Category Archives: Character of God

Father / Yahweh, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Love, Seeking God

Knowing the Father by Knowing the Son (John 14:7-15)

Sometimes we pray for a glimpse of God, forgetting He’s already revealed Himself—in Jesus.

Key Verse:
“If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.” —John 14:7 NASB

Background Context:
In the upper room, Jesus continued preparing His disciples for His departure. Philip asked for a clear picture of the Father, and Jesus revealed that to see Him was to see the Father. He promised that those who believe in Him would do even greater works, empowered by prayer in His name. Jesus also tied love for Him directly to obedience to His commands.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

John 14:7-15

Oneness with the Father

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

      8Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9Jesus said to him, “Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10“Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works. 11“Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe because of the works themselves. 12“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. 13“Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14“If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.

      15“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.

Reflection on John 14:7–15:
Philip’s request is one many still echo: “Show us God.” Yet Jesus’ answer leaves no room for doubt—He and the Father are one. If you know Jesus, you know the Father. The works He performed were not just demonstrations of power, but living proof of the Father’s heart.

Even more, Jesus promises that believers will do “greater works.” This doesn’t mean greater in power than raising the dead or calming storms, but greater in scope—because His Spirit would work through His followers worldwide. This promise is linked to prayer “in My name”—not as a formula, but in alignment with His will and mission.

Finally, love for Jesus is proven in obedience. Emotion without action isn’t love. True love says, “I trust You enough to follow.”

Application:
If you want to know God more deeply, focus on knowing Jesus—His character, His words, and His ways—and let your love for Him be shown through obedience. Jesus, the living example of God’s Word, did not come to give new commandments but to perfectly fulfill the ones already given, showing us that love for God is proven by walking in His truth.

Closing Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for revealing the Father to me. Help me to trust You enough to obey You, love You enough to follow You, and pray in a way that aligns with Your will. Use my life for Your glory and for the work You call me to do. In Your 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.

Faith / Trusting God, Protector / Deliverer, Psalms, Strong in Our Weakness

When God Is Your Defender (Psalm 17)

When you’re falsely accused or misunderstood, where do you turn first?

Key Verse:
“Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings.” —Psalm 17:8 NASB

Background Context:
Psalm 17 is a heartfelt prayer of David, seeking God’s justice and protection against his enemies. David appeals to God’s perfect judgment, declaring that his cause is righteous and his heart sincere. He asks the Lord to search him, hear his cry, and act on his behalf. This psalm expresses a deep trust in God as the ultimate Defender who sees every motive and action.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Psalm 17

1 O Lord, hear my plea for justice.
    Listen to my cry for help.
Pay attention to my prayer,
    for it comes from honest lips.
2 Declare me innocent,
    for you see those who do right.

3 You have tested my thoughts and examined my heart in the night.
    You have scrutinized me and found nothing wrong.
    I am determined not to sin in what I say.
4 I have followed your commands,
    which keep me from following cruel and evil people.
5 My steps have stayed on your path;
    I have not wavered from following you.

6 I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God.
    Bend down and listen as I pray.
7 Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways.
    By your mighty power you rescue
    those who seek refuge from their enemies.
8 Guard me as you would guard your own eyes.[a]
    Hide me in the shadow of your wings.
9 Protect me from wicked people who attack me,
    from murderous enemies who surround me.
10 They are without pity.
    Listen to their boasting!
11 They track me down and surround me,
    watching for the chance to throw me to the ground.
12 They are like hungry lions, eager to tear me apart—
    like young lions hiding in ambush.

13 Arise, O Lord!
    Stand against them, and bring them to their knees!
    Rescue me from the wicked with your sword!
14 By the power of your hand, O Lord,
    destroy those who look to this world for their reward.
But satisfy the hunger of your treasured ones.
    May their children have plenty,
    leaving an inheritance for their descendants.
15 Because I am righteous, I will see you.
    When I awake, I will see you face to face and be satisfied.

