Category Archives: Character of God

Creative, Interceding for Others, Obeying God, Repenting from Sin, Through Prophets, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Symbolic Acts and Divine Judgment (Ezekiel 4)

Have you ever marveled at how God uses symbolic acts to communicate profound truths?

In Ezekiel 4, we witness the powerful imagery and symbolism employed by the prophet Ezekiel to convey God’s impending judgment upon Jerusalem.

Through these symbolic acts, God speaks with unmistakable clarity, inviting us to ponder the depths of His divine wisdom.

Reconnect:
Ezekiel 4 delves deeper into the prophetic ministry of Ezekiel, as he receives explicit instructions from God to enact symbolic acts representing the siege and devastation that will befall Jerusalem due to its disobedience and idolatry.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Ezekiel 4

Siege of Jerusalem Predicted

      1“Now you son of man, get yourself a brick, place it before you and inscribe a city on it, Jerusalem. 2“Then lay siege against it, build a siege wall, raise up a ramp, pitch camps and place battering rams against it all around. 3“Then get yourself an iron plate and set it up as an iron wall between you and the city, and set your face toward it so that it is under siege, and besiege it. This is a sign to the house of Israel.

      4“As for you, lie down on your left side and lay the iniquity of the house of Israel on it; you shall bear their iniquity for the number of days that you lie on it. 5“For I have assigned you a number of days corresponding to the years of their iniquity, three hundred and ninety days; thus you shall bear the iniquity of the house of Israel. 6“When you have completed these, you shall lie down a second time, but on your right side and bear the iniquity of the house of Judah; I have assigned it to you for forty days, a day for each year. 7“Then you shall set your face toward the siege of Jerusalem with your arm bared and prophesy against it. 8“Now behold, I will put ropes on you so that you cannot turn from one side to the other until you have completed the days of your siege.

Defiled Bread

9“But as for you, take wheat, barley, beans, lentils, millet and spelt, put them in one vessel and make them into bread for yourself; you shall eat it according to the number of the days that you lie on your side, three hundred and ninety days. 10“Your food which you eat shall be twenty shekels a day by weight; you shall eat it from time to time. 11“The water you drink shall be the sixth part of a hin by measure; you shall drink it from time to time. 12“You shall eat it as a barley cake, having baked it in their sight over human dung.” 13Then the LORD said, “Thus will the sons of Israel eat their bread unclean among the nations where I will banish them.” 14But I said, “Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I have never been defiled; for from my youth until now I have never eaten what died of itself or was torn by beasts, nor has any unclean meat ever entered my mouth.” 15Then He said to me, “See, I will give you cow’s dung in place of human dung over which you will prepare your bread.” 16Moreover, He said to me, “Son of man, behold, I am going to break the staff of bread in Jerusalem, and they will eat bread by weight and with anxiety, and drink water by measure and in horror, 17because bread and water will be scarce; and they will be appalled with one another and waste away in their iniquity.

Summary Key Points:

  • The Symbolic Siege:
    God commands Ezekiel to enact a vivid portrayal of Jerusalem under siege, serving as a poignant metaphor for the impending judgment upon the city due to its transgressions against God.
  • The Lengthy Siege:
    Ezekiel is instructed to bear the iniquity of Israel and Judah through symbolic actions, emphasizing the severity and duration of their disobedience and the consequences thereof.
  • The Symbolic Provisions:
    Through specific dietary restrictions and cooking methods, Ezekiel symbolizes the scarcity and deprivation that will accompany the siege of Jerusalem, vividly portraying the suffering and judgment to come.
  • Ezekiel’s Obedience:
    Despite the challenging nature of God’s commands, Ezekiel obediently carries out the symbolic acts, demonstrating unwavering faithfulness and obedience to God’s will, even in the face of adversity.

Call to Action:

  • Heed the Warning Signs:
    Reflect on areas of spiritual complacency and disobedience in your life, heeding the warning signs of God’s impending judgment. Seek repentance and renewal in alignment with His will.
  • Embrace Prophetic Creativity:
    Embrace the creative and unconventional methods through which God communicates His truths. Be open to symbolic acts and prophetic symbolism as powerful tools for stirring hearts towards repentance and transformation.
  • Intercede for Restoration:
    Intercede fervently for restoration and revival in areas of spiritual desolation and brokenness, believing in God’s power to bring about transformation and renewal in individuals and communities.
  • Challenge to Obedience:
    Challenge yourself to obey God’s call, even when it seems difficult or daunting. Like Ezekiel, commit to unwavering obedience and faithfulness to God’s will, trusting in His guidance and provision every step of the way.

