Category Archives: Protector / Deliverer

Protector / Deliverer, Purposeful / Intentional, Traditions / Holidays

Remember What God Has Done (Exodus 13:1-16)

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After God brings you through something difficult, how do you keep from forgetting Him once the season changes?

Key Verse:
“And it shall serve as a sign to you on your hand and as a reminder on your forehead, that the law of the LORD may be in your mouth…” —Exodus 13:9 NASB

Background Context:
In Exodus 12, God delivers Israel from Egypt through the Passover and brings them out exactly as He promised. The people leave bondage behind and begin their journey toward the land God promised them.

Now in Exodus 13:1–16, God immediately gives instructions about remembrance, consecration, and teaching future generations. Deliverance was never meant to become a forgotten event—it was meant to shape how His people lived going forward.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Exodus 13:1-16

Consecration of the Firstborn

      1Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2“Sanctify to Me every firstborn, the first offspring of every womb among the sons of Israel, both of man and beast; it belongs to Me.”

      3Moses said to the people, “Remember this day in which you went out from Egypt, from the house of slavery; for by a powerful hand the LORD brought you out from this place. And nothing leavened shall be eaten. 4“On this day in the month of Abib, you are about to go forth. 5“It shall be when the LORD brings you to the land of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Amorite, the Hivite and the Jebusite, which He swore to your fathers to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey, that you shall observe this rite in this month. 6“For seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, and on the seventh day there shall be a feast to the LORD. 7“Unleavened bread shall be eaten throughout the seven days; and nothing leavened shall be seen among you, nor shall any leaven be seen among you in all your borders. 8“You shall tell your son on that day, saying, ‘It is because of what the LORD did for me when I came out of Egypt.’ 9“And it shall serve as a sign to you on your hand, and as a reminder on your forehead, that the law of the LORD may be in your mouth; for with a powerful hand the LORD brought you out of Egypt. 10“Therefore, you shall keep this ordinance at its appointed time from year to year.

      11“Now when the LORD brings you to the land of the Canaanite, as He swore to you and to your fathers, and gives it to you, 12you shall devote to the LORD the first offspring of every womb, and the first offspring of every beast that you own; the males belong to the LORD. 13“But every first offspring of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb, but if you do not redeem it, then you shall break its neck; and every firstborn of man among your sons you shall redeem. 14“And it shall be when your son asks you in time to come, saying, ‘What is this?’ then you shall say to him, ‘With a powerful hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, from the house of slavery. 15‘It came about, when Pharaoh was stubborn about letting us go, that the LORD killed every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man and the firstborn of beast. Therefore, I sacrifice to the LORD the males, the first offspring of every womb, but every firstborn of my sons I redeem.’ 16“So it shall serve as a sign on your hand and as phylacteries on your forehead, for with a powerful hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt.”

Reflection on Exodus 13:1–16:
After bringing Israel out of Egypt, God immediately tells them to remember.

This is significant.

God knows how quickly people can forget His faithfulness once the crisis has passed. In moments of desperation, people often cry out to God intensely—but once deliverance comes, it becomes easy to move on and slowly lose sight of what He has done.

So God establishes reminders.

He tells Israel to consecrate every firstborn to Him because He spared their firstborn during Passover. This was meant to create a continual reminder that their deliverance came from God alone.

The Feast of Unleavened Bread is also reaffirmed—not simply as ritual, but as remembrance.

Again and again, God emphasizes:

  • remember this day
  • teach your children
  • tell future generations
  • keep this before you

This reveals something important about spiritual life.

Faith is not sustained by occasional emotional moments alone.

It must be intentionally remembered and reinforced.

God was building rhythms of remembrance into the lives of His people so they would not drift spiritually after deliverance.

Moses repeatedly says:
“It is because of what the LORD did for me…”

This makes the deliverance personal.

Not just:

  • what God did historically
  • what God did for the nation
  • what God did for others

But:
“What God did for me.”

This passage also shows that deliverance leads to consecration.

God did not rescue His people merely so they could continue living exactly the same way they had before.

They now belonged to Him in a special way.

The firstborn being set apart symbolized that their lives were now connected to God’s purposes and ownership.

This principle still matters today.

God’s work in our lives is not meant to produce temporary gratitude alone—it is meant to produce transformed living.

We also see repeated emphasis on future generations.

Parents were to explain:

  • why these practices existed
  • what God had done
  • and why it mattered

Faith was meant to be shared intentionally.

This passage challenges us with an important question:

What are we doing to remember God’s faithfulness?

Because without intentional remembrance:

  • gratitude fades
  • spiritual complacency grows
  • and people slowly drift

God knew Israel would need reminders.

And so do we.

The moments where God has carried us, delivered us, provided for us, and changed us should not become distant memories. They should shape:

  • our worship
  • our obedience
  • our identity
  • and the way we teach others

Deliverance was not the end of the story.

It was the beginning of a life centered on remembering and following God.

Application:

  • Regularly remember and reflect on what God has done in your life.
  • Build intentional habits that keep your focus on God’s faithfulness.
  • Allow God’s deliverance to lead to deeper obedience and surrender.
  • Share God’s faithfulness with the next generation and those around you.
  • Guard against spiritual forgetfulness after difficult seasons pass.

