Category Archives: Forgive Others / Seek Forgiveness

Forgive Others / Seek Forgiveness, Grace / Forgiveness, Repenting from Sin

Scarlet Made White (Genesis 50:15–26, Take 2)

March 6, 2026 John (HFJ Director)

Are you carrying guilt that God is ready to forgive — yet you have not fully surrendered?

Key Verse:
“Then his brothers also came and fell down before him and said, ‘Behold, we are your servants.’” —Genesis 50:18 NASB

Background Context:
After Jacob’s death, Joseph’s brothers are overcome with fear. Though years have passed, they remember the injustice they committed against him. They do not deny their sin. They do not rationalize it. They come humbly, bowing before him and seeking mercy.

Joseph had suffered greatly — betrayal, slavery, imprisonment. Yet he walked closely with God. Through that relationship, he learned to forgive rather than retaliate.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Genesis 50:15–26

15When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong which we did to him!” 16So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father charged before he died, saying, 17‘Thus you shall say to Joseph, “Please forgive, I beg you, the transgression of your brothers and their sin, for they did you wrong.”’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 18Then his brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” 19But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? 20“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. 21“So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

Reflection on Genesis 50:15–26:
Joseph’s life is a testimony to what walking with God produces. Many serious injustices were done to him. The pain was real. Yet he did not become bitter. He did not hold grudges. He set himself apart from the normal, expected behavior of revenge. His relationship with God shaped his response.

When the brothers come, they come honestly. They admit wrong. They seek forgiveness. They do not excuse their behavior or claim misunderstanding. Their posture is humility.

This moment mirrors what each of us must do before God.

Are you struggling to forgive yourself? Are you carrying guilt for past mistakes? The answer is not denial. It is not comparison. It is not minimizing sin. It is humility before Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 1:18–20 gives a powerful invitation:

“Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow.”

Forgiveness is offered — but it is tied to consent and obedience. God does not ignore sin; He cleanses it when we repent.

To repent is to turn. It is to stop making excuses. It is to admit, “I have sinned.” It is to ask Jesus to forgive you and to change direction — aligning your attitudes and actions with His commands.

It is not enough to say you believe in God. Even demons believe He exists. True belief is active. It affects behavior.

If I believe in gravity, I will not step off a roof. If I believe in God, I will obey His Word rather than doing things my own way. Submission to Jesus as Lord requires visible change.

Joseph’s forgiveness reflects a heart shaped by obedience. The brothers’ humility reflects the necessity of repentance. Together, they reveal the path to restoration: confession, surrender, and transformed living.

Accept the forgiveness God offers. But do not stop there. Walk in obedience. Let your belief shape your choices.

Application:

Admit sin honestly before God — without excuses.
Ask Jesus for forgiveness and receive it fully.
Turn from behaviors that contradict His Word.
Submit to Christ as Lord, not merely as Savior.
Let your belief produce visible obedience and change.

Closing Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I come before You humbly. I confess my sin and ask for Your forgiveness. Cleanse me and make me new. Teach me to walk in obedience and submit to You fully as Lord. May my belief be visible in the way I live. Transform my heart and my choices for Your glory. In Your holy name, Amen.

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

John Golda

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

Faith / Trusting God, Forgive Others / Seek Forgiveness, Grace / Patience, Revenge

God Meant It for Good (Genesis 50:15–26)

March 5, 2026 John (HFJ Director)

When others intend harm, do you see only the wound — or the hand of God at work?

Key Verse:
“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” —Genesis 50:20 NASB

Background Context:
After Jacob’s burial, Joseph’s brothers fear retaliation. For years they have lived under his protection, but now that their father is gone, they worry Joseph may finally repay them for their betrayal. Their fear reveals lingering guilt.

What follows is one of the clearest statements in Scripture about God’s sovereignty over human evil.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Genesis 50:15–26

Death of Joseph

22Now Joseph stayed in Egypt, he and his father’s household, and Joseph lived one hundred and ten years. 23Joseph saw the third generation of Ephraim’s sons; also the sons of Machir, the son of Manasseh, were born on Joseph’s knees. 24Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die, but God will surely take care of you and bring you up from this land to the land which He promised on oath to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob.” 25Then Joseph made the sons of Israel swear, saying, “God will surely take care of you, and you shall carry my bones up from here.” 26So Joseph died at the age of one hundred and ten years; and he was embalmed and placed in a coffin in Egypt.