Reflection on Psalm 17:
David’s prayer in Psalm 17 isn’t simply a request for help—it’s a declaration of faith in God’s justice. He invites the Lord to examine his heart (v.3), confident that God’s judgment is true and impartial. Instead of taking vengeance into his own hands, David entrusts himself to God’s care, asking to be kept as “the apple of Your eye” (v.8)—a phrase signifying great love and protection.

David contrasts his reliance on God with the arrogance of his enemies, who trust in their own power and resources. He knows that only the Lord can deliver him from their grasp. Ultimately, his hope rests not just in rescue from trouble, but in the joy of seeing God’s face and being satisfied in His presence (v.15).

Application:
When we face injustice, false accusations, or opposition, we must resist the urge to fight in our own strength. God sees the truth, and His timing and judgment are perfect. Like David, we can invite the Lord to search our hearts, to correct us if needed, and to protect us if we are walking in His ways. True peace comes when we trust our Defender and rest under the shadow of His wings.

Closing Prayer:
Lord, You see my heart and know my every thought. When I am wronged, help me to run to You instead of reacting in anger or fear. Keep me close to You as the apple of Your eye, and let me find refuge under the shadow of Your wings. Satisfy me with Your presence, and let my confidence be in Your justice alone. 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.

Faith / Trusting God, Guide

The Only Way Home (John 14:1-6)

When the future feels uncertain, Jesus offers more than answers—He offers Himself.

Key Verse:
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.’” —John 14:6 NASB

Background Context:
Jesus had just told His disciples that He would soon be leaving them (John 13:33). This news troubled their hearts. In response, Jesus comforted them with the assurance of a prepared place in His Father’s house and the promise that He would come again for them. When Thomas expressed confusion about where Jesus was going and how to get there, Jesus declared that He Himself is the only way to the Father.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

John 14:1-6

Jesus Comforts His Disciples

     1“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. 2“In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. 3“If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. 4“And you know the way where I am going.” 5Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?” 6Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

Reflection on John 14:1–6:
The disciples’ hearts were anxious—just like ours can be when the path ahead feels unclear. Jesus didn’t hand them a map; He gave them Himself. He is the way—not one of many routes, but the only path to God. He is the truth—the unchanging standard in a world of shifting opinions. He is the life—the source of eternal hope and relationship with the Father.

This passage reminds us that Christianity is not simply about knowing a set of teachings, but about knowing and trusting a Person. When our faith rests in Christ alone, our hope is secure, even when our circumstances aren’t.

Application:
When life feels confusing or you feel uncertain about your next step, remember that your security isn’t in knowing every detail of the plan—it’s in knowing the One who is the plan. Trust Him fully, follow Him closely, and rest in His promise to bring you home.

Closing Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for being my way, my truth, and my life. Help me trust You when the road ahead seems uncertain. Draw me closer to You daily, and keep my eyes fixed on the hope of being with You forever. In Your 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.

Courage / Fear, Doubt / Lacking Faith, Faith / Trusting God, Merciful, Protector / Deliverer, Strong in Our Weakness

God’s Mercy in Our Missteps (Genesis 20)

Even God’s faithful servants can stumble in the same way more than once.

Key Verse:
“Now therefore, restore the man’s wife, for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you, and you will live. But if you do not restore her, know that you shall surely die, you and all who are yours.” —Genesis 20:7 NASB

Background Context:
After the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham journeyed to Gerar, where King Abimelech reigned. Out of fear for his life, Abraham again said Sarah was his sister—a repeat of his earlier deception in Egypt (Genesis 12). God intervened by appearing to Abimelech in a dream, warning him to return Sarah untouched. Abimelech obeyed, rebuked Abraham for misleading him, and gave him gifts as restitution. Through it all, God protected Sarah and His covenant promise.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Genesis 20

Abraham’s Treachery

      1Now Abraham journeyed from there toward the land of the Negev, and settled between Kadesh and Shur; then he sojourned in Gerar. 2Abraham said of Sarah his wife, “She is my sister.” So Abimelech king of Gerar sent and took Sarah. 3But God came to Abimelech in a dream of the night, and said to him, “Behold, you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is married.” 4Now Abimelech had not come near her; and he said, “Lord, will You slay a nation, even though blameless? 5“Did he not himself say to me, ‘She is my sister’? And she herself said, ‘He is my brother.’ In the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands I have done this.” 6Then God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know that in the integrity of your heart you have done this, and I also kept you from sinning against Me; therefore I did not let you touch her. 7“Now therefore, restore the man’s wife, for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you will live. But if you do not restore her, know that you shall surely die, you and all who are yours.”