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the profound wisdom displayed through the prophetic ministry of Ezekiel. Grant us the discernment to heed Your warning signs and the courage to embrace Your creative methods of communication. May we fervently intercede for restoration and revival, trusting in Your faithfulness to bring about transformation. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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

John Golda

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

Courage / Fear, Fear / Reverence for God, Guide, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Obeying God, Purposeful / Intentional, Speaking, Submitted / Servant, Through Prophets, Visions

Embracing God’s Call of Duty (Ezekiel 3)

Have you ever found yourself feeling God wants you to do something, but doubts and insecurities threaten to hold you back?

In Ezekiel 3, we witness the prophet Ezekiel grappling with similar uncertainties as he is commissioned by God to embark on a daunting prophetic mission. His journey serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential inherent in embracing God’s call, even amidst our fears and limitations.

Reconnect:
In Ezekiel 3, we find Ezekiel commissioned by God to proclaim His message to the rebellious house of Israel. This chapter builds upon the prophetic visions and revelations presented earlier, underscoring Ezekiel’s role as a watchman and herald of God’s impending judgment.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Ezekiel 3

Ezekiel’s Commission

      1Then He said to me, “Son of man, eat what you find; eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.” 2So I opened my mouth, and He fed me this scroll. 3He said to me, “Son of man, feed your stomach and fill your body with this scroll which I am giving you.” Then I ate it, and it was sweet as honey in my mouth.

      4Then He said to me, “Son of man, go to the house of Israel and speak with My words to them. 5“For you are not being sent to a people of unintelligible speech or difficult language, but to the house of Israel, 6nor to many peoples of unintelligible speech or difficult language, whose words you cannot understand. But I have sent you to them who should listen to you; 7yet the house of Israel will not be willing to listen to you, since they are not willing to listen to Me. Surely the whole house of Israel is stubborn and obstinate. 8“Behold, I have made your face as hard as their faces and your forehead as hard as their foreheads. 9“Like emery harder than flint I have made your forehead. Do not be afraid of them or be dismayed before them, though they are a rebellious house.” 10Moreover, He said to me, “Son of man, take into your heart all My words which I will speak to you and listen closely. 11“Go to the exiles, to the sons of your people, and speak to them and tell them, whether they listen or not, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD.’”

      12Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard a great rumbling sound behind me, “Blessed be the glory of the LORD in His place.” 13And I heard the sound of the wings of the living beings touching one another and the sound of the wheels beside them, even a great rumbling sound. 14So the Spirit lifted me up and took me away; and I went embittered in the rage of my spirit, and the hand of the LORD was strong on me. 15Then I came to the exiles who lived beside the river Chebar at Tel-abib, and I sat there seven days where they were living, causing consternation among them.

      16At the end of seven days the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 17“Son of man, I have appointed you a watchman to the house of Israel; whenever you hear a word from My mouth, warn them from Me. 18“When I say to the wicked, ‘You will surely die,’ and you do not warn him or speak out to warn the wicked from his wicked way that he may live, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand. 19“Yet if you have warned the wicked and he does not turn from his wickedness or from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered yourself. 20“Again, when a righteous man turns away from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I place an obstacle before him, he will die; since you have not warned him, he shall die in his sin, and his righteous deeds which he has done shall not be remembered; but his blood I will require at your hand. 21“However, if you have warned the righteous man that the righteous should not sin and he does not sin, he shall surely live because he took warning; and you have delivered yourself.”

      22The hand of the LORD was on me there, and He said to me, “Get up, go out to the plain, and there I will speak to you.” 23So I got up and went out to the plain; and behold, the glory of the LORD was standing there, like the glory which I saw by the river Chebar, and I fell on my face. 24The Spirit then entered me and made me stand on my feet, and He spoke with me and said to me, “Go, shut yourself up in your house. 25“As for you, son of man, they will put ropes on you and bind you with them so that you cannot go out among them. 26“Moreover, I will make your tongue stick to the roof of your mouth so that you will be mute and cannot be a man who rebukes them, for they are a rebellious house. 27“But when I speak to you, I will open your mouth and you will say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD.’ He who hears, let him hear; and he who refuses, let him refuse; for they are a rebellious house.

Summary Key Points:

  • The Call to Prophetic Duty:
    Ezekiel receives a divine commission to serve as a watchman for the house of Israel, delivering God’s messages of warning and exhortation to the nation. Despite the daunting task before him, Ezekiel is entrusted with the solemn responsibility of conveying God’s truth without compromise.
  • The Scroll of Lamentations:
    God commands Ezekiel to consume a scroll containing lamentations, mourning, and woe, symbolizing the bitter judgment that awaits Israel due to their rebellion and idolatry. Ezekiel internalizes the message, experiencing the weight of God’s righteous judgment and the urgency of his prophetic mission.
  • Facing Opposition and Resilience:
    As Ezekiel embarks on his prophetic journey, he encounters resistance and hostility from the rebellious house of Israel. Despite the opposition, Ezekiel remains steadfast in his calling, empowered by the Spirit of God to boldly proclaim His word and fulfill his prophetic mandate.