Reflection on Genesis 50:15–26:
The brothers assume Joseph’s kindness may have been temporary — restrained only by Jacob’s presence. Their conscience reminds them of their past sin. They send a message pleading for forgiveness.

Joseph’s response is remarkable. He weeps. There is no anger, no calculation, no delayed revenge. Instead, he speaks words that echo through Scripture: “Am I in God’s place?”

Joseph refuses to assume the role of judge. He recognizes that vengeance belongs to God. Then he gives the theological center of Genesis: what they intended for evil, God intended for good.

This does not deny the evil. It does not excuse the betrayal. But it acknowledges a greater sovereignty. Human intent does not override divine purpose. God weaves even sinful actions into His redemptive plan.

Joseph promises provision and protection for his brothers and their families. Forgiveness is not merely spoken — it is lived.

The chapter closes with Joseph’s own approaching death. Like his father, he speaks in faith about the future. He declares that God will surely visit His people and bring them up from Egypt. He asks that his bones be carried to the promised land.

Genesis ends not with arrival, but with anticipation. Joseph dies in Egypt — but his hope rests in Canaan. The coffin remains in Egypt as a reminder: this is not the final home.

Genesis begins with creation and ends with a coffin. Yet it also ends with hope. God’s covenant continues. His purposes move forward beyond one generation.

Joseph teaches us to forgive without revenge, trust God’s sovereignty in suffering, and live with faith that looks beyond our lifetime.

Application:

Release vengeance; trust God to judge justly.
Recognize that God can redeem even painful seasons.
Forgive not only with words, but with tangible kindness.
Refuse to let past wounds dictate present obedience.
Live with long-term faith — God’s promises outlast one generation.

Closing Prayer:
Father, help me trust Your sovereignty even when I cannot see the full picture. Give me grace to forgive as Joseph forgave and to release judgment into Your hands. Teach me to live with hope anchored in Your promises, confident that You are working good beyond what I can understand. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

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

John Golda

Forgive Others / Seek Forgiveness, Holy Spirit / Ruach HaKodesh, Obeying God, Repenting from Sin

Beyond New Year’s Resolutions: Finding True Renewal in Christ

February 20, 2026 John (HFJ Director)

Have you ever set a New Year’s resolution, only to find yourself straying from it just a few weeks later? You’re not alone.

The start of a new year often brings with it the desire for a fresh start—promises to break bad habits, adopt healthier ones, and somehow erase past mistakes.

But how are these resolutions holding up? Are they drawing you nearer to God, or are they focused on more superficial gains?

The Power of True Change

While many of these resolutions falter by February, returning to old ways, there exists a path to genuine transformation, available any time of the year. This path is through Yeshua, Jesus Christ. Through Him, we receive forgiveness for our sins. By repenting, asking for forgiveness, believing in His sacrifice for us, and submitting ourselves to God, we are promised a new beginning—a true clean start that comes with divine power to sustain us.

The Prodigal Son: A Story of Return and Renewal

The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) beautifully illustrates God’s readiness to forgive and embrace us upon our return to Him. It serves as a vivid reminder that no sin is too great to be forgiven and that God eagerly awaits our humble return, much like the father awaited his lost son. This story encourages us to come home to God without delay, emphasizing His willingness to receive us back into His arms at any moment, not just in January.

The Holy Spirit: Our Guide and Helper

Upon our return to God and acceptance into His family, He gifts us the Holy Spirit to guide us (John 16:5-15). The Holy Spirit empowers our repentance and supports us in our journey, ensuring we are never alone. This divine assistance is crucial for our spiritual renewal and growth.

Forgiveness and Obedience: Keys to Renewal

Scriptures such as Isaiah 1:18-20, Daniel 9:7-14, and Acts 3:19-21 emphasize the importance of repentance and obedience to God’s word for forgiveness. These passages reassure us of God’s promise to cleanse us from our sins, offering us a fresh start. However, they also remind us of the consequences of continued rebellion against Him.

Reflecting on God’s Promises

Ephesians 1:3-14, Colossians 1:13-14, 1 John 1:9-10, and Psalm 103:1-13 are just a few examples of the many scriptures that speak of God’s forgiveness and the renewal He offers us. They invite us to meditate on the depth of God’s love and the breadth of His mercy, encouraging us to embrace the clean start available to us in Christ at any time.

