Category Archives: Righteousness / Serving God

Learning To Pray Effectively, Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Protector / Deliverer, Provider, Psalms, Seeking God

A Prayer of Dependence: Trusting in God’s Unfailing Love (Psalm 86)

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges, wondering where to turn for help?

Psalm 86 teaches us that in times of distress, we can depend on God’s unfailing love and faithfulness.

Key Verse: “In the day of my trouble I will call upon You, for You will answer me.” – Psalm 86:7 (NKJV)

Background Context: Psalm 86 is a heartfelt prayer of David, expressing his deep dependence on God amidst his troubles. This psalm is characterized by a plea for mercy, a declaration of trust in God’s goodness, and a commitment to praise His name.

Psalm 86

A Psalm of Supplication and Trust.

A Prayer of David.

     1Incline Your ear, O LORD, and answer me;
For I am afflicted and needy.

2Preserve my soul, for I am a godly man;
O You my God, save Your servant who trusts in You.

3Be gracious to me, O Lord,
For to You I cry all day long.

4Make glad the soul of Your servant,
For to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

5For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive,
And abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You.

6Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer;
And give heed to the voice of my supplications!

7In the day of my trouble I shall call upon You,
For You will answer me.

8There is no one like You among the gods, O Lord,
Nor are there any works like Yours.

9All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord,
And they shall glorify Your name.

10For You are great and do wondrous deeds;
You alone are God.

11Teach me Your way, O LORD;
I will walk in Your truth;
Unite my heart to fear Your name.

12I will give thanks to You, O Lord my God, with all my heart,
And will glorify Your name forever.

13For Your lovingkindness toward me is great,
And You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.

14O God, arrogant men have risen up against me,
And a band of violent men have sought my life,
And they have not set You before them.

15But You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth.

16Turn to me, and be gracious to me;
Oh grant Your strength to Your servant,
And save the son of Your handmaid.

17Show me a sign for good,
That those who hate me may see it and be ashamed,
Because You, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me.

Reflection on Psalm 86:

  • A Cry for Mercy: David begins by asking God to hear his prayer and be merciful to him, acknowledging his need for God’s grace (Psalm 86:1-3). He recognizes his own weakness and turns to God as his only source of strength.
  • Trust in God’s Faithfulness: David expresses his unwavering trust in God, knowing that He is good, forgiving, and abounding in love to all who call upon Him (Psalm 86:5). This trust is the foundation of David’s prayer, knowing that God will respond in his time of need.
  • God’s Unique Greatness: David acknowledges that there is no one like God, who performs wonderful deeds and deserves all glory (Psalm 86:8-10). This recognition of God’s greatness reinforces his confidence in God’s ability to save and deliver.
  • A Plea for Guidance: David asks God to teach him His ways so that he may walk in truth and revere God’s name (Psalm 86:11). This highlights David’s desire for a closer relationship with God, built on understanding and obedience.
  • Praise and Thanksgiving: Despite his troubles, David commits to praising God with all his heart and glorifying His name forever (Psalm 86:12). He remembers God’s great love and deliverance in the past, which fuels his gratitude and worship.

Summary Key Points:

  • Dependence on God: David’s prayer demonstrates a deep reliance on God’s mercy and grace.
  • Trust in God’s Character: He trusts in God’s goodness, forgiveness, and steadfast love.
  • Commitment to Praise: Despite difficulties, David is committed to praising and glorifying God.

Application: In times of trouble, let us follow David’s example by turning to God in prayer, trusting in His unfailing love and faithfulness. May we seek His guidance and commit to praising Him, even in the midst of our challenges. God’s love and deliverance are constant, providing us with hope and strength.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of trust and dependence on Your unfailing love. Hear our prayers and be merciful to us in our times of trouble. Teach us Your ways, O Lord, and guide us in Your truth. May we always remember to praise Your holy name and glorify You for Your wonderful deeds. Strengthen our hearts and give us peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

This devotional encourages us to depend on God in all circumstances, trusting in His love and faithfulness as we navigate life’s challenges.

Discipline / Guidance From God, Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Father / Yahweh, Justice / Judgment, Repenting from Sin, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

The Parable of the Boiling Pot: A Call to Repentance (Ezekiel 24)

Have you ever experienced a moment when reality hits hard, prompting a deep reflection on your actions?

God often uses vivid illustrations to capture our attention and call us to repentance, just as He did with the people of Israel through the prophet Ezekiel.

Key Verse: “In your filthiness is lewdness. Because I have cleansed you, and you were not cleansed, you will not be cleansed of your filthiness anymore till I have caused My fury to rest upon you.” – Ezekiel 24:13 (NKJV)

Background Context: In Ezekiel 24, God commands Ezekiel to deliver a parable to the rebellious house of Israel. The parable of the boiling pot serves as a powerful metaphor for the impending judgment on Jerusalem due to the people’s persistent sins and refusal to repent.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Ezekiel 24

Parable of the Boiling Pot

      1And the word of the LORD came to me in the ninth year, in the tenth month, on the tenth of the month, saying, 2“Son of man, write the name of the day, this very day. The king of Babylon has laid siege to Jerusalem this very day.

3“Speak a parable to the rebellious house and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD,
“Put on the pot, put it on and also pour water in it;

      4Put in it the pieces,
Every good piece, the thigh and the shoulder;
Fill it with choice bones.