Closing Prayer:
Father, help me never to forget Your faithfulness and the ways You have carried me through difficult seasons. Teach me to remember what You have done and to let those memories shape how I live today. Help me to walk in obedience, gratitude, and trust, and give me opportunities to share Your faithfulness with others. 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 Knowing, All Powerful / King of All, Faith / Trusting God, Faithful, His Timing Not Ours, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Patient, Prophecy, Protector / Deliverer, Traditions / Holidays

Trusting God Through the Process (Exodus 7-12)

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Have you ever struggled to understand why God allows difficult seasons to continue longer than expected?

Key Verse:
“And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD…” —Exodus 7:5 NASB

Background Context:
From Exodus 7–12, God confronts Pharaoh and Egypt through the plagues, ultimately leading to the Passover and the deliverance of Israel. These chapters reveal far more than a series of judgments—they reveal God’s character, authority, timing, and faithfulness.

Throughout this progression, we repeatedly see the same themes:

  • God makes Himself known
  • Pharaoh resists and compromises
  • Judgment escalates
  • God distinguishes His people
  • Deliverance comes through obedience and trust

This section forms a complete movement—from confrontation to deliverance—and reveals important truths about how God works in our lives today.

Exodus 7-12

Reflection on Exodus 7–12:
One of the clearest themes throughout these chapters is that God wants to make Himself known.

Again and again, God declares:

  • “Then you shall know that I am the LORD”
  • “That My name may be declared throughout the earth”
  • “That you may tell your son and your grandson”

The plagues were not random acts of destruction.

God was revealing:

  • His authority over Egypt
  • His superiority over false gods
  • His power over nature, rulers, and nations
  • His faithfulness to His covenant promises

And He was doing so in a way that would be remembered for generations.

At the center of this story stands Pharaoh.

Early on, Pharaoh hardens his own heart repeatedly. He sees God’s power, hears clear warnings, and still refuses to submit. Later, Scripture tells us that the LORD hardens Pharaoh’s heart—not by forcing him into a new direction, but by confirming and sustaining the path Pharaoh had already chosen.

God allowed Pharaoh’s resistance to continue so that His power and glory would be revealed more fully.

This reminds us of an important truth:

God is sovereign even over opposition.

What appears to be delay is often God unfolding a greater purpose than we can yet see.

Another major pattern throughout these chapters is compromise.

Pharaoh repeatedly tries to negotiate with God:

  • partial obedience
  • delayed obedience
  • limited surrender

But God does not accept compromise.

Again and again, we see that partial obedience is still disobedience. God was not calling Pharaoh to negotiate—He was calling him to humble himself and obey fully.

This same temptation exists in our lives today.

We may want to follow God while still holding onto control, comfort, or areas we do not want to surrender. But these chapters remind us that God calls for wholehearted obedience.

As the plagues continue, judgment intensifies.

What begins with discomfort grows into devastation. Yet even in judgment, we repeatedly see God’s mercy:

  • warnings before plagues
  • opportunities to respond
  • distinction between Egypt and Israel

God was not acting recklessly.

He was revealing Himself clearly and giving opportunity after opportunity for repentance.

Then comes Passover.

This is the turning point of the entire section.

The difference between judgment and deliverance was not human strength, status, or effort—it was the blood of the lamb applied in obedience to God’s instruction.

Where the blood was present, judgment passed over.

This points directly to Yeshua, the Lamb of God, through whom deliverance from sin and judgment is provided (John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7).

We also see throughout these chapters that God’s timing is perfect.

The deliverance from Egypt was not an afterthought or sudden reaction. God had spoken of it generations earlier to Abraham (Genesis 15:12–14). After hundreds of years, God fulfilled His promise exactly.

What may have seemed delayed was never forgotten.

This is deeply encouraging for us.

There are seasons when we:

  • do not understand God’s timing
  • feel stuck in difficulty
  • wonder whether God is still working

But Exodus 7–12 reminds us:

  • God sees
  • God remembers
  • God acts
  • and God fulfills His promises perfectly

These chapters challenge us to ask:

Will we harden our hearts like Pharaoh?
Will we try to compromise with God?
Or will we trust Him fully, obey Him completely, and place ourselves under what He has provided?

God was not only delivering Israel from Egypt.

He was teaching His people who He is.

And He is still doing the same today.

Application:

  • Trust that God is working even when His timing feels slow.
  • Respond to God with full obedience rather than compromise.
  • Take seriously the warnings and instruction God gives.
  • Remember that God’s deliverance comes through what He provides, not through human effort.
  • Reflect on God’s faithfulness in the past to strengthen your faith in the present.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for revealing Yourself through Your Word and through Your faithfulness. Help me to trust You even when I do not understand the timing or the process. Keep me from hardening my heart or compromising with what You have called me to do. Teach me to obey You fully and to rest in the deliverance You provide. Thank You for always keeping 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.

Obeying God, Protector / Deliverer, Traditions / Holidays

The Blood that Saves (Exodus 12:1-28)

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What makes the difference between judgment and deliverance?

Key Verse:
“The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live; and when I see the blood I will pass over you…” —Exodus 12:13 NASB

Background Context:
In Exodus 11, God declares that one final plague is coming—the death of the firstborn—which will break Pharaoh’s resistance and lead to Israel’s release.

