Category Archives: Obeying God

Faith / Trusting God, Fear / Reverence for God, Justice / Judgment, Merciful, Obeying God, Protector / Deliverer, Share the Good News, Strong in Our Weakness, Submitted / Servant, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Renewal and Restoration (Ezekiel 11)

Have you ever felt like your circumstances were beyond repair, like hope was lost and there was no way forward?

In the midst of despair, the book of Ezekiel offers a message of hope and restoration, reminding us that God is always at work, even in the darkest of times.

Reconnect: In the preceding chapters of Ezekiel, we witnessed the prophet’s visionary journey through the desolation and judgment facing the people of Israel. In Ezekiel 11, we continue to explore the themes of judgment and restoration, as God reveals His plan to renew His people and establish His kingdom.

As we delve into Ezekiel 11, we encounter a powerful vision in which God transports the prophet to the city of Jerusalem, where he witnesses the wickedness and rebellion of its inhabitants. Despite the prevailing darkness, God reveals His promise of restoration, declaring His intention to gather His scattered people and give them a new heart and spirit.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Ezekiel 11

Evil Rulers to Be Judged

      1Moreover, the Spirit lifted me up and brought me to the east gate of the LORD’S house which faced eastward. And behold, there were twenty-five men at the entrance of the gate, and among them I saw Jaazaniah son of Azzur and Pelatiah son of Benaiah, leaders of the people. 2He said to me, “Son of man, these are the men who devise iniquity and give evil advice in this city, 3who say, ‘The time is not near to build houses. This city is the pot and we are the flesh.’ 4“Therefore, prophesy against them, son of man, prophesy!”

      5Then the Spirit of the LORD fell upon me, and He said to me, “Say, ‘Thus says the LORD, “So you think, house of Israel, for I know your thoughts. 6“You have multiplied your slain in this city, filling its streets with them.” 7‘Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD, “Your slain whom you have laid in the midst of the city are the flesh and this city is the pot; but I will bring you out of it. 8“You have feared a sword; so I will bring a sword upon you,” the Lord GOD declares. 9“And I will bring you out of the midst of the city and deliver you into the hands of strangers and execute judgments against you. 10“You will fall by the sword. I will judge you to the border of Israel; so you shall know that I am the LORD. 11“This city will not be a pot for you, nor will you be flesh in the midst of it, but I will judge you to the border of Israel. 12“Thus you will know that I am the LORD; for you have not walked in My statutes nor have you executed My ordinances, but have acted according to the ordinances of the nations around you.”’”

      13Now it came about as I prophesied, that Pelatiah son of Benaiah died. Then I fell on my face and cried out with a loud voice and said, “Alas, Lord GOD! Will You bring the remnant of Israel to a complete end?”

Promise of Restoration

14Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 15“Son of man, your brothers, your relatives, your fellow exiles and the whole house of Israel, all of them, are those to whom the inhabitants of Jerusalem have said, ‘Go far from the LORD; this land has been given us as a possession.’ 16“Therefore say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Though I had removed them far away among the nations and though I had scattered them among the countries, yet I was a sanctuary for them a little while in the countries where they had gone.”’ 17“Therefore say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “I will gather you from the peoples and assemble you out of the countries among which you have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel.”’ 18“When they come there, they will remove all its detestable things and all its abominations from it. 19“And I will give them one heart, and put a new spirit within them. And I will take the heart of stone out of their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, 20that they may walk in My statutes and keep My ordinances and do them. Then they will be My people, and I shall be their God. 21“But as for those whose hearts go after their detestable things and abominations, I will bring their conduct down on their heads,” declares the Lord GOD.

      22Then the cherubim lifted up their wings with the wheels beside them, and the glory of the God of Israel hovered over them. 23The glory of the LORD went up from the midst of the city and stood over the mountain which is east of the city. 24And the Spirit lifted me up and brought me in a vision by the Spirit of God to the exiles in Chaldea. So the vision that I had seen left me. 25Then I told the exiles all the things that the LORD had shown me.

Key Points:

  • Judgment and Exile: The opening verses of Ezekiel 11 depict the wickedness of the leaders in Jerusalem, who have led the people astray and brought about their own downfall. As a result of their sin, judgment and exile loom on the horizon.
  • Promise of Restoration: Despite the impending judgment, God offers a message of hope and restoration to His people. In verses 16-20, God promises to gather His scattered people from the nations, cleanse them from their impurities, and give them a new heart and spirit, enabling them to walk in His ways.
  • God’s Sovereign Plan: Throughout Ezekiel 11, we see God’s sovereignty at work, orchestrating events according to His divine purpose. Despite the rebellion of His people, God remains committed to His covenant promises and His plan to establish His kingdom.
  • Response of Faith: The chapter concludes with Ezekiel’s faithful response to God’s revelation, as he conveys the message of restoration to the exiles in Babylon. In the face of uncertainty and adversity, Ezekiel remains steadfast in his faith, trusting in God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promises.