      8So Abimelech arose early in the morning and called all his servants and told all these things in their hearing; and the men were greatly frightened. 9Then Abimelech called Abraham and said to him, “What have you done to us? And how have I sinned against you, that you have brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? You have done to me things that ought not to be done.” 10And Abimelech said to Abraham, “What have you encountered, that you have done this thing?” 11Abraham said, “Because I thought, surely there is no fear of God in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife. 12“Besides, she actually is my sister, the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother, and she became my wife; 13and it came about, when God caused me to wander from my father’s house, that I said to her, ‘This is the kindness which you will show to me: everywhere we go, say of me, “He is my brother.”’” 14Abimelech then took sheep and oxen and male and female servants, and gave them to Abraham, and restored his wife Sarah to him. 15Abimelech said, “Behold, my land is before you; settle wherever you please.” 16To Sarah he said, “Behold, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver; behold, it is your vindication before all who are with you, and before all men you are cleared.” 17Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech and his wife and his maids, so that they bore children. 18For the LORD had closed fast all the wombs of the household of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife.

Reflection on Genesis 20:
Abraham, the man of faith, still wrestled with fear. Even after experiencing God’s provision and deliverance countless times, he repeated a past failure. This shows us that spiritual maturity does not make us immune to old patterns of sin.

God’s protection here was not only for Abraham’s sake but also for the sake of His covenant promise—Sarah was to bear the promised son, Isaac. If she had been compromised, the integrity of God’s plan could have been questioned.

Abimelech’s role is also noteworthy. A pagan king acted with integrity once confronted by God, while God’s chosen servant had acted in fear. This contrast challenges us to examine whether our lives consistently reflect the God we serve—or if fear sometimes distorts our witness.

Application:
Are there areas in your life where you’ve stumbled before and now face the temptation to repeat the mistake? God calls us to learn from the past and trust Him fully in the present. When fear rises, remember His faithfulness. He is able to protect, provide, and preserve His promises without the help of deception.

Closing Prayer:
Lord, thank You for Your mercy even when I repeat the same mistakes. Help me to grow in trust, walking in integrity and courage. Protect me from decisions rooted in fear, and keep my eyes fixed on Your promises. In Yeshua’s name, amen.

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

John Golda

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

Adultery / Sex Outside Marriage, Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Doubt / Lacking Faith, Justice / Judgment, Protector / Deliverer, Unteachable / Foolish

When Fear Leads to Foolishness (Genesis 19:30-38)

Escaping God’s judgment doesn’t mean escaping the consequences of poor choices.

Key Verse:
“Thus both the daughters of Lot were with child by their father.” —Genesis 19:36 NASB

Background Context:
After God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot fled first to Zoar, then into the mountains with his two daughters. Isolated and afraid, his daughters devised a disturbing plan to preserve their family line—getting their father drunk so they could sleep with him and bear children. This led to the birth of Moab and Ben-ammi, ancestors of the Moabites and Ammonites—nations that would later oppose Israel.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Genesis 19:30-38