Now in Exodus 12:1–28, before judgment comes, God gives His people specific instructions. This moment is not just about deliverance from Egypt—it establishes a lasting ordinance that points to something far greater.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Exodus 12:1-28

The Passover Lamb

      1Now the LORD said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, 2“This month shall be the beginning of months for you; it is to be the first month of the year to you. 3“Speak to all the congregation of Israel, saying, ‘On the tenth of this month they are each one to take a lamb for themselves, according to their fathers’ households, a lamb for each household. 4‘Now if the household is too small for a lamb, then he and his neighbor nearest to his house are to take one according to the number of persons in them; according to what each man should eat, you are to divide the lamb. 5‘Your lamb shall be an unblemished male a year old; you may take it from the sheep or from the goats. 6‘You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of the same month, then the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel is to kill it at twilight. 7‘Moreover, they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. 8‘They shall eat the flesh that same night, roasted with fire, and they shall eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. 9‘Do not eat any of it raw or boiled at all with water, but rather roasted with fire, both its head and its legs along with its entrails. 10‘And you shall not leave any of it over until morning, but whatever is left of it until morning, you shall burn with fire. 11‘Now you shall eat it in this manner: with your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it in haste—it is the LORD’S Passover. 12‘For I will go through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments—I am the LORD. 13‘The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live; and when I see the blood I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.

Feast of Unleavened Bread

14‘Now this day will be a memorial to you, and you shall celebrate it as a feast to the LORD; throughout your generations you are to celebrate it as a permanent ordinance. 15‘Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, but on the first day you shall remove leaven from your houses; for whoever eats anything leavened from the first day until the seventh day, that person shall be cut off from Israel. 16‘On the first day you shall have a holy assembly, and another holy assembly on the seventh day; no work at all shall be done on them, except what must be eaten by every person, that alone may be prepared by you. 17‘You shall also observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread, for on this very day I brought your hosts out of the land of Egypt; therefore you shall observe this day throughout your generations as a permanent ordinance. 18‘In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at evening, you shall eat unleavened bread, until the twenty-first day of the month at evening. 19‘Seven days there shall be no leaven found in your houses; for whoever eats what is leavened, that person shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he is an alien or a native of the land. 20‘You shall not eat anything leavened; in all your dwellings you shall eat unleavened bread.’”

      21Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel and said to them, “Go and take for yourselves lambs according to your families, and slay the Passover lamb. 22“You shall take a bunch of hyssop and dip it in the blood which is in the basin, and apply some of the blood that is in the basin to the lintel and the two doorposts; and none of you shall go outside the door of his house until morning.

A Memorial of Redemption

23“For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when He sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the LORD will pass over the door and will not allow the destroyer to come in to your houses to smite you. 24“And you shall observe this event as an ordinance for you and your children forever. 25“When you enter the land which the LORD will give you, as He has promised, you shall observe this rite. 26“And when your children say to you, ‘What does this rite mean to you?’ 27you shall say, ‘It is a Passover sacrifice to the LORD who passed over the houses of the sons of Israel in Egypt when He smote the Egyptians, but spared our homes.’” And the people bowed low and worshiped.

      28Then the sons of Israel went and did so; just as the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron, so they did.

Reflection on Exodus 12:1–28:
Before the final plague, God does something remarkable.

He prepares His people.

He does not leave them uncertain or unprotected. Instead, He gives clear, detailed instructions—what to do, when to do it, and why it matters.

This is important.

God’s deliverance is not random—it is intentional and revealed. Those who listen and obey are brought under His protection.

The instructions center on a lamb.

Each household is to take an unblemished lamb, keep it, and then sacrifice it at the appointed time. The blood of the lamb is then placed on the doorposts and lintel of the house.

This is the defining act.

The blood becomes a sign.

God says, “When I see the blood, I will pass over you.”

This is the difference between life and death.

Not effort.
Not status.
Not identity alone.

The blood.

This points to a deeper truth that echoes throughout Scripture. Deliverance is not based on who we are or what we have done—it is based on what God has provided and whether we respond in obedience.

The people are also instructed to eat the lamb in a specific way—prepared, ready, with sandals on their feet and staff in hand.

This is not just a meal.

It is preparation for departure.

Deliverance is coming, and they must be ready to move.

God is not only saving them from judgment—He is leading them out of bondage.

He then establishes this event as a permanent memorial.

“This day will be a memorial to you…”

The Feast of Unleavened Bread is instituted so that future generations will remember what God has done.

This is not meant to be forgotten.

God’s acts of deliverance are to be remembered, retold, and passed down.

This connects to something we have seen before—God’s work is not only for the present moment, but for generations to come.

Finally, we see the response of the people.

“They bowed low and worshiped.”

And then:

“The sons of Israel went and did so…”

This is the right response.

They did not debate.
They did not delay.
They obeyed.

This passage is one of the clearest pictures in all of Scripture of salvation and deliverance.

A substitute is provided.
Blood is required.
Judgment is coming.
Protection is given to those who obey.

And it all points forward to Yeshua—the Lamb of God—whose sacrifice brings ultimate deliverance from sin and judgment (John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7).

The question this passage leaves us with is simple and profound:

Are we covered?

Because when judgment comes, only what God has provided will stand.

Application:

  • Trust in what God has provided for your deliverance, not in your own efforts.
  • Respond to God’s instructions with obedience, not delay.
  • Live with readiness, knowing that God is leading you forward.
  • Remember and share what God has done in your life.
  • Place your faith in Yeshua, the Lamb who takes away sin (John 1:29).

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for providing a way of deliverance. Help me to trust fully in what You have done and to respond with obedience and faith. Remind me to live ready, prepared to follow where You lead. Thank You for the sacrifice that brings life and protection. 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.

Protector / Deliverer, Psalms, Seeking God

Help Comes from the Lord (Psalm 54)

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When others turn against you, where do you turn for help?

Key Verse:
“Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my soul.” —Psalm 54:4 NASB

Background Context:
Psalms 54 was written by David when the Ziphites betrayed him by revealing his location to Saul (1 Samuel 23:19; 26:1). Instead of being protected by his own people, David was handed over to his enemy.