Call to Action: Inspired by the message of hope and restoration in Ezekiel 11, let us respond with faith and obedience to God’s sovereign plan for our lives.

  • Seek God’s Renewal: In moments of despair or hopelessness, turn to God and seek His renewal and restoration. Trust in His promise to give you a new heart and spirit, transforming your life from the inside out.
  • Embrace God’s Sovereignty: Reflect on the sovereignty of God and His faithfulness to fulfill His promises. Surrender your plans and desires to His divine purpose, trusting that He is always at work for your good.
  • Proclaim God’s Goodness: Like Ezekiel, boldly proclaim the message of hope and restoration to those around you. Share God’s faithfulness and the transformation He has brought into your life, pointing others to the source of true renewal.

As we journey through the complexities of life, may we hold fast to the promise of renewal and restoration found in Ezekiel 11. May we trust in God’s sovereignty and faithfulness, knowing that He is always at work to bring about His kingdom purposes.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the message of hope and restoration found in Your Word, particularly in the book of Ezekiel. Grant us the faith to trust in Your sovereign plan for our lives, even in the midst of uncertainty and adversity. Renew our hearts and spirits, O Lord, and empower us to proclaim Your goodness to the world around us. May Your kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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

John Golda

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

Obeying God, Parables, Purposeful / Intentional

Shine a Light in the Darkness (Luke 8:16-21)

Ever pondered the significance of shining a light in the darkness? Luke 8:16-21 sheds light on the importance of embracing and sharing the truth.

Reconnect: In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus often used parables to convey profound truths about the kingdom of God. In Luke 8:16-21, He emphasizes the importance of shining the light of truth and understanding.

In the turbulent journey of understanding and living out the teachings of Christ, this passage serves as a guiding beacon, reminding us of the transformative power of embracing and reflecting His truth.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Luke 8:16-21

Parable of the Lamp

     16“Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed; but he puts it on a lampstand, so that those who come in may see the light. 17“For nothing is hidden that will not become evident, nor anything secret that will not be known and come to light. 18“So take care how you listen; for whoever has, to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has shall be taken away from him.”

Summary Key Points:

  • The Light of Truth: Just as a lamp is not hidden but placed on a stand to illuminate the room, so too should the truth be boldly proclaimed and shared. Let us not hide the light of God’s truth but let it shine brightly for all to see.
  • Hearing and Doing: Jesus highlights the importance of not only hearing His words but also putting them into practice. Those who hear and obey the Word of God are blessed, becoming part of His family and kingdom.
  • Family in Christ: Jesus redefines familial relationships, emphasizing that true kinship is found in doing the will of God. Our spiritual family transcends biological ties, uniting us with fellow believers who share a commitment to following Christ.

Call to Action:

  • Shine Brightly: Let us commit to shining the light of God’s truth in our lives, both in our words and actions. May we boldly proclaim His teachings and reflect His love to those around us.
  • Practice Obedience: Hearing the Word is essential, but obedience is equally crucial. Let us strive to not only listen to God’s instructions but also actively live them out in our daily lives.

As we navigate life’s journey, may we be guided by the light of God’s truth, illuminating our path and transforming our hearts. Let us shine brightly as beacons of hope and love in a world longing for the radiance of Christ’s presence.

Closing Prayer: Lord, we thank You for the light of Your truth that guides us and illuminates our path. Help us to be bold in proclaiming Your Word and obedient in living it out each day. May Your light shine through us, drawing others to You and transforming lives for Your glory. 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.

Help / Serve Others, Obeying God, Sabbath / Rest, Traditions / Holidays

Navigating Sabbath: Rest, Compassion, and Obedience (Luke 6:1-11)

Have you ever felt torn between obeying God’s commands and meeting the needs of others? What if you were faced with a situation where fulfilling one seemed to contradict the other?

Reconnect:

As we delve into Luke 6:1-11, we find Jesus challenging traditional interpretations of Sabbath while emphasizing its essence and purpose. This narrative flows seamlessly from the preceding chapters of Luke’s gospel, where Jesus’ ministry unfolds amidst controversy and opposition from religious leaders.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Luke 6:1-11

Jesus Is Lord of the Sabbath

     1Now it happened that He was passing through some grainfields on a Sabbath; and His disciples were picking the heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands, and eating the grain. 2But some of the Pharisees said, “Why do you do what is not lawful on the Sabbath?” 3And Jesus answering them said, “Have you not even read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him, 4how he entered the house of God, and took and ate the consecrated bread which is not lawful for any to eat except the priests alone, and gave it to his companions?” 5And He was saying to them, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”

      6On another Sabbath He entered the synagogue and was teaching; and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. 7The scribes and the Pharisees were watching Him closely to see if He healed on the Sabbath, so that they might find reason to accuse Him. 8But He knew what they were thinking, and He said to the man with the withered hand, “Get up and come forward!” And he got up and came forward. 9And Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save a life or to destroy it?” 10After looking around at them all, He said to him, “Stretch out your hand!” And he did so; and his hand was restored. 11But they themselves were filled with rage, and discussed together what they might do to Jesus.