      5“Take the choicest of the flock,
And also pile wood under the pot.
Make it boil vigorously.
Also seethe its bones in it.”

      6‘Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD,
“Woe to the bloody city,
To the pot in which there is rust
And whose rust has not gone out of it!
Take out of it piece after piece,
Without making a choice.

      7“For her blood is in her midst;
She placed it on the bare rock;
She did not pour it on the ground
To cover it with dust.

      8“That it may cause wrath to come up to take vengeance,
I have put her blood on the bare rock,
That it may not be covered.”

9‘Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD,
“Woe to the bloody city!
I also will make the pile great.

      10“Heap on the wood, kindle the fire,
Boil the flesh well
And mix in the spices,
And let the bones be burned.

      11“Then set it empty on its coals
So that it may be hot
And its bronze may glow
And its filthiness may be melted in it,
Its rust consumed.

      12“She has wearied Me with toil,
Yet her great rust has not gone from her;
Let her rust be in the fire!

      13“In your filthiness is lewdness.
Because I would have cleansed you,
Yet you are not clean,
You will not be cleansed from your filthiness again
Until I have spent My wrath on you.

14“I, the LORD, have spoken; it is coming and I will act. I will not relent, and I will not pity and I will not be sorry; according to your ways and according to your deeds I will judge you,” declares the Lord GOD.’”

Death of Ezekiel’s Wife Is a Sign

      15And the word of the LORD came to me saying, 16“Son of man, behold, I am about to take from you the desire of your eyes with a blow; but you shall not mourn and you shall not weep, and your tears shall not come. 17“Groan silently; make no mourning for the dead. Bind on your turban and put your shoes on your feet, and do not cover your mustache and do not eat the bread of men.” 18So I spoke to the people in the morning, and in the evening my wife died. And in the morning I did as I was commanded. 19The people said to me, “Will you not tell us what these things that you are doing mean for us?” 20Then I said to them, “The word of the LORD came to me saying, 21‘Speak to the house of Israel, “Thus says the Lord GOD, ‘Behold, I am about to profane My sanctuary, the pride of your power, the desire of your eyes and the delight of your soul; and your sons and your daughters whom you have left behind will fall by the sword. 22‘You will do as I have done; you will not cover your mustache and you will not eat the bread of men. 23‘Your turbans will be on your heads and your shoes on your feet. You will not mourn and you will not weep, but you will rot away in your iniquities and you will groan to one another. 24‘Thus Ezekiel will be a sign to you; according to all that he has done you will do; when it comes, then you will know that I am the Lord GOD.’”

      25‘As for you, son of man, will it not be on the day when I take from them their stronghold, the joy of their pride, the desire of their eyes and their heart’s delight, their sons and their daughters, 26that on that day he who escapes will come to you with information for your ears? 27‘On that day your mouth will be opened to him who escaped, and you will speak and be mute no longer. Thus you will be a sign to them, and they will know that I am the LORD.’”

Reflection on Ezekiel 24:

  • The Boiling Pot: God instructs Ezekiel to set a pot on the fire, fill it with choice pieces of meat, and boil it. This symbolizes Jerusalem, filled with its inhabitants and their corruption (Ezekiel 24:3-5). The boiling pot represents the intense judgment coming upon the city due to its sins.
  • Scum and Corruption: As the pot boils, scum (or rust) accumulates, representing the persistent impurities and wickedness of the people. God declares that the pot will not be cleansed until all its contents are burned away (Ezekiel 24:6-12). This highlights the severity of their sin and the need for thorough purification.
  • The Death of Ezekiel’s Wife: In a personal and painful illustration, God informs Ezekiel that his wife will die suddenly, and he is not to mourn openly (Ezekiel 24:15-18). This symbolizes the impending destruction of Jerusalem and the people’s inability to mourn properly due to the overwhelming calamity.
  • A Sign to the People: Ezekiel’s actions and the parable serve as a sign to the people of Israel. Despite the severe judgment, God’s desire is for them to recognize their sin, repent, and turn back to Him (Ezekiel 24:24-27).

Summary Key Points:

  • Judgment for Sin: The boiling pot symbolizes the intense judgment due to persistent sin.
  • Need for Purification: The scum represents the deep-seated corruption that must be cleansed.
  • Call to Repentance: God uses vivid illustrations to prompt sincere repentance and return to Him.

Application: Let us examine our lives for any persistent sins or areas where we need God’s cleansing. May we respond to His call for repentance with sincerity and humility. God’s desire is for us to turn away from our sins and seek His forgiveness and restoration.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come before You, acknowledging our sins and our need for Your cleansing power. Just as You called Israel to repentance, we ask that You reveal any areas in our lives that need purification. Help us to turn away from our sins and seek Your forgiveness. Restore us, O Lord, and make us vessels of honor for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

This devotional challenges us to reflect on our own lives and heed God’s call to repentance, seeking His cleansing and restoration.

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.