Call to Action:

  • Embrace God’s Commission:
    Like Ezekiel, embrace the call to serve God faithfully, recognizing that He equips and empowers those He calls. Surrender your fears and uncertainties to God, trusting in His strength to sustain you as you fulfill your divine purpose.
  • Internalize God’s Word:
    Take time to internalize and meditate on God’s word, allowing it to penetrate your heart and mind. Let His truth shape your perspective and guide your actions, enabling you to walk in obedience and alignment with His will.
  • Stand Firm in Adversity:
    When faced with opposition or adversity, stand firm in your faith and conviction, knowing that God is with you. Draw strength from His promises and the assurance of His presence, persevering in your calling with courage and resilience.

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of Ezekiel and his unwavering commitment to fulfilling Your divine mandate. Grant us the same courage and resilience to answer Your call and proclaim Your truth with boldness and conviction. May Your Spirit empower us to stand firm in the face of opposition and adversity, trusting in Your unfailing love and faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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

John Golda

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

All Powerful / King of All, Justice / Judgment, Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Psalms, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

The Sovereign God: A Psalm of Victory (Psalm 76)

Psalm 76 resounds with the triumphant declaration of God’s sovereignty and His power to deliver His people from their enemies. In a world filled with turmoil and uncertainty, this psalm offers a powerful reminder of God’s steadfast presence and His ultimate victory.

Reconnect:
As we delve into Psalm 76, we are reminded of the overarching theme of God’s sovereignty and His role as the divine warrior who defends His people and establishes justice. This theme echoes throughout the Scriptures, providing assurance and hope to believers in every generation.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Psalm 76

The Victorious Power of the God of Jacob.

For the choir director; on stringed instruments. A Psalm of Asaph, a Song.

1God is known in Judah;
His name is great in Israel.

      2His tabernacle is in Salem;
His dwelling place also is in Zion.

      3There He broke the flaming arrows,
The shield and the sword and the weapons of war.

Selah.

      4You are resplendent,
More majestic than the mountains of prey.

      5The stouthearted were plundered,
They sank into sleep;
And none of the warriors could use his hands.

      6At Your rebuke, O God of Jacob,
Both rider and horse were cast into a dead sleep.

      7You, even You, are to be feared;
And who may stand in Your presence when once You are angry?

      8You caused judgment to be heard from heaven;
The earth feared and was still

      9When God arose to judgment,
To save all the humble of the earth.

Selah.

      10For the wrath of man shall praise You;
With a remnant of wrath You will gird Yourself.

      11Make vows to the LORD your God and fulfill them;
Let all who are around Him bring gifts to Him who is to be feared.

      12He will cut off the spirit of princes;
He is feared by the kings of the earth.

Summary Key Points:

  1. God’s Victorious Presence:
    Psalm 76 begins with a proclamation of God’s victory and His glorious presence in the midst of His people. From Zion, the city of God, He shines forth in splendor, scattering the enemies of His chosen ones.
  2. The Fear of God:
    The psalmist emphasizes the awe-inspiring power of God, which evokes reverence and fear among the nations. Even the mightiest warriors are rendered helpless before His majesty, and the rulers of the earth tremble at His presence.
  3. Divine Judgment and Deliverance:
    Amidst the chaos of battle, God arises to bring judgment upon the wicked and deliverance to the righteous. His righteous judgment is executed with precision, and His people find refuge and strength in Him.

Call to Action:

  1. Acknowledge God’s Sovereignty:
    Take time to reflect on the sovereignty of God in your life and in the world around you. Surrender your fears and anxieties to Him, knowing that He reigns supreme over all circumstances.
  2. Walk in Obedience and Reverence:
    Cultivate a lifestyle of obedience and reverence toward God, recognizing His authority and power. Let your actions and attitudes reflect a heart that honors and glorifies Him in all things.
  3. Trust in God’s Deliverance:
    Place your trust in God’s faithfulness to deliver His people from every trial and adversity. Lean on His promises and hold fast to the assurance that He is fighting on your behalf, leading you to victory.

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your sovereignty and Your mighty power displayed throughout the ages. Grant us the faith to trust in Your deliverance and the courage to stand firm in the face of adversity. May Your name be exalted and glorified in all the earth, both now and forevermore. 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, Grace / Forgiveness, Grace / Patience, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Obeying God, Repenting from Sin, Submitted / Servant

Called to Follow: Embracing Unexpected Discipleship (Luke 5:27-32)

Have you ever considered who Jesus calls to follow Him? Luke 5:27-32 reveals a surprising choice in Levi, a tax collector, as one of Jesus’ closest disciples.

This selection challenges our notions of who is worthy of discipleship and invites us to embrace the unexpected in our own journey of following Christ.