Summary Key Points:

  • Jesus affirms the importance of Sabbath rest while demonstrating His authority over it, teaching us that Sabbath was made for our benefit (Mark 2:27-28).
  • We’re called to avoid becoming legalistic in our observance of Sabbath, recognizing that it’s intended for rest and restoration, yet being open to meeting genuine needs that may arise (Luke 6:1-11).
  • Our understanding of Sabbath should align with its purpose—to honor God’s commandment while also showing compassion and meeting the needs of others (Exodus 20:8-11).

Call to Action:

  • Embrace Sabbath as a gift from God, setting aside time for rest and spiritual rejuvenation.
  • Seek discernment from the Holy Spirit to recognize genuine needs that may arise on Sabbath, being open to extending help and compassion when appropriate.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of Sabbath, a time for rest and restoration. Grant us wisdom to honor Your commandments while also being sensitive to the needs of those around us. May our observance of Sabbath reflect Your love and compassion. 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.

Interceding for Others, Justice / Judgment, Obeying God, Rebuke Wrong Behavior, Repenting from Sin, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Consequences of Rebellion and Hope for Restoration (Ezekiel 5)

Have you ever considered the consequences of rebellion against God’s will?

In Ezekiel 5, we witness the prophet Ezekiel conveying God’s judgment upon Jerusalem for its persistent disobedience. Through vivid imagery and stark warnings, Ezekiel illustrates the dire repercussions of forsaking God’s commands.

Reconnect:
Building upon the prophetic narrative of Ezekiel, chapter 5 delves deeper into the consequences of Jerusalem’s rebellion against God and the accompanying promise of restoration for the faithful remnant.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Ezekiel 5

Jerusalem’s Desolation Foretold

      1“As for you, son of man, take a sharp sword; take and use it as a barber’s razor on your head and beard. Then take scales for weighing and divide the hair. 2“One third you shall burn in the fire at the center of the city, when the days of the siege are completed. Then you shall take one third and strike it with the sword all around the city, and one third you shall scatter to the wind; and I will unsheathe a sword behind them. 3“Take also a few in number from them and bind them in the edges of your robes. 4“Take again some of them and throw them into the fire and burn them in the fire; from it a fire will spread to all the house of Israel.

      5“Thus says the Lord GOD, ‘This is Jerusalem; I have set her at the center of the nations, with lands around her. 6‘But she has rebelled against My ordinances more wickedly than the nations and against My statutes more than the lands which surround her; for they have rejected My ordinances and have not walked in My statutes.’ 7“Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD, ‘Because you have more turmoil than the nations which surround you and have not walked in My statutes, nor observed My ordinances, nor observed the ordinances of the nations which surround you,’ 8therefore, thus says the Lord GOD, ‘Behold, I, even I, am against you, and I will execute judgments among you in the sight of the nations. 9‘And because of all your abominations, I will do among you what I have not done, and the like of which I will never do again. 10‘Therefore, fathers will eat their sons among you, and sons will eat their fathers; for I will execute judgments on you and scatter all your remnant to every wind. 11‘So as I live,’ declares the Lord GOD, ‘surely, because you have defiled My sanctuary with all your detestable idols and with all your abominations, therefore I will also withdraw, and My eye will have no pity and I will not spare. 12‘One third of you will die by plague or be consumed by famine among you, one third will fall by the sword around you, and one third I will scatter to every wind, and I will unsheathe a sword behind them.

      13‘Thus My anger will be spent and I will satisfy My wrath on them, and I will be appeased; then they will know that I, the LORD, have spoken in My zeal when I have spent My wrath upon them. 14‘Moreover, I will make you a desolation and a reproach among the nations which surround you, in the sight of all who pass by. 15‘So it will be a reproach, a reviling, a warning and an object of horror to the nations who surround you when I execute judgments against you in anger, wrath and raging rebukes. I, the LORD, have spoken. 16‘When I send against them the deadly arrows of famine which were for the destruction of those whom I will send to destroy you, then I will also intensify the famine upon you and break the staff of bread. 17‘Moreover, I will send on you famine and wild beasts, and they will bereave you of children; plague and bloodshed also will pass through you, and I will bring the sword on you. I, the LORD, have spoken.’”

Summary Key Points:

  • The Symbolic Hair:
    God commands Ezekiel to shave his head and beard, using this symbolic act to represent the devastation that will befall Jerusalem and its inhabitants as a result of their rebellion and idolatry.
  • Divine Judgment:
    Through graphic imagery, Ezekiel depicts the severity of God’s judgment upon Jerusalem, including famine, disease, and dispersion among the nations, all serving as divine retribution for their disobedience and idol worship.
  • A Remnant Preserved:
    Despite the widespread destruction and desolation prophesied upon Jerusalem, God promises to preserve a faithful remnant who will be scattered among the nations but ultimately restored to their land in accordance with His covenant promises.

