Category Archives: Humility

Depression / Discouragement, Humility, Patient, Seeking God, Tribulation

Understanding Divine Justice: Insights from Job 35

Have you ever questioned the fairness of life’s circumstances, wondering why the righteous sometimes suffer while the wicked seem to prosper?

In Job 35, Elihu offers insights into the nature of divine justice, challenging conventional wisdom and prompting us to rethink our understanding of God’s ways.

Reconnect: As we delve into Job 35, we are reminded of the ongoing dialogue between Job and his friends, each grappling with the profound mysteries of human suffering and divine justice. Elihu’s perspective adds a new dimension to the conversation, urging us to consider the complexities of God’s sovereignty and the limitations of human understanding.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Job 35

Elihu Sharply Reproves Job

      1Then Elihu continued and said,

      2“Do you think this is according to justice?
Do you say, ‘My righteousness is more than God’s’?

      3“For you say, ‘What advantage will it be to You?
What profit will I have, more than if I had sinned?’

      4“I will answer you,
And your friends with you.

      5“Look at the heavens and see;
And behold the clouds—they are higher than you.

      6“If you have sinned, what do you accomplish against Him?
And if your transgressions are many, what do you do to Him?

      7“If you are righteous, what do you give to Him,
Or what does He receive from your hand?

      8“Your wickedness is for a man like yourself,
And your righteousness is for a son of man.

      9“Because of the multitude of oppressions they cry out;
They cry for help because of the arm of the mighty.

      10“But no one says, ‘Where is God my Maker,
Who gives songs in the night,

      11Who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth
And makes us wiser than the birds of the heavens?’

      12“There they cry out, but He does not answer
Because of the pride of evil men.

      13“Surely God will not listen to an empty cry,
Nor will the Almighty regard it.

      14“How much less when you say you do not behold Him,
The case is before Him, and you must wait for Him!

      15“And now, because He has not visited in His anger,
Nor has He acknowledged transgression well,

      16So Job opens his mouth emptily;
He multiplies words without knowledge.”

Summary Key Points:

  • Elihu’s Assertion of Divine Justice: Elihu begins by asserting the righteousness of God’s judgments, challenging Job’s assertion that his suffering is unjust. He emphasizes that God’s justice transcends human comprehension and operates on a higher plane of wisdom and righteousness.
  • The Limitations of Human Righteousness: Elihu highlights the fallacy of attributing one’s righteousness to God’s benefit, arguing that human goodness does not elevate or diminish God’s glory. He underscores the importance of humility before the Almighty, recognizing our inherent limitations and dependence on His grace.
  • The Call to Await God’s Response: Elihu admonishes Job for presuming to dictate the terms of God’s justice, urging him to await divine vindication rather than questioning God’s integrity. He emphasizes the importance of trusting in God’s wisdom and timing, even in the face of uncertainty and suffering.

Call to Action:

As we reflect on the insights of Job 35, let us respond with:

  • Humility Before God: Let us cultivate a spirit of humility and reverence in our relationship with God, acknowledging His sovereignty and wisdom. May we surrender our doubts and questions to Him, trusting in His righteous judgments.
  • Patience in Waiting: In moments of trial and uncertainty, let us patiently await God’s response, knowing that His timing is perfect and His purposes are just. May we resist the temptation to demand answers and instead rest in the assurance of His faithfulness.
  • Seeking Understanding: Let us earnestly seek to deepen our understanding of God’s ways, studying His Word and seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit. May we approach the complexities of divine justice with an open heart and mind, trusting in God’s goodness and wisdom.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, grant us the humility to submit to Your sovereign rule and the patience to await Your righteous judgments. Help us to trust in Your wisdom and goodness, even when we cannot fully comprehend Your ways. Lead us in paths of righteousness, and grant us the grace to surrender our doubts and questions to You. 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.

Compassion, Depression / Discouragement, Humility, Patient, Tribulation

Elihu’s Patient Perspective: A Voice of Restraint Amidst Debate (Job 33)

Have you ever felt like your voice was drowned out in the noise of heated discussions, yearning for the right moment to speak your truth?

In Job 33, Elihu emerges from the sidelines with a voice of patience and wisdom, offering insights that speak volumes about the power of discernment and timing in conversations.

