Category Archives: Righteousness / Serving God

Faith / Trusting God, Healer, Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, Miracles, Traditions / Holidays

Do You Want to Be Made Well? (John 5:1-17)

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Healing begins not just with a touch—but with a choice. Yeshua asks each of us, “Do you want to be made well?”

Key Verse:
“Jesus said to him, ‘Get up, pick up your pallet and walk.’” —John 5:8 (NASB)

Background Context:
John 5 opens with Yeshua in Jerusalem during one of the biblical feasts, one of the appointed times (moedim) established by God in the Torah. These were not simply “Jewish holidays” but holy convocations of the Lord (Leviticus 23). Yeshua’s participation reaffirms their ongoing importance—He honored these set-apart times, and as His followers, we too should take seriously what God has called holy.

At the pool of Bethesda, we encounter a man who had been ill for thirty-eight years. Though the details about the stirring of the waters are debated in ancient manuscripts, the focus is clear—Yeshua saw the man, knew his condition, and offered him a question that cuts to the heart: “Do you wish to get well?”

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

John 5:1-17

The Healing at Bethesda

      1After these things there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

      2Now there is in Jerusalem by the sheep gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew Bethesda, having five porticoes. 3In these lay a multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, and withered, [waiting for the moving of the waters; 4for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool and stirred up the water; whoever then first, after the stirring up of the water, stepped in was made well from whatever disease with which he was afflicted.] 5A man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. 6When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had already been a long time in that condition, He said to him, “Do you wish to get well?” 7The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” 8Jesus said to him, “Get up, pick up your pallet and walk.” 9Immediately the man became well, and picked up his pallet and began to walk.
Now it was the Sabbath on that day. 10So the Jews were saying to the man who was cured, “It is the Sabbath, and it is not permissible for you to carry your pallet.” 11But he answered them, “He who made me well was the one who said to me, ‘Pick up your pallet and walk.’” 12They asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Pick up your pallet and walk’?” 13But the man who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had slipped away while there was a crowd in that place. 14Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “Behold, you have become well; do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse happens to you.” 15The man went away, and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. 16For this reason the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because He was doing these things on the Sabbath. 17But He answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working.”

Reflection on John 5:1–17:
Sometimes our afflictions—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—become so familiar that we stop pursuing healing. We learn to cope, explain, or blame. This man had every reason to feel hopeless: decades of suffering and no one to help him into the water. But Yeshua’s question wasn’t about the pool—it was about faith, desire, and trust. The healing came not from a method, but from the Messiah.

Yeshua’s command was simple and powerful: “Get up.” And immediately the man was healed.

Yet, instead of rejoicing, some focused on the “rule-breaking.” The healing happened on the Sabbath, and religious leaders were more concerned about a man carrying his mat than the miracle that just occurred. They missed the presence and power of God in their midst because of their hardened hearts.

Still, Yeshua didn’t avoid the confrontation. He declared that His Father is always working—and so is He. Healing, mercy, restoration—these are the works of God, even on the Sabbath. And when He found the man again, Yeshua added a pointed command: “Do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse happens to you.” Healing is not just physical—it demands a change in heart and direction.

Application:
Are there areas in your life where you’ve stopped believing healing is possible? Are you waiting for the “perfect condition” instead of turning to Yeshua directly? He is asking you today, “Do you want to be made well?” Respond in faith. Obey His voice. And when He heals, don’t go back to the patterns of sin that once held you.

Also take note: Yeshua honored the holy days God appointed. If He is our example, shouldn’t we take time to understand and observe what He observed?

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for the mercy and healing You offer through Your Son. Help me to trust You even in long seasons of struggle. Strengthen my faith so that when You call, I rise in obedience. Teach me to walk in righteousness and leave behind every sin that hinders. Open my heart to Your appointed times and help me to honor what You have declared holy. In Yeshua’s name, amen.

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

John Golda

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

Adultery / Sex Outside Marriage, Proverbs (Wisdom & Folly), Temptation/Tempting, Unteachable / Foolish, Wise

Guard Your Heart, Guard Your Steps (Proverbs 5)

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Temptation never presents itself as dangerous—it disguises itself as desirable.

Key Verse:
“For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.” —Proverbs 5:3–4 (NASB)

Background Context:
Proverbs 5 is a father’s urgent warning to his son against the seduction of adultery and unfaithfulness. It is not just about avoiding sexual sin, but about guarding one’s whole life from the devastating consequences of stepping outside God’s design. The writer exposes how alluring sin can be at first, but then contrasts it with the bitterness, shame, and destruction that follow. This chapter encourages not only abstaining from sin but intentionally choosing to rejoice in God’s provision and design for marriage and purity.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Proverbs 5

Pitfalls of Immorality

1My son, give attention to my wisdom,
Incline your ear to my understanding;

      2That you may observe discretion
And your lips may reserve knowledge.