Call to Action:

  • Repentance and Renewal:
    Reflect on areas of rebellion and disobedience in your own life, and earnestly seek repentance and renewal before God. Turn away from idolatry and sin, embracing a lifestyle of obedience and devotion to His commands.
  • Intercession for Restoration:
    Intercede fervently for the restoration of God’s people and the fulfillment of His promises. Pray for the spiritual awakening and revival of individuals and nations, believing in God’s power to bring about transformation and renewal.
  • Alignment with God’s Will:
    Align your life with God’s will, prioritizing obedience and faithfulness in all aspects of your walk with Him. Trust in His sovereignty and guidance, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill His purposes and bring about His plans for restoration.

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we acknowledge Your righteous judgment upon rebellion and disobedience, yet we also cling to the hope of restoration and renewal promised to Your faithful remnant. Grant us the grace to repent and turn from our sinful ways, and empower us to walk in obedience and alignment with Your will. May Your kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Shalom. 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.

Creative, Interceding for Others, Obeying God, Repenting from Sin, Through Prophets, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Symbolic Acts and Divine Judgment (Ezekiel 4)

Have you ever marveled at how God uses symbolic acts to communicate profound truths?

In Ezekiel 4, we witness the powerful imagery and symbolism employed by the prophet Ezekiel to convey God’s impending judgment upon Jerusalem.

Through these symbolic acts, God speaks with unmistakable clarity, inviting us to ponder the depths of His divine wisdom.

Reconnect:
Ezekiel 4 delves deeper into the prophetic ministry of Ezekiel, as he receives explicit instructions from God to enact symbolic acts representing the siege and devastation that will befall Jerusalem due to its disobedience and idolatry.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Ezekiel 4

Siege of Jerusalem Predicted

      1“Now you son of man, get yourself a brick, place it before you and inscribe a city on it, Jerusalem. 2“Then lay siege against it, build a siege wall, raise up a ramp, pitch camps and place battering rams against it all around. 3“Then get yourself an iron plate and set it up as an iron wall between you and the city, and set your face toward it so that it is under siege, and besiege it. This is a sign to the house of Israel.

      4“As for you, lie down on your left side and lay the iniquity of the house of Israel on it; you shall bear their iniquity for the number of days that you lie on it. 5“For I have assigned you a number of days corresponding to the years of their iniquity, three hundred and ninety days; thus you shall bear the iniquity of the house of Israel. 6“When you have completed these, you shall lie down a second time, but on your right side and bear the iniquity of the house of Judah; I have assigned it to you for forty days, a day for each year. 7“Then you shall set your face toward the siege of Jerusalem with your arm bared and prophesy against it. 8“Now behold, I will put ropes on you so that you cannot turn from one side to the other until you have completed the days of your siege.

Defiled Bread

9“But as for you, take wheat, barley, beans, lentils, millet and spelt, put them in one vessel and make them into bread for yourself; you shall eat it according to the number of the days that you lie on your side, three hundred and ninety days. 10“Your food which you eat shall be twenty shekels a day by weight; you shall eat it from time to time. 11“The water you drink shall be the sixth part of a hin by measure; you shall drink it from time to time. 12“You shall eat it as a barley cake, having baked it in their sight over human dung.” 13Then the LORD said, “Thus will the sons of Israel eat their bread unclean among the nations where I will banish them.” 14But I said, “Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I have never been defiled; for from my youth until now I have never eaten what died of itself or was torn by beasts, nor has any unclean meat ever entered my mouth.” 15Then He said to me, “See, I will give you cow’s dung in place of human dung over which you will prepare your bread.” 16Moreover, He said to me, “Son of man, behold, I am going to break the staff of bread in Jerusalem, and they will eat bread by weight and with anxiety, and drink water by measure and in horror, 17because bread and water will be scarce; and they will be appalled with one another and waste away in their iniquity.

Summary Key Points:

  • The Symbolic Siege:
    God commands Ezekiel to enact a vivid portrayal of Jerusalem under siege, serving as a poignant metaphor for the impending judgment upon the city due to its transgressions against God.
  • The Lengthy Siege:
    Ezekiel is instructed to bear the iniquity of Israel and Judah through symbolic actions, emphasizing the severity and duration of their disobedience and the consequences thereof.
  • The Symbolic Provisions:
    Through specific dietary restrictions and cooking methods, Ezekiel symbolizes the scarcity and deprivation that will accompany the siege of Jerusalem, vividly portraying the suffering and judgment to come.
  • Ezekiel’s Obedience:
    Despite the challenging nature of God’s commands, Ezekiel obediently carries out the symbolic acts, demonstrating unwavering faithfulness and obedience to God’s will, even in the face of adversity.

