Category Archives: Faith / Trusting God

Blessed, Faith / Trusting God, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Obeying God, Protector / Deliverer

The Blessing of Obedience (Genesis 22:15-24)

When faith turns into obedience, blessings follow.

Key Verse:
“By Myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this thing and have not withheld your son, your only son, indeed I will greatly bless you, and I will greatly multiply your seed as the stars of the heavens and as the sand which is on the seashore.” —Genesis 22:16–17 NASB

Background Context:
After Abraham’s obedience on Mount Moriah, God reaffirms and expands His covenant promises. Through the Angel of the Lord, God swears by Himself—something unprecedented—that Abraham’s descendants will be innumerable, and that through his seed all nations will be blessed. This points directly to Christ, the ultimate Seed of Abraham (Galatians 3:16). Abraham’s willingness to withhold nothing from God becomes the backdrop for God withholding nothing from us, even His own Son (Romans 8:32).

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Genesis 22:15-24

      15Then the angel of the LORD called to Abraham a second time from heaven, 16and said, “By Myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, because you have done this thing and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17indeed I will greatly bless you, and I will greatly multiply your seed as the stars of the heavens and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your seed shall possess the gate of their enemies. 18“In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” 19So Abraham returned to his young men, and they arose and went together to Beersheba; and Abraham lived at Beersheba.

      20Now it came about after these things, that it was told Abraham, saying, “Behold, Milcah also has borne children to your brother Nahor: 21Uz his firstborn and Buz his brother and Kemuel the father of Aram 22and Chesed and Hazo and Pildash and Jidlaph and Bethuel.” 23Bethuel became the father of Rebekah; these eight Milcah bore to Nahor, Abraham’s brother. 24His concubine, whose name was Reumah, also bore Tebah and Gaham and Tahash and Maacah.

Reflection on Genesis 22:15–24:
This passage highlights the connection between faith, obedience, and blessing. Abraham’s act of trust opened the way for God to confirm His covenant with an oath, making His promises unshakable. Notice that the blessings are not just for Abraham’s descendants but for all nations—fulfilled in Jesus Christ. This reminds us that obedience to God has ripple effects beyond our own lives; it can impact generations and even the world.

Application:
Abraham’s obedience teaches us that God honors those who surrender fully to Him. We may not face a test like Abraham’s, but each day we are called to place our trust in God’s will above our own desires. When we hold nothing back, we experience the richness of His promises. Our obedience, like Abraham’s, can influence not only our families but others around us. If we truly love God, we will trust Him with everything, knowing His blessings reach far beyond what we can imagine.

Closing Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the example of Abraham’s obedience and Your faithfulness in keeping Your promises. Help me to walk in complete trust, holding nothing back from You. Teach me that true blessing is found in surrender and that my obedience can be a testimony to others. Thank You for the ultimate blessing in Jesus Christ, through whom all nations are blessed. May my life honor You in faith and obedience. 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, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Obeying God

Trusting God When It Doesn’t Make Sense (Genesis 22:1-14)

Sometimes God’s requests stretch us beyond what we can understand. The question is, will we trust Him enough to obey?

Key Verse:
“Abraham called the name of that place The Lord Will Provide, as it is said to this day, ‘In the mount of the Lord it will be provided.’” —Genesis 22:14 NASB

Background Context:
In this passage, God tests Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac—the very child through whom God had promised descendants as numerous as the stars. Abraham, though surely filled with grief and confusion, obeys immediately, setting out for the mountain God would show him. At the last moment, God stops him and provides a ram as a substitute for Isaac. This act not only affirms Abraham’s faith but also foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, who died in our place.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Genesis 22

The Offering of Isaac

      1Now it came about after these things, that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 2He said, “Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you.” 3So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him and Isaac his son; and he split wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. 4On the third day Abraham raised his eyes and saw the place from a distance. 5Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey, and I and the lad will go over there; and we will worship and return to you.” 6Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son, and he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So the two of them walked on together. 7Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” And he said, “Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” 8Abraham said, “God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” So the two of them walked on together.

      9Then they came to the place of which God had told him; and Abraham built the altar there and arranged the wood, and bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11But the angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 12He said, “Do not stretch out your hand against the lad, and do nothing to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” 13Then Abraham raised his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him a ram caught in the thicket by his horns; and Abraham went and took the ram and offered him up for a burnt offering in the place of his son. 14Abraham called the name of that place The LORD Will Provide, as it is said to this day, “In the mount of the LORD it will be provided.”

Reflection on Genesis 22:1–14:
This is one of the most profound pictures of faith and obedience in the Bible. Abraham did not delay or argue with God, though the command seemed unbearable. His obedience revealed his trust in God’s promises—that somehow, even if Isaac died, God would still fulfill His covenant. The provision of the ram is a powerful foreshadowing of Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). God’s test was never about cruelty—it was about revealing Abraham’s heart and pointing us forward to the gospel.