      3For the lips of an adulteress drip honey
And smoother than oil is her speech;

      4But in the end she is bitter as wormwood,
Sharp as a two-edged sword.

      5Her feet go down to death,
Her steps take hold of Sheol.

      6She does not ponder the path of life;
Her ways are unstable, she does not know it.

      7Now then, my sons, listen to me
And do not depart from the words of my mouth.

      8Keep your way far from her
And do not go near the door of her house,

      9Or you will give your vigor to others
And your years to the cruel one;

      10And strangers will be filled with your strength
And your hard-earned goods will go to the house of an alien;

      11And you groan at your final end,
When your flesh and your body are consumed;

      12And you say, “How I have hated instruction!
And my heart spurned reproof!

      13“I have not listened to the voice of my teachers,
Nor inclined my ear to my instructors!

      14“I was almost in utter ruin
In the midst of the assembly and congregation.”

      15Drink water from your own cistern
And fresh water from your own well.

      16Should your springs be dispersed abroad,
Streams of water in the streets?

      17Let them be yours alone
And not for strangers with you.

      18Let your fountain be blessed,
And rejoice in the wife of your youth.

      19As a loving hind and a graceful doe,
Let her breasts satisfy you at all times;
Be exhilarated always with her love.

      20For why should you, my son, be exhilarated with an adulteress
And embrace the bosom of a foreigner?

      21For the ways of a man are before the eyes of the LORD,
And He watches all his paths.

      22His own iniquities will capture the wicked,
And he will be held with the cords of his sin.

      23He will die for lack of instruction,
And in the greatness of his folly he will go astray.

Reflection on Proverbs 5:
Solomon opens with a plea: “Give attention to my wisdom… that you may maintain discretion.” The chapter wastes no time showing how sin—specifically adultery—tempts through flattering words and false promises. At first, it seems sweet and smooth, like honey and oil. But sin’s end is bitter, cutting, and deadly.

There’s a clear call to stay far away from temptation. Don’t linger near it. Don’t entertain it. Solomon says, “Do not go near the door of her house.” Why? Because once you entertain sin, it starts costing you—your honor, your years, your peace, even your health.

This isn’t just for married people. The principle applies broadly: stay far from whatever draws your heart away from God’s design for holiness. In contrast to the adulteress, Solomon encourages joy in God’s provision—symbolized here by the blessings of a faithful marriage. He ends with a powerful truth: “The ways of everyone are before the Lord, and He watches all his paths.” Nothing is hidden from Him.

Application:
Sin is most dangerous when it looks harmless or even appealing. Whether it’s lust, greed, bitterness, or pride—don’t flirt with temptation. Don’t “go near the door.” Instead, draw near to God. Guard your heart and be satisfied with what He provides. If you are married, cherish your spouse. If you are single, honor God with purity and prepare your heart for faithfulness. God sees the paths we walk—may we walk in a way that honors Him.

Closing Prayer:
Father, help me recognize temptation for what it really is—deceptive and destructive. Give me wisdom and strength to walk in purity and faithfulness. Let me be satisfied with what You have given and not look to sin for what only You can provide. Thank You for watching over my steps. Guide me in the way everlasting. 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.

Hope, Joy / Happiness / Rejoicing, Peace / Rest, Psalms

Peace in the Midst of Pressure (Psalm 4)

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When the world presses in with noise, fear, and opposition—where do you find rest?

Key Verse:
“In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, LORD, have me dwell in safety.” —Psalm 4:8 (NASB)

Background Context:
Psalm 4 is a heartfelt evening prayer of King David, written during a time of distress. Some scholars link it to the same season as Psalm 3, possibly when David fled from his son Absalom. Regardless of the exact occasion, this psalm captures the tension between being surrounded by false accusations and clinging to God’s righteousness and peace. David appeals to the Lord for justice, knowing that only YHWH can truly vindicate the righteous.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Psalm 4

1 Answer me when I call to you,
    O God who declares me innocent.
Free me from my troubles.
    Have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

2 How long will you people ruin my reputation?
    How long will you make groundless accusations?
    How long will you continue your lies? Interlude
3 You can be sure of this:
    The Lord set apart the godly for himself.
    The Lord will answer when I call to him.

4 Don’t sin by letting anger control you.
    Think about it overnight and remain silent. Interlude
5 Offer sacrifices in the right spirit,
    and trust the Lord.