Following Psalm 53, which describes the corruption of those who reject God, Psalm 54 shows how the righteous respond when surrounded by such people.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Psalm 54

Prayer for Defense against Enemies.

For the choir director; on stringed instruments. A Maskil of David, when the Ziphites came and said to Saul, “Is not David hiding himself among us?”

     1Save me, O God, by Your name,
And vindicate me by Your power.

      2Hear my prayer, O God;
Give ear to the words of my mouth.

      3For strangers have risen against me
And violent men have sought my life;
They have not set God before them.

Selah.

      4Behold, God is my helper;
The Lord is the sustainer of my soul.

      5He will recompense the evil to my foes;
Destroy them in Your faithfulness.

      6Willingly I will sacrifice to You;
I will give thanks to Your name, O LORD, for it is good.

      7For He has delivered me from all trouble,
And my eye has looked with satisfaction upon my enemies.

Reflection on Psalm 54:
David begins with a direct and urgent cry:

“Save me… vindicate me…”

He does not hesitate. He goes straight to God.

This is important.

When facing betrayal or opposition, our first instinct may be to defend ourselves, to seek revenge, or to look for human solutions. But David shows us a different response—he turns to God immediately.

He describes his situation clearly.

“Strangers have risen against me… violent men have sought my life…”

These are not distant enemies—these are people close enough to know him, people who have chosen to act against him. This kind of betrayal cuts deeper.

Yet David identifies the root issue:

“They have not set God before them.”

This connects directly to Psalm 53.

Those who reject God act without regard for truth, justice, or righteousness. Their actions are driven by self-interest, not by reverence for God.

But David does not stay focused on his enemies.

He shifts his focus to God.

“Behold, God is my helper…”

This is a declaration of confidence.

David does not say that God might help him—he says that God is his helper. His trust is not based on circumstances, but on God’s character.

He continues:

“The Lord is the sustainer of my soul.”

This goes deeper than physical deliverance.

David recognizes that even in the midst of danger, God is sustaining him internally—giving him strength, stability, and endurance.

He then entrusts justice to God.

“He will recompense the evil to my foes…”

David does not take matters into his own hands. He trusts that God will deal with injustice rightly and in His time.

This is a key lesson.

When we try to take control, we often make things worse. But when we trust God, we allow Him to work in ways that are just and complete.

David ends with a commitment to worship:

“Willingly I will sacrifice to You… I will give thanks…”

Even before deliverance is fully realized, David chooses gratitude.

This is faith.

He trusts that God will deliver him, and he responds with worship in advance.

Psalm 54 shows us what it looks like to trust God in the face of betrayal:

  • Turn to God immediately
  • Trust Him as your helper
  • Rely on Him for strength
  • Leave justice in His hands
  • Respond with gratitude and worship

This is not a passive response—it is a deeply active trust in God.

Application:

  • Turn to God first when facing opposition or betrayal.
  • Trust God as your helper rather than relying solely on yourself.
  • Allow God to sustain you internally, not just change your circumstances.
  • Resist the urge to take revenge—trust God with justice.
  • Choose gratitude and worship, even before you see the outcome.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for being my helper and the sustainer of my soul. When I face opposition or betrayal, help me to turn to You first and trust in Your strength. Keep me from taking matters into my own hands, and help me to rely on Your justice. Fill my heart with gratitude and faith, even before I see the outcome. 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, Miracles, Miracles, Obeying God, Protector / Deliverer, Repenting from Sin, Seeking God, Submitted / Servant

Responding to God’s Warning (Exodus 9:8-21)

When God gives a warning, do you take it seriously—or ignore it?

Key Verse:
“The one among the servants of Pharaoh who feared the word of the LORD made his servants and his livestock flee into the houses.” —Exodus 9:20 NASB

Background Context:
In Exodus 9:1–7, God sends a plague upon the livestock of Egypt while protecting Israel, clearly distinguishing His people from the Egyptians. Pharaoh sees the evidence but still hardens his heart.

Now in Exodus 9:8–21, God sends another plague—boils upon man and beast—followed by a warning of a coming hailstorm. For the first time, we see a division not just between Egypt and Israel, but among the Egyptians themselves based on how they respond to God’s word.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Exodus 9:8-21

The Plague of Boils

      8Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Take for yourselves handfuls of soot from a kiln, and let Moses throw it toward the sky in the sight of Pharaoh. 9“It will become fine dust over all the land of Egypt, and will become boils breaking out with sores on man and beast through all the land of Egypt.” 10So they took soot from a kiln, and stood before Pharaoh; and Moses threw it toward the sky, and it became boils breaking out with sores on man and beast. 11The magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils, for the boils were on the magicians as well as on all the Egyptians. 12And the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he did not listen to them, just as the LORD had spoken to Moses.

      13Then the LORD said to Moses, “Rise up early in the morning and stand before Pharaoh and say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, “Let My people go, that they may serve Me. 14“For this time I will send all My plagues on you and your servants and your people, so that you may know that there is no one like Me in all the earth. 15“For if by now I had put forth My hand and struck you and your people with pestilence, you would then have been cut off from the earth. 16“But, indeed, for this reason I have allowed you to remain, in order to show you My power and in order to proclaim My name through all the earth. 17“Still you exalt yourself against My people by not letting them go.