Call to Action:

  • Heed the Warning Signs:
    Reflect on areas of spiritual complacency and disobedience in your life, heeding the warning signs of God’s impending judgment. Seek repentance and renewal in alignment with His will.
  • Embrace Prophetic Creativity:
    Embrace the creative and unconventional methods through which God communicates His truths. Be open to symbolic acts and prophetic symbolism as powerful tools for stirring hearts towards repentance and transformation.
  • Intercede for Restoration:
    Intercede fervently for restoration and revival in areas of spiritual desolation and brokenness, believing in God’s power to bring about transformation and renewal in individuals and communities.
  • Challenge to Obedience:
    Challenge yourself to obey God’s call, even when it seems difficult or daunting. Like Ezekiel, commit to unwavering obedience and faithfulness to God’s will, trusting in His guidance and provision every step of the way.

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the profound wisdom displayed through the prophetic ministry of Ezekiel. Grant us the discernment to heed Your warning signs and the courage to embrace Your creative methods of communication. May we fervently intercede for restoration and revival, trusting in Your faithfulness to bring about transformation. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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

John Golda

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

Courage / Fear, Fear / Reverence for God, Guide, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Obeying God, Purposeful / Intentional, Speaking, Submitted / Servant, Through Prophets, Visions

Embracing God’s Call of Duty (Ezekiel 3)

Have you ever found yourself feeling God wants you to do something, but doubts and insecurities threaten to hold you back?

In Ezekiel 3, we witness the prophet Ezekiel grappling with similar uncertainties as he is commissioned by God to embark on a daunting prophetic mission. His journey serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential inherent in embracing God’s call, even amidst our fears and limitations.

Reconnect:
In Ezekiel 3, we find Ezekiel commissioned by God to proclaim His message to the rebellious house of Israel. This chapter builds upon the prophetic visions and revelations presented earlier, underscoring Ezekiel’s role as a watchman and herald of God’s impending judgment.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Ezekiel 3

Ezekiel’s Commission

      1Then He said to me, “Son of man, eat what you find; eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.” 2So I opened my mouth, and He fed me this scroll. 3He said to me, “Son of man, feed your stomach and fill your body with this scroll which I am giving you.” Then I ate it, and it was sweet as honey in my mouth.

      4Then He said to me, “Son of man, go to the house of Israel and speak with My words to them. 5“For you are not being sent to a people of unintelligible speech or difficult language, but to the house of Israel, 6nor to many peoples of unintelligible speech or difficult language, whose words you cannot understand. But I have sent you to them who should listen to you; 7yet the house of Israel will not be willing to listen to you, since they are not willing to listen to Me. Surely the whole house of Israel is stubborn and obstinate. 8“Behold, I have made your face as hard as their faces and your forehead as hard as their foreheads. 9“Like emery harder than flint I have made your forehead. Do not be afraid of them or be dismayed before them, though they are a rebellious house.” 10Moreover, He said to me, “Son of man, take into your heart all My words which I will speak to you and listen closely. 11“Go to the exiles, to the sons of your people, and speak to them and tell them, whether they listen or not, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD.’”

      12Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard a great rumbling sound behind me, “Blessed be the glory of the LORD in His place.” 13And I heard the sound of the wings of the living beings touching one another and the sound of the wheels beside them, even a great rumbling sound. 14So the Spirit lifted me up and took me away; and I went embittered in the rage of my spirit, and the hand of the LORD was strong on me. 15Then I came to the exiles who lived beside the river Chebar at Tel-abib, and I sat there seven days where they were living, causing consternation among them.

      16At the end of seven days the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 17“Son of man, I have appointed you a watchman to the house of Israel; whenever you hear a word from My mouth, warn them from Me. 18“When I say to the wicked, ‘You will surely die,’ and you do not warn him or speak out to warn the wicked from his wicked way that he may live, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand. 19“Yet if you have warned the wicked and he does not turn from his wickedness or from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered yourself. 20“Again, when a righteous man turns away from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I place an obstacle before him, he will die; since you have not warned him, he shall die in his sin, and his righteous deeds which he has done shall not be remembered; but his blood I will require at your hand. 21“However, if you have warned the righteous man that the righteous should not sin and he does not sin, he shall surely live because he took warning; and you have delivered yourself.”

      22The hand of the LORD was on me there, and He said to me, “Get up, go out to the plain, and there I will speak to you.” 23So I got up and went out to the plain; and behold, the glory of the LORD was standing there, like the glory which I saw by the river Chebar, and I fell on my face. 24The Spirit then entered me and made me stand on my feet, and He spoke with me and said to me, “Go, shut yourself up in your house. 25“As for you, son of man, they will put ropes on you and bind you with them so that you cannot go out among them. 26“Moreover, I will make your tongue stick to the roof of your mouth so that you will be mute and cannot be a man who rebukes them, for they are a rebellious house. 27“But when I speak to you, I will open your mouth and you will say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD.’ He who hears, let him hear; and he who refuses, let him refuse; for they are a rebellious house.