6 Many people say, “Who will show us better times?”
    Let your face smile on us, Lord.
7 You have given me greater joy
    than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine.
8 In peace I will lie down and sleep,
    for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.

Reflection on Psalm 4:
David begins not by rehearsing his problems but by calling out to the One who has delivered him in the past. He knows from experience that God hears the cries of the faithful, even when it feels like the world is against them.

He speaks not just to God, but to the men who oppose him—those who love what is worthless and false. David doesn’t fight slander with slander; he responds by reminding them that YHWH sets apart the godly for Himself. In other words, God sees. God knows. God hears.

This confidence fuels David’s peace. He tells others to be still, to reflect in their hearts on their beds, and to trust in the Lord. Righteousness—not retaliation—is the path to peace.

Even when others cry out for signs of blessing or outward success, David focuses on something deeper: “You have put joy in my heart, more than when their grain and new wine abound.” The joy of the Lord, not material gain, is his strength.

Application:
Do you lie awake at night burdened by worry, injustice, or conflict? Follow David’s example. Cry out to God first. Examine your own heart. Walk in righteousness. And then rest in the truth that God sees you, sets you apart, and surrounds you with His peace.

In a chaotic and hostile world, true peace doesn’t come from circumstances but from confidence in the Lord. Choose to trust in Him and sleep in peace, knowing that He alone makes you dwell in safety.

Closing Prayer:
Father, when I feel surrounded by trouble or lies, remind me that You are my defender. Quiet my anxious thoughts and help me to rest in Your presence. Put joy in my heart that no circumstance can steal. Teach me to walk in righteousness, reflect on Your truth, and lie down in peace—because You alone keep me safe. 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.

Faith / Trusting God, Faithful, Intgegrity / Honesty, Justice / Judgment, Kindness / Gentleness, Loving / Kind, Peace / Rest

The Promise of Restoration and Righteousness (Zechariah 8)

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God is not done with His people. What He promises in righteousness, He fulfills with faithfulness.

Key Verse:
“So I will save you that you may become a blessing. Do not fear; let your hands be strong.” —Zechariah 8:13 (NASB)

Background Context:
After the stern warnings and rebukes in Zechariah 7, chapter 8 comes as a message of incredible hope. The Lord of Hosts speaks again and again with bold declarations: “I am exceedingly jealous for Zion,” “I will return,” “Old men and old women will again sit in the streets,” “Children will play,” “I will save My people,” and “They will be My people, and I will be their God in truth and righteousness.”

This chapter isn’t just about physical restoration—it’s about the return of righteousness, truth, peace, and blessing to a people who had been scattered in judgment. God’s covenant love is on full display. And yet, this blessing is not meant to be received passively. God calls His people to speak truth, execute justice, avoid false oaths, and love peace—not evil.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Zechariah 8

The Coming Peace and Prosperity of Zion

      1Then the word of the LORD of hosts came, saying, 2“Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘I am exceedingly jealous for Zion, yes, with great wrath I am jealous for her.’ 3“Thus says the LORD, ‘I will return to Zion and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the LORD of hosts will be called the Holy Mountain.’ 4“Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘Old men and old women will again sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each man with his staff in his hand because of age. 5‘And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls playing in its streets.’ 6“Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘If it is too difficult in the sight of the remnant of this people in those days, will it also be too difficult in My sight?’ declares the LORD of hosts. 7“Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘Behold, I am going to save My people from the land of the east and from the land of the west; 8and I will bring them back and they will live in the midst of Jerusalem; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God in truth and righteousness.’

      9“Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘Let your hands be strong, you who are listening in these days to these words from the mouth of the prophets, those who spoke in the day that the foundation of the house of the LORD of hosts was laid, to the end that the temple might be built. 10‘For before those days there was no wage for man or any wage for animal; and for him who went out or came in there was no peace because of his enemies, and I set all men one against another. 11‘But now I will not treat the remnant of this people as in the former days,’ declares the LORD of hosts. 12‘For there will be peace for the seed: the vine will yield its fruit, the land will yield its produce and the heavens will give their dew; and I will cause the remnant of this people to inherit all these things. 13‘It will come about that just as you were a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so I will save you that you may become a blessing. Do not fear; let your hands be strong.’

      14“For thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘Just as I purposed to do harm to you when your fathers provoked Me to wrath,’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘and I have not relented, 15so I have again purposed in these days to do good to Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. Do not fear! 16‘These are the things which you should do: speak the truth to one another; judge with truth and judgment for peace in your gates. 17‘Also let none of you devise evil in your heart against another, and do not love perjury; for all these are what I hate,’ declares the LORD.”