Reconnect:
Continuing from the earlier passages in Luke chapter 5, where Jesus called fishermen to be His disciples, we now encounter the unexpected call of Levi, a tax collector. This event underscores that God’s choices and plans are often different from our own and challenges societal norms regarding who is deserving of God’s invitation to discipleship and who He will call to serve in prominent positions or missions.

(Summarized and continued after the scripture)

Luke 5:27-32

Call of Levi (Matthew)

     27After that He went out and noticed a tax collector named Levi sitting in the tax booth, and He said to him, “Follow Me.” 28And he left everything behind, and got up and began to follow Him.

      29And Levi gave a big reception for Him in his house; and there was a great crowd of tax collectors and other people who were reclining at the table with them. 30The Pharisees and their scribes began grumbling at His disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with the tax collectors and sinners?” 31And Jesus answered and said to them, “It is not those who are well who need a physician, but those who are sick. 32“I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”

Summary Key Points:

  1. Embracing Unexpected Callings:
    Jesus defies social expectations by choosing Levi, a tax collector, as one of His disciples. This demonstrates God’s willingness to call and use individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their past or societal status.
  2. Reaching Out to Sinners:
    The selection of Levi emphasizes Jesus’ mission to reach out to sinners and outcasts. He doesn’t shy away from those deemed unworthy by society but extends His grace and invitation to all who are willing to follow Him.
  3. Transformative Response:
    Levi’s immediate response to Jesus’ call highlights the transformative power of encountering Christ. Despite his past as a tax collector, Levi leaves everything behind to follow Jesus, exemplifying true discipleship rooted in faith and obedience.

Call to Action:

  1. Extend Grace to All:
    Like Jesus, let us extend grace and compassion to those deemed unworthy or marginalized by society, recognizing that God’s invitation to discipleship is open to all.
  2. Respond with Obedience:
    When God calls us to follow Him, may we respond with obedience and wholehearted commitment, leaving behind anything that hinders our walk with Him.
  3. Seek Transformative Encounters:
    Pray for transformative encounters with Christ that deepen your faith and prompt you to respond in radical obedience and repentance, regardless of societal expectations or personal limitations.

Closing Prayer:
Gracious Father, thank You for Your inclusive love and grace that extends to all, regardless of our past or shortcomings. Help us to embrace unexpected callings and respond with obedience, faith, and repentance as we follow You. May our lives reflect Your transformative power and love to those around us. Amen.

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

John Golda

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

Discerning / Judging, Healer, Humility, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Miracles, Teachable

Recognizing God’s Power: The Healing of the Paralytic (Luke 5:17-26)

Have you ever been so focused on your expectations that you missed a miracle right before your eyes?

In Luke 5:17-26, we encounter a profound account of Jesus healing a paralytic. However, the response to this miraculous event varies among those who witness it.

Reconnect:
In the preceding verses of Luke chapter 5, we witness Jesus calling His first disciples, Simon Peter, James, and John, to follow Him. These fishermen leave everything behind to become fishers of men, illustrating the radical nature of discipleship. The healing of the paralytic in Luke 5:17-26 serves as a continuation of Jesus’ ministry, demonstrating His authority and power to forgive sins. It’s essential to understand this event within the broader context of Jesus’ mission to bring salvation and restoration to humanity.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Luke 5:17-26

   17One day He was teaching; and there were some Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem; and the power of the Lord was present for Him to perform healing. 18And some men were carrying on a bed a man who was paralyzed; and they were trying to bring him in and to set him down in front of Him. 19But not finding any way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down through the tiles with his stretcher, into the middle of the crowd, in front of Jesus. 20Seeing their faith, He said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven you.” 21The scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this man who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?” 22But Jesus, aware of their reasonings, answered and said to them, “Why are you reasoning in your hearts? 23“Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins have been forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? 24“But, so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,”—He said to the paralytic—“I say to you, get up, and pick up your stretcher and go home.” 25Immediately he got up before them, and picked up what he had been lying on, and went home glorifying God. 26They were all struck with astonishment and began glorifying God; and they were filled with fear, saying, “We have seen remarkable things today.”

Summary Key Points:

  1. Miracle in the Midst: The paralyzed man’s friends demonstrate extraordinary faith by lowering him through the roof to Jesus. Jesus not only heals the man physically but also forgives his sins, revealing His divine authority. Witnessing this miraculous healing leaves the crowd astonished and glorifying God.
  2. Religious Bias and Blindness: While some are filled with wonder and praise, others, particularly the religious leaders, respond with skepticism and criticism. The Pharisees and teachers of the law are so entrenched in their religious practices and expectations that they fail to recognize the divine power at work. Their focus on Jesus’ choice of words blinds them to the undeniable evidence of God’s presence and authority.
  3. Openness to God’s Revelation: This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts and biases, asking whether we, too, might miss God’s miracles because they don’t align with our expectations. We are called to pray for the Spirit’s guidance, that we may remain open and receptive to God’s revelation, even when it comes in unexpected ways. Let us cultivate a spirit of humility and openness, acknowledging that God’s ways are higher than ours, and His power transcends our understanding.