Summary Key Points:

  • The Call to Prophetic Duty:
    Ezekiel receives a divine commission to serve as a watchman for the house of Israel, delivering God’s messages of warning and exhortation to the nation. Despite the daunting task before him, Ezekiel is entrusted with the solemn responsibility of conveying God’s truth without compromise.
  • The Scroll of Lamentations:
    God commands Ezekiel to consume a scroll containing lamentations, mourning, and woe, symbolizing the bitter judgment that awaits Israel due to their rebellion and idolatry. Ezekiel internalizes the message, experiencing the weight of God’s righteous judgment and the urgency of his prophetic mission.
  • Facing Opposition and Resilience:
    As Ezekiel embarks on his prophetic journey, he encounters resistance and hostility from the rebellious house of Israel. Despite the opposition, Ezekiel remains steadfast in his calling, empowered by the Spirit of God to boldly proclaim His word and fulfill his prophetic mandate.

Call to Action:

  • Embrace God’s Commission:
    Like Ezekiel, embrace the call to serve God faithfully, recognizing that He equips and empowers those He calls. Surrender your fears and uncertainties to God, trusting in His strength to sustain you as you fulfill your divine purpose.
  • Internalize God’s Word:
    Take time to internalize and meditate on God’s word, allowing it to penetrate your heart and mind. Let His truth shape your perspective and guide your actions, enabling you to walk in obedience and alignment with His will.
  • Stand Firm in Adversity:
    When faced with opposition or adversity, stand firm in your faith and conviction, knowing that God is with you. Draw strength from His promises and the assurance of His presence, persevering in your calling with courage and resilience.

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of Ezekiel and his unwavering commitment to fulfilling Your divine mandate. Grant us the same courage and resilience to answer Your call and proclaim Your truth with boldness and conviction. May Your Spirit empower us to stand firm in the face of opposition and adversity, trusting in Your unfailing love and faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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

John Golda

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

Faith / Trusting God, Grace / Forgiveness, Grace / Patience, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Obeying God, Repenting from Sin, Submitted / Servant

Called to Follow: Embracing Unexpected Discipleship (Luke 5:27-32)

Have you ever considered who Jesus calls to follow Him? Luke 5:27-32 reveals a surprising choice in Levi, a tax collector, as one of Jesus’ closest disciples.

This selection challenges our notions of who is worthy of discipleship and invites us to embrace the unexpected in our own journey of following Christ.

Reconnect:
Continuing from the earlier passages in Luke chapter 5, where Jesus called fishermen to be His disciples, we now encounter the unexpected call of Levi, a tax collector. This event underscores that God’s choices and plans are often different from our own and challenges societal norms regarding who is deserving of God’s invitation to discipleship and who He will call to serve in prominent positions or missions.

(Summarized and continued after the scripture)

Luke 5:27-32

Call of Levi (Matthew)

     27After that He went out and noticed a tax collector named Levi sitting in the tax booth, and He said to him, “Follow Me.” 28And he left everything behind, and got up and began to follow Him.

      29And Levi gave a big reception for Him in his house; and there was a great crowd of tax collectors and other people who were reclining at the table with them. 30The Pharisees and their scribes began grumbling at His disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with the tax collectors and sinners?” 31And Jesus answered and said to them, “It is not those who are well who need a physician, but those who are sick. 32“I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”

Summary Key Points:

  1. Embracing Unexpected Callings:
    Jesus defies social expectations by choosing Levi, a tax collector, as one of His disciples. This demonstrates God’s willingness to call and use individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their past or societal status.
  2. Reaching Out to Sinners:
    The selection of Levi emphasizes Jesus’ mission to reach out to sinners and outcasts. He doesn’t shy away from those deemed unworthy by society but extends His grace and invitation to all who are willing to follow Him.
  3. Transformative Response:
    Levi’s immediate response to Jesus’ call highlights the transformative power of encountering Christ. Despite his past as a tax collector, Levi leaves everything behind to follow Jesus, exemplifying true discipleship rooted in faith and obedience.

Call to Action:

  1. Extend Grace to All:
    Like Jesus, let us extend grace and compassion to those deemed unworthy or marginalized by society, recognizing that God’s invitation to discipleship is open to all.
  2. Respond with Obedience:
    When God calls us to follow Him, may we respond with obedience and wholehearted commitment, leaving behind anything that hinders our walk with Him.
  3. Seek Transformative Encounters:
    Pray for transformative encounters with Christ that deepen your faith and prompt you to respond in radical obedience and repentance, regardless of societal expectations or personal limitations.