      18Then the word of the LORD of hosts came to me, saying, 19“Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘The fast of the fourth, the fast of the fifth, the fast of the seventh and the fast of the tenth months will become joy, gladness, and cheerful feasts for the house of Judah; so love truth and peace.’

      20“Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘It will yet be that peoples will come, even the inhabitants of many cities. 21‘The inhabitants of one will go to another, saying, “Let us go at once to entreat the favor of the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts; I will also go.” 22‘So many peoples and mighty nations will come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favor of the LORD.’ 23“Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘In those days ten men from all the nations will grasp the garment of a Jew, saying, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.”’”

Reflection on Zechariah 8:
YHWH’s promises in Zechariah 8 echo loudly with mercy and faithfulness. He doesn’t just call His people back to a city—He calls them back to Himself. He promises that Jerusalem will be called the “City of Truth,” and the mountain of the LORD will be the “Holy Mountain.” These titles reflect what God intends to restore—not just structures and walls, but character and worship.

He reminds the people that what seemed too difficult for them is not too difficult for Him (v.6). This is the nature of God—restoring what is broken, redeeming what was lost, and renewing what was defiled.

But God’s restoration also comes with a call to action. He doesn’t just promise peace and prosperity—He commands righteousness. His people are to be truthful, just, kind, and faithful. They are to love truth and peace (v.19), because He is a God of truth and peace.

Application:
Are you in a season where God’s promises feel distant? Let Zechariah 8 remind you that He is faithful. His plan includes not only your restoration but also your growth in righteousness and truth. Strengthen your hands to do the work He has called you to. And examine your own walk—are you living in truth, peace, justice, and compassion? Don’t just receive the blessing. Live in a way that reflects the heart of the Blesser.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your faithfulness, even when I have strayed. Thank You for Your promises to restore and bless, not just physically but spiritually. Help me to walk in truth and righteousness, to love peace, and to do good. Strengthen my hands for the work You have given me, and let my life reflect Your holiness. 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.

Fasting, Obeying God

True Fasting Is Obedience (Zechariah 7)

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Ritual without righteousness is meaningless. God desires hearts aligned with His truth more than religious performance.

Key Verse:
“Then the word of the Lord came to Zechariah, saying, ‘Say to all the people of the land and to the priests, “When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months these seventy years, was it actually for Me that you fasted?”’” —Zechariah 7:4–5 (NASB)

Background Context:
Zechariah 7 takes place nearly two years after the prophet’s earlier visions. A delegation from Bethel arrives to ask whether they should continue fasting to commemorate the destruction of the temple—now that the temple is being rebuilt. But rather than giving a yes or no answer, God uses this moment to address the heart behind their fasting.

Through Zechariah, YHWH rebukes the people for turning what should have been heartfelt acts of repentance into empty tradition. He points out that their fasts were not truly for Him—they were rituals disconnected from real devotion. Instead, God reminds them of what He has always desired: justice, kindness, compassion, and obedience to His Word.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Zechariah 7

Hearts like Flint

      1In the fourth year of King Darius, the word of the LORD came to Zechariah on the fourth day of the ninth month, which is Chislev. 2Now the town of Bethel had sent Sharezer and Regemmelech and their men to seek the favor of the LORD, 3speaking to the priests who belong to the house of the LORD of hosts, and to the prophets, saying, “Shall I weep in the fifth month and abstain, as I have done these many years?” 4Then the word of the LORD of hosts came to me, saying, 5“Say to all the people of the land and to the priests, ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months these seventy years, was it actually for Me that you fasted? 6‘When you eat and drink, do you not eat for yourselves and do you not drink for yourselves? 7‘Are not these the words which the LORD proclaimed by the former prophets, when Jerusalem was inhabited and prosperous along with its cities around it, and the Negev and the foothills were inhabited?’”

      8Then the word of the LORD came to Zechariah saying, 9“Thus has the LORD of hosts said, ‘Dispense true justice and practice kindness and compassion each to his brother; 10and do not oppress the widow or the orphan, the stranger or the poor; and do not devise evil in your hearts against one another.’ 11“But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder and stopped their ears from hearing. 12“They made their hearts like flint so that they could not hear the law and the words which the LORD of hosts had sent by His Spirit through the former prophets; therefore great wrath came from the LORD of hosts. 13“And just as He called and they would not listen, so they called and I would not listen,” says the LORD of hosts; 14“but I scattered them with a storm wind among all the nations whom they have not known. Thus the land is desolated behind them so that no one went back and forth, for they made the pleasant land desolate.”

