Category Archives: Righteousness / Serving God

All Knowing, Faith / Trusting God, Revelation

Trusting God When the Full Picture Is Hidden (Revelation 10)

What do you do when God reveals enough to trust Him—but not enough to fully understand everything?

Key Verse:
“Take it and eat it; it will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be sweet as honey.” —Revelation 10:9 NASB

Background Context:
After the intense trumpet judgments of Revelation 8–9, Revelation 10 provides a pause in the middle of escalating judgment. Rather than focusing primarily on destruction, the chapter shifts attention toward God’s authority, His unfolding plan, and the continued mission of proclaiming His truth.

John encounters a mighty angel, hears mysterious thunderous voices, and receives a little scroll with instructions that carry both sweetness and bitterness.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Revelation 10

The Angel and the Little Book

      1I saw another strong angel coming down out of heaven, clothed with a cloud; and the rainbow was upon his head, and his face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire; 2and he had in his hand a little book which was open. He placed his right foot on the sea and his left on the land; 3and he cried out with a loud voice, as when a lion roars; and when he had cried out, the seven peals of thunder uttered their voices. 4When the seven peals of thunder had spoken, I was about to write; and I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Seal up the things which the seven peals of thunder have spoken and do not write them.” 5Then the angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land lifted up his right hand to heaven, 6and swore by Him who lives forever and ever, WHO CREATED HEAVEN AND THE THINGS IN IT, AND THE EARTH AND THE THINGS IN IT, AND THE SEA AND THE THINGS IN IT, that there will be delay no longer, 7but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, then the mystery of God is finished, as He preached to His servants the prophets.

      8Then the voice which I heard from heaven, I heard again speaking with me, and saying, “Go, take the book which is open in the hand of the angel who stands on the sea and on the land.” 9So I went to the angel, telling him to give me the little book. And he said to me, “Take it and eat it; it will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be sweet as honey.” 10I took the little book out of the angel’s hand and ate it, and in my mouth it was sweet as honey; and when I had eaten it, my stomach was made bitter. 11And they said to me, “You must prophesy again concerning many peoples and nations and tongues and kings.”

Reflection on Revelation 10:
After the heaviness of Revelation 9, Revelation 10 changes the pace dramatically.

John sees a mighty angel descending from heaven:

  • clothed with a cloud
  • a rainbow over his head
  • face shining like the sun
  • feet like pillars of fire

The imagery reflects majesty, authority, and the glory of God.

The angel places one foot on the sea and one on the land, symbolizing authority over the whole earth. Then he cries out, and seven thunders respond.

But something unexpected happens.

John is told not to write down what the seven thunders said.

This is important.

Not everything is revealed.

Even in Revelation—a book filled with prophecy and disclosure—God still withholds certain details.

This reminds us that God does not give humanity complete knowledge of everything He is doing. There are mysteries that remain under His authority and wisdom.

That can be difficult for us.

We often want:

  • complete explanations
  • precise timelines
  • full understanding

But faith often requires trusting God even when we do not have every answer.

The angel then declares:
“There will be delay no longer…”

God’s plan is moving toward fulfillment.

What has been unfolding through generations is advancing toward completion exactly according to God’s timing.

Again we see a theme repeated throughout Scripture:
God’s timing is deliberate and purposeful.

John is then told to take the little scroll and eat it.

In his mouth it is sweet like honey, but in his stomach it becomes bitter.

This powerful picture reflects the nature of God’s message.

God’s truth is sweet because:

  • it comes from Him
  • it reveals His purposes
  • it brings hope and salvation

But it is also bitter because:

  • it includes judgment
  • it exposes sin
  • it involves suffering and difficult realities

This tension appears throughout Scripture.

Following God brings joy and life, yet faithfully proclaiming His truth can also involve hardship, rejection, and grief over sin and judgment.

The prophet Ezekiel experienced something similar in Ezekiel 2–3 when he was told to eat a scroll containing God’s message before speaking to the people.

John’s final instruction is important:
“You must prophesy again…”

Even after seeing terrifying judgment and difficult truths, the mission continues.

God’s message still needs to be proclaimed.

This chapter reminds us that:

  • we will not always understand everything God is doing
  • God’s truth contains both comfort and warning
  • and followers of Christ are still called to remain faithful and continue speaking truth

Faith is not built on having every answer.

Faith is built on trusting the One who holds the answers.

Application:

  • Trust God even when you do not fully understand His plan.
  • Accept both the comforting and challenging parts of God’s truth.
  • Remain faithful to God’s calling even when it becomes difficult.
  • Remember that God’s timing is purposeful and never out of control.
  • Continue seeking and proclaiming truth with humility and obedience.