Closing Prayer:
Gracious Father, thank You for Your inclusive love and grace that extends to all, regardless of our past or shortcomings. Help us to embrace unexpected callings and respond with obedience, faith, and repentance as we follow You. May our lives reflect Your transformative power and love to those around us. 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, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Humility, Miracles, Obeying God, Submitted / Servant

Answering the Call to Discipleship (Luke 5:1-11)

Have you ever wondered why God chooses certain individuals to carry out His work, seemingly bypassing those who might appear more qualified or prepared?

In Luke 5:1-11, we encounter the remarkable account of Jesus calling His first disciples, a powerful reminder that God’s ways often defy human logic and expectation.

Reconnect: As we reflect on this pivotal moment in the Gospel narrative, we are reminded of the profound truth that God sees beyond outward appearances and knows the hearts of individuals intimately. Despite their lack of formal training or apparent readiness, Jesus selects ordinary fishermen to become His closest companions and heralds of the Good News.

Luke 5:1-11

The First Disciples

     1Now it happened that while the crowd was pressing around Him and listening to the word of God, He was standing by the lake of Gennesaret; 2and He saw two boats lying at the edge of the lake; but the fishermen had gotten out of them and were washing their nets. 3And He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little way from the land. And He sat down and began teaching the people from the boat. 4When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” 5Simon answered and said, “Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, but I will do as You say and let down the nets.” 6When they had done this, they enclosed a great quantity of fish, and their nets began to break; 7so they signaled to their partners in the other boat for them to come and help them. And they came and filled both of the boats, so that they began to sink. 8But when Simon Peter saw that, he fell down at Jesus’ feet, saying, “Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man!” 9For amazement had seized him and all his companions because of the catch of fish which they had taken; 10and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not fear, from now on you will be catching men.” 11When they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him.

Summary Key Points:

  1. Divine Selection: Jesus chooses fishermen, individuals occupied with their daily tasks, to be His disciples, demonstrating His divine insight and unconventional methods of calling forth those who will follow Him faithfully. (Luke 5:1-3)
  2. Miraculous Encounter: Through a miraculous catch of fish, Jesus captivates the hearts of the fishermen, revealing His divine authority and inviting them into a deeper relationship with Him. (Luke 5:4-7)
  3. Radical Obedience: The disciples demonstrate radical obedience by willingly leaving behind their livelihoods and familiar routines to follow Jesus, exemplifying their commitment to prioritize His call above all else. (Luke 5:10-11)

Call to Action:

  1. Recognize God’s Sovereignty: Trust in God’s sovereignty and wisdom in selecting individuals for His kingdom work, acknowledging that He sees beyond outward appearances and knows the hearts of His chosen servants.
  2. Respond in Humility: Like the fishermen who recognized their unworthiness in the presence of Jesus, humbly surrender to God’s calling in your life, embracing His invitation to follow Him wholeheartedly and obediently.
  3. Embrace Christ’s Call: Measure yourself against the standard set by Jesus’ disciples, being willing to leave behind everything to follow and proclaim the good news of Christ freely and boldly. Seek the Lord’s will through prayer and Scripture, and be open to making necessary changes in your life to embrace a humble, Christ-centered existence.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we reflect on the calling of the first disciples, we are challenged to examine our own lives and response to Your invitation. Grant us the humility to recognize our unworthiness and the courage to follow You wholeheartedly. May Your Spirit enlighten our hearts and lead us to embrace a life filled with Christ as His humble servants. 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.

Discerning / Judging, Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Obeying God, Through Prophets, Visions

Responding When God Calls (Ezekiel 2)

Have you ever felt a stirring in your spirit, a sense that God was trying to get your attention, nudging you toward a specific course of action?

In Ezekiel 2, we delve into the prophet’s encounter with God’s calling, a reminder that divine messages can come in unexpected ways, beckoning us to heed His voice amidst the clamor of life’s distractions.

Reconnect: In Ezekiel 1, we witnessed the awe-inspiring vision of heavenly beings and intricate wheels within wheels, symbolizing the majesty and mystery of God’s divine presence. These encounters set the stage for Ezekiel’s commission to deliver messages from the Lord to a rebellious nation, underscoring the profound ways in which God communicates with His chosen messengers.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Ezekiel 2

The Prophet’s Call

      1Then He said to me, “Son of man, stand on your feet that I may speak with you!” 2As He spoke to me the Spirit entered me and set me on my feet; and I heard Him speaking to me. 3Then He said to me, “Son of man, I am sending you to the sons of Israel, to a rebellious people who have rebelled against Me; they and their fathers have transgressed against Me to this very day. 4“I am sending you to them who are stubborn and obstinate children, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD.’ 5“As for them, whether they listen or not—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them. 6“And you, son of man, neither fear them nor fear their words, though thistles and thorns are with you and you sit on scorpions; neither fear their words nor be dismayed at their presence, for they are a rebellious house. 7“But you shall speak My words to them whether they listen or not, for they are rebellious.