Reflection on Zechariah 7:
The people had kept religious traditions going for decades—but had they truly drawn closer to God? That’s the question at the heart of Zechariah 7. It’s a sobering reminder that we can go through the motions—fasting, attending church, reading Scripture—yet miss the heart of God if our actions are not driven by love, humility, and a desire to obey.

The chapter also reflects on how the earlier generations refused to listen to the prophets and hardened their hearts. The result? Desolation and exile. God does not change. He is still not impressed with rituals when our hearts are far from Him.

What about us? Do we worship and serve Him out of sincere devotion, or are we simply checking religious boxes? Do we hunger for God’s justice and compassion the way He does?

Application:
Take time today to evaluate your heart behind your spiritual practices. Do you fast, pray, read, and serve with sincere desire to honor God—or simply out of habit or obligation? Ask God to purify your motives. True fasting is not about outward appearance but about inward transformation and alignment with His Word.

Closing Prayer:
Father, forgive me for the times I’ve gone through religious motions without truly seeking You. Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. Teach me to walk in obedience, to love mercy, and to act justly. Help me to honor You not just with my lips or rituals, but with my life. 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, Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Submitted / Servant, Visions

The Crown and the Branch (Zechariah 6)

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God is not finished with His people—He is building His temple, and Yeshua is both King and High Priest.

Key Verse:
“It is He who will build the temple of the Lord, and He who will bear the honor and sit and rule on His throne. Thus, He will be a priest on His throne, and the counsel of peace will be between the two offices.” —Zechariah 6:13 (NASB)

Background Context:
Zechariah 6 concludes the prophet’s visions with a powerful image: four chariots emerging between two bronze mountains, representing God’s judgment being carried out over the whole earth. The vision reminds us that God is sovereign and active in bringing justice and order to the nations.

But the chapter’s second part turns to a prophetic moment of hope. Joshua the high priest is crowned, not as a political king, but as a symbol of “the Branch” — a Messianic title pointing directly to Yeshua. This Branch will build the temple of the Lord, not a physical one made by human hands, but a spiritual temple made of living stones—His people. Yeshua will serve as both King and High Priest, roles previously divided under the old covenant.

This dual role is significant. As King, Yeshua rules in righteousness; as High Priest, He intercedes for us before the Father. In Him, justice and mercy meet.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Zechariah 6

The Four Chariots

      1Now I lifted up my eyes again and looked, and behold, four chariots were coming forth from between the two mountains; and the mountains were bronze mountains. 2With the first chariot were red horses, with the second chariot black horses, 3with the third chariot white horses, and with the fourth chariot strong dappled horses. 4Then I spoke and said to the angel who was speaking with me, “What are these, my lord?” 5The angel replied to me, “These are the four spirits of heaven, going forth after standing before the Lord of all the earth, 6with one of which the black horses are going forth to the north country; and the white ones go forth after them, while the dappled ones go forth to the south country. 7“When the strong ones went out, they were eager to go to patrol the earth.” And He said, “Go, patrol the earth.” So they patrolled the earth. 8Then He cried out to me and spoke to me saying, “See, those who are going to the land of the north have appeased My wrath in the land of the north.”

      9The word of the LORD also came to me, saying, 10“Take an offering from the exiles, from Heldai, Tobijah and Jedaiah; and you go the same day and enter the house of Josiah the son of Zephaniah, where they have arrived from Babylon.

The Symbolic Crowns

      11“Take silver and gold, make an ornate crown and set it on the head of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest. 12“Then say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, “Behold, a man whose name is Branch, for He will branch out from where He is; and He will build the temple of the LORD. 13“Yes, it is He who will build the temple of the LORD, and He who will bear the honor and sit and rule on His throne. Thus, He will be a priest on His throne, and the counsel of peace will be between the two offices.”’ 14“Now the crown will become a reminder in the temple of the LORD to Helem, Tobijah, Jedaiah and Hen the son of Zephaniah. 15“Those who are far off will come and build the temple of the LORD.” Then you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. And it will take place if you completely obey the LORD your God.

Reflection on Zechariah 6:
This chapter gives us a profound glimpse into the identity and mission of the Messiah. He is not just our Savior—He is our King and our High Priest. No one else can unite these roles. His rule is perfect, and His intercession is eternal.

The coronation of Joshua foreshadowed the crowning of Yeshua, who wears many crowns (Revelation 19:12). The message is clear: God is establishing His kingdom, and it is through Yeshua alone that true peace, justice, and restoration come.

Are we letting Yeshua reign fully in our lives—not just as our Redeemer, but as our Ruler? Are we trusting in His ongoing intercession on our behalf?