Call to Action:

  1. Acknowledge Divine Power: Recognize and celebrate the miraculous works of God in your life and the lives of others, regardless of how they may challenge your preconceptions.
  2. Pray for Discernment: Pray for the Spirit’s guidance to help you discern God’s presence and leading, especially in moments when His revelation may come in unexpected ways.
  3. Remain Open and Humble: Cultivate a heart of humility and openness, allowing God to work in your life according to His will, even if it defies your expectations.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, open our eyes to see Your miraculous works and our hearts to receive Your revelation, even when it comes in unexpected ways. Grant us the humility to acknowledge Your divine power and the discernment to recognize Your leading. May we walk in faith and obedience, glorifying Your name in all we do. Amen.

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

John Golda

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

Healer, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Learning To Pray Effectively, Miracles, Prayer, Purposeful / Intentional

Embracing the Practice of Prayer: Following Jesus’ Example

In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to fall into the trap of busyness, neglecting the essential practice of prayer. Yet, as we delve into Luke 5:12-16, we’re reminded of Jesus’ profound example of prioritizing prayer amidst His bustling ministry.

Reconnect: As we delve into Luke 5:12-16, it’s essential to reconnect with the broader context of Luke’s Gospel. In the preceding verses, we witness Jesus calling His first disciples and performing miraculous signs, including the extraordinary catch of fish. This sets the stage for the passage we’re exploring, where Jesus demonstrates His authority not only through physical healing but also through the discipline of prayer.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Luke 5:12-16

      12While He was in one of the cities, behold, there was a man covered with leprosy; and when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and implored Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” 13And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” And immediately the leprosy left him. 14And He ordered him to tell no one, “But go and show yourself to the priest and make an offering for your cleansing, just as Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” 15But the news about Him was spreading even farther, and large crowds were gathering to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.

Summary Key Points:

  1. Healing and Compassion: Jesus encounters a man covered in leprosy, a condition not only physically debilitating but also socially isolating. Despite the risks of defilement, Jesus reaches out, touching the man and offering healing and restoration.
  2. A Pattern of Prayer: Amidst His ministry’s demands and the crowds clamoring for His attention, Jesus regularly withdraws to pray. He seeks solace in the wilderness, finding communion with the Father, reaffirming the importance of intimate communication with God.
  3. Prioritizing Spiritual Renewal: Jesus’ dedication to prayer underscores its vital role in His life. Despite the urgency of His mission, He recognizes the need for spiritual nourishment, carving out moments of solitude to commune with God.

Call to Action:

  1. Make Time for Prayer: Let us emulate Jesus’ commitment to prayer by carving out intentional moments in our daily lives to commune with God, seeking His guidance and strength.
  2. Prioritize Spiritual Renewal: Recognize the importance of spiritual nourishment amidst life’s busyness. Set aside distractions and dedicate time to cultivate intimacy with God through prayer and reflection.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach us to follow Jesus’ example of prioritizing prayer in our lives. Grant us the wisdom to recognize the profound significance of communion with You, even amidst the demands of our daily routines. May prayer be the anchor that grounds us in Your presence and empowers us to walk in Your ways. 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.

Justice / Judgment, Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Psalms, Thankfulness

Acknowledge God’s Justice and Sovereignty with Thanksgiving (Psalm 75)

Have you ever found yourself grappling with the injustices of the world, longing for God’s intervention and righteousness to prevail?

In Psalm 75, we encounter a powerful declaration of God’s sovereignty and justice, offering reassurance amidst the turmoil of human affairs, and calling us to express gratitude for His righteous judgment.

Reconnect: As we delve into Psalm 75, it’s essential to reconnect with the broader context of the psalmist’s message. The psalm serves as a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty and righteous judgment, echoing themes found throughout the Scriptures.

This psalm prompts us to reflect on our relationship with God, acknowledging His authority over our lives and the world. Through prayerful contemplation and study, we can deepen our understanding of God’s justice and sovereignty, leading us to respond with gratitude and trust in His righteous ways.

(Summarized and continued after the scripture)

Psalm 75

     1We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks,
For Your name is near;
Men declare Your wondrous works.

      2“When I select an appointed time,
It is I who judge with equity.

      3“The earth and all who dwell in it melt;
It is I who have firmly set its pillars.

Selah.

      4“I said to the boastful, ‘Do not boast,’
And to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up the horn;

      5Do not lift up your horn on high,
Do not speak with insolent pride.’”