Discipline / Guidance From God, Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Idols / False Gods, Justice / Judgment, Repenting from Sin

Restoring Faithfulness in Our Walk with God (Ezekiel 23)

Key Scripture: Ezekiel 23:35 (NIV) – “Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: Since you have forgotten me and turned your back on me, you must bear the consequences of your lewdness and prostitution.” (full scripture below)

Reconnect: In Ezekiel 23, the prophet conveys a powerful and stark message from God to the people of Jerusalem and Samaria. Using vivid and unsettling imagery, God describes their unfaithfulness and idolatry as acts of prostitution, emphasizing the severity of their spiritual adultery. This chapter reminds us of the consequences of turning away from God and embracing the ways of the world.

Reflection: God’s message in Ezekiel 23 is a call to examine our hearts and our faithfulness to Him. Just as Israel and Judah faced dire consequences for their spiritual infidelity, we too can find ourselves distanced from God’s blessings when we allow other things to take His place in our lives. It’s easy to get caught up in the allure of worldly pleasures and forget our first love, but God desires our complete devotion.

Think about the areas in your life where you might be turning away from God. Are there habits, relationships, or pursuits that are drawing you away from Him? Ezekiel 23 challenges us to confront these distractions and recommit ourselves to living faithfully before God. His call to return to Him is always accompanied by His willingness to forgive and restore.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts, acknowledging that we have sometimes turned away from You. Forgive us for the times we have placed other things above our relationship with You. Help us to recognize the distractions and idols in our lives that pull us away from Your love. Renew our hearts and minds, and draw us closer to You. Thank You for Your mercy and grace, always ready to forgive and restore us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Action Step: This week, take time each day to identify and eliminate one distraction that has been pulling you away from God. Replace it with time spent in prayer, reading the Bible, or worshiping. Make a conscious effort to draw closer to God and renew your commitment to Him.

Full Scripture:

Ezekiel 23

Oholah and Oholibah’s Sin and Its Consequences

      1The word of the LORD came to me again, saying, 2“Son of man, there were two women, the daughters of one mother; 3and they played the harlot in Egypt. They played the harlot in their youth; there their breasts were pressed and there their virgin bosom was handled. 4“Their names were Oholah the elder and Oholibah her sister. And they became Mine, and they bore sons and daughters. And as for their names, Samaria is Oholah and Jerusalem is Oholibah.

      5“Oholah played the harlot while she was Mine; and she lusted after her lovers, after the Assyrians, her neighbors, 6who were clothed in purple, governors and officials, all of them desirable young men, horsemen riding on horses. 7“She bestowed her harlotries on them, all of whom were the choicest men of Assyria; and with all whom she lusted after, with all their idols she defiled herself. 8“She did not forsake her harlotries from the time in Egypt; for in her youth men had lain with her, and they handled her virgin bosom and poured out their lust on her. 9“Therefore, I gave her into the hand of her lovers, into the hand of the Assyrians, after whom she lusted. 10“They uncovered her nakedness; they took her sons and her daughters, but they slew her with the sword. Thus she became a byword among women, and they executed judgments on her.

      11“Now her sister Oholibah saw this, yet she was more corrupt in her lust than she, and her harlotries were more than the harlotries of her sister. 12“She lusted after the Assyrians, governors and officials, the ones near, magnificently dressed, horsemen riding on horses, all of them desirable young men. 13“I saw that she had defiled herself; they both took the same way. 14“So she increased her harlotries. And she saw men portrayed on the wall, images of the Chaldeans portrayed with vermilion, 15girded with belts on their loins, with flowing turbans on their heads, all of them looking like officers, like the Babylonians in Chaldea, the land of their birth. 16“When she saw them she lusted after them and sent messengers to them in Chaldea. 17“The Babylonians came to her to the bed of love and defiled her with their harlotry. And when she had been defiled by them, she became disgusted with them. 18“She uncovered her harlotries and uncovered her nakedness; then I became disgusted with her, as I had become disgusted with her sister. 19“Yet she multiplied her harlotries, remembering the days of her youth, when she played the harlot in the land of Egypt. 20“She lusted after their paramours, whose flesh is like the flesh of donkeys and whose issue is like the issue of horses. 21“Thus you longed for the lewdness of your youth, when the Egyptians handled your bosom because of the breasts of your youth.

      22“Therefore, O Oholibah, thus says the Lord GOD, ‘Behold I will arouse your lovers against you, from whom you were alienated, and I will bring them against you from every side: 23the Babylonians and all the Chaldeans, Pekod and Shoa and Koa, and all the Assyrians with them; desirable young men, governors and officials all of them, officers and men of renown, all of them riding on horses. 24‘They will come against you with weapons, chariots and wagons, and with a company of peoples. They will set themselves against you on every side with buckler and shield and helmet; and I will commit the judgment to them, and they will judge you according to their customs. 25‘I will set My jealousy against you, that they may deal with you in wrath. They will remove your nose and your ears; and your survivors will fall by the sword. They will take your sons and your daughters; and your survivors will be consumed by the fire. 26‘They will also strip you of your clothes and take away your beautiful jewels. 27‘Thus I will make your lewdness and your harlotry brought from the land of Egypt to cease from you, so that you will not lift up your eyes to them or remember Egypt anymore.’ 28“For thus says the Lord GOD, ‘Behold, I will give you into the hand of those whom you hate, into the hand of those from whom you were alienated. 29‘They will deal with you in hatred, take all your property, and leave you naked and bare. And the nakedness of your harlotries will be uncovered, both your lewdness and your harlotries. 30‘These things will be done to you because you have played the harlot with the nations, because you have defiled yourself with their idols. 31‘You have walked in the way of your sister; therefore I will give her cup into your hand.’