Lot Is Debased

      30Lot went up from Zoar, and stayed in the mountains, and his two daughters with him; for he was afraid to stay in Zoar; and he stayed in a cave, he and his two daughters. 31Then the firstborn said to the younger, “Our father is old, and there is not a man on earth to come in to us after the manner of the earth. 32“Come, let us make our father drink wine, and let us lie with him that we may preserve our family through our father.” 33So they made their father drink wine that night, and the firstborn went in and lay with her father; and he did not know when she lay down or when she arose. 34On the following day, the firstborn said to the younger, “Behold, I lay last night with my father; let us make him drink wine tonight also; then you go in and lie with him, that we may preserve our family through our father.” 35So they made their father drink wine that night also, and the younger arose and lay with him; and he did not know when she lay down or when she arose. 36Thus both the daughters of Lot were with child by their father. 37The firstborn bore a son, and called his name Moab; he is the father of the Moabites to this day. 38As for the younger, she also bore a son, and called his name Ben-ammi; he is the father of the sons of Ammon to this day.

Reflection on Genesis 19:30–38:
Lot and his daughters survived the fiery destruction, but the spiritual compromise that came from living in Sodom lingered in their thinking. The daughters, seeing no hope for their future, acted out of fear and desperation—but not faith. Instead of seeking God’s provision, they relied on their own misguided plan.

The result was not only sin but lasting consequences—entire nations descended from these unions would become adversaries to God’s people. It’s a sobering reminder that choices made in fear, without seeking God’s wisdom, often plant seeds of long-term trouble.

Lot’s passivity in this account is striking. Whether through trauma, resignation, or poor judgment, he failed to protect his daughters or guide them toward righteousness. Survival alone is not enough; we must also guard our hearts and minds after God has delivered us.

Application:
Have you ever escaped one crisis only to make poor decisions in the aftermath? Deliverance should lead us to deeper dependence on God—not self-reliance born from fear.

Ask yourself: am I making decisions today from a place of faith or from panic? Am I bringing my concerns to the Lord before acting?

Closing Prayer:
Lord, thank You for rescuing me from the power of sin and death. Keep me from making choices rooted in fear or desperation. Give me wisdom to trust Your timing and provision, even in seasons of uncertainty. In Yeshua’s name, amen.

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

John Golda

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

Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Faith / Trusting God, Grace / Forgiveness, Guide, Homosexual Behavior, Interceding for Others, Merciful, Protector / Deliverer

Lot Was Hesitant… But God Was Merciful (Genesis 19:1-29)

Sometimes we’re slow to leave what God is rescuing us from—but His mercy reaches in and pulls us out.

Key Verse:
“But he hesitated. So the men seized his hand and the hand of his wife and the hands of his two daughters, for the compassion of the Lord was upon him; and they brought him out, and put him outside the city.” —Genesis 19:16 NASB

Background Context:
In Genesis 19, God executes judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah due to their grave wickedness. Lot, Abraham’s nephew, lives in Sodom and is visited by two angels who urge him to gather his family and flee. What follows is a sobering picture of mercy, judgment, and God’s power to save.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Genesis 19:1-29

The Doom of Sodom

      1Now the two angels came to Sodom in the evening as Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them and bowed down with his face to the ground. 2And he said, “Now behold, my lords, please turn aside into your servant’s house, and spend the night, and wash your feet; then you may rise early and go on your way.” They said however, “No, but we shall spend the night in the square.” 3Yet he urged them strongly, so they turned aside to him and entered his house; and he prepared a feast for them, and baked unleavened bread, and they ate. 4Before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, surrounded the house, both young and old, all the people from every quarter; 5and they called to Lot and said to him, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us that we may have relations with them.” 6But Lot went out to them at the doorway, and shut the door behind him, 7and said, “Please, my brothers, do not act wickedly. 8“Now behold, I have two daughters who have not had relations with man; please let me bring them out to you, and do to them whatever you like; only do nothing to these men, inasmuch as they have come under the shelter of my roof.” 9But they said, “Stand aside.” Furthermore, they said, “This one came in as an alien, and already he is acting like a judge; now we will treat you worse than them.” So they pressed hard against Lot and came near to break the door. 10But the men reached out their hands and brought Lot into the house with them, and shut the door. 11They struck the men who were at the doorway of the house with blindness, both small and great, so that they wearied themselves trying to find the doorway.