Application:
This passage challenges us to ask: Do we trust God even when His ways seem confusing? Are we willing to lay down what is most precious to us, believing that He is faithful to provide? Abraham obeyed immediately, and God provided. In our lives, obedience may be costly, but God always meets us on the mountain with His provision. True faith is not merely believing in God’s promises—it is acting on them, even when we cannot see how they will work out.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for Abraham’s example of faith and obedience. Help me to trust You even when I don’t understand Your plan. Teach me to lay down anything You ask of me, knowing that You are faithful to provide. Thank You for the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, who gave His life in my place. May I walk in obedience and trust, bringing glory to Your name. Amen.

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

John Golda

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

Faith / Trusting God, Peace / Rest, Share the Good News

Living at Peace Through God’s Faithfulness (Genesis 21:22-34)

Have you ever found that when you walk faithfully with God, even your enemies begin to respect you?

Key Verse:
“God is with you in all that you do.” —Genesis 21:22 ESV

Background Context:
In Genesis 21:22–34, Abimelech, the Philistine king, and Phicol, the commander of his army, approach Abraham. They acknowledge that God is clearly with him in everything. Abimelech seeks a covenant of peace, and Abraham agrees, though he first confronts Abimelech about a well seized by his servants. The two men make a covenant at Beersheba, and Abraham plants a tamarisk tree there, calling on the name of the LORD, the Everlasting God.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Genesis 21:22-34

Covenant with Abimelech

      22Now it came about at that time that Abimelech and Phicol, the commander of his army, spoke to Abraham, saying, “God is with you in all that you do; 23now therefore, swear to me here by God that you will not deal falsely with me or with my offspring or with my posterity, but according to the kindness that I have shown to you, you shall show to me and to the land in which you have sojourned.” 24Abraham said, “I swear it.” 25But Abraham complained to Abimelech because of the well of water which the servants of Abimelech had seized. 26And Abimelech said, “I do not know who has done this thing; you did not tell me, nor did I hear of it until today.”

      27Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelech, and the two of them made a covenant. 28Then Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves. 29Abimelech said to Abraham, “What do these seven ewe lambs mean, which you have set by themselves?” 30He said, “You shall take these seven ewe lambs from my hand so that it may be a witness to me, that I dug this well.” 31Therefore he called that place Beersheba, because there the two of them took an oath. 32So they made a covenant at Beersheba; and Abimelech and Phicol, the commander of his army, arose and returned to the land of the Philistines. 33Abraham planted a tamarisk tree at Beersheba, and there he called on the name of the LORD, the Everlasting God. 34And Abraham sojourned in the land of the Philistines for many days.

Reflection on Genesis 21:22–34:
This story highlights how God’s faithfulness in Abraham’s life was evident not just to him, but to others around him. Even foreign rulers recognized God’s hand at work. Abraham’s integrity and reliance on God allowed him to live at peace with his neighbors, while also securing the rightful well that sustained his household.

The planting of the tamarisk tree is a lasting symbol—Abraham marking the land with worship to the Everlasting God. It reminds us that God’s blessings are not just for survival but also for testimony. When others see God’s presence in us, it creates opportunities for peace and witness.

Application:
As followers of Christ, we are called to live in such a way that God’s faithfulness in our lives is unmistakable. Even those who do not follow Him should be able to recognize His presence through the way we walk in integrity, pursue peace, and worship Him openly. Ask yourself: do my neighbors, coworkers, or family see God’s hand in my life?

Closing Prayer:
Lord, thank You that You are the Everlasting God who is faithful to His people. Help me to walk in integrity and peace so that others may see Your presence in my life. May my worship be a testimony that points others to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

John Golda

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

Faith / Trusting God, His Timing Not Ours, Provider

When God Turns Doubt Into Laughter (Genesis 21: 1-7)

Have you ever laughed at the thought that something was just too good, too impossible, to ever happen?

Key Verse:
“The Lord visited Sarah as He had said, and the Lord did to Sarah as He had promised.” —Genesis 21:1 ESV

Background Context:
Genesis 21 records the long-awaited fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham and Sarah. After decades of waiting and even moments of doubt, God gave them a son in their old age—Isaac. His very name means “laughter,” a reminder of Sarah’s earlier skepticism and of the joy that God’s faithfulness brings.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Genesis 21:1-7

Isaac Is Born

      1Then the LORD took note of Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah as He had promised. 2So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the appointed time of which God had spoken to him. 3Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore to him, Isaac. 4Then Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him. 5Now Abraham was one hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. 6Sarah said, “God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh with me.” 7And she said, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.”

Reflection on Genesis 21:1–7:
This passage shows us that God’s promises never fail. Sarah once laughed in disbelief at the thought of bearing a child in her old age, but now she laughs with joy because God had done the impossible. What once seemed beyond reach became a living, breathing testimony of God’s power and faithfulness.

We often struggle when God’s timing doesn’t match ours. But He is never late. His promises are fulfilled exactly when and how He intends. Isaac’s birth reminds us that even after years of waiting, God can bring forth joy that surpasses our doubts.