Application:
Consider the areas of your life where you may still be clinging to control. Submit those areas to Yeshua, not only as your Savior but also as your King. Trust that He is building His temple—including you as part of it—and shaping you into His likeness. Worship Him with awe and reverence, knowing that His priesthood never ends.

Closing Prayer:
Yeshua, You are both my King and my High Priest. I praise You for ruling with justice and interceding with compassion. Help me to submit every part of my life to Your authority and trust in Your ongoing work in me. Use me as a living stone in Your temple and help me reflect Your holiness to the world. In Your name I 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.

Proverbs (Wisdom & Folly), Wise

Guard Your Heart Above All (Proverbs 4)

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What we allow into our hearts shapes the direction of our lives.

Key Verse:
“Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.” —Proverbs 4:23 (NASB)

Background Context:
Proverbs 4 continues the theme of a father imparting wisdom to his children. Solomon urges his sons to embrace instruction, pursue wisdom earnestly, and avoid the paths of the wicked. This chapter is a passionate plea to value wisdom and righteousness above all worldly pursuits. Solomon knows the heart is the wellspring of a person’s life, and if it is protected and guided by God’s truth, the entire course of one’s life will be blessed.

The emphasis is not just on knowing right from wrong but actively choosing to walk in the way of righteousness daily, guarding the heart from evil influences that seek to corrupt and mislead.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Proverbs 4

A Father’s Instruction

     1Hear, O sons, the instruction of a father,
And give attention that you may gain understanding,

      2For I give you sound teaching;
Do not abandon my instruction.

      3When I was a son to my father,
Tender and the only son in the sight of my mother,

      4Then he taught me and said to me,
“Let your heart hold fast my words;
Keep my commandments and live;

      5Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding!
Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth.

      6“Do not forsake her, and she will guard you;
Love her, and she will watch over you.

      7“The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom;
And with all your acquiring, get understanding.

      8“Prize her, and she will exalt you;
She will honor you if you embrace her.

      9“She will place on your head a garland of grace;
She will present you with a crown of beauty.”

      10Hear, my son, and accept my sayings
And the years of your life will be many.

      11I have directed you in the way of wisdom;
I have led you in upright paths.

      12When you walk, your steps will not be impeded;
And if you run, you will not stumble.

      13Take hold of instruction; do not let go.
Guard her, for she is your life.

      14Do not enter the path of the wicked
And do not proceed in the way of evil men.

      15Avoid it, do not pass by it;
Turn away from it and pass on.

      16For they cannot sleep unless they do evil;
And they are robbed of sleep unless they make someone stumble.

      17For they eat the bread of wickedness
And drink the wine of violence.

      18But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,
That shines brighter and brighter until the full day.

      19The way of the wicked is like darkness;
They do not know over what they stumble.

      20My son, give attention to my words;
Incline your ear to my sayings.

      21Do not let them depart from your sight;
Keep them in the midst of your heart.

      22For they are life to those who find them
And health to all their body.

      23Watch over your heart with all diligence,
For from it flow the springs of life.

      24Put away from you a deceitful mouth
And put devious speech far from you.

      25Let your eyes look directly ahead
And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you.

      26Watch the path of your feet
And all your ways will be established.

      27Do not turn to the right nor to the left;
Turn your foot from evil.

Reflection on Proverbs 4:
The call to guard our hearts is vital. Our thoughts, affections, and desires influence our actions and determine the course of our lives. If we fill our hearts with the things of God—His Word, His wisdom, His love—our lives will reflect His character. But if we allow bitterness, pride, lust, or greed to take root, it will corrupt everything we do.

Notice how Solomon urges his readers to be intentional: listen carefully to wisdom, turn away from paths of darkness, keep eyes straight ahead on the path God has laid out. Living wisely is not passive—it demands vigilance and a steadfast focus on God’s ways.

Application:
Take inventory of what fills your heart. Are you intentionally guarding it with God’s Word, or have you let distractions, worries, or sinful attitudes creep in unnoticed? Spend time today asking God to purify your heart, strengthen your walk, and keep your focus firmly on Him. Make choices that protect your heart and help you walk steadily in righteousness.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for the wisdom You provide through Your Word. Help me to guard my heart diligently and to be careful about what I allow into my life. Teach me to keep my eyes fixed on You and to walk firmly in Your ways. Fill my heart with Your love, truth, and wisdom, so that my life may glorify You. 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

Trusting God Through Every Trial (Psalm 3)

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When fear surrounds you, will you lift your eyes to the One who saves?