The Plague of Hail

      18“Behold, about this time tomorrow, I will send a very heavy hail, such as has not been seen in Egypt from the day it was founded until now. 19“Now therefore send, bring your livestock and whatever you have in the field to safety. Every man and beast that is found in the field and is not brought home, when the hail comes down on them, will die.”’” 20The one among the servants of Pharaoh who feared the word of the LORD made his servants and his livestock flee into the houses; 21but he who paid no regard to the word of the LORD left his servants and his livestock in the field.

Reflection on Exodus 9:8–21:
The plague of boils comes without warning. Moses and Aaron throw soot into the air, and it becomes fine dust that causes painful boils on people and animals throughout Egypt.

Even the magicians—who once stood in opposition—are now unable to stand before Moses because of the severity of the boils.

This is another escalation.

Those who once tried to imitate God’s power are now overwhelmed by it. The resistance that once appeared strong is steadily being broken down.

Yet Pharaoh still does not respond.

At this point in the account, we also begin to see a shift in how Scripture describes Pharaoh’s heart. Earlier, Pharaoh hardened his own heart and repeatedly chose to resist God. Now we see that the LORD hardens Pharaoh’s heart.

This does not mean God is forcing Pharaoh in a new direction. Rather, Pharaoh has already chosen to resist again and again, and his heart has become fixed in that decision. God now strengthens and confirms him in that path, allowing his resistance to continue.

In doing so, God ensures that the confrontation unfolds fully, so that His power and authority would be revealed more clearly to Egypt, to Israel, and to all who would hear of it.

God did not create Pharaoh’s rebellion—He sustained and used it to accomplish His greater purpose.

Then God does something different.

Before the next plague, He gives a clear warning.

He tells Pharaoh that a severe hailstorm is coming—unlike anything Egypt has ever seen. This storm will bring destruction to people, animals, and crops left in the field.

But along with the warning, God provides an opportunity.

He tells them to bring their servants and livestock into shelter to avoid the coming judgment.

This reveals something important about God’s character.

Even in judgment, He provides a way to respond.

Now, for the first time, we see a division among the Egyptians themselves.

Some of Pharaoh’s servants fear the word of the LORD and act on it. They bring their people and livestock into safety.

Others ignore the warning and leave everything in the field.

The difference is not nationality.
The difference is not position.
The difference is response.

Some hear God’s word and act.
Others hear and ignore it.

And that response determines the outcome.

This is a powerful moment.

Even while Pharaoh remains hardened, individuals within Egypt begin to respond rightly to God.

This shows that no one is without opportunity.

God speaks clearly.
God provides warning.
God offers a way to respond.

But each person must choose how they will respond.

For us, the question is the same.

When God speaks—through His Word, through conviction, through circumstances—do we take Him seriously enough to act?

Or do we delay, ignore, or assume the warning does not apply to us?

God is not silent.

And the difference is not whether we hear—but whether we respond.

Application:

  • Take God’s warnings seriously and respond with action.
  • Recognize that God provides opportunities to respond, even in difficult circumstances.
  • Examine whether you are listening to God or ignoring His word.
  • Understand that God is sovereign and can use even resistance to accomplish His purposes.
  • Choose to act in obedience rather than delay.

Closing Prayer:
Father, help me to take Your word seriously and respond when You speak. Give me a heart that fears You rightly—honoring You and acting in obedience. Keep me from ignoring Your warnings or delaying my response. Help me to trust in Your sovereignty and to follow You fully. 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.

Obeying God, Protector / Deliverer, Seeking God, Strong in Our Weakness, Submitted / Servant

Do You Belong to God? (Exodus 9:1-7)

Do you see clearly the difference between those who belong to God and those who do not?

Key Verse:
“But the LORD will make a distinction between the livestock of Israel and the livestock of Egypt, so that nothing will die of all that belongs to the sons of Israel.” —Exodus 9:4 NASB

Background Context:
In Exodus 8, God brings plagues upon Egypt and begins to clearly distinguish between His people and the Egyptians, while Pharaoh repeatedly hardens his heart and refuses to fully obey.

Now in Exodus 9:1–7, the plagues continue, and God further reveals His authority—not only through judgment, but through intentional protection of His people.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Exodus 9

Egyptian Cattle Die

      1Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh and speak to him, ‘Thus says the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, “Let My people go, that they may serve Me. 2“For if you refuse to let them go and continue to hold them, 3behold, the hand of the LORD will come with a very severe pestilence on your livestock which are in the field, on the horses, on the donkeys, on the camels, on the herds, and on the flocks. 4“But the LORD will make a distinction between the livestock of Israel and the livestock of Egypt, so that nothing will die of all that belongs to the sons of Israel.”’” 5The LORD set a definite time, saying, “Tomorrow the LORD will do this thing in the land.” 6So the LORD did this thing on the next day, and all the livestock of Egypt died; but of the livestock of the sons of Israel, not one died. 7Pharaoh sent, and behold, there was not even one of the livestock of Israel dead. But the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not let the people go.

Reflection on Exodus 9:1–7:
God again sends Moses to Pharaoh with the same command:

“Let My people go, that they may serve Me.”

This has not changed.

God’s purpose is not simply to remove Israel from Egypt—it is to bring them into a relationship of worship and obedience.

When Pharaoh refuses, God sends a severe plague upon the livestock of Egypt. Horses, donkeys, camels, herds, and flocks are struck.

This is a major blow.

Livestock represented wealth, strength, transportation, food supply, and economic stability. This plague strikes directly at the resources Egypt depended on.

But once again, God does something very intentional.

He makes a distinction.

Not one of the livestock belonging to Israel dies.