      6For not from the east, nor from the west,
Nor from the desert comes exaltation;

      7But God is the Judge;
He puts down one and exalts another.

      8For a cup is in the hand of the LORD, and the wine foams;
It is well mixed, and He pours out of this;
Surely all the wicked of the earth must drain and drink down its dregs.

      9But as for me, I will declare it forever;
I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.

      10And all the horns of the wicked He will cut off,
But the horns of the righteous will be lifted up.

Summary Key Points:

  1. Acknowledgment of God’s Judgment: The psalmist begins by affirming God’s role as the ultimate Judge, declaring His righteous judgment over the earth and all its inhabitants. (Psalm 75:1)
  2. Thanksgiving for Divine Intervention: Amidst the warnings to the wicked, there is an underlying theme of thanksgiving for God’s intervention and the establishment of justice. (Psalm 75:2-3)
  3. Warning to the Arrogant: A stern warning is issued to the arrogant and wicked, reminding them of the inevitability of God’s judgment and the consequences of their actions. (Psalm 75:4-8)
  4. Exaltation of the Righteous: In contrast, the righteous are encouraged to trust in God’s timing and sovereignty, knowing that He will exalt and vindicate them according to His righteous purposes. (Psalm 75:9-10)

Call to Action:

  1. Express Gratitude: Cultivate a spirit of thanksgiving for God’s righteous judgment and intervention in your life and in the world around you.
  2. Submit to Divine Authority: Surrender to God’s authority and trust in His righteous judgment, acknowledging His sovereignty over all aspects of life.
  3. Reject Arrogance and Wickedness: Guard against the temptation to adopt an arrogant or wicked mindset, recognizing the inherent dangers and consequences of such attitudes before a just God.
  4. Embrace Righteous Living: Live a life characterized by righteousness and trust in God’s promises, knowing that He will ultimately lift up and vindicate those who faithfully follow Him.

Closing Prayer: Lord, we thank You for Your righteous judgment and sovereignty over the affairs of humanity. Grant us the humility to submit to Your authority, the wisdom to reject arrogance and wickedness, and the courage to embrace righteous living. May our hearts overflow with gratitude as we acknowledge Your justice and sovereignty. In Your holy 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, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Humility, Miracles, Obeying God, Submitted / Servant

Answering the Call to Discipleship (Luke 5:1-11)

Have you ever wondered why God chooses certain individuals to carry out His work, seemingly bypassing those who might appear more qualified or prepared?

In Luke 5:1-11, we encounter the remarkable account of Jesus calling His first disciples, a powerful reminder that God’s ways often defy human logic and expectation.

Reconnect: As we reflect on this pivotal moment in the Gospel narrative, we are reminded of the profound truth that God sees beyond outward appearances and knows the hearts of individuals intimately. Despite their lack of formal training or apparent readiness, Jesus selects ordinary fishermen to become His closest companions and heralds of the Good News.

Luke 5:1-11

The First Disciples

     1Now it happened that while the crowd was pressing around Him and listening to the word of God, He was standing by the lake of Gennesaret; 2and He saw two boats lying at the edge of the lake; but the fishermen had gotten out of them and were washing their nets. 3And He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little way from the land. And He sat down and began teaching the people from the boat. 4When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” 5Simon answered and said, “Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, but I will do as You say and let down the nets.” 6When they had done this, they enclosed a great quantity of fish, and their nets began to break; 7so they signaled to their partners in the other boat for them to come and help them. And they came and filled both of the boats, so that they began to sink. 8But when Simon Peter saw that, he fell down at Jesus’ feet, saying, “Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man!” 9For amazement had seized him and all his companions because of the catch of fish which they had taken; 10and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not fear, from now on you will be catching men.” 11When they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him.

Summary Key Points:

  1. Divine Selection: Jesus chooses fishermen, individuals occupied with their daily tasks, to be His disciples, demonstrating His divine insight and unconventional methods of calling forth those who will follow Him faithfully. (Luke 5:1-3)
  2. Miraculous Encounter: Through a miraculous catch of fish, Jesus captivates the hearts of the fishermen, revealing His divine authority and inviting them into a deeper relationship with Him. (Luke 5:4-7)
  3. Radical Obedience: The disciples demonstrate radical obedience by willingly leaving behind their livelihoods and familiar routines to follow Jesus, exemplifying their commitment to prioritize His call above all else. (Luke 5:10-11)

Call to Action:

  1. Recognize God’s Sovereignty: Trust in God’s sovereignty and wisdom in selecting individuals for His kingdom work, acknowledging that He sees beyond outward appearances and knows the hearts of His chosen servants.
  2. Respond in Humility: Like the fishermen who recognized their unworthiness in the presence of Jesus, humbly surrender to God’s calling in your life, embracing His invitation to follow Him wholeheartedly and obediently.
  3. Embrace Christ’s Call: Measure yourself against the standard set by Jesus’ disciples, being willing to leave behind everything to follow and proclaim the good news of Christ freely and boldly. Seek the Lord’s will through prayer and Scripture, and be open to making necessary changes in your life to embrace a humble, Christ-centered existence.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we reflect on the calling of the first disciples, we are challenged to examine our own lives and response to Your invitation. Grant us the humility to recognize our unworthiness and the courage to follow You wholeheartedly. May Your Spirit enlighten our hearts and lead us to embrace a life filled with Christ as His humble servants. 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.