      12Then the two men said to Lot, “Whom else have you here? A son-in-law, and your sons, and your daughters, and whomever you have in the city, bring them out of the place; 13for we are about to destroy this place, because their outcry has become so great before the LORD that the LORD has sent us to destroy it.” 14Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who were to marry his daughters, and said, “Up, get out of this place, for the LORD will destroy the city.” But he appeared to his sons-in-law to be jesting.

      15When morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Up, take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away in the punishment of the city.” 16But he hesitated. So the men seized his hand and the hand of his wife and the hands of his two daughters, for the compassion of the LORD was upon him; and they brought him out, and put him outside the city. 17When they had brought them outside, one said, “Escape for your life! Do not look behind you, and do not stay anywhere in the valley; escape to the mountains, or you will be swept away.” 18But Lot said to them, “Oh no, my lords! 19“Now behold, your servant has found favor in your sight, and you have magnified your lovingkindness, which you have shown me by saving my life; but I cannot escape to the mountains, for the disaster will overtake me and I will die; 20now behold, this town is near enough to flee to, and it is small. Please, let me escape there (is it not small?) that my life may be saved.” 21He said to him, “Behold, I grant you this request also, not to overthrow the town of which you have spoken. 22“Hurry, escape there, for I cannot do anything until you arrive there.” Therefore the name of the town was called Zoar.

      23The sun had risen over the earth when Lot came to Zoar. 24Then the LORD rained on Sodom and Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven, 25and He overthrew those cities, and all the valley, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground. 26But his wife, from behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.

      27Now Abraham arose early in the morning and went to the place where he had stood before the LORD; 28and he looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the valley, and he saw, and behold, the smoke of the land ascended like the smoke of a furnace.

      29Thus it came about, when God destroyed the cities of the valley, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when He overthrew the cities in which Lot lived.

Reflection on Genesis 19:1–29:
Though Lot was distressed by the evil around him (2 Peter 2:7), he had made a life in Sodom and struggled to leave it behind. Even after being warned of coming destruction, he hesitated. But verse 16 reveals God’s compassion—He didn’t abandon Lot to his indecision. The angels physically pulled Lot and his family out.

This moment paints a powerful picture of mercy: God delivers even when we falter. He pulls us from spiritual danger not because we’re quick to obey, but because He is gracious and faithful to His promises.

It’s also worth noting: Lot was rescued because of God’s covenant relationship with Abraham (Genesis 19:29). God remembered Abraham and delivered Lot. This shows the power of intercession—Abraham’s prayers weren’t forgotten.

But the warning is clear too. Lot’s wife looked back—whether out of longing or disbelief—and turned into a pillar of salt. When God calls us out of darkness, we must not look back in regret or cling to the old life.

Application:
Is there something God is calling you to walk away from—but you’ve been hesitant to let go? Don’t delay obedience. Trust His leading.

And remember, God’s compassion may come in the form of disruption. Sometimes, when you won’t run, He’ll pull you out Himself. Don’t resist—go with Him.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your mercy that reaches for me even when I hesitate. Help me to trust You fully and leave behind anything that leads to destruction. Teach me to obey quickly and to never look back when You’ve called me forward. In Yeshua’s name, amen.

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

John Golda

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

Compassionate, Grace / Forgiveness, Interceding for Others

Standing in the Gap (Genesis 18:16-33)

Intercession becomes powerful when we pray not just for places but for people we deeply love.

Key Verse:
“Far be it from You to do such a thing, to kill the righteous with the wicked… Shall not the Judge of all the earth deal justly?” —Genesis 18:25 NASB

Background Context:
After reaffirming His promise of Isaac, the Lord reveals to Abraham His plan to investigate the great outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah. As the two angelic visitors go ahead, Abraham remains standing before the Lord and boldly intercedes for the city. He begins at 50 and works his way down to 10, asking God to spare the city for the sake of the righteous. What we often miss: Abraham’s nephew Lot and his family were living in Sodom. This wasn’t a distant prayer—Abraham was interceding for people he loved, pleading for mercy in the midst of coming judgment.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Genesis 18 (16-33)

  16Then the men rose up from there, and looked down toward Sodom; and Abraham was walking with them to send them off. 17The LORD said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do, 18since Abraham will surely become a great and mighty nation, and in him all the nations of the earth will be blessed? 19“For I have chosen him, so that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice, so that the LORD may bring upon Abraham what He has spoken about him.” 20And the LORD said, “The outcry of Sodom and Gomorrah is indeed great, and their sin is exceedingly grave. 21“I will go down now, and see if they have done entirely according to its outcry, which has come to Me; and if not, I will know.”

      22Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, while Abraham was still standing before the LORD. 23Abraham came near and said, “Will You indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? 24“Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city; will You indeed sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous who are in it? 25“Far be it from You to do such a thing, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth deal justly?” 26So the LORD said, “If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare the whole place on their account.” 27And Abraham replied, “Now behold, I have ventured to speak to the Lord, although I am but dust and ashes. 28“Suppose the fifty righteous are lacking five, will You destroy the whole city because of five?” And He said, “I will not destroy it if I find forty-five there.” 29He spoke to Him yet again and said, “Suppose forty are found there?” And He said, “I will not do it on account of the forty.” 30Then he said, “Oh may the Lord not be angry, and I shall speak; suppose thirty are found there?” And He said, “I will not do it if I find thirty there.” 31And he said, “Now behold, I have ventured to speak to the Lord; suppose twenty are found there?” And He said, “I will not destroy it on account of the twenty.” 32Then he said, “Oh may the Lord not be angry, and I shall speak only this once; suppose ten are found there?” And He said, “I will not destroy it on account of the ten.” 33As soon as He had finished speaking to Abraham the LORD departed, and Abraham returned to his place.

Reflection on Genesis 18:16–33:
This is one of the most intimate and bold prayers in Scripture. Abraham isn’t casually “negotiating”; he’s interceding with deep personal stakes. Lot, his nephew, lived in Sodom. Abraham had already risked his life once to rescue Lot (Genesis 14), and now he pleads for the city where Lot lives.

Why stop at 10? Likely because Abraham hoped that Lot’s household—Lot, his wife, daughters, sons-in-law, and possibly servants—would account for at least 10 righteous people. Perhaps Abraham thought that was the lowest number God would spare for, and that Lot’s family could tip the scale.

This exchange shows us God’s heart: He patiently engages Abraham, revealing His willingness to extend mercy for the sake of even a few righteous people. Abraham’s prayer is bold yet grounded in humility—he appeals to God’s justice and mercy, trusting Him to do what is right.

In the end, while Sodom’s wickedness brings judgment, God does answer Abraham’s prayer by rescuing Lot and those willing to leave with him (Genesis 19).

Application:
Who do you need to “stand in the gap” for in prayer? Like Abraham, intercede persistently for the people you love, even when their choices place them in dangerous places.

Also, remember that God listens—not with impatience, but with mercy. He delights in intercession, especially when it reflects His own heart for justice and compassion.

Closing Prayer:
Lord, thank You for inviting me to stand in the gap for others. Give me Abraham’s boldness to pray persistently for my family, my community, and even for those far from You. Thank You for your mercy. In Yeshua’s name, amen.

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

John Golda

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

All Powerful / King of All, Doubt / Lacking Faith, Faith / Trusting God, Grace / Forgiveness

Is Anything Too Hard for the Lord? (Genesis 18:1-15)

God’s promises don’t depend on our strength—they rest on His power.

Key Verse:
“Is anything too difficult for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, at this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” —Genesis 18:14 NASB

Background Context:
Abraham, now 99, is sitting at his tent when three visitors appear—one of whom is the Lord Himself. He offers them hospitality, and during their visit, the Lord reaffirms the covenant promise: Sarah will have a son within a year. Listening from inside the tent, Sarah laughs at the thought of bearing a child in her old age. The Lord responds with a probing question that has echoed through the centuries: “Is anything too difficult for the Lord?”

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Genesis 18 (1-15)

Birth of Isaac Promised

      1Now the LORD appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, while he was sitting at the tent door in the heat of the day. 2When he lifted up his eyes and looked, behold, three men were standing opposite him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth, 3and said, “My Lord, if now I have found favor in Your sight, please do not pass Your servant by. 4“Please let a little water be brought and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree; 5and I will bring a piece of bread, that you may refresh yourselves; after that you may go on, since you have visited your servant.” And they said, “So do, as you have said.” 6So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah, and said, “Quickly, prepare three measures of fine flour, knead it and make bread cakes.” 7Abraham also ran to the herd, and took a tender and choice calf and gave it to the servant, and he hurried to prepare it. 8He took curds and milk and the calf which he had prepared, and placed it before them; and he was standing by them under the tree as they ate.

      9Then they said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he said, “There, in the tent.” 10He said, “I will surely return to you at this time next year; and behold, Sarah your wife will have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door, which was behind him. 11Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in age; Sarah was past childbearing. 12Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I have become old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?” 13And the LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, when I am so old?’ 14“Is anything too difficult for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, at this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” 15Sarah denied it however, saying, “I did not laugh”; for she was afraid. And He said, “No, but you did laugh.”

Reflection on Genesis 18:1–15:
Abraham and Sarah had waited decades for God’s promise to be fulfilled. Now, at an age when childbearing seemed laughable, God reiterates His word: the promised son will come. Sarah’s laughter wasn’t just amusement—it was a mixture of doubt, wonder, and disbelief.

But God doesn’t shame her. Instead, He calls her to trust Him with that life-changing question: “Is anything too difficult for the Lord?” In other words: “Do you believe I’m limited by what you see?”

We often do what Sarah did—we measure God’s promises by our human limitations. But His power isn’t bound by time, age, or impossibility. He fulfills His word in His time, for His glory.

Application:
What promises of God feel out of reach for you? Maybe it’s restoration, provision, or a breakthrough you’ve been waiting for. God’s question still stands: “Is anything too difficult for Me?”

Bring your doubts to Him. He can handle your laughter and your questions—and He can still do what only He can do.

Closing Prayer:
Lord, forgive me when I measure Your promises by my circumstances. Help me trust that nothing is too hard for You. Strengthen my faith to believe in Your timing and Your power, even when it seems impossible. In Yeshua’s name, amen.

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

John Golda

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

Loving / Kind

Love One Another (John 13:31-38)

The world will know we belong to Jesus—not by our words, but by our love.

Key Verse:
“By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another.” —John 13:35 NASB

Background Context:
After Judas leaves, Jesus begins preparing His disciples for what’s coming. He speaks of His impending glorification through the cross and gives them a “new commandment”: to love one another as He has loved them. This kind of love goes beyond duty—it is sacrificial, selfless, and deeply transformative. Peter, eager to prove his devotion, promises to lay down his life for Jesus, but Jesus foretells his denial. Even so, His command to love stands as the defining mark of all who follow Him.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

John 13: 31-38

      31Therefore when he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in Him; 32if God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and will glorify Him immediately. 33“Little children, I am with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ 34“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35“By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

      36Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, where are You going?” Jesus answered, “Where I go, you cannot follow Me now; but you will follow later.” 37Peter said to Him, “Lord, why can I not follow You right now? I will lay down my life for You.” 38Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for Me? Truly, truly, I say to you, a rooster will not crow until you deny Me three times.

Reflection on John 13:31–38:
Jesus ties His coming death—the moment of His greatest glory—to the call for His disciples to love one another. Why? Because His love for us at the cross is the standard for our love toward others. This isn’t optional; it’s the evidence of discipleship.

Notice, too, that Jesus calls it a new commandment. Loving others wasn’t new in itself (see Leviticus 19:18), but loving as He loves—with a willingness to serve, sacrifice, and forgive—was radical. This kind of love isn’t rooted in emotion but in deliberate, Christ-like action.

Peter’s boldness quickly falters as Jesus predicts his coming denial. It’s a reminder that even our best intentions fall short without God’s grace. Yet Jesus doesn’t withdraw His love. Even knowing Peter’s failure, He continues to call him His disciple.

Application:
How are you loving others? Not just those who love you back, but those who are hard to love? Jesus calls us to reflect His love—a love that serves, forgives, and sacrifices.

If you’ve failed like Peter, don’t run from Him. Jesus still loves you, still calls you His own, and still invites you back into His mission of love.

Closing Prayer:
Lord, thank You for loving me with a perfect, sacrificial love. Help me to love others the way You have loved me, even when it’s hard. Strengthen me to reflect Your heart so that others may see You through me. In Yeshua’s name, amen.

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

John Golda

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

Forgive Others / Seek Forgiveness, Loving / Kind, Purposeful / Intentional

The God Who Knew and Still Loved (John 13: 18-30)

Jesus wasn’t surprised by betrayal—He faced it with love and purpose.

Key Verse:
“After receiving the piece of bread, he went out immediately; and it was night.” —John 13:30 NASB

Background Context:
As the Passover meal continues, Jesus reveals that one of His disciples will betray Him. This announcement stuns the group, and Peter motions for John to ask who it is. Jesus identifies Judas by giving him a piece of bread—a gesture of intimacy and friendship—yet Judas receives it with a heart already set on treachery. Then Judas departs into the night, setting into motion the events that will lead to Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

John 13: 18-30

18“I do not speak of all of you. I know the ones I have chosen; but it is that the Scripture may be fulfilled, ‘HE WHO EATS MY BREAD HAS LIFTED UP HIS HEEL AGAINST ME.’ 19“From now on I am telling you before it comes to pass, so that when it does occur, you may believe that I am He. 20“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who receives whomever I send receives Me; and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.”

Jesus Predicts His Betrayal

21When Jesus had said this, He became troubled in spirit, and testified and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, that one of you will betray Me.” 22The disciples began looking at one another, at a loss to know of which one He was speaking. 23There was reclining on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. 24So Simon Peter gestured to him, and said to him, “Tell us who it is of whom He is speaking.” 25He, leaning back thus on Jesus’ bosom, said to Him, “Lord, who is it?” 26Jesus then answered, “That is the one for whom I shall dip the morsel and give it to him.” So when He had dipped the morsel, He took and gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 27After the morsel, Satan then entered into him. Therefore Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly.” 28Now no one of those reclining at the table knew for what purpose He had said this to him. 29For some were supposing, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus was saying to him, “Buy the things we have need of for the feast”; or else, that he should give something to the poor. 30So after receiving the morsel he went out immediately; and it was night.

Reflection on John 13:18–30:
Jesus knew Judas would betray Him. He knew the pain, the injustice, and the darkness ahead—and yet He washed Judas’ feet and shared bread with him anyway. That’s staggering grace.

The giving of bread was a sign of honor, yet Judas took this act of love and used it as his moment to leave for betrayal. John’s haunting note—“And it was night”—is more than a time stamp. It’s a spiritual reality. Judas walked out of the Light and into the darkness he had chosen.

Still, nothing here is out of God’s control. Jesus says these things are happening so Scripture will be fulfilled. Even in betrayal, God’s plan for redemption moves forward.

Application:
Have you ever been betrayed by someone close? Jesus understands. He shows us that we can face even the deepest wounds with a heart that trusts the Father and chooses love.

Also, examine your heart: are there places where you’ve resisted Jesus’ invitation, walking away from His Light toward the shadows? He calls you back before the night overtakes you.

Closing Prayer:
Lord, thank You for loving me even when I’ve resisted You. Help me to forgive those who have betrayed or hurt me, as You forgave. Keep me in Your Light, and give me courage to stay near when it’s easier to walk away. In Yeshua’s name, amen.

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

John Golda

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