This is not coincidence. It is not partial impact. It is complete separation.

God is making it unmistakably clear:

  •  He knows who belongs to Him
  • He protects what is His

This reinforces a truth that has been building through the plagues—God’s judgment is not random. It is precise, controlled, and purposeful.

Pharaoh even investigates.

He sends and confirms that Israel’s livestock are untouched.

The evidence is undeniable.

Yet his heart remains hardened.

This is sobering.

Pharaoh is not lacking information. He is not confused. He sees the difference clearly—and still refuses to submit.

This reveals something important about the human heart.

The issue is not always understanding—it is willingness.

God is making a clear distinction between His people and Egypt, but Pharaoh refuses to align himself with God, even when the path is obvious.

For us, this passage calls for reflection.

God still makes a distinction.

Those who belong to Him are set apart—not because they are better, but because they are His.

This does not mean they avoid all hardship, but it does mean they are under His care, His authority, and His purpose.

The question is not whether God is making the difference clear.

The question is whether we are willing to respond to it.

Pharaoh saw the evidence—and chose to resist.

We are given the same opportunity to see, understand, and respond.

Application:

  • Recognize that God clearly distinguishes those who belong to Him.
  • Do not ignore the evidence of God’s work in your life and in the world.
  • Understand that the issue is often not knowledge, but willingness to obey.
  • Choose to align yourself fully with God rather than resist Him.
  • Trust in God’s care and authority over your life.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You that You know those who belong to You and that You are faithful in all You do. Help me to respond to You with a willing heart and not resist when You make truth clear. Give me the courage to fully align my life with You and trust in Your authority. Thank You for Your protection, Your guidance, and Your faithfulness. 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, Miracles, Miracles, Protector / Deliverer, Strong in Our Weakness

You Shall Know I Am the Lord (Exodus 7:14-25)

What happens when the very thing you depend on most is taken away?

Key Verse:
“Thus says the LORD, ‘By this you shall know that I am the LORD: behold, I will strike the water that is in the Nile with the staff that is in my hand, and it will be turned to blood.’” —Exodus 7:17 NASB

Background Context:
In Exodus 7:1–13, Moses and Aaron stand before Pharaoh and demonstrate God’s authority through the sign of the staff becoming a serpent. Though God’s power is clearly shown, Pharaoh’s heart remains hardened.

Now in Exodus 7:14–25, the first plague begins. This marks the start of God’s direct judgment against Egypt and its gods, revealing His authority over what the Egyptians trusted most.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Exodus 7:14-25

Water Is Turned to Blood

      14Then the LORD said to Moses, “Pharaoh’s heart is stubborn; he refuses to let the people go. 15“Go to Pharaoh in the morning as he is going out to the water, and station yourself to meet him on the bank of the Nile; and you shall take in your hand the staff that was turned into a serpent. 16“You shall say to him, ‘The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, sent me to you, saying, “Let My people go, that they may serve Me in the wilderness. But behold, you have not listened until now.” 17‘Thus says the LORD, “By this you shall know that I am the LORD: behold, I will strike the water that is in the Nile with the staff that is in my hand, and it will be turned to blood. 18“The fish that are in the Nile will die, and the Nile will become foul, and the Egyptians will find difficulty in drinking water from the Nile.”’” 19Then the LORD said to Moses, “Say to Aaron, ‘Take your staff and stretch out your hand over the waters of Egypt, over their rivers, over their streams, and over their pools, and over all their reservoirs of water, that they may become blood; and there will be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in vessels of wood and in vessels of stone.’”

      20So Moses and Aaron did even as the LORD had commanded. And he lifted up the staff and struck the water that was in the Nile, in the sight of Pharaoh and in the sight of his servants, and all the water that was in the Nile was turned to blood. 21The fish that were in the Nile died, and the Nile became foul, so that the Egyptians could not drink water from the Nile. And the blood was through all the land of Egypt. 22But the magicians of Egypt did the same with their secret arts; and Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he did not listen to them, as the LORD had said. 23Then Pharaoh turned and went into his house with no concern even for this. 24So all the Egyptians dug around the Nile for water to drink, for they could not drink of the water of the Nile. 25Seven days passed after the LORD had struck the Nile.

Reflection on Exodus 7:14–25:
God begins by stating clearly that Pharaoh’s heart is stubborn. This is not new information—it is confirmation of what God had already said. Pharaoh’s resistance is not unexpected; it is part of the unfolding plan.

God then instructs Moses to meet Pharaoh by the Nile. This is significant.

The Nile was the lifeline of Egypt. It provided water, sustained crops, supported daily life, and was even associated with their gods. It was a source of security, provision, and identity.

God chooses to strike there first.

When Aaron stretches out the staff, the waters of the Nile turn to blood. Fish die, the river becomes foul, and the Egyptians cannot drink the water. What was once a source of life becomes a source of death.

This is not random. God is confronting what Egypt depends on.

This reveals an important truth: God often begins by exposing false sources of security.

What we trust apart from Him can be taken away—not out of cruelty, but to reveal that it was never meant to be our foundation.

Even in this moment, Pharaoh’s magicians replicate the sign to some degree. This continues the pattern we saw earlier—there are imitations of God’s power.

But imitation is not authority.

The magicians cannot reverse what God has done. They cannot restore the river. They can only mimic, not redeem.

Yet Pharaoh’s heart remains hardened.

Instead of responding to God, he turns away and returns to his house, unaffected. Meanwhile, the Egyptians are forced to dig around the Nile for water, struggling to survive the impact of what has happened.

This is another sobering truth.

It is possible to witness God’s power and still refuse to respond.

Pharaoh sees the evidence, but he does not humble himself.

This passage shows us that judgment is not only about punishment—it is also about revelation.

God is revealing:

  • who He is
  • what has false authority
  • where true power belongs

And still, Pharaoh refuses to listen.

For us, this raises an important question:

What are we relying on for security?

Is it something temporary—something that could be taken away? Or is it rooted in God?

Because when God begins to move, anything not built on Him will not stand.

Application:

  • Identify where you may be placing your security apart from God.
  • Recognize that God may allow those things to be shaken to draw you back to Him.
  • Do not be deceived by imitations of truth—test everything against God’s Word.
  • Respond to God when He reveals Himself—do not harden your heart.
  • Trust God as your true source of provision and security.

Closing Prayer:
Father, help me to recognize where I have placed my trust in things other than You. Reveal anything in my life that I rely on apart from Your provision. Give me a soft heart that responds to You, and not one that resists or turns away. Teach me to trust in You as my true source of life and security. 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.

Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Justice / Judgment, Protector / Deliverer, Revelation

Judgment Falls, But God Secures His Own (Revelation 6-7)

When everything in the world is shaken, what determines whether you will stand?

Key Verse:
“For the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?” —Revelation 6:17 NASB

Background Context:
In Revelation 6–7, the opening of the seals reveals the unfolding of God’s judgment upon the earth. The imagery is intense—war, famine, death, and cosmic disturbance—culminating in a sobering question: who can stand before the wrath of God?

Before continuing the judgments, Revelation 7 provides a pause. In that pause, God reveals an essential truth: He not only judges, but He also secures and preserves those who belong to Him.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Genesis 6-7

Reflection on Revelation 6–7:
Revelation 6 makes it clear that God’s judgment is real, powerful, and unavoidable. The seals reveal a progression of events that shake every form of earthly stability. Power, wealth, status, and position offer no protection. Even kings and mighty men recognize that they cannot escape what is coming.

This leads to the defining question: who can stand?

Revelation 7 answers that question—not by removing judgment, but by revealing God’s provision within it.

Before the winds of destruction are released, they are held back. God delays the next phase of judgment for a specific purpose: to seal His servants. This sealing represents His authority, ownership, and protection. Those who belong to Him are not overlooked or forgotten. They are marked as His.

This is an important truth—God’s judgment is never reckless. It is measured, purposeful, and always aligned with His covenant and promises.

The sealing of the 144,000 from Israel reminds us that God remains faithful to His people. His promises do not fail, even across generations and in the midst of global upheaval.

Then the vision expands.

John sees a great multitude that no one can count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language. This is a powerful picture of God’s redemptive plan fulfilled beyond any single nation. Salvation extends to all who belong to Him.

These believers have come through great tribulation. They are not spared from hardship—but they are sustained through it. Their robes are made white in the blood of the Lamb, showing that their victory is not earned, but given through Yeshua.

The outcome is not fear—it is worship.

They stand before the throne, serving God continually. His presence covers them. The Lamb, who was once slain, now becomes their Shepherd—guiding, providing, and protecting them.

The promises given are deeply personal:

  • No more hunger
  • No more thirst
  • No more suffering from the elements
  • God Himself wipes away every tear

This is the final answer to the question: who can stand?

Not those who rely on the world.
Not those who trust in their own strength.
But those who belong to God, are sealed by Him, and remain faithful to Him.

Revelation 6–7 reveals both sides of God’s nature—His justice and His mercy. Judgment is certain, but so is His protection for those who are His.

This calls us to examine our own lives. Are we aligned with Him? Are we trusting in Him? Are we living in a way that reflects that we belong to Him?

Because in the end, that is what determines whether we will stand.

Application:

  • Examine where your security truly lies—in the world or in God.
  • Remember that God knows and seals those who belong to Him.
  • Remain faithful through hardship, trusting God’s purpose and protection.
  • Rejoice that salvation is available to people from every nation.
  • Live with eternal perspective, focusing on standing before God rather than pleasing the world.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You that You are both just and merciful. Help me to trust in You as my security and not in the things of this world. Strengthen my faith so that I remain steadfast no matter what comes. Seal my heart fully as Yours, and lead me to live in obedience and trust. Thank You for the hope of standing before You in victory through Yeshua. In His 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, Revelation, Salvation, Strong in Our Weakness, Tribulation

Who Can Stand God’s Judgment? (Revelation 7)

When the world feels unstable, do you know where your security truly comes from?

Key Verse:
“For this reason, they are before the throne of God; and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them.” —Revelation 7:15 NASB

Background Context:
In Revelation 6, the opening of the seals reveals judgment unfolding on the earth. It raises a sobering question: who can stand in the day of God’s wrath?

Revelation 7 answers that question by shifting the focus away from judgment and onto God’s people. Before further judgment unfolds, God pauses to reveal two important realities: He seals His servants, and He preserves a great multitude who will stand before Him in victory.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Revelation 7

An Interlude

      1After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth, so that no wind would blow on the earth or on the sea or on any tree. 2And I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, having the seal of the living God; and he cried out with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, 3saying, “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees until we have sealed the bond-servants of our God on their foreheads.”

The 144,000

      4And I heard the number of those who were sealed, one hundred and forty-four thousand sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel:

5from the tribe of Judah, twelve thousand were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand, from the tribe of Gad twelve thousand, 6from the tribe of Asher twelve thousand, from the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand, from the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand, 7from the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand, from the tribe of Levi twelve thousand, from the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand, 8from the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand, from the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand, from the tribe of Benjamin, twelve thousand were sealed.