Invitation to Transformation

As we reflect on these truths, let us consider the areas of our lives in need of God’s transformative power. How can the promise of forgiveness and the guidance of the Holy Spirit lead us toward a genuine fresh start? Let us approach God in prayer, seeking His strength and wisdom to make changes that draw us closer to Him.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Remember, a true clean start is not confined to the turning of a calendar year but is found in the grace and love of our Lord, Jesus Christ. This opportunity for renewal is available to us at any moment, offering not just a temporary change but a lasting transformation. Let us embrace this divine gift, stepping into the new life God has prepared for us.

Engage and Share

Share your thoughts, experiences, or prayer requests in the comments below. Let’s encourage one another as we pursue genuine change and renewal in Christ. Tag someone who needs to hear about the promise of a fresh start today. Together, let’s walk in the power and promise of God’s unwavering love and forgiveness.

Closing Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we stand at the crossroads of old habits and new beginnings, we turn our hearts to You, seeking the true renewal that only comes through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for the promise of forgiveness, the gift of Your Spirit, and the endless grace You pour out on us each day.

Lord, guide us away from the fleeting resolutions of this world and lead us into the everlasting transformation You offer. Help us to lay down our burdens, sins, and failures at Your feet, embracing the clean start You provide at any moment, not just as the calendar turns.

Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, that we may walk in Your ways, embodying Your love, righteousness, and truth. Strengthen us to resist the temptations that pull us away from You, and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.

As we move forward, let Your will be done in our lives. May we serve as vessels of Your love and light to others, sharing the hope and renewal we’ve found in You.

In Jesus’ Name, we pray, Amen.

To learn more about following Yeshua, continue reading The Message of the Cross.

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

John Golda

All Powerful / King of All, Forgive Others / Seek Forgiveness, His Timing Not Ours, His Ways Are Not Our Ways

What Was Meant for Evil, God Can Use for Good (Genesis 45)

January 26, 2026 John (HFJ Director)

What happens when truth, repentance, and grace finally meet?

Key Verse:
“Do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.” —Genesis 45:5 NASB

Background Context:
Genesis 45 follows the decisive moment in Genesis 44, where Judah offers himself in Benjamin’s place. The brothers have demonstrated genuine repentance and transformation. The test is complete.

Joseph can no longer restrain himself. The time for concealment ends, and the time for revelation begins. What unfolds is one of the most powerful moments of forgiveness and reconciliation in all of Scripture.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Genesis 45

Joseph Deals Kindly with His Brothers

1Then Joseph could not control himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried, “Have everyone go out from me.” So there was no man with him when Joseph made himself known to his brothers. 2He wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard it, and the household of Pharaoh heard of it. 3Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?” But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed at his presence.

4Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come closer to me.” And they came closer. And he said, “I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. 5“Now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. 6“For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there are still five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. 7“God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant in the earth, and to keep you alive by a great deliverance. 8“Now, therefore, it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh and lord of all his household and ruler over all the land of Egypt. 9“Hurry and go up to my father, and say to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph, “God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me, do not delay. 10“You shall live in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me, you and your children and your children’s children and your flocks and your herds and all that you have. 11“There I will also provide for you, for there are still five years of famine to come, and you and your household and all that you have would be impoverished.”’ 12“Behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see, that it is my mouth which is speaking to you. 13“Now you must tell my father of all my splendor in Egypt, and all that you have seen; and you must hurry and bring my father down here.” 14Then he fell on his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, and Benjamin wept on his neck. 15He kissed all his brothers and wept on them, and afterward his brothers talked with him.

16Now when the news was heard in Pharaoh’s house that Joseph’s brothers had come, it pleased Pharaoh and his servants. 17Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Say to your brothers, ‘Do this: load your beasts and go to the land of Canaan, 18and take your father and your households and come to me, and I will give you the best of the land of Egypt and you will eat the fat of the land.’ 19“Now you are ordered, ‘Do this: take wagons from the land of Egypt for your little ones and for your wives, and bring your father and come. 20‘Do not concern yourselves with your goods, for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours.’”

21Then the sons of Israel did so; and Joseph gave them wagons according to the command of Pharaoh, and gave them provisions for the journey. 22To each of them he gave changes of garments, but to Benjamin he gave three hundred pieces of silver and five changes of garments. 23To his father he sent as follows: ten donkeys loaded with the best things of Egypt, and ten female donkeys loaded with grain and bread and sustenance for his father on the journey.

24So he sent his brothers away, and as they departed, he said to them, “Do not quarrel on the journey.” 25Then they went up from Egypt, and came to the land of Canaan to their father Jacob. 26They told him, saying, “Joseph is still alive, and indeed he is ruler over all the land of Egypt.” But he was stunned, for he did not believe them. 27When they told him all the words of Joseph that he had spoken to them, and when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of their father Jacob revived. 28Then Israel said, “It is enough; my son Joseph is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.”

Reflection on Genesis 45:
Joseph reveals his identity not with anger, accusation, or triumph, but with tears. The brothers are stunned — paralyzed by fear and shame. They expect judgment. Instead, they receive grace.

Joseph immediately reframes the entire story. He does not deny their sin, nor does he minimize the pain it caused. But he places it within the larger sovereignty of God. “You sold me,” he acknowledges — yet “God sent me.” Human evil did not derail God’s plan; it unknowingly served it.

This is not shallow forgiveness. Joseph has walked a long road of suffering, patience, and faith. Forgiveness here flows from understanding God’s purposes, not from emotional impulse. Joseph recognizes that God was preserving life — not only Egypt’s, but the family through whom God’s covenant promises would continue.

Joseph also moves quickly to restore relationship. He draws his brothers near, speaks kindly, provides for them, and removes fear from their hearts. True forgiveness seeks restoration, not lingering distance.

This chapter teaches us that reconciliation requires truth, repentance, and grace — all working together. God prepared Joseph through suffering, and He prepared the brothers through conviction and testing. Only then was reconciliation possible.

Genesis 45 reveals a profound truth: God is able to redeem even the darkest chapters of our lives for good. What looks like loss, betrayal, or injustice may be part of a greater purpose we cannot yet see.

Application:

Trust God’s sovereignty. He works through circumstances beyond human intent.
Do not deny sin, but do not be defined by it. God’s grace reframes the past.
Allow forgiveness to lead to restoration. God’s goal is healing, not distance.
Wait for God’s timing. Reconciliation unfolds when hearts are ready.
Release fear and guilt. God’s purposes are greater than past failures.
Give God glory. He alone redeems broken stories for good.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your sovereign grace that redeems even the deepest wounds. Help me trust You with my past, my pain, and my unanswered questions. Teach me to forgive as You forgive, to speak truth with grace, and to seek restoration where You make it possible. I praise You for working all things together for good according to Your purposes. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

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

John Golda

Consequences of Sin, Forgive Others / Seek Forgiveness, Learning To Pray Effectively, Psalms, Repenting from Sin

A Broken Heart Before a Holy God (Psalms 38)

January 10, 2026 John (HFJ Director)

Have you ever felt the crushing weight of guilt — knowing you have no excuses left and nowhere to hide?

Key Verse:
“For my iniquities are gone over my head; as a heavy burden they weigh too heavy for me.” —Psalm 38:4 NASB

Background Context:
Psalm 38 is a psalm of David written during a time of deep personal distress. David is not suffering because of random hardship or persecution, but because of his own sin. This psalm records the raw cry of a man under conviction — physically weakened, emotionally isolated, and spiritually aware that his suffering is connected to his rebellion against God.

Unlike some psalms where David protests innocence, here he openly confesses guilt. He acknowledges God’s righteous discipline and throws himself fully on the mercy of the Lord.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Psalm 38

Prayer of a Suffering Penitent.

A Psalm of David, for a memorial.

1O LORD, rebuke me not in Your wrath,
And chasten me not in Your burning anger.

2For Your arrows have sunk deep into me,
And Your hand has pressed down on me.

3There is no soundness in my flesh because of Your indignation;
There is no health in my bones because of my sin.

4For my iniquities are gone over my head;
As a heavy burden they weigh too much for me.

5My wounds grow foul and fester
Because of my folly.

6I am bent over and greatly bowed down;
I go mourning all day long.

7For my loins are filled with burning,
And there is no soundness in my flesh.

8I am benumbed and badly crushed;
I groan because of the agitation of my heart.

9Lord, all my desire is before You;
And my sighing is not hidden from You.

10My heart throbs, my strength fails me;
And the light of my eyes, even that has gone from me.

11My loved ones and my friends stand aloof from my plague;
And my kinsmen stand afar off.

12Those who seek my life lay snares for me;
And those who seek to injure me have threatened destruction,
And they devise treachery all day long.

13But I, like a deaf man, do not hear;
And I am like a mute man who does not open his mouth.

14Yes, I am like a man who does not hear,
And in whose mouth are no arguments.

15For I hope in You, O LORD;
You will answer, O Lord my God.

16For I said, “May they not rejoice over me,
Who, when my foot slips, would magnify themselves against me.”

17For I am ready to fall,
And my sorrow is continually before me.

18For I confess my iniquity;
I am full of anxiety because of my sin.

19But my enemies are vigorous and strong,
And many are those who hate me wrongfully.

20And those who repay evil for good,
They oppose me, because I follow what is good.

21Do not forsake me, O LORD;
O my God, do not be far from me!

22Make haste to help me,
O Lord, my salvation!

Reflection on Psalm 38:
David does not minimize his sin. He does not blame others, justify his behavior, or soften the language. He describes his guilt as overwhelming, his strength as failing, and his relationships as strained. Sin, when left unconfessed, affects every part of life — body, mind, and spirit.

Yet even in this broken state, David does not turn away from God. He turns toward Him. Though he recognizes God’s discipline, he also trusts God’s mercy. His suffering becomes the very reason he seeks the Lord more earnestly.

David also experiences isolation. Friends distance themselves, enemies take advantage, and his voice seems unheard. This reflects a painful truth: sin often leads to loneliness. But David models the right response — silence before accusers and hope placed in God alone.

The psalm does not end with resolution, but with trust. David waits for the Lord to answer. He does not demand immediate relief; he submits himself to God’s timing and justice. Conviction, when rightly received, does not push us away from God — it pulls us closer.

Psalm 38 teaches us that repentance is not just about feeling bad, but about turning back to God with humility. God’s discipline is never meant to destroy, but to restore.

Application:

Acknowledge sin honestly. Confession begins with truth, not excuses.
Do not run from conviction. God disciplines those He loves.
Recognize sin’s weight. Unconfessed sin affects every area of life.
Turn toward God, not away. Brokenness is an invitation to repentance.
Wait on the Lord. Healing and restoration come in His time.
Trust God’s mercy. Discipline is not rejection — it is love.

Closing Prayer:
Father, search my heart and reveal anything that separates me from You. Give me humility to confess my sin and courage to turn away from it. Help me receive Your discipline not as rejection, but as loving correction meant to restore me. I wait on You, trusting in Your mercy and grace. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

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

John Golda

Forgive Others / Seek Forgiveness, Guide, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Love, Obeying God, Repenting from Sin

Love Is Proven in Our Walk (1 John 2:1–14)

December 2, 2025 John (HFJ Director)

When you think about your relationship with God, do you ever wonder, “How can I be sure I truly know Him?”

Key Verse:
“The one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.” —1 John 2:6 NASB

Background Context:
John continues his message of assurance, clarity, and spiritual discernment to believers. In 1 John 2:1–14, he comforts the church by reminding them that Jesus Himself is our Advocate before the Father and the atoning sacrifice for our sins. But John also emphasizes that genuine relationship with God produces obedience and love.

He explains that the old commandment — to love — is new in Christ because it is now perfectly revealed in His life, death, and resurrection. John then speaks warmly to different groups within the church (“little children,” “fathers,” and “young men”), reassuring them of their forgiveness, strength, and spiritual triumph through God’s Word.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

1 John 2:1–14

Christ Is Our Advocate

1My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; 2and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.

3By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; 5but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: 6the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.

7Beloved, I am not writing a new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning; the old commandment is the word which you have heard. 8On the other hand, I am writing a new commandment to you, which is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true Light is already shining. 9The one who says he is in the Light and yet hates his brother is in the darkness until now. 10The one who loves his brother abides in the Light and there is no cause for stumbling in him. 11But the one who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

12I am writing to you, little children, because your sins have been forgiven you for His name’s sake. 13I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I have written to you, children, because you know the Father. 14I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

Reflection on 1 John 2:1–14:
John begins with tenderness: “My little children, I am writing these things so that you may not sin.” He does not excuse sin — but neither does he leave the believer without hope. When we fall, “we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”

This is not a sentimental comfort; it is a profound theological truth. Jesus Himself intercedes for us. He stands in our defense on the basis of His righteousness, not ours. His sacrifice is the propitiation — the complete, wrath-satisfying atonement — not only for our sins but for the whole world.

But John does not stop at comfort. He moves to examination. How do we know we truly know God? John gives a simple, searching answer: “By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments.”

Obedience is not the means of salvation but the evidence of genuine relationship. The one who claims to know God while ignoring His commands “is a liar.” The one who walks as Jesus walked shows that God’s love is being perfected in him.

Then John turns to love — the commandment that is both old and new. It is old because it has been God’s will from the beginning; new because Christ displayed it perfectly and empowers us to live it through His Spirit. Love is the distinguishing mark of those who walk in the light. Hatred or contempt toward others reveals darkness, no matter what a person professes.

Finally, John speaks encouragement to all believers. Children are forgiven. Fathers know the Eternal One. Young men have overcome the evil one and are strong because the Word of God abides in them. John’s words remind us that every stage of spiritual growth carries blessing, responsibility, and purpose.

Application:

Look to Christ when you sin. He is your Advocate — righteous, faithful, and always interceding for you.
Measure your walk honestly. True relationship with God produces obedience to His Word.
Walk as Jesus walked. Let His example shape your responses, priorities, and relationships.
Love with sincerity. Love is the visible evidence of walking in the light.
Let God’s Word abide in you. Strength against temptation flows from Scripture dwelling deeply in your heart.
Embrace your stage of spiritual growth. Whether young in faith or seasoned, God has purpose and encouragement for you.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for giving us an Advocate in Yeshua, who intercedes for us with perfect righteousness. Help me to walk in obedience, not as a burden but as evidence of knowing You. Fill my heart with genuine love for others, and let Your Word abide in me with strength and clarity. Teach me to walk as Yeshua walked, relying on Your Spirit every day. In His holy name, Amen.

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

John Golda

Forgive Others / Seek Forgiveness, Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, Repenting from Sin, Traditions / Holidays

Yom Kippur: A Day to Reflect, Repent, and Reconnect with God

October 1, 2025 John (HFJ Director)

“While many holidays today emphasize fun and festivity, Yom Kippur invites us to a profound solemnity and reflection on our spiritual state. It’s a day that strips away the distractions, calling us back to the heart of our faith.”

In the hustle of modern life, significant meanings behind many observances can become diluted. Thanksgiving, for example, has largely shifted from a solemn day of genuine gratitude to a day dominated by parades, football, and feasting. Similarly, Yom Kippur, a day set by God for atonement and humility, holds a crucial spiritual significance that often goes unappreciated.

The Essence of Yom Kippur:
Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is one of the most sacred days in the biblical calendar, emphasized in Leviticus 23:25-32. It’s a day ordained by God for self-examination, repentance, and reconciliation with Him. Unlike any other holiday, Yom Kippur demands total cessation of work and complete focus on our spiritual state, offering a chance to align more closely with God’s desires for our lives.

Sabbath of Solemn Rest: Yom Kippur is a Sabbath of complete rest, where no work is done, and the soul is humbled through fasting and prayer.
Call to Atonement: It is a time to reflect deeply on our sins and seek God’s forgiveness, facilitated by the sacrifice Yeshua made on our behalf, fulfilling the atonement once symbolized by the temple rituals.

Yeshua’s Fulfillment of Yom Kippur: Yeshua, our Messiah, did not abolish these holy days but fulfilled them in a way that deepens their meaning. His sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate atonement for our sins, bridging the gap that no human effort could span, as highlighted in Romans 3:10, reminding us of our universal need for divine grace.

Bridge to Righteousness: Just as none could jump across the Grand Canyon, none of us can achieve righteousness on our own. Yeshua acts as our bridge, fulfilling the law and granting us access to the Father through His grace.

Practical Observance Tips:

Focus on Scripture: Always validate traditions and additional practices against the Scriptures. Begin with the biblical text and understand the foundation before exploring traditional observances.
Community and Fellowship: Engage with communities like JacobsTent.org that observe these days with understanding and reverence.
Embrace Spiritual Growth: Allow Yom Kippur to be a step in your spiritual journey. Don’t worry about mastering all practices at once but grow in your observance year by year.

Resources for Further Study:

Bible.org – Leviticus 23 study of appointed times
Psalm 119 Ministries – Yom Kippur – Day of Atonement
Hebrew for Christians – Yom Kippur – Day of Atonement
TheMoedim.com – Yom Kippur – Day of Atonement
JacobsTent.org is a fellowship that meets in Tennessee and live streams events for Moedim and regular Sabbath services weekly. It is more than just a study, but brings you in to be part of a fellowship worshipping and learning together.