Closing Prayer:
Father, help me to trust You even when I do not fully understand what You are doing. Teach me to accept both the sweetness and the difficulty of Your truth. Strengthen me to remain faithful and obedient in every season. Thank You that Your plans are wise, purposeful, and completely under Your control. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

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

John Golda

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

Interceding for Others, Learning To Pray Effectively, Love, Persecution / Glorifying God

What Does It Really Mean to Love Your Enemies? (Matthew 5:43–48)

How do we love people who oppose us, mistreat us, or reject God’s truth?

Key Verse:
“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” —Matthew 5:44 NASB

Background Context:
In Matthew 5:43–48, Yeshua continues teaching during the Sermon on the Mount, calling His followers to live differently than the world around them. While people naturally love those who treat them well, Yeshua challenges believers to reflect the character of God by showing love even toward enemies and persecutors.

This teaching goes far beyond outward behavior—it addresses the condition of the heart and what it means to truly reflect God’s character in difficult relationships.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Matthew 5:43–48

  43“You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.’ 44“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46“For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47“If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48“Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Reflection on Matthew 5:43–48:
Jesus says something that completely challenges human nature:

“Love your enemies.”

The world understands loving friends, family, and those who treat us kindly. But Yeshua points His followers toward something radically different.

He asks:
“If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that?”

Even unbelievers do that.

The distinguishing mark of a follower of Christ is not loving people when it is easy—it is reflecting God’s character when it is difficult.

But it is important to understand what loving enemies actually means.

Loving someone does not mean:

  • approving of their sin
  • ignoring evil
  • abandoning truth
  • or allowing someone to destroy you

Biblical love is not passive acceptance of everything a person does.

1 Corinthians 13:4–7 describes love as patient, kind, enduring, and truthful. Importantly, it says that love “does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth.”

True love cares enough to value truth.

Sometimes loving someone means warning them that they are walking in sin and encouraging them to repent. Ignoring destructive behavior is not loving—it is indifference.

If children were playing with a sharp knife, loving them would not mean silently watching while they hurt themselves. Love would speak up because love cares about the outcome.

In the same way, speaking truth with humility and compassion can be an act of love.

This is exactly what we see throughout Scripture. God’s love does not ignore sin—He calls people away from it because He desires life, restoration, and transformation.

Jesus also says:
“Pray for those who persecute you.”

Again, this does not mean praying for evil to succeed. It means praying for hearts to change.

Pray:

  • for them to know truth
  • for them to encounter Christ
  • for repentance
  • for transformation
  • for salvation

This reflects the heart of God.

One of the greatest examples is Saul in Acts 9. Saul persecuted Christians fiercely, yet after encountering Yeshua, his life was completely transformed. He became Paul—one of the greatest missionaries and teachers of the Gospel.

Imagine if believers had only hated Saul and never desired his repentance.

God’s power can transform even those who strongly oppose Him.

This passage ultimately points us toward the character of God Himself.

Jesus says the Father:

  • sends rain on the just and unjust
  • shows kindness even toward sinners
  • extends mercy broadly

As His followers, we are called to reflect that same heart.

This does not mean abandoning wisdom, boundaries, or truth.

It means refusing to let hatred, bitterness, and revenge control us.

It means responding in a way that reflects Christ rather than merely mirroring the world.

The command to “be perfect” points toward spiritual maturity and completeness—a growing reflection of the Father’s character in how we love, forgive, speak truth, and pray for others.

This is not natural.

It is something God develops within us as we follow Him.

Application:

  • Pray for those who oppose, mistreat, or persecute you.
  • Remember that loving someone does not mean approving of sin.
  • Speak truth with humility, compassion, and a desire for repentance.
  • Guard your heart from bitterness, hatred, and revenge.
  • Reflect God’s character by responding differently than the world.

Closing Prayer:
Father, help me to love others the way You have called me to love. Teach me to respond with grace, truth, humility, and compassion even when others oppose or mistreat me. Guard my heart from bitterness and revenge, and help me to pray sincerely for those who need transformation through Christ. Shape my character so that my life reflects Your love and truth. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

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

John Golda

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

Grace / Patience, Humility, Patient, Revenge

Respond Differently Than the World (Matthew 5:38-42)

How do you respond when someone treats you unfairly or disrespectfully?

Key Verse:
“But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.” —Matthew 5:39 NASB

Background Context:
In Matthew 5:38–42, Yeshua continues teaching during the Sermon on the Mount. The people knew the Old Testament principle of “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth,” which originally served to limit excessive punishment and establish fair justice (Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20).

But Yeshua shifts the focus away from personal retaliation and toward a radically different response—one marked by patience, humility, generosity, and love.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Matthew 5:38-42

     38“You have heard that it was said, ‘AN EYE FOR AN EYE, AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH.’ 39“But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40“If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. 41“Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. 42“Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.

Reflection on Matthew 5:38–42:
Jesus teaches something that feels completely opposite to the way the world naturally responds.