Reconnect: In the ongoing discourse between Job and his friends, Elihu’s entrance in Job 32 marks a significant shift in the dialogue. As Job and his companions grapple with the complexities of suffering and divine justice, Elihu’s patient observation and compassionate wisdom offer a fresh perspective that challenges and enlightens.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Job 33

Elihu Claims to Speak for God

1“However now, Job, please hear my speech,
And listen to all my words.

      2“Behold now, I open my mouth,
My tongue in my mouth speaks.

      3“My words are from the uprightness of my heart,
And my lips speak knowledge sincerely.

      4“The Spirit of God has made me,
And the breath of the Almighty gives me life.

      5“Refute me if you can;
Array yourselves before me, take your stand.

      6“Behold, I belong to God like you;
I too have been formed out of the clay.

      7“Behold, no fear of me should terrify you,
Nor should my pressure weigh heavily on you.

      8“Surely you have spoken in my hearing,
And I have heard the sound of your words:

      9‘I am pure, without transgression;
I am innocent and there is no guilt in me.

      10‘Behold, He invents pretexts against me;
He counts me as His enemy.

      11‘He puts my feet in the stocks;
He watches all my paths.’

      12“Behold, let me tell you, you are not right in this,
For God is greater than man.

      13“Why do you complain against Him
That He does not give an account of all His doings?

      14“Indeed God speaks once,
Or twice, yet no one notices it.

      15“In a dream, a vision of the night,
When sound sleep falls on men,
While they slumber in their beds,

      16Then He opens the ears of men,
And seals their instruction,

      17That He may turn man aside from his conduct,
And keep man from pride;

      18He keeps back his soul from the pit,
And his life from passing over into Sheol.

      19“Man is also chastened with pain on his bed,
And with unceasing complaint in his bones;

      20So that his life loathes bread,
And his soul favorite food.

      21“His flesh wastes away from sight,
And his bones which were not seen stick out.

      22“Then his soul draws near to the pit,
And his life to those who bring death.

      23“If there is an angel as mediator for him,
One out of a thousand,
To remind a man what is right for him,

      24Then let him be gracious to him, and say,
‘Deliver him from going down to the pit,
I have found a ransom’;

      25Let his flesh become fresher than in youth,
Let him return to the days of his youthful vigor;

      26Then he will pray to God, and He will accept him,
That he may see His face with joy,
And He may restore His righteousness to man.

      27“He will sing to men and say,
‘I have sinned and perverted what is right,
And it is not proper for me.

      28‘He has redeemed my soul from going to the pit,
And my life shall see the light.’

      29“Behold, God does all these oftentimes with men,

      30To bring back his soul from the pit,
That he may be enlightened with the light of life.

      31“Pay attention, O Job, listen to me;
Keep silent, and let me speak.

      32“Then if you have anything to say, answer me;
Speak, for I desire to justify you.

      33“If not, listen to me;
Keep silent, and I will teach you wisdom.”

Summary Key Points:

  1. Elihu’s Insightful Observation: Elihu begins by highlighting his attentiveness to the ongoing debate between Job and his friends. His patience serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most profound wisdom comes from observing rather than immediately engaging in dialogue.
  2. Elihu’s Humble Approach: Despite his eagerness to share his perspective, Elihu prefaces his words with humility, acknowledging that he speaks from a place of sincerity rather than superiority. His humility underscores the importance of approaching discussions with an open heart and mind.
  3. Elihu’s Compassionate Rebuke: Elihu’s words are not intended to condemn or belittle Job but rather to offer constructive criticism rooted in compassion. He gently challenges Job’s perspective, urging him to consider the bigger picture and trust in the justice of God.
  4. Elihu’s Call to Reflection: Through Elihu’s discourse, we are prompted to reflect on our own interactions and conversations. Are we approaching discussions with humility and patience, or are we quick to assert our opinions without considering the perspectives of others?

Call to Action: Let us heed the example of Elihu in Job 33 by:

  • Practicing Patient Observation: Like Elihu, let us cultivate the discipline of patient observation in our conversations, recognizing the value of listening before speaking.
  • Embracing Humility: Before sharing our own perspectives, let us approach discussions with humility, acknowledging that true wisdom often comes from a place of humility.
  • Extending Compassion: In our interactions with others, let us strive to offer compassionate feedback and guidance, seeking to uplift rather than tear down.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, grant us the wisdom and discernment to approach conversations with patience, humility, and compassion. May our words be a reflection of Your love and grace, guiding us to build meaningful connections and foster understanding. 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.