Protector / Deliverer, Psalms, Strong in Our Weakness, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Trust God in Times of Trouble (Psalm 74)

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by adversity, wondering where God is in the midst of your struggles?

In Psalm 74, we find the psalmist grappling with similar questions as he reflects on the destruction of Jerusalem and the seeming absence of God’s intervention.

Reconnect: As we delve into Psalm 74, we are reminded of the importance of trusting God’s sovereignty and faithfulness, even in the darkest moments of life’s challenges.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Psalm 74

An Appeal against the Devastation of the Land by the Enemy.

A Maskil of Asaph.

     1O God, why have You rejected us forever?
Why does Your anger smoke against the sheep of Your pasture?

      2Remember Your congregation, which You have purchased of old,
Which You have redeemed to be the tribe of Your inheritance;
And this Mount Zion, where You have dwelt.

      3Turn Your footsteps toward the perpetual ruins;
The enemy has damaged everything within the sanctuary.

      4Your adversaries have roared in the midst of Your meeting place;
They have set up their own standards for signs.

      5It seems as if one had lifted up
His axe in a forest of trees.

      6And now all its carved work
They smash with hatchet and hammers.

      7They have burned Your sanctuary to the ground;
They have defiled the dwelling place of Your name.

      8They said in their heart, “Let us completely subdue them.”
They have burned all the meeting places of God in the land.

      9We do not see our signs;
There is no longer any prophet,
Nor is there any among us who knows how long.

      10How long, O God, will the adversary revile,
And the enemy spurn Your name forever?

      11Why do You withdraw Your hand, even Your right hand?
From within Your bosom, destroy them!

      12Yet God is my king from of old,
Who works deeds of deliverance in the midst of the earth.

      13You divided the sea by Your strength;
You broke the heads of the sea monsters in the waters.

      14You crushed the heads of Leviathan;
You gave him as food for the creatures of the wilderness.

      15You broke open springs and torrents;
You dried up ever-flowing streams.

      16Yours is the day, Yours also is the night;
You have prepared the light and the sun.

      17You have established all the boundaries of the earth;
You have made summer and winter.

      18Remember this, O LORD, that the enemy has reviled,
And a foolish people has spurned Your name.

      19Do not deliver the soul of Your turtledove to the wild beast;
Do not forget the life of Your afflicted forever.

      20Consider the covenant;
For the dark places of the land are full of the habitations of violence.

      21Let not the oppressed return dishonored;
Let the afflicted and needy praise Your name.

      22Arise, O God, and plead Your own cause;
Remember how the foolish man reproaches You all day long.

      23Do not forget the voice of Your adversaries,
The uproar of those who rise against You which ascends continually.

Summary Key Points:

  1. A Cry for Help in Desolation: The psalmist laments the devastation of Jerusalem, describing the destruction of the temple and the desecration of sacred spaces. He cries out to God for deliverance, questioning why God seems absent in the face of such calamity.
  2. Remembering God’s Past Deeds: Amidst his despair, the psalmist recalls God’s mighty works in the past, including the parting of the Red Sea and the defeat of Israel’s enemies. He acknowledges God’s sovereignty and power, appealing to him to act once again on behalf of his people.
  3. Affirming God’s Sovereignty: Despite the apparent silence of God, the psalmist affirms his belief in God’s sovereignty over all creation. He acknowledges that God alone is the one who established the boundaries of the earth and controls the destinies of nations.
  4. A Call to Action in Faith: In the face of adversity, the psalmist encourages the people to remain steadfast in their faith and trust in God’s promises. He urges them to take refuge in God’s unfailing love and to persevere in prayer and supplication.

Call to Action:

  1. Turn to God in Prayer: In times of trouble, let us turn to God in prayer, pouring out our hearts before him and seeking his guidance and comfort.
  2. Remember God’s Faithfulness: Reflect on God’s faithfulness in the past, recalling his mighty deeds and provision, and trust that he will continue to sustain us through every trial.
  3. Stand Firm in Hope: Despite the uncertainties of life, let us stand firm in our hope in God’s promises, knowing that he is always with us and will never forsake us.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, in times of trouble and uncertainty, we turn to you as our rock and refuge. Help us to trust in your sovereignty and faithfulness, knowing that you are always near to those who call upon your name. Grant us the strength to persevere in faith, confident in your provision and protection. 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.