32“Thus says the Lord GOD,
‘You will drink your sister’s cup,
Which is deep and wide.
You will be laughed at and held in derision;
It contains much.

      33‘You will be filled with drunkenness and sorrow,
The cup of horror and desolation,
The cup of your sister Samaria.

      34‘You will drink it and drain it.
Then you will gnaw its fragments
And tear your breasts;
for I have spoken,’ declares the Lord GOD.

35“Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD, ‘Because you have forgotten Me and cast Me behind your back, bear now the punishment of your lewdness and your harlotries.’”

      36Moreover, the LORD said to me, “Son of man, will you judge Oholah and Oholibah? Then declare to them their abominations. 37“For they have committed adultery, and blood is on their hands. Thus they have committed adultery with their idols and even caused their sons, whom they bore to Me, to pass through the fire to them as food. 38“Again, they have done this to Me: they have defiled My sanctuary on the same day and have profaned My sabbaths. 39“For when they had slaughtered their children for their idols, they entered My sanctuary on the same day to profane it; and lo, thus they did within My house.

      40“Furthermore, they have even sent for men who come from afar, to whom a messenger was sent; and lo, they came—for whom you bathed, painted your eyes and decorated yourselves with ornaments; 41and you sat on a splendid couch with a table arranged before it on which you had set My incense and My oil. 42“The sound of a carefree multitude was with her; and drunkards were brought from the wilderness with men of the common sort. And they put bracelets on the hands of the women and beautiful crowns on their heads.

      43“Then I said concerning her who was worn out by adulteries, ‘Will they now commit adultery with her when she is thus?’ 44“But they went in to her as they would go in to a harlot. Thus they went in to Oholah and to Oholibah, the lewd women. 45“But they, righteous men, will judge them with the judgment of adulteresses and with the judgment of women who shed blood, because they are adulteresses and blood is on their hands.

      46“For thus says the Lord GOD, ‘Bring up a company against them and give them over to terror and plunder. 47‘The company will stone them with stones and cut them down with their swords; they will slay their sons and their daughters and burn their houses with fire. 48‘Thus I will make lewdness cease from the land, that all women may be admonished and not commit lewdness as you have done. 49‘Your lewdness will be requited upon you, and you will bear the penalty of worshiping your idols; thus you will know that I am the Lord GOD.’”

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

John Golda

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

Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Guide, Help / Serve Others, Humility, Hypocrisy, Obeying God, Purposeful / Intentional

True Righteousness: A Heart Examined (Luke 11:37-54)

Have you ever wondered what true righteousness looks like?

In our quest to live faithfully, we often focus on outward actions, but Jesus teaches us that true righteousness begins within.

Background Context: In Luke 11:37-54, Jesus confronts the Pharisees and legal experts with sharp rebukes. He criticizes their obsession with external rituals while neglecting justice, mercy, and love for God. These religious leaders were meticulous in tithing and observance of rituals but lacked compassion and sincerity in their hearts.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Luke 11:37-54

Woes upon the Pharisees

     37Now when He had spoken, a Pharisee asked Him to have lunch with him; and He went in, and reclined at the table. 38When the Pharisee saw it, he was surprised that He had not first ceremonially washed before the meal. 39But the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and of the platter; but inside of you, you are full of robbery and wickedness. 40“You foolish ones, did not He who made the outside make the inside also? 41“But give that which is within as charity, and then all things are clean for you.

      42“But woe to you Pharisees! For you pay tithe of mint and rue and every kind of garden herb, and yet disregard justice and the love of God; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others. 43“Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the chief seats in the synagogues and the respectful greetings in the market places. 44“Woe to you! For you are like concealed tombs, and the people who walk over them are unaware of it.”

      45One of the lawyers said to Him in reply, “Teacher, when You say this, You insult us too.” 46But He said, “Woe to you lawyers as well! For you weigh men down with burdens hard to bear, while you yourselves will not even touch the burdens with one of your fingers. 47“Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets, and it was your fathers who killed them. 48“So you are witnesses and approve the deeds of your fathers; because it was they who killed them, and you build their tombs. 49“For this reason also the wisdom of God said, ‘I will send to them prophets and apostles, and some of them they will kill and some they will persecute, 50so that the blood of all the prophets, shed since the foundation of the world, may be charged against this generation, 51from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the house of God; yes, I tell you, it shall be charged against this generation.’ 52“Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge; you yourselves did not enter, and you hindered those who were entering.”

      53When He left there, the scribes and the Pharisees began to be very hostile and to question Him closely on many subjects, 54plotting against Him to catch Him in something He might say.

Reflection on Luke 11:37-54: Jesus addresses the Pharisees’ hypocrisy directly, highlighting their meticulous attention to outward cleanliness while ignoring the corruption within. He points out that true purity and righteousness are not merely external but flow from a transformed heart. He compares them to whitewashed tombs—beautiful on the outside but full of decay and death inside (Luke 11:39-40).

Jesus condemns their legalism and hypocrisy, rebuking them for placing heavy burdens on others while not lifting a finger to help (Luke 11:46). He criticizes their desire for recognition and honor, warning them that true greatness comes from serving others with humility, not seeking praise (Luke 11:43).