Arrogance, Compassion, Depression / Discouragement, Discerning / Judging, Encouragement, Fellowship, Help / Serve Others, Humility, Kindness / Gentleness, Tribulation, Wise

When Friends Offer Troubling Advice (Job 22)

Have you ever experienced the frustration of receiving well-intentioned advice that seems far from the mark?

In life’s most challenging moments, we often turn to friends for support and guidance, but sometimes their counsel can miss the mark entirely. Job faced similar experiences, especially in the dialogue found in Job 22.

Let’s explore the lessons we can learn from Job’s encounters with his friends.

Reconnect: In the preceding chapters of the Book of Job, we witness Job’s ongoing suffering and his friends’ attempts to explain it as a result of his sins, reflecting the idea that suffering is always a consequence of personal sin. In contrast, Job stands emphatically behind his innocence, challenging this simplistic view of suffering as divine punishment for personal wrongdoing.

(Summarized and continued after the scripture)

Job 22

Eliphaz Accuses and Exhorts Job

      1Then Eliphaz the Temanite responded,

      2“Can a vigorous man be of use to God,
Or a wise man be useful to himself?

      3“Is there any pleasure to the Almighty if you are righteous,
Or profit if you make your ways perfect?

      4“Is it because of your reverence that He reproves you,
That He enters into judgment against you?

      5“Is not your wickedness great,
And your iniquities without end?

      6“For you have taken pledges of your brothers without cause,
And stripped men naked.

      7“To the weary you have given no water to drink,
And from the hungry you have withheld bread.

      8“But the earth belongs to the mighty man,
And the honorable man dwells in it.

      9“You have sent widows away empty,
And the strength of the orphans has been crushed.

      10“Therefore snares surround you,
And sudden dread terrifies you,

      11Or darkness, so that you cannot see,
And an abundance of water covers you.

      12“Is not God in the height of heaven?
Look also at the distant stars, how high they are!

      13“You say, ‘What does God know?
Can He judge through the thick darkness?

      14‘Clouds are a hiding place for Him, so that He cannot see;
And He walks on the vault of heaven.’

      15“Will you keep to the ancient path
Which wicked men have trod,

      16Who were snatched away before their time,
Whose foundations were washed away by a river?

      17“They said to God, ‘Depart from us!’
And ‘What can the Almighty do to them?’

      18“Yet He filled their houses with good things;
But the counsel of the wicked is far from me.

      19“The righteous see and are glad,
And the innocent mock them,

      20Saying, ‘Truly our adversaries are cut off,
And their abundance the fire has consumed.’

      21“Yield now and be at peace with Him;
Thereby good will come to you.

      22“Please receive instruction from His mouth
And establish His words in your heart.

      23“If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored;
If you remove unrighteousness far from your tent,

      24And place your gold in the dust,
And the gold of Ophir among the stones of the brooks,

      25Then the Almighty will be your gold
And choice silver to you.

      26“For then you will delight in the Almighty
And lift up your face to God.

      27“You will pray to Him, and He will hear you;
And you will pay your vows.

      28“You will also decree a thing, and it will be established for you;
And light will shine on your ways.

      29“When you are cast down, you will speak with confidence,
And the humble person He will save.

      30“He will deliver one who is not innocent,
And he will be delivered through the cleanness of your hands.”

Summary Key Points:

  1. Eliphaz’s Accusations: In Job 22, Eliphaz, one of Job’s friends, offers a harsh rebuke to Job, accusing him of various sins. He suggests that Job’s suffering is a direct result of his wickedness, asserting that God punishes the wicked and rewards the righteous. Eliphaz’s accusations reflect a common belief that suffering is always a consequence of personal sin.
  2. Lessons in Empathy: Job’s experience with his friends reminds us of the importance of empathy and sensitivity when offering counsel to those in distress. While Eliphaz and others may have had good intentions, their failure to understand the depth of Job’s suffering and their rush to judgment illustrate the need for compassion in difficult times. They were trying to solve the problem instead of simply comforting and encouraging their friend.
  3. Seeking God’s Perspective: Job’s story prompts us to seek God’s perspective in times of suffering. Instead of jumping to conclusions or offering quick answers, we should approach the suffering of others with humility and prayer, recognizing that we may not fully comprehend God’s purposes.