A Multitude from the Tribulation

      9After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; 10and they cry out with a loud voice, saying,
“Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” 11And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12saying,
“Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.”

      13Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “These who are clothed in the white robes, who are they, and where have they come from?” 14I said to him, “My lord, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15“For this reason, they are before the throne of God; and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them. 16“They will hunger no longer, nor thirst anymore; nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any heat; 17for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.”

Reflection on Revelation 7:
Revelation 7 begins with a moment of restraint. The winds of judgment are held back until the servants of God are sealed on their foreheads. This sealing represents God’s ownership, protection, and authority over His people.

It is a powerful reminder: before judgment proceeds, God secures those who belong to Him.

The 144,000 from the tribes of Israel are specifically identified and sealed. This shows that God has not forgotten His covenant people. His promises remain intact, even in the midst of global upheaval.

Then the scene shifts dramatically.

John sees a great multitude that no one can count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They are clothed in white robes and holding palm branches, crying out in worship and salvation.

This reveals the global scope of God’s redemption. Salvation is not limited—it extends to all who come to Him in faith.

These believers have come out of the great tribulation. They have endured suffering, remained faithful, and now stand victorious—not because of their own strength, but because they have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb.

Their victory is rooted in Yeshua.

The imagery here echoes the themes of deliverance seen throughout Scripture. Just as God delivered His people from Egypt and brought them into His presence, He now brings His people through tribulation into eternal worship.

God spreads His tabernacle over them—His presence becomes their covering. They will hunger no more, thirst no more, nor will the sun beat down on them.

The Lamb becomes their Shepherd.

This is a beautiful reversal: the One who was sacrificed now leads, protects, and provides for His people. He guides them to springs of living water, and God wipes away every tear from their eyes.

Revelation 7 answers the question from chapter 6—who can stand?

Those who belong to God.
Those who are sealed by Him.
Those who remain faithful through hardship.

Their security is not in the absence of trouble, but in the presence and promise of God.

Application:

  • Anchor your security in God, not in circumstances.
  • Remember that God knows and seals those who belong to Him.
  • Remain faithful even in hardship, trusting in God’s ultimate victory.
  • Rejoice in the global scope of salvation—God is drawing people from every nation.
  • Fix your hope on the future promise of God’s presence and restoration.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for securing those who belong to You. Help me to trust in Your protection and remain faithful no matter what I face. Strengthen my hope in Your promises and remind me that my future is secure in You. Lead me as my Shepherd and help me to walk in obedience and faith. 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, Justice / Judgment, Protector / Deliverer, Psalms, Submitted / Servant

God Our Refuge, King, and Judge (Psalms 46-50)

Have you ever noticed that the Psalms are not random, but carefully arranged to teach us about God?

Key Verse:
“Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, in the city of our God, His holy mountain.” —Psalm 48:1 NASB

Background Context:
The book of Psalms is not just a collection of individual songs—it is intentionally structured into five books, each with its own themes and progression. We are currently walking through Book 2 (Psalms 42–72), which emphasizes trusting God in the midst of turmoil and recognizing Him as King.

Within this section, Psalms 46–50 form a meaningful sequence that builds upon itself. These psalms guide us from understanding who God is, to how we respond to Him, and ultimately to how He will judge all people.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Psalms 46-50 

Reflection on Psalms 46–50:
This group of psalms presents a powerful progression of truth about God and our relationship with Him.

Psalm 46 begins by establishing God as our refuge and strength—a very present help in times of trouble. It reminds us that even when the earth shakes and circumstances feel unstable, God remains our secure foundation.

Psalm 47 builds on this by declaring God as King over all the earth. He is not only our personal refuge, but the sovereign ruler over every nation and every situation. This shifts our perspective from personal trust to recognizing His universal authority.

Psalm 48 then highlights the beauty and security of God’s presence among His people. The strength of Zion is not found in its walls, but in the fact that God dwells there. True security comes from being near Him.

Psalm 49 provides a contrast by warning against trusting in wealth or human success. It reminds us that riches cannot redeem a soul and that all people, regardless of status, face the same end apart from God. This exposes the emptiness of placing our hope in worldly things.

Finally, Psalm 50 brings us into a courtroom scene where God speaks as Judge. He calls His people to account, not for lack of religious activity, but for lack of genuine obedience and heartfelt worship. He makes it clear that He desires thanksgiving, righteousness, and a life aligned with His will—not empty ritual.

Together, these psalms form a complete spiritual message:

God is our refuge.
God is King.
God is our security.
The world cannot save us.
God will judge rightly.

This progression leads us to a place of decision.

Will we trust in God as our refuge and King?
Will we seek Him rather than the temporary things of this world?
Will our worship be genuine, expressed through obedience and gratitude?

These psalms are not just songs—they are a call to examine our lives and align ourselves with the truth of who God is.

Application:

  • Reflect on whether you are truly trusting God as your refuge and strength.
  • Recognize God’s authority over every area of your life.
  • Place your security in God’s presence rather than in worldly stability.
  • Let go of reliance on wealth, success, or status for meaning.
  • Pursue genuine worship through obedience, gratitude, and a sincere heart.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for revealing Yourself as my refuge, my King, and my Judge. Help me to trust in You fully and not in the temporary things of this world. Teach me to worship You in truth, with a heart that is aligned with Your will. Guide me to live in obedience and gratitude, honoring You in all that I do. 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.