Jesus concludes with a series of woes, denouncing their distortion of God’s Word and their role in persecuting the prophets sent by God (Luke 11:47-51). He challenges them to reconsider their priorities and warns of the judgment that awaits those who reject God’s messengers.

Jesus’ words challenge us to examine our own hearts. Are we like the Pharisees, focusing on outward appearances and religious practices while neglecting justice, mercy, and love? True righteousness requires genuine transformation from within, rooted in a deep love for God and others.

Summary Key Points:

  1. True Righteousness: It originates from a heart devoted to God, not just outward appearances.
  2. Hypocrisy: Jesus condemns hypocrisy that focuses on rituals but neglects justice, mercy, and love.
  3. Humility and Service: True greatness is found in serving others with humility, not seeking recognition.

Call to Action: Let us seek to cultivate genuine righteousness in our lives. May we prioritize loving God with our whole heart and loving our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39). Let us examine our hearts daily, asking God to reveal any hypocrisy or pride within us, and seek His transformational power.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we humbly come before You, acknowledging our need for Your transforming grace. Examine our hearts, O God, and cleanse us from any hypocrisy or pride. Help us to walk in true righteousness, rooted in love for You and others. May our lives reflect Your light and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

This devotional challenges us to reflect on the authenticity of our faith and our commitment to live out God’s truth in our daily lives.

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, Doubt / Lacking Faith, Faith / Trusting God, Jesus Christ / Yeshua

Seeking Signs: Embracing the Ultimate Revelation (Luke 11:29-36)

Have you ever felt the urge to see undeniable proof before you believe something?

In a world filled with skepticism, where trust is hard-won and doubt easily justified, we often seek signs to affirm our faith or justify our disbelief.

Background Context: In Luke 11:29-36, Jesus confronts a crowd demanding a sign. He acknowledges their desire but challenges their motives. This generation, He says, is focused on seeking signs rather than embracing the truth already revealed. Jesus foretells His ultimate sign—the sign of Jonah, pointing to His death and resurrection. He compares Himself to Jonah and Solomon, emphasizing that something greater than both is among them.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Luke 11:29-36

   29As the crowds were increasing, He began to say, “This generation is a wicked generation; it seeks for a sign, and yet no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah. 30“For just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. 31“The Queen of the South will rise up with the men of this generation at the judgment and condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. 32“The men of Nineveh will stand up with this generation at the judgment and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.

    33“No one, after lighting a lamp, puts it away in a cellar nor under a basket, but on the lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light. 34“The eye is the lamp of your body; when your eye is clear, your whole body also is full of light; but when it is bad, your body also is full of darkness. 35“Then watch out that the light in you is not darkness. 36“If therefore your whole body is full of light, with no dark part in it, it will be wholly illumined, as when the lamp illumines you with its rays.”

Reconnect: Just as Jesus challenged His listeners to recognize the signs of the times and embrace Him as the ultimate revelation, we too are called to discern the signs of God’s presence and truth in our lives today.

Key Summary Points:

  1. The Sign of Jonah: Jesus uses Jonah’s story to foreshadow His own death, burial, and resurrection—a sign that validates His authority and mission.
  2. Judgment and Accountability: Jesus contrasts His generation with the repentant Ninevites and the seekers of Solomon’s wisdom, warning of their accountability at the judgment.
  3. The Lamp of the Body: Jesus uses the analogy of light to illustrate spiritual clarity. Just as a lamp illuminates a room, our spiritual sight determines our inner light. Clear vision leads to righteousness and clarity, while spiritual blindness results in darkness.

Call to Action: Let us not be like those who demand signs to validate their faith. Instead, may we open our eyes to perceive the signs of God’s presence and truth around us—His creation, His Word, and His work in our lives. Embrace Jesus Christ, the ultimate sign of God’s love and redemption, and allow His light to shine brightly through us.

Closing: As we reflect on Jesus’s words, may we strive to be lamps that shine His truth and love in a world often clouded by doubt and darkness. Let us walk in the light of Christ, knowing that through Him, our lives are illuminated with purpose and hope.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing Yourself to us through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to trust in His ultimate sign of redemption and to walk in the light of His truth. Open our eyes to see Your presence and guidance in our lives, that we may reflect Your light to those around us. In Jesus’s name, amen.

Blessed, Obeying God

Blessed Beyond Earthly Ties (Luke 11:27-28)

Have you ever wondered what it means to truly be blessed? In a world where blessings are often equated with material wealth or success, Jesus offers a profound insight that redirects our focus.

Background Context: In Luke 11:27-28, Jesus responds to a woman who blesses His mother for giving birth to Him. His reply unveils a deeper truth about blessings and the pathway to true fulfillment.

Luke 11:27-28

      27While Jesus was saying these things, one of the women in the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, “Blessed is the womb that bore You and the breasts at which You nursed.” 28But He said, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”

Reflection on Luke 11:27-28:

  1. The Blessing of Hearing and Keeping God’s Word: Jesus shifts the focus from His physical mother to the spiritual realm. He emphasizes that those who hear and keep God’s Word are blessed (Luke 11:28). This highlights the importance of obedience and faithfulness in our relationship with God.
  2. Elevating Spiritual Realities: While honoring His earthly mother is noble, Jesus redirects attention to the greater blessing found in spiritual obedience. It underscores the eternal significance of aligning our lives with God’s will and Word.