Call to Action: As we reflect on Job 22, let us strive to be empathetic listeners and companions to those facing trials. Rather than making hasty judgments or providing easy explanations, let us pray for discernment and seek God’s perspective. When comforting friends in times of suffering, may we offer not only words of encouragement but also the gift of understanding and empathy.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the lessons found in the Book of Job. Help us to be compassionate and understanding friends to those in times of suffering. Grant us the wisdom to seek Your perspective and guidance when comforting others, and may our words and actions reflect Your love and grace. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Discussion Prompt: Share a personal experience where you received counsel from a well-meaning friend that missed the mark. How did it make you feel, and what did you learn from that experience? How can we apply the lessons from Job’s story to our interactions with those facing trials?

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, Help / Serve Others, Humility, Kindness / Gentleness, Leadership, Purposeful / Intentional, Submitted / Servant

The Heart of Genuine Leadership (1 Thessalonians 2)

Step into the profound teachings of 1 Thessalonians 2, where the apostle Paul unveils the essence of genuine leadership and the sacrificial love that forms the core of his ministry.

Join us on a journey through this chapter as we explore the principles of selfless service, authenticity, and the transformative power of sharing not just the Gospel but our lives.

(Summarized and continued after the scripture.)

1 Thessalonians 2

Paul’s Ministry

      1For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain, 2but after we had already suffered and been mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition. 3For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit; 4but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts. 5For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness— 6nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, even though as apostles of Christ we might have asserted our authority. 7But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. 8Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us.

      9For you recall, brethren, our labor and hardship, how working night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. 10You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and uprightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers; 11just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, 12so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.

      13For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe. 14For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, for you also endured the same sufferings at the hands of your own countrymen, even as they didfrom the Jews, 15who both killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out. They are not pleasing to God, but hostile to all men, 16hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved; with the result that they always fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them to the utmost.

      17But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short while—in person, not in spirit—were all the more eager with great desire to see your face. 18For we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, more than once—and yet Satan hindered us. 19For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? 20For you are our glory and joy.

Summary of Key Points:

  1. Authenticity in Ministry: In 1 Thessalonians 2, Paul emphasizes the authenticity of his ministry, highlighting that it is not driven by deceit or impure motives. The chapter offers insights into the genuine nature of leadership, grounded in sincerity and truth.
  2. A Heart of Selfless Service: Paul portrays his ministry as a labor of love, likening himself to a nursing mother caring for her children. This imagery underscores the sacrificial and nurturing aspects of genuine leadership, where leaders serve with a selfless heart.
  3. Sharing Lives Alongside the Gospel: The chapter emphasizes the intimate connection between sharing the Gospel and sharing one’s life. Paul illustrates the depth of his relationship with the Thessalonians, imparting not only spiritual teachings but also personal care and affection.
  4. Facing Opposition with Resilience: Paul recounts the challenges and opposition he faced in Thessalonica, highlighting the resilience required in genuine leadership. The chapter inspires leaders to press on in their mission, even in the face of adversity.

As we delve into the heart of 1 Thessalonians 2, let’s reflect on the principles of genuine leadership laid out by the apostle Paul.

How can we apply authenticity and selfless service in our roles as leaders, mentors, or influencers?

Share your thoughts on the transformative power of sharing lives alongside the Gospel.

1 Thessalonians 2 challenges us to lead with sincerity, love, and resilience.

Join the conversation, and let’s cultivate a culture of genuine leadership that reflects the heart of Christ in our lives and communities.

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

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, Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Humility, Learning To Pray Effectively, Purposeful / Intentional, Unteachable / Foolish, Wise, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

When You Come Before God… Listen More; Talk Less

The writer of Ecclesiastes, commonly accepted as Solomon, has much wisdom to share. We do well to take our time and digest it fully rather than quickly scan over it in our hurry to get on with our day. In chapter 5, he addresses several elements of our attitude toward YHWH.

If we reflect on his first example, we probably realize we have a lot to learn and change in our walk with YHWH. Typically today most of us come to YHWH with a list of things we want to talk to him about or ask for him to help us. We often jump right in. Solomon cautions us to remember who is the LORD and who is the servant. Let us approach the LORD with an attitude to listen and learn, to submit and obey. Let us take care to have few words and listen more.