Conclusion: As we approach Yom Kippur, let us embrace this opportunity not just as a tradition but as a meaningful reflection on our personal relationship with God. Let this day be a time to renew our commitment to live according to His ways, thankful for the grace provided through Yeshua.

Call to Action: Commit to observing Yom Kippur this year with a heart open to God’s refining work in your life. Take time away from the usual distractions to reflect on His Word, repent, and pray for deeper communion with Him.

Closing Prayer: Father, as I observe Yom Kippur, I humbly come before You acknowledging my sins and seeking Your forgiveness. Thank You for the gift of atonement through Yeshua, who has reconciled me to You. Guide me in living a life that reflects this grace and leads others to Your truth. Strengthen Your church to embrace Your appointed times with wisdom and reverence. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

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

John Golda

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

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

August 5, 2025 John (HFJ Director)

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

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

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

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

John 13: 18-30

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

Jesus Predicts His Betrayal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

John Golda

Forgive Others / Seek Forgiveness, Holy, Justice / Judgment, Repenting from Sin, Submitted / Servant, Teachable

Cleansing the Land of Wickedness (Zechariah 5)

March 31, 2025 John (HFJ Director)

God sees all, and He will remove wickedness from His people.

Zechariah 5 offers two powerful and sobering visions—a flying scroll and a woman in a basket. At first glance, they may seem mysterious or difficult to understand, but they point to a central truth: YHWH will not allow sin to remain among His people. These visions are a call to holiness and a warning against tolerating sin, especially when rebuilding a nation or a people for His purposes.

Key Verse:
“Then he said to me, ‘This is the curse that is going forth over the face of the whole land…'”
—Zechariah 5:3 (NASB)

Background Context:
After encouraging words in earlier chapters about God’s Spirit empowering the rebuilding of the temple (Zechariah 4), chapter 5 reminds us that YHWH’s holiness also demands the removal of sin. In the first vision, a large flying scroll represents the curse that goes out against thieves and those who swear falsely by God’s name. These are violations of God’s commandments—specifically the eighth and third. The scroll serves as a visible symbol of God’s law and His judgment on those who break it.

In the second vision, Zechariah sees a woman (representing wickedness) confined to a basket and carried away to Shinar (Babylon), a symbolic center of rebellion against God. The vision shows that God intends not only to judge sin but to remove it completely from among His people.

(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

1. God’s Word Judges Sin

The flying scroll symbolizes God’s standard of righteousness. He has not abandoned His law. Those who lie, steal, or swear falsely will be held accountable.

2. Judgment Begins with the House of God

The scroll enters the house of the sinner and “consumes it.” This is a reminder that God expects His people—those who claim His name—to walk in integrity and holiness.

3. Wickedness Will Not Be Tolerated

The image of the woman representing wickedness being sealed in a basket and carried away shows that God will actively remove sin from His people. He is cleansing and preparing them for His presence.

4. Babylon Still Symbolizes Rebellion

Shinar, or Babylon, is where the basket is taken—symbolically removing sin to a place that has long represented opposition to God. This tells us sin must be separated from holiness; they cannot dwell together.

Summary Key Points

God’s Word is the standard by which we are judged; He takes sin seriously.
God will not allow His people to remain in sin without discipline or correction.
Sin must be removed if we are to be holy and ready for God’s purposes.
Our response should be repentance, humility, and obedience.

Application

Examine your life in light of God’s Word. Are there areas where you’ve tolerated sin?
Confess and repent. Ask the Lord to cleanse you and remove anything that separates you from Him.
Don’t become numb to sin in culture or community—stand firm on the truth, and pray for purification both personally and corporately.

Closing Prayer

Father, You are holy and just. Thank You for Your mercy and patience, but also for Your righteousness that calls us to be clean and set apart. Reveal any hidden sins in our lives and remove them by Your power. May we walk in holiness and truth, ready to serve You and bring glory to Your name. In Yeshua’s name we pray, Amen.

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

John Golda

Forgive Others / Seek Forgiveness, Grace / Forgiveness, Repenting from Sin, Traditions / Holidays

Beyond New Year’s Resolutions: Finding True Renewal in Christ

February 19, 2025 John (HFJ Director)

Have you ever set a New Year’s resolution, only to find yourself straying from it just a few weeks later? You’re not alone.

The start of a new year often brings with it the desire for a fresh start—promises to break bad habits, adopt healthier ones, and somehow erase past mistakes.

But how are these resolutions holding up? Are they drawing you nearer to God, or are they focused on more superficial gains?