Summary Key Points: Jesus’s response challenges us to rethink our understanding of blessings. True blessing isn’t about worldly acclaim or material possessions, but about our relationship with God. It’s found in hearing His Word and obediently living by it. This spiritual obedience leads to lasting fulfillment and the assurance of God’s favor.

Call to Action: Let us strive to prioritize our spiritual walk over earthly pursuits. Take time today to reflect on how you hear and keep God’s Word in your life. Are there areas where you can deepen your obedience and trust in Him? Embrace the blessing of aligning your life with His will.

Closing: As we seek to follow Jesus’s example of honoring God through obedience, may we experience the true depth of His blessings. Let us find joy in hearing His Word and living it out daily, knowing that in doing so, we are blessed beyond earthly measures.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the blessing of Your Word and the privilege of hearing it. Help us, Lord, to not only hear but to obey Your commands joyfully. Guide us in aligning our lives with Your will so that we may experience the fullness of Your blessings. In Jesus’s name, amen.

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

John Golda

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

Faith / Trusting God, Obeying God, Proverbs (Wisdom & Folly), Purposeful / Intentional, Unteachable / Foolish, Wise

Trusting God’s Sovereignty in Uncertain Times (Proverbs 21)

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the state of the world or your community? It’s easy to be consumed by fear and worry amidst societal challenges, moral decay, and the complexities of daily life.

Background Context: Proverbs 21 provides timeless wisdom that reminds us of God’s ultimate sovereignty over all rulers and events. It offers insights into righteous living and the assurance that God directs the course of history according to His divine plan.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Proverbs 21

On Life and Conduct

      1The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD;
He turns it wherever He wishes.

      2Every man’s way is right in his own eyes,
But the LORD weighs the hearts.

      3To do righteousness and justice
Is desired by the LORD more than sacrifice.

      4Haughty eyes and a proud heart,
The lamp of the wicked, is sin.

      5The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage,
But everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty.

      6The acquisition of treasures by a lying tongue
Is a fleeting vapor, the pursuit of death.

      7The violence of the wicked will drag them away,
Because they refuse to act with justice.

      8The way of a guilty man is crooked,
But as for the pure, his conduct is upright.

      9It is better to live in a corner of a roof
Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.

      10The soul of the wicked desires evil;
His neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.

      11When the scoffer is punished, the naive becomes wise;
But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.

      12The righteous one considers the house of the wicked,
Turning the wicked to ruin.

      13He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor
Will also cry himself and not be answered.

      14A gift in secret subdues anger,
And a bribe in the bosom, strong wrath.

      15The exercise of justice is joy for the righteous,
But is terror to the workers of iniquity.

      16A man who wanders from the way of understanding
Will rest in the assembly of the dead.

      17He who loves pleasure will become a poor man;
He who loves wine and oil will not become rich.

      18The wicked is a ransom for the righteous,
And the treacherous is in the place of the upright.

      19It is better to live in a desert land
Than with a contentious and vexing woman.

      20There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise,
But a foolish man swallows it up.

      21He who pursues righteousness and loyalty
Finds life, righteousness and honor.

      22A wise man scales the city of the mighty
And brings down the stronghold in which they trust.

      23He who guards his mouth and his tongue,
Guards his soul from troubles.

      24“Proud,” “Haughty,” “Scoffer,” are his names,
Who acts with insolent pride.

      25The desire of the sluggard puts him to death,
For his hands refuse to work;

      26All day long he is craving,
While the righteous gives and does not hold back.

      27The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination,
How much more when he brings it with evil intent!

      28A false witness will perish,
But the man who listens to the truth will speak forever.

      29A wicked man displays a bold face,
But as for the upright, he makes his way sure.

      30There is no wisdom and no understanding
And no counsel against the LORD.

      31The horse is prepared for the day of battle,
But victory belongs to the LORD.

Reflection on Proverbs 21:

  1. God’s Sovereign Control: Even kings and rulers are under God’s authority and can be instruments in His hands (Proverbs 21:1). This truth encourages us to trust in God’s overarching control, even when events seem chaotic or unjust.
  2. Righteousness and Justice: God delights in righteousness and justice more than religious rituals or empty sacrifices (Proverbs 21:3, 15). He calls us to live with integrity and fairness, reflecting His character in our daily actions.
  3. The Heart’s Influence: Our motives and attitudes matter to God. He examines our hearts and weighs our actions (Proverbs 21:2, 27). Therefore, we are called to align our hearts with His will and seek His guidance in all we do.

Summary Key Points:

  • Trusting in God’s Plan: Instead of dwelling on uncertainties, trust in God’s sovereignty over all aspects of life.
  • Living Righteously: Embrace God’s commands not as burdens but as guides to walk in righteousness and justice.
  • Heart Transformation: Allow God to transform your heart so that your actions and decisions honor Him.

Call to Action:

  • Reflective Study: Take time to meditate on each verse of Proverbs 21, applying its wisdom to your current circumstances.
  • Prayerful Surrender: Surrender your fears and anxieties to God, trusting in His sovereign control over your life and the world.
  • Intentional Obedience: Commit to obeying God’s commands joyfully, knowing that they lead to a life aligned with His purposes.