Ecclesiastes 5:1-9

Your Attitude Toward God

     1Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know they are doing evil. 2Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few. 3For the dream comes through much effort and the voice of a fool through many words.

      4When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it; for He takes no delight in fools. Pay what you vow! 5It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay. 6Do not let your speech cause you to sin and do not say in the presence of the messenger of God that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry on account of your voice and destroy the work of your hands? 7For in many dreams and in many words there is emptiness. Rather, fear God.

      8If you see oppression of the poor and denial of justice and righteousness in the province, do not be shocked at the sight; for one official watches over another official, and there are higher officials over them. 9After all, a king who cultivates the field is an advantage to the land.

I definitely would do well to put more focus on listening to my LORD before even asking him for those things with which I am seeking his help.

The second matter is also very important. We should be careful in making vows to the LORD and if we do, we should fulfill them. We should not make excuses. We should take care and fear YHWH. Their is often a tendency to overlook this instruction in the Bible. We tend to characterize YHWH as “love” as if that means we should not revere and in some ways fear him. We should recognize and respect that he is the one who is over our life and our life after death. We should take seriously the desire to please him as a loyal servant would their master.

Verses 8-9 are interesting. I need to dig a little deeper to fully chase that meaning. That is one thing I love about God’s written word… there is always more depth we can search for (like treasure) if we have the will to do so!

My first impression leans into a comparison of the LORD as the king. It is good to have the king who desires to cultivate the land, to be involved in our lives. However, there are clearly examples of oppression and denial of justice because of the people who have authority under him in certain areas. Witnessing unrighteousness does not mean there is not a righteous LORD who is in charge of all. It simply means that there are some wicked people who do not truly submit to and follow him.

—-

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.

Contentment, Faith / Trusting God, Humility, Protector / Deliverer, Strong in Our Weakness, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Jeremiah 45: Embrace Humility, Contentment, and Faith

Jeremiah 45 contains a message from the prophet Jeremiah to his scribe, Baruch. In this passage, Jeremiah delivers a message of both warning and comfort to Baruch during a time of great turmoil and uncertainty in the history of the people of Israel.

The primary message of Jeremiah 45 can be summarized as follows:

  1. Warning: Jeremiah tells Baruch not to seek great things for himself. He advises him not to be preoccupied with personal ambition, wealth, or fame, especially in a time of great upheaval and distress.
  2. Comfort: Jeremiah assures Baruch that even in the midst of adversity and turmoil, God will protect him and allow him to escape with his life as a reward for his faithfulness.

The broader context of this chapter is the impending destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the Israelites. Jeremiah’s messages throughout the Book of Jeremiah often focus on the people’s disobedience, God’s judgment, and the eventual hope of restoration. In this particular chapter, the message is directed toward Baruch, reminding him to maintain humility and faith in God’s protection during these challenging times.

Jeremiah 45

Message to Baruch

      1This is the message which Jeremiah the prophet spoke to Baruch the son of Neriah, when he had written down these words in a book at Jeremiah’s dictation, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, saying: 2“Thus says the LORD the God of Israel to you, O Baruch: 3‘You said, “Ah, woe is me! For the LORD has added sorrow to my pain; I am weary with my groaning and have found no rest.”’ 4“Thus you are to say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD, “Behold, what I have built I am about to tear down, and what I have planted I am about to uproot, that is, the whole land.” 5‘But you, are you seeking great things for yourself? Do not seek them; for behold, I am going to bring disaster on all flesh,’ declares the LORD, ‘but I will give your life to you as booty in all the places where you may go.’”

The message of Jeremiah 45 can be applied to our lives today in several ways, emphasizing the importance of humility, contentment, and faith, especially during challenging and uncertain times:

  1. Embrace Humility: Jeremiah’s message encourages us to be humble and not to seek greatness and personal ambition at the expense of others or at the wrong time. In our lives, it’s important to recognize the value of humility, modesty, and a willingness to serve others without constantly seeking self-aggrandizement.
  2. Avoid Excessive Materialism: The warning against seeking “great things” can remind us not to become overly materialistic or obsessed with wealth, fame, or success. Prioritize values like integrity, relationships, and personal growth over the pursuit of material possessions.
  3. Contentment and Gratitude: Cultivate contentment with what you have rather than constantly striving for more. Gratitude for the blessings you already possess can lead to greater satisfaction and peace of mind.
  4. Trust in God: The message of comfort in Jeremiah 45 emphasizes the importance of trust and faith in God, even in the face of adversity. This can be applied by maintaining trust in a higher power or in your inner strength and resilience during difficult times.
  5. Perseverance: In the face of challenges and uncertainty, Jeremiah’s message to Baruch encourages perseverance and determination. We can apply this by staying resilient and committed to our goals and values, even when the road ahead is difficult.
  6. Recognize the Bigger Picture: Remember that life has its ups and downs, and difficult times are often part of a larger journey. Just as Baruch was assured of his life’s protection in the midst of turmoil, we can find solace in the belief that, with patience and faith, we can weather life’s storms.

In essence, Jeremiah 45 encourages a balanced approach to life, advocating for humility, contentment, and faith in the face of adversity. By incorporating these principles into our lives, we can find greater fulfillment and inner peace, even in the midst of challenges and uncertainty.

I encourage you to spend some time in prayer and personal reflection as you ask God to help you apply these lessons to your life today.

Shalom. May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. Devotion by John in service to Christ

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.

Arrogance, Humility, Psalms, Wickedness / Evil

Resist Boasting in Wickedness! (Psalm 52)

In whom shall we boast? What power do we have to control and even influence our lives that has not been allowed us by our heavenly Father.

If I am wise or strong, did this not come from Yahweh as He made me? Should I not trust in Him for all things? Let us be planted in the house of God forever, trusting in His loving kindness and not boasting in ourselves.

We certainly should not be boasting about wickedness in which we go against the ways of God!

Psalm 52

Futility of Boastful Wickedness.

For the choir director. A Maskil of David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul and said to him, “David has come to the house of Ahimelech.”

     1Why do you boast in evil, O mighty man?
The lovingkindness of God endures all day long.

      2Your tongue devises destruction,
Like a sharp razor, O worker of deceit.

      3You love evil more than good,
Falsehood more than speaking what is right.

Selah.

      4You love all words that devour,
O deceitful tongue.

      5But God will break you down forever;
He will snatch you up and tear you away from your tent,
And uproot you from the land of the living.

Selah.

      6The righteous will see and fear,
And will laugh at him, saying,

      7“Behold, the man who would not make God his refuge,
But trusted in the abundance of his riches
And was strong in his evil desire.”

      8But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of God;
I trust in the lovingkindness of God forever and ever.

      9I will give You thanks forever, because You have done it,
And I will wait on Your name, for it is good, in the presence of Your godly ones.

Praise to our loving Father who created all things, including each of us! How wonderful that He loves us. I will trust in Him rather than boast of my own works. There is nothing I can do that He did not first grant me the ability to do.  I will seek Him as my refuge. All honor and glory to Him!

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Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? If you die today, do you know for sure that you would be with God in heaven? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Compassion, Compassionate, Humility, Love, Loving / Kind, Pride, Selfishness

Regard Others as More Important than Yourself, in Humility and Love

Yeshua set a powerful example of humility and love for others. Let us follow in His example. Read and reflect on the words in Phil 2.

Philippians 2:1-11

Be Like Christ

     1Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 3Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

As you read and reflect on this scripture, ask yourself the following. How do you measure up? What changes do you need to make?

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, Humility, Justice / Judgment, Repenting from Sin, Submitted / Servant, Teachable

Learn to Trust in God Rather than Man

There are times when the LORD has plans for us, whether for good or for bad, and there is nothing we are going to do in our own power to change them. All we can do is turn to the LORD. In Jeremiah 37, King Zedekiah looks to his arrangements with Egypt to spare him God’s judgment through the Chaldeans attacking Jerusalem.

Jeremiah reminds him vividly that he should not count on those plans to spare him from what God has decided to bring on him.

Jeremiah 37

Jeremiah Warns against Trust in Pharaoh

      1Now Zedekiah the son of Josiah whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had made king in the land of Judah, reigned as king in place of Coniah the son of Jehoiakim. 2But neither he nor his servants nor the people of the land listened to the words of the LORD which He spoke through Jeremiah the prophet.