      8“Now you, son of man, listen to what I am speaking to you; do not be rebellious like that rebellious house. Open your mouth and eat what I am giving you.” 9Then I looked, and behold, a hand was extended to me; and lo, a scroll was in it. 10When He spread it out before me, it was written on the front and back, and written on it were lamentations, mourning and woe.

Summary Key Points:

  1. Divine Commission: Ezekiel receives a divine commission from the Lord, tasked with delivering messages of warning, judgment, and hope to the rebellious house of Israel. (Ezekiel 2:1-5)
  2. Symbolism and Significance: The symbolic imagery in Ezekiel’s visions serves to convey profound spiritual truths and underscore the gravity of God’s messages. (Ezekiel 2:6-10)

Call to Action:

  1. Heed God’s Messages: Just as Ezekiel faithfully conveyed God’s messages to the people of Israel, let us be obedient and faithful even if those to whom God sends us do not receive or respond to the message. May we remain open and responsive to God’s direct guidance in our lives.
  2. Exercise Discernment: Recognize the importance of discernment when others, whether prophets or not, bring us direction or guidance from God. Let us not be stubborn like the Israelite people God describes, but instead, use discernment to evaluate the authenticity and alignment of messages with God’s Word.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, in the midst of life’s distractions and uncertainties, help us to discern Your voice and respond faithfully to Your calling. Grant us the courage to heed Your messages, even when they come in unexpected ways, and the wisdom to discern Your truth amidst the noise of the world. May our hearts be open to Your leading, and may Your will be done in our lives. 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.

Discerning / Judging, Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Faith / Trusting God, Guide, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Obeying God, Satan, Seeking God, Spiritual Warfare

Victory Over Temptation: Lessons from Jesus (Luke 4:1-13)

Have you ever considered the reality of spiritual warfare, the unseen battle that surrounds us every day?

In Luke 4:1-13, we witness Jesus facing the temptations of the devil in the wilderness, providing us with invaluable insights into how to overcome the schemes of our adversary.

Reconnect: As we delve into Luke 4:1-13, we are reminded of the importance of recognizing the spiritual battle that rages around us and the necessity of being prepared to face the enemy’s tactics with the wisdom and strength found in God’s Word.

(Summarized and continued after the scripture)

Luke 4:1-13

The Temptation of Jesus

     1Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led around by the Spirit in the wilderness 2for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And He ate nothing during those days, and when they had ended, He became hungry. 3And the devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” 4And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE.’”

      5And he led Him up and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6And the devil said to Him, “I will give You all this domain and its glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. 7“Therefore if You worship before me, it shall all be Yours.” 8Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD AND SERVE HIM ONLY.’”

      9And he led Him to Jerusalem and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here;

10for it is written,
‘HE WILL COMMAND HIS ANGELS CONCERNING YOU TO GUARD YOU,’

11and,
‘ON their HANDS THEY WILL BEAR YOU UP,
SO THAT YOU WILL NOT STRIKE YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE.’”

12And Jesus answered and said to him, “It is said, ‘YOU SHALL NOT PUT THE LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST.’”

      13When the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him until an opportune time.

Summary Key Points:

  1. Awareness of the Enemy: Jesus’s encounter with the devil underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the need to be vigilant against the schemes of the enemy who seeks to deceive and destroy.
  2. Preparation and Filling of the Spirit: Before facing temptation, Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit and led by Him, highlighting the importance of cultivating a deep relationship with God and allowing His Spirit to guide us.
  3. Resisting Temptation with Scripture: Jesus’s response to each temptation demonstrates the power of God’s Word in overcoming the lies of the enemy. By knowing and applying Scripture, we can effectively resist temptation and stand firm in our faith.
  4. Choosing God’s Path: Despite the allure of shortcuts and worldly offers, Jesus remained steadfast in His commitment to God’s will, showing us the importance of trusting in God’s plan even when it involves difficulty and sacrifice.
  5. Continual Vigilance: Even after Jesus successfully resisted the devil’s temptations, we are reminded that the enemy will return, emphasizing the need for ongoing spiritual preparedness and reliance on God’s strength.

Call to Action: Let us follow in the footsteps of Jesus by:

  • Acknowledging the Reality of Spiritual Warfare: Recognizing that we are engaged in a spiritual battle and being alert to the enemy’s tactics.
  • Cultivating a Deep Relationship with God: Seeking to be filled with the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to lead us in every aspect of our lives.
  • Studying and Applying Scripture: Equipping ourselves with the truth of God’s Word to effectively resist temptation and stand firm in our faith.
  • Choosing God’s Will Above All Else: Trusting in God’s plan for our lives, even when it may involve challenges or sacrifices.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of Jesus in facing temptation and overcoming the schemes of the enemy. Fill us afresh with Your Holy Spirit and grant us wisdom and discernment to recognize and resist the temptations that seek to ensnare us. Help us to stand firm on Your Word and to choose Your will above all else. In Jesus’s name, amen.

Click to learn more about spiritual warfare.