Key Verse:
“But You, Lord, are a shield around me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head.” —Psalm 3:3 (NASB)

Background Context:
Psalm 3 was written by David when he fled from his son Absalom, who had conspired against him. Imagine the heartbreak: not only was David’s life in danger, but the betrayal came from his own family. His enemies were many, and they were convinced that even God would not save him. Yet David models incredible faith in this psalm. He acknowledges the threat but immediately shifts his focus to the Lord—his shield, his protector, and the lifter of his head.

David’s prayer reflects a raw but steady trust in God’s power to sustain, deliver, and defend him. Rather than surrender to despair, David cries out to God and rests confidently, knowing that the Lord hears and answers.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Psalm 3

1 O Lord, I have so many enemies;
    so many are against me.
2 So many are saying,
    “God will never rescue him!” (Interlude)[a]

3 But you, O Lord, are a shield around me;
    you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.
4 I cried out to the Lord,
    and he answered me from his holy mountain. (Interlude)

5 I lay down and slept,
    yet I woke up in safety,
    for the Lord was watching over me.
6 I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies
    who surround me on every side.

7 Arise, O Lord!
Rescue me, my God!
Slap all my enemies in the face!
Shatter the teeth of the wicked!
8 Victory comes from you, O Lord.
May you bless your people. (Interlude)

Reflection on Psalm 3:
Life’s trials often feel overwhelming, especially when betrayal, fear, or slander is involved. It is easy to let fear dominate our hearts and to wonder if deliverance will come. But Psalm 3 teaches us that even when thousands rise against us, God is greater still.

Notice David’s progression: he starts by laying out his troubles, but he doesn’t stay there. His prayer turns quickly to praising God’s protection and salvation. He trusts not in his armies, his wisdom, or his strategies—but in God alone.

The phrase “the One who lifts my head” is deeply encouraging. It suggests restoration, dignity, and encouragement. God is not just defending David physically but also healing him emotionally and spiritually.

Application:
When you face overwhelming circumstances, where do you turn first? Follow David’s example: pour out your heart to God, but don’t let fear dominate your mind. Trust in the Lord’s shield around you, His power to save, and His promise to lift your head.

Spend time in prayer today giving God your fears and asking Him to fill you with the peace and confidence that comes from trusting Him fully.

Closing Prayer:
Father, when fear threatens to overwhelm me, remind me that You are my shield and my salvation. Help me to lift my eyes to You and not to the circumstances around me. Teach me to trust You deeply, to rest in Your promises, and to find my strength and dignity in You alone. Thank You for always being faithful. 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.

Holy / Set Apart, Lying / Deceiving, Repenting from Sin, Stealing / Theft, Visions, Wickedness / Evil

The Flying Scroll: A Warning Against Sin (Zechariah 5)

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Sin will not go unnoticed or unpunished in the eyes of the Lord.

Key Verse:
“Then he said to me, ‘This is the curse that is going forth over the face of the whole land; surely everyone who steals will be purged away according to the writing on one side, and everyone who swears falsely will be purged away according to the writing on the other side.’” —Zechariah 5:3 (NASB)

Background Context:
Zechariah 5 presents two powerful visions: a flying scroll and a woman in a basket. These visions emphasize God’s coming judgment against sin among His people. The flying scroll represents a curse against those who commit two specific offenses: stealing and bearing false witness—both direct violations of God’s commandments. The imagery underscores that sin corrupts the land and its people, and God will not allow it to remain.

The second vision shows wickedness being personified and sealed inside a basket, carried away to a distant land—likely symbolizing Babylon—showing that sin will ultimately be removed from among God’s people and dealt with according to His perfect justice.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Zechariah 5

The Flying Scroll

      1Then I lifted up my eyes again and looked, and behold, there was a flying scroll. 2And he said to me, “What do you see?” And I answered, “I see a flying scroll; its length is twenty cubits and its width ten cubits.” 3Then he said to me, “This is the curse that is going forth over the face of the whole land; surely everyone who steals will be purged away according to the writing on one side, and everyone who swears will be purged away according to the writing on the other side. 4“I will make it go forth,” declares the LORD of hosts, “and it will enter the house of the thief and the house of the one who swears falsely by My name; and it will spend the night within that house and consume it with its timber and stones.”