      3Yet King Zedekiah sent Jehucal the son of Shelemiah, and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah, the priest, to Jeremiah the prophet, saying, “Please pray to the LORD our God on our behalf.” 4Now Jeremiah was still coming in and going out among the people, for they had not yet put him in the prison. 5Meanwhile, Pharaoh’s army had set out from Egypt; and when the Chaldeans who had been besieging Jerusalem heard the report about them, they lifted the siege from Jerusalem.

      6Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, saying, 7“Thus says the LORD God of Israel, ‘Thus you are to say to the king of Judah, who sent you to Me to inquire of Me: “Behold, Pharaoh’s army which has come out for your assistance is going to return to its own land of Egypt. 8“The Chaldeans will also return and fight against this city, and they will capture it and burn it with fire.”’ 9“Thus says the LORD, ‘Do not deceive yourselves, saying, “The Chaldeans will surely go away from us,” for they will not go. 10‘For even if you had defeated the entire army of Chaldeans who were fighting against you, and there were only wounded men left among them, each man in his tent, they would rise up and burn this city with fire.’”

Jeremiah Imprisoned

      11Now it happened when the army of the Chaldeans had lifted the siege from Jerusalem because of Pharaoh’s army, 12that Jeremiah went out from Jerusalem to go to the land of Benjamin in order to take possession of some property there among the people. 13While he was at the Gate of Benjamin, a captain of the guard whose name was Irijah, the son of Shelemiah the son of Hananiah was there; and he arrested Jeremiah the prophet, saying, “You are going over to the Chaldeans!” 14But Jeremiah said, “A lie! I am not going over to the Chaldeans”; yet he would not listen to him. So Irijah arrested Jeremiah and brought him to the officials. 15Then the officials were angry at Jeremiah and beat him, and they put him in jail in the house of Jonathan the scribe, which they had made into the prison. 16For Jeremiah had come into the dungeon, that is, the vaulted cell; and Jeremiah stayed there many days.

      17Now King Zedekiah sent and took him out; and in his palace the king secretly asked him and said, “Is there a word from the LORD?” And Jeremiah said, “There is!” Then he said, “You will be given into the hand of the king of Babylon!” 18Moreover Jeremiah said to King Zedekiah, “In what way have I sinned against you, or against your servants, or against this people, that you have put me in prison? 19“Where then are your prophets who prophesied to you, saying, ‘The king of Babylon will not come against you or against this land’? 20“But now, please listen, O my lord the king; please let my petition come before you and do not make me return to the house of Jonathan the scribe, that I may not die there.” 21Then King Zedekiah gave commandment, and they committed Jeremiah to the court of the guardhouse and gave him a loaf of bread daily from the bakers’ street, until all the bread in the city was gone. So Jeremiah remained in the court of the guardhouse.

I can certainly point to the parable of the talents, and show an example where we, as God’s servants, are to be diligent in taking action to impact good outcomes. In that parable, the servants were called to invest and grow the money with which they were entrusted. They were not simply to sit on it and wait for the master to act.

However, there are times when God is doing something in our lives and we are just not going to avoid it. We should strive to humble ourselves before God and submit to His will. If we have need, repent. In all things, put our trust in Him.

Don’t try to take control of God’s plans. It won’t work.

Shalom. May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. Devotion by John in service to Christ

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.

Church / Body of Christ, Grace / Patience, Humility, Miracles

He Who Is Not Against Us, Is For Us

As followers of Yeshua (Hebrew for Jesus) we can often get caught up in differences of understanding of doctrine to the point where we fight amongst ourselves. In pursuing important discussions about the true doctrine and teaching of Jesus we can be at risk of dividing the body of Christ, rather than uniting it. We can take an important lesson from Christ in how we address these situations.

Mark 9:38-41

      38John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we tried to prevent him because he was not following us.” 39But Jesus said, “Do not hinder him, for there is no one who will perform a miracle in My name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me. 40“For he who is not against us is for us. 41“For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because of your name as followers of Christ, truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward.

It is important to study, discuss, debate and actually follow the correct teaching of Jesus. We should appropriately rebuke those who identify as followers of Christ but practice or teach wrong doctrine. However, let us remember that those who genuinely call upon Jesus as Lord, even if they do not understand doctrine the same way that we do, are not our enemies. We should help one another as a body of Christ, working together. The true enemy is Satan, and he seeks to divide us so that we can be overcome by evil in the world.

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Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? If you die today, do you know for sure that you would be with God in heaven? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.