Closing: As we delve into Proverbs 21, let us be reminded of God’s sovereignty and wisdom. May we live with faith, trusting His plan, and striving to embody righteousness and justice in our daily lives. Let us seek His guidance continually, knowing that in Him, we find peace and purpose.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your sovereignty over all rulers and events. Help us to trust in Your plan and to live with integrity and justice. Transform our hearts to align with Your will, that we may honor You in all we do. Grant us wisdom as we study Your Word and apply its truths to our lives. 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.

Compassionate, Grace / Forgiveness, Learning To Pray Effectively, Loving / Kind, Merciful, Protector / Deliverer, Psalms, Repenting from Sin, Seeking God

Seeking God’s Mercy for Our Nation (Psalm 85)

Have you ever wondered about the spiritual state of our nation? Psalm 85 offers profound insights into the dynamics between a nation and its Creator, reflecting on the blessings that come with obedience and the consequences of turning away from God.

Background Context: Psalm 85 reflects on Israel’s spiritual journey, from times of favor and restoration to seasons of rebellion and divine discipline. It resonates with nations like the United States, founded on faith yet grappling with secularism and moral relativism over time.

Reconnect: Just as Israel experienced cycles of faithfulness and waywardness, nations today, including the USA, face similar challenges. We must examine our collective conscience and turn back to God’s timeless principles to restore His favor upon our land.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Psalm 85

Prayer for God’s Mercy upon the Nation.

For the choir director. A Psalm of the sons of Korah.

1O LORD, You showed favor to Your land;
You restored the captivity of Jacob.

      2You forgave the iniquity of Your people;
You covered all their sin.

Selah.

      3You withdrew all Your fury;
You turned away from Your burning anger.

      4Restore us, O God of our salvation,
And cause Your indignation toward us to cease.

      5Will You be angry with us forever?
Will You prolong Your anger to all generations?

      6Will You not Yourself revive us again,
That Your people may rejoice in You?

      7Show us Your lovingkindness, O LORD,
And grant us Your salvation.

      8I will hear what God the LORD will say;
For He will speak peace to His people, to His godly ones;
But let them not turn back to folly.

      9Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him,
That glory may dwell in our land.

      10Lovingkindness and truth have met together;
Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

      11Truth springs from the earth,
And righteousness looks down from heaven.

      12Indeed, the LORD will give what is good,
And our land will yield its produce.

      13Righteousness will go before Him
And will make His footsteps into a way.

Key Summary Points:

  • Divine Expectations: God desires reverence and obedience from nations. We cannot redefine morality according to cultural whims and expect His blessings.
  • National Repentance: Like Israel, nations need sincere repentance to experience God’s forgiveness and restoration of His favor.
  • Hope in God’s Mercy: Despite national shortcomings, God is merciful. He waits for our collective return to Him, ready to forgive and bless abundantly.

Call to Action:

  • Personal Examination: Reflect on your own relationship with God and how it influences your impact on society.
  • Intercessory Prayer: Pray for revival among believers in your nation, that they may shine God’s light and influence others to seek Him.
  • National Repentance: Pray for leaders and citizens to turn from worldly ideologies and embrace God’s truth, leading to national healing and renewal.

Closing: As we meditate on Psalm 85, let us earnestly seek God’s mercy for our nation. May we, as individuals and communities of faith, embody His truth and grace, serving as beacons of hope and reconciliation in a world in need of His divine intervention.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we humbly come before You, acknowledging our nation’s need for Your mercy and forgiveness. Grant us the courage to repent and turn from our worldly ways. Strengthen Your people to boldly proclaim Your truth and love, leading others to seek Your face. May Your kingdom come and Your will be done in our nation as it is in heaven. 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.

Am I on the path?, Free Will, Guide, Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, Purposeful / Intentional, Repenting from Sin, Submitted / Servant

Christian Freedom… Freedom From What?

I hear many talk about “Christian Freedom” as if it is a license from Jesus to do whatever we want as if He is ok with any behavior. Some treat it like a “get out of jail free” card from Monopoly. It is used as an excuse to ignore God’s law and commands because we will be forgiven by grace through faith thanks to Jesus’ death and resurrection on our behalf… for our sins.

This view has some truth, but also some dangerous misinterpretation of scripture that can lead us to live our lives far from the path that God intends. Let us look closely. It is true we are saved by grace through faith.

Ephesians 2:8-9

8For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

It is true that scripture discusses “freedom”. But we must ask ourselves… “Freedom from what?” It is not freedom from obeying God’s commands and law. It is not freedom from discipling ourselves after Christ in behavior and attitude toward obeying the Father. It is freedom from sin so we can follow Christ! It is freedom from seeking salvation through perfect adherence to the law, which is impossible for man! In fact, when we are set free from sin we are then free to follow and obey Jehovah through the example of Christ. Then, when we disciple ourselves after Christ, we want to follow and obey the laws and commands of Jehovah as He did!

Acts 13:38-39

38“Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, 39and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses.

Acts 13 clearly confirms it is freedom from sin… freedom from all things which you could not be freed through the law of Moses… which is to clearly state that it is not “freedom from the law of Moses”.

Galatians 5:1-12

Walk by the Spirit

      1It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.

      2Behold I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you. 3And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law. 4You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. 5For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness. 6For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.

      7You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth? 8This persuasion did not come from Him who calls you. 9A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough. 10I have confidence in you in the Lord that you will adopt no other view; but the one who is disturbing you will bear his judgment, whoever he is. 11But I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? Then the stumbling block of the cross has been abolished. 12I wish that those who are troubling you would even mutilate themselves.

Let us be cautious not to turn our “freedom” received through Christ into an opportunity to live our lives in sin, rejecting all that Christ taught us by doing what we want to do instead of what He tells us to do. The Law is really established by God to show us how to love Him and love our neighbors. To that end it is never obsolete. This does not mean we ignore the law and just say to ourselves “I have nice warm feelings toward everyone and accept all behaviors so I don’t have any conflict.” May it never be! God’s law shows us, by obeying it, how to love our neighbors and yes it results in conflict at times. God does not accept all behaviors and belief systems. We see this clearly demonstrated in Galatians 5 below… Paul speaks of loving our neighbor and then goes into great detail to explain examples of wrong behavior / attitudes to avoid and right behaviors / attitudes to embrace that are part of doing just that. Loving our neighbor and loving God is evidenced by our conscious consistent obedience to God’s laws and commands… not by “being nice or friendly” to people no matter the circumstance. Some need our loving correction, like children who do not know the right path to follow.

 Galatians 5:13-26 

     13For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” 15But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.

      16But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. 19Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 21envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

      25If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. 26Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.

When we truly disciple ourselves after Christ, we are free from sin and free from the need to be saved through perfect obedience to the law of God. However, we are free so that if we truly follow Jesus as Messiah we will obey God’s laws and instructions rather than do whatever we feel like or whatever the world tells us is acceptable.

Pray that God would show you areas in your life where you are relying too much on “Christian freedom” as a reason not to repent of wrong behavior in yourself or as reason to accept wrong behavior in others around you. Look to God’s word for what is right and good instead of to man.

—-

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.

Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Obeying God, Protector / Deliverer, Repenting from Sin, Sin, Traditions / Holidays

True Freedom: Celebrating Independence Day with a Reflection on Freedom in Christ

As the United States celebrates Independence Day, we are reminded of the historic struggle for freedom from tyranny and the birth of a nation built on the ideals of liberty.

This July 4th, while enjoying the fireworks and festivities, let us also delve deeper into a more profound freedom—the spiritual liberty granted to us through Christ, which liberates us from the bondage of sin and empowers us to serve God wholeheartedly.

Historical and Spiritual Freedom: The celebration of Independence Day is not just about commemorating the past; it’s about appreciating the freedoms we enjoy today. However, it’s also an opportunity to reflect on the spiritual freedom we have in Christ, as taught in the Scriptures. This freedom does not absolve us from responsibility but calls us to live according to God’s will, under His guidance and laws.

Freedom in Christ – Not a License to Sin: The Apostle Paul discusses this concept extensively:

  • Romans 8:1-4 explains that while we are free from the “law of sin and death” thanks to Christ, this freedom is not an excuse to ignore God’s commandments. Rather, it empowers us to live righteously, aligned with the Spirit rather than the flesh.

Romans 8:1-4

1Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. 3For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, 4so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

The Misconception of Lawlessness: It’s crucial to understand that Christ’s fulfillment of the Law does not equate to its nullification. Christ himself adhered to these laws, setting an example for us to follow, not to discard. Jesus critiqued not the law itself but the Pharisees’ and Sadducees’ legalistic and burdensome interpretations that overshadowed its true purpose.

The Role of God’s Law: The psalmist in Psalm 119 expresses a deep love for God’s law, recognizing it as a source of wisdom, joy, and peace. These statutes are described not as burdens but as blessings that guide us toward righteousness and closer communion with God.

Psalm 119 (excerpts)

97O how I love Your law!
It is my meditation all the day.

98Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies,
For they are ever mine.

—

142Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness,
And Your law is truth.

143Trouble and anguish have come upon me,
Yet Your commandments are my delight.

—

162I rejoice at Your word,
As one who finds great spoil.

163I hate and despise falsehood,
But I love Your law.

164Seven times a day I praise You,
Because of Your righteous ordinances.

165Those who love Your law have great peace,
And nothing causes them to stumble.

—

171Let my lips utter praise,
For You teach me Your statutes.

172Let my tongue sing of Your word,
For all Your commandments are righteousness.

Call to Action:

  1. Reflect on True Freedom: Spend time this Independence Day reflecting on the freedom you have in Christ. Consider how this spiritual liberty influences your daily decisions and relationships.
  2. Study and Share: Dive deeper into the scriptures that discuss God’s laws and freedom in Christ. Share these insights with friends and family, perhaps during your Independence Day celebrations.
  3. Live Responsibly: Embrace the responsibility that comes with freedom. Make choices that reflect your commitment to God’s laws and the example set by Christ.
  4. Engage in Prayer and Fellowship: Use this day as an opportunity to pray for our nation and its leaders, that they may govern wisely and justly, honoring the freedoms we hold dear.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of freedom, both national and spiritual, through Christ our Savior. As we celebrate this Independence Day, let us remember the sacrifices made for our freedoms and the ultimate sacrifice Christ made to free us from sin. Help us to live lives worthy of this gift, guided by Your Spirit and committed to Your principles. Strengthen us to be bearers of Your light and truth in a world that deeply needs it. 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.