Faith / Trusting God, Healer, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Miracles, Protector / Deliverer, Seeking God, Teachable, Truth

Welcoming the Savior: Lessons from Jesus’ Ministry in Galilee (Luke 4:14-44)

Have you ever witnessed the power of truth and miracles, yet hesitated to fully embrace them?

In Luke 4:14-44, we encounter Jesus’ ministry in Galilee, where he offers himself to all but is met with varying responses.

Reconnect: Reflecting on Jesus’ ministry in Galilee reminds us of the importance of welcoming the Savior into our lives and embracing the truth and miracles he offers.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Luke 4: 14-44

Jesus’ Public Ministry

     14And Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about Him spread through all the surrounding district. 15And He began teaching in their synagogues and was praised by all.

      16And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and stood up to read. 17And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the book and found the place where it was written,

      18“THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME,
BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR.
HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES,
AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND,
TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED,

      19TO PROCLAIM THE FAVORABLE YEAR OF THE LORD.”
20And He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on Him. 21And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” 22And all were speaking well of Him, and wondering at the gracious words which were falling from His lips; and they were saying, “Is this not Joseph’s son?” 23And He said to them, “No doubt you will quote this proverb to Me, ‘Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we heard was done at Capernaum, do here in your hometown as well.’” 24And He said, “Truly I say to you, no prophet is welcome in his hometown. 25“But I say to you in truth, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the sky was shut up for three years and six months, when a great famine came over all the land; 26and yet Elijah was sent to none of them, but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. 27“And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” 28And all the people in the synagogue were filled with rage as they heard these things; 29and they got up and drove Him out of the city, and led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city had been built, in order to throw Him down the cliff. 30But passing through their midst, He went His way.

      31And He came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and He was teaching them on the Sabbath; 32and they were amazed at His teaching, for His message was with authority. 33In the synagogue there was a man possessed by the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, 34“Let us alone! What business do we have with each other, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!” 35But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him down in the midst of the people, he came out of him without doing him any harm. 36And amazement came upon them all, and they began talking with one another saying, “What is this message? For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits and they come out.” 37And the report about Him was spreading into every locality in the surrounding district.

Many Are Healed

     38Then He got up and left the synagogue, and entered Simon’s home. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Him to help her. 39And standing over her, He rebuked the fever, and it left her; and she immediately got up and waited on them.

      40While the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and laying His hands on each one of them, He was healing them. 41Demons also were coming out of many, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But rebuking them, He would not allow them to speak, because they knew Him to be the Christ.

      42When day came, Jesus left and went to a secluded place; and the crowds were searching for Him, and came to Him and tried to keep Him from going away from them. 43But He said to them, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, for I was sent for this purpose.”

      44So He kept on preaching in the synagogues of Judea.

Summary Key Points:

  1. The Rejection in Nazareth: Jesus begins his ministry in Nazareth, his hometown, but faces rejection when he teaches truths that challenge the people’s beliefs. Despite their initial admiration, they attempt to harm him, illustrating the danger of rejecting truth when it challenges our comfort and assumptions.
  2. Acceptance in Capernaum: Jesus moves to Capernaum, where he is warmly received by the people. They marvel at his teaching and witness the power of his miracles, embracing him wholeheartedly and experiencing the transformative impact of his presence.
  3. The Authority of Jesus’ Teaching: Throughout Galilee, Jesus teaches with authority, challenging traditional interpretations of scripture and offering a message of repentance and redemption. His words resonate deeply with those who are open to receiving them, leading to spiritual transformation and renewal.
  4. The Power of Miracles: Jesus performs mighty miracles of healing and deliverance, demonstrating his authority over sickness and evil spirits. Those who come to him in faith experience profound restoration and liberation, affirming the truth of his divine identity and mission.
  5. The Invitation to Welcome Jesus: Jesus offers himself to all who will receive him, yet he respects our freedom to choose. Those who welcome him into their lives experience the abundance of his grace and power, while those who reject him miss out on the blessings he offers.

Call to Action: Let us respond to Jesus’ invitation by:

  • Welcoming Him into Our Lives: Invite Jesus into every aspect of our lives, acknowledging his lordship and surrendering to his will.
  • Embracing Truth and Miracles: Open our hearts to the truth of Jesus’ teachings and the power of his miracles, allowing them to transform us from the inside out.
  • Seeking His Presence: Continually seek the presence of Jesus through prayer, worship, and study of his word, knowing that he is always available to us with love and compassion.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ, who offers himself to us with love and grace. Help us to welcome him into our lives wholeheartedly, embracing his truth and experiencing the power of his miracles. May we always seek his presence and follow his teachings, that we may walk in the abundance of life he offers. 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.