      5Then the angel who was speaking with me went out and said to me, “Lift up now your eyes and see what this is going forth.” 6I said, “What is it?” And he said, “This is the ephah going forth.” Again he said, “This is their appearance in all the land 7(and behold, a lead cover was lifted up); and this is a woman sitting inside the ephah.” 8Then he said, “This is Wickedness!” And he threw her down into the middle of the ephah and cast the lead weight on its opening. 9Then I lifted up my eyes and looked, and there two women were coming out with the wind in their wings; and they had wings like the wings of a stork, and they lifted up the ephah between the earth and the heavens. 10I said to the angel who was speaking with me, “Where are they taking the ephah?” 11Then he said to me, “To build a temple for her in the land of Shinar; and when it is prepared, she will be set there on her own pedestal.”

Reflection on Zechariah 5:
This chapter reminds us that sin is not a small thing to be ignored or tolerated. YHWH sees all and will bring judgment upon unrepentant sin. Even among His people, God calls for righteousness, honesty, and faithfulness.

While we are saved by grace through Yeshua, we are still called to live holy lives, demonstrating obedience to God’s ways. This vision should stir in us a healthy fear of the Lord and a deep commitment to repent of any sin we are tolerating in our lives. It should also encourage us that God will not allow wickedness to flourish forever. He will purify His people.

Application:
Examine your heart honestly. Are there areas where sin has crept in—perhaps through dishonesty, selfishness, or compromised integrity? Bring these before the Lord in repentance. Ask for His cleansing and strength to walk uprightly. Be diligent to remove sin from your life rather than making excuses for it. Trust that God’s refining work is for your good and His glory.

Closing Prayer:
Father, I acknowledge that nothing is hidden from Your sight. I ask You to reveal any hidden sin in my heart and help me to repent fully. Cleanse me by Your Spirit and make me holy as You are holy. Strengthen me to walk in truth and righteousness, reflecting Your light to the world around me. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

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

John Golda

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

Faith / Trusting God, Healer

Faith That Takes Jesus at His Word (John 4:46-54)

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What if your miracle comes not by what you see, but by whom you trust?

Key Verse:
“Jesus said to him, ‘Go; your son lives.’ The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and started off.” —John 4:50 (NASB)

Background Context:
Jesus returns to Cana, where He had previously performed His first miracle at the wedding feast. This time, He’s approached by a royal official whose son is on the brink of death in Capernaum. Desperation brings the man to Jesus, pleading for Him to come and heal the boy. Rather than going with him, Jesus simply speaks a word: “Go; your son lives.”

This moment is profound. The man does not see a miracle immediately. He doesn’t get the assurance of watching Jesus lay hands on his son. What he gets is a word—and he believes it. He takes Jesus at His word and returns home. On the way, his servants meet him with the good news: his son recovered at the very hour Jesus spoke.

This becomes the second miraculous sign recorded in John’s Gospel, showing the power of Christ not only to heal but to do so from afar—demonstrating His divine authority.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

John 4:46-54

Healing a Nobleman’s Son

      46Therefore He came again to Cana of Galilee where He had made the water wine. And there was a royal official whose son was sick at Capernaum. 47When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to Him and was imploring Him to come down and heal his son; for he was at the point of death. 48So Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you simply will not believe.” 49The royal official said to Him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” 50Jesus said to him, “Go; your son lives.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and started off. 51As he was now going down, his slaves met him, saying that his son was living. 52So he inquired of them the hour when he began to get better. Then they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” 53So the father knew that it was at that hour in which Jesus said to him, “Your son lives”; and he himself believed and his whole household. 54This is again a second sign that Jesus performed when He had come out of Judea into Galilee.

Reflection on John 4:46–54:
There’s a deep lesson in the way this official responds. His faith is not based on what he sees but on what he hears from Yeshua. So often, we want God to show up in visible, tangible ways—to “come down” and fix our situation immediately and in the way we expect. But sometimes, God’s response is simply a word. And the question is: do we trust Him enough to act on it?

Jesus gently rebukes the crowd’s need for signs and wonders to believe. But in contrast, the official chooses to believe—and that belief blesses not just him but his entire household. When we trust God in uncertainty, it can become a testimony that draws others into faith.

This passage also reminds us that Jesus is not bound by distance or time. He didn’t need to physically go to the boy. His authority reaches beyond what we can comprehend. When He speaks, it is done.

Application:
What promises of God are you holding onto? Are you waiting to “see it” before you believe it? Or are you willing to trust His word, even when the evidence hasn’t arrived yet?

Faith sometimes means moving forward on a promise, not proof. Like the royal official, take Jesus at His word. Trust that His power is not limited by your expectations.

Closing Prayer:
Lord Yeshua, I thank You for the power of Your word. Help me to trust You even when I cannot see the outcome. Grow in me a faith that moves forward in obedience, confident that You are at work beyond what I can see. Let my life and my trust in You be a testimony to others in my household and community. In Your name, Amen.

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

John Golda

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