Application:
When you face seasons of delay or doubt, remember Sarah’s laughter. God specializes in making the impossible possible, and He delights in turning our disbelief into joy. Trust Him even when the wait feels unbearable. His timing is perfect, and His promises are sure.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for being faithful to Your promises. Forgive me when I doubt or grow impatient. Help me trust Your timing and rejoice in the ways You work beyond what I could ever imagine. May my life be filled with the joy of seeing Your hand at work. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

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

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

When God Is Your Defender (Psalm 17)

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

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

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

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Psalm 17

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

John Golda

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

Faith / Trusting God, Guide

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

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

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

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

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

John 14:1-6

Jesus Comforts His Disciples

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God’s Mercy in Our Missteps (Genesis 20)

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

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

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

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Genesis 20

Abraham’s Treachery

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

John Golda

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Genesis 19:1-29

The Doom of Sodom

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

John Golda

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Genesis 18 (1-15)

Birth of Isaac Promised

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

John Golda

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

Faith / Trusting God, Obeying God

Circumcision, Covenant, and Commitment (Genesis 17)

God’s promises come with a call—not just to believe, but to obey.

Key Verse:
“I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants after you.” —Genesis 17:7 NASB

Background Context:
Thirteen years after Ishmael’s birth, God appears to Abram at age 99, reaffirming His covenant. He changes Abram’s name to Abraham—“father of many nations”—and Sarai’s name to Sarah, promising them a son named Isaac through whom His covenant will continue. God introduces circumcision as the physical sign of this everlasting agreement, calling Abraham and his household to obedience. Despite his astonishment at the promise, Abraham responds in immediate faith, circumcising himself, Ishmael, and all the males in his household that very day.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Genesis 17

Abraham and the Covenant of Circumcision

      1Now when Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him,
“I am God Almighty;
Walk before Me, and be blameless.

      2“I will establish My covenant between Me and you,
And I will multiply you exceedingly.”

3Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying,

      4“As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you,
And you will be the father of a multitude of nations.

      5“No longer shall your name be called Abram,
But your name shall be Abraham;
For I have made you the father of a multitude of nations.

6“I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make nations of you, and kings will come forth from you. 7“I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants after you. 8“I will give to you and to your descendants after you, the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.”

      9God said further to Abraham, “Now as for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations. 10“This is My covenant, which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: every male among you shall be circumcised. 11“And you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin, and it shall be the sign of the covenant between Me and you. 12“And every male among you who is eight days old shall be circumcised throughout your generations, a servant who is born in the house or who is bought with money from any foreigner, who is not of your descendants. 13“A servant who is born in your house or who is bought with your money shall surely be circumcised; thus shall My covenant be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. 14“But an uncircumcised male who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant.”

      15Then God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. 16“I will bless her, and indeed I will give you a son by her. Then I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her.” 17Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said in his heart, “Will a child be born to a man one hundred years old? And will Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?” 18And Abraham said to God, “Oh that Ishmael might live before You!” 19But God said, “No, but Sarah your wife will bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; and I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him. 20“As for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I will bless him, and will make him fruitful and will multiply him exceedingly. He shall become the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation. 21“But My covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you at this season next year.” 22When He finished talking with him, God went up from Abraham.

      23Then Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all the servants who were born in his house and all who were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s household, and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the very same day, as God had said to him. 24Now Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. 25And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. 26In the very same day Abraham was circumcised, and Ishmael his son. 27All the men of his household, who were born in the house or bought with money from a foreigner, were circumcised with him.

Reflection on Genesis 17:
God’s covenants are more than one-sided promises; they are sacred agreements that call for a response. Here, God promises Abraham descendants, land, and His enduring presence—but also commands a sign of that covenant: circumcision. This physical act was more than a ritual. It symbolized accepting God’s covenant and living in obedience to Him.

Like the rainbow in Noah’s day, circumcision served as a lasting reminder of God’s promise. But it also called for a deeper truth: covenant relationship with God requires an obedient heart. In the same way baptism outwardly represents our inward faith in Yeshua, circumcision represented Israel’s commitment to belong to God.

Abraham’s response is striking. He doesn’t delay, debate, or negotiate. The very day God speaks, he acts—circumcising himself, his son, and his entire household. This is what real faith looks like: trusting God’s word enough to obey immediately, even when it’s costly or uncomfortable.

Application:
When God prompts you—through His Word or by His Spirit—do you obey right away, or do you hesitate, rationalize, or delay? Abraham’s example calls us to trust God enough to act without waiting for “a better time.”

Also, reflect on your own “signs of covenant.” If circumcision marked Israel and baptism marks believers today, what in your life visibly demonstrates that you belong to God?

Closing Prayer:
Lord, thank You for calling me into covenant relationship with You. Give me a heart that responds like Abraham—quick to obey, even when Your commands stretch my comfort. Help me live as one who is marked by Your covenant, walking in faith and obedience each day. 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.