Christ! It is a wonderful way to teach our children about the Creator’s relationship with His people.

Exodus 13:6-10

6“For seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, and on the seventh day there shall be a feast to the LORD. 7“Unleavened bread shall be eaten throughout the seven days; and nothing leavened shall be seen among you, nor shall any leaven be seen among you in all your borders. 8“You shall tell your son on that day, saying, ‘It is because of what the LORD did for me when I came out of Egypt.’ 9“And it shall serve as a sign to you on your hand, and as a reminder on your forehead, that the law of the LORD may be in your mouth; for with a powerful hand the LORD brought you out of Egypt. 10“Therefore, you shall keep this ordinance at its appointed time from year to year.

We should enjoy taking part in our Father’s appointed times rather than creating our own based on the traditions of men. It is not just that He tells us to… that got me started to look into it. Now I see how powerfully these celebrations tie into the core element of my faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and what a wonderful way it is to teach my children. As I reflected personally in this regard, it occurred to me. God has some pretty good ideas. (That is quite an understatement!)

I invite you to take some small steps even today to learn more about Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread and how it is not only a celebration of Yahweh freeing His people out of slavery in Egypt, but also a celebration of our being freed from bondage to sin through the death and resurrection of Yeshua!

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, thank You for preparing a path to redemption and reconciliation for us with You. Thank You for sending Your son, Yeshua, to die for our sins so that we can be forgiven. Help me to have a thankful and joyful heart and fully submit to You! Amen. 

To study more on this topic, please review our category of posts relating to Holidays/Traditions (scroll down to move from one post to another) and consider the following.

Here are a few resources where you can learn more about the Moedim, the Creator’s calendar (often called the “Jewish” calendar).

 

I encourage you to invest time studying this topic and do not dismiss it. I have found it to be powerful in transforming the focus of our celebrations off of ourselves and rightly focused toward our Creator and Savior!

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Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? If you die today, do you know for sure that you would be with God in heaven? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.