The world says:

  • “Get even.”
  • “Don’t let anyone disrespect you.”
  • “Make them pay.”
  • “Fight back.”

But Yeshua points His followers toward a different way.

He does not encourage revenge.

At the same time, He is also not teaching passive surrender to evil in every possible situation. It is important to recognize the examples He gives.

A slap on the cheek is insulting and disrespectful, but not life-threatening. Carrying a soldier’s gear another mile is inconvenient and difficult, but not destructive. Giving up a coat in a legal dispute is sacrificial, but not equivalent to abandoning all responsibility or stewardship.

Yeshua is deliberately speaking about relatively minor personal offenses and inconveniences.

And in none of these examples are believers being asked to:

  • deny God
  • compromise truth
  • participate in sin
  • or enable evil behavior

Instead, He is challenging us to give up our instinct for personal retaliation.

This is deeply difficult because pride naturally wants revenge.

When someone insults us, we want to insult back.
When someone mistreats us, we want them to suffer as well.

But Yeshua calls us to respond differently.

Why?

Because our response can reflect the character of God.

Romans 12:17–21 teaches a similar principle:
“Never pay back evil for evil to anyone… Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

This does not mean justice never matters. Scripture still supports justice, protection of the innocent, and appropriate authority structures. But personally, believers are not to be driven by bitterness, vengeance, or pride.

Instead, Yeshua teaches:

  • patience over retaliation
  • generosity over selfishness
  • humility over pride
  • love over revenge

The extra mile illustration is especially powerful.

Roman soldiers could legally compel someone to carry equipment for one mile. Going a second mile voluntarily would have been shocking.

Why?

Because it transformed the interaction.

Instead of responding with resentment alone, the believer responds in a way that reflects a changed heart.

This kind of response stands out.

It reveals that Christ has transformed us internally.

1 Peter 2:20–23 points to Yeshua Himself as the example. When He suffered unjustly, He did not retaliate or threaten revenge, but entrusted Himself to the Father.

This is the heart of the teaching.

Followers of Christ are called to respond differently than the world—not because weakness is good, but because God’s way reflects something greater than pride and revenge.

Sometimes the most powerful testimony is not winning an argument or getting even.

Sometimes it is showing patience, grace, and self-control when the world expects anger.

This passage challenges us to ask:

When people mistreat us, do they see a response shaped by the world… or shaped by Christ?

Application:

  • Resist the temptation to seek personal revenge when treated unfairly.
  • Respond to minor offenses with patience, humility, and grace.
  • Remember that your reactions can reflect Christ to others.
  • Distinguish between enduring inconvenience and compromising biblical truth.
  • Ask God to help you overcome evil with good rather than bitterness.

Closing Prayer:
Father, help me to respond to others with the love, patience, and humility that Yeshua taught. Guard my heart from pride, bitterness, and revenge. Teach me to reflect Your character even when others treat me unfairly. Give me wisdom to respond with both grace and truth, and let my life point others toward You. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

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

John Golda

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

Holy / Set Apart, Intgegrity / Honesty

Can People Trust Your Word? (Matthew 5:33-37)

Would the people around you trust your word without needing a promise?

Key Verse:
“But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is of evil.” —Matthew 5:37 NASB

Background Context:
In Matthew 5:33–37, Yeshua teaches about honesty, integrity, and truthfulness as part of the Sermon on the Mount. Rather than focusing merely on outward vows or religious formulas, He addresses the deeper issue of whether a person’s character and words can be trusted consistently.

At the time, people often strengthened their statements by swearing oaths or vows to convince others they were telling the truth. But Yeshua teaches that His followers should live with such integrity that additional vows are unnecessary.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Matthew 5:33-37

     33“Again, you have heard that the ancients were told, ‘YOU SHALL NOT MAKE FALSE VOWS, BUT SHALL FULFILL YOUR VOWS TO THE LORD.’ 34“But I say to you, make no oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, 35or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet, or by Jerusalem, for it is THE CITY OF THE GREAT KING. 36“Nor shall you make an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. 37“But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is of evil.

Reflection on Matthew 5:33–37:
Yeshua says something simple, yet deeply challenging:

“Let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no.’”

In other words:

  • say what you mean
  • mean what you say
  • and live in a way that makes your words trustworthy

This goes beyond avoiding lies.

It speaks to integrity.

A person of integrity does not need dramatic promises, exaggerated assurances, or repeated vows for others to believe them. Their consistent character gives weight to their words.

Yeshua contrasts this with the practice of making vows:

  • “By heaven”
  • “By earth”
  • “By Jerusalem”

People were attaching extra language to their promises in order to appear more trustworthy.

But Yeshua points to a deeper issue:
Why should extra wording be necessary at all?

If we feel the need to say:

  • “I promise…”
  • “I swear…”
  • “Trust me…”

then it may be worth reflecting honestly on why others need that reassurance.

Have we become inconsistent?
Do we often fail to follow through?
Have our words lost credibility through repeated disappointment?

This is not meant to produce shame, but conviction and growth.

Scripture repeatedly emphasizes truthfulness and integrity.

Proverbs 12:22 tells us that “lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight.”

James 5:12 echoes the teaching of Yeshua almost directly:
“Let your yes be yes, and your no, no…”

God cares deeply about truthfulness because our words reflect our hearts.

This applies to:

  • commitments
  • relationships
  • work
  • parenting
  • marriage
  • friendships
  • and our witness to others

Trust is built slowly through consistent honesty and follow-through.

And trust can be damaged when our words repeatedly fail to align with our actions.

Yeshua is calling His followers to something higher than outward religious speech.

He is calling us to become people whose character is trustworthy every day.

Not just when making vows.
Not just in important moments.
But consistently.

As followers of Christ, our words should reflect:

  • honesty
  • humility
  • reliability
  • and integrity

Because our speech says much about the condition of our hearts.

Application:

  • Speak truthfully and honestly in all situations.
  • Follow through on commitments you make to others.
  • Reflect honestly on whether your words have become trustworthy over time.
  • Avoid making exaggerated promises to compensate for inconsistency.
  • Ask God to shape your character so your words reflect integrity consistently.

Closing Prayer:
Father, help me to live with honesty and integrity in my words and actions. Teach me to speak truthfully and to follow through faithfully on my commitments. Reveal any areas where my words and actions are inconsistent, and help me grow into a person whose character reflects Your truth. Let my “yes” mean yes and my “no” mean no. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

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

John Golda

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

Money / Finances / Wealth, Unteachable / Foolish, Wise

Chasing What Cannot Last (Ecclesiastes 5:8-17)

How much is enough before a person finally feels satisfied?

Key Verse:
“He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income…” —Ecclesiastes 5:10 NASB

Background Context:
In Ecclesiastes 5:1–7, Solomon emphasizes reverence before God, warning against careless words and shallow worship.

Now in Ecclesiastes 5:8–17, Solomon turns to another common pursuit “under the sun”—wealth, success, and possessions. He observes the corruption, anxiety, and emptiness that often accompany the love of money and earthly gain.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Ecclesiastes 5:8-17

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

The Folly of Riches

      10He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income. This too is vanity. 11When good things increase, those who consume them increase. So what is the advantage to their owners except to look on? 12The sleep of the working man is pleasant, whether he eats little or much; but the full stomach of the rich man does not allow him to sleep.

      13There is a grievous evil which I have seen under the sun: riches being hoarded by their owner to his hurt. 14When those riches were lost through a bad investment and he had fathered a son, then there was nothing to support him. 15As he had come naked from his mother’s womb, so will he return as he came. He will take nothing from the fruit of his labor that he can carry in his hand. 16This also is a grievous evil—exactly as a man is born, thus will he die. So what is the advantage to him who toils for the wind?

Reflection on Ecclesiastes 5:8–17:
Solomon begins by observing oppression and corruption within human systems.

When people see injustice, abuse of power, and exploitation, they should not be surprised. Those in authority often answer to others above them, creating layers of brokenness and self-interest.

This is a sobering reminder that human systems alone cannot fully solve the problem of sin.

But Solomon quickly shifts toward a deeper issue:
the love of wealth.

“He who loves money will not be satisfied with money…”

This is one of the clearest and most timeless statements in Ecclesiastes.

The pursuit of wealth promises satisfaction, security, and fulfillment. Yet Solomon—who possessed extraordinary wealth and success—declares that money itself never fully satisfies.

Why?

Because desire grows alongside abundance.

The more people gain, the more they often want:

  • more comfort
  • more success
  • more possessions
  • more security
  • more recognition

Contentment remains just out of reach.

Solomon also observes that increased wealth often brings increased burdens.

“When good things increase, those who consume them increase.”

Possessions create responsibility, stress, and anxiety. Wealth can attract:

  • dependence from others
  • fear of loss
  • endless striving
  • sleeplessness

Meanwhile, the laborer who works simply often sleeps more peacefully than the wealthy person consumed by worry.

This reveals an important truth:
peace does not come automatically from abundance.

Solomon then describes another painful reality:
wealth can disappear suddenly.

Riches gained and stored carefully can be lost through difficult circumstances, poor decisions, or unexpected events. And ultimately, no one carries earthly possessions beyond death.

“As he had come naked from his mother’s womb, so will he return…”

This echoes themes Solomon has repeated throughout Ecclesiastes:
earthly things are temporary.

This does not mean money itself is evil.

Scripture does not condemn responsible work, wise stewardship, or provision. Rather, 1 Timothy 6:10 warns that “the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil.”

The issue is where the heart places its trust and hope.

When wealth becomes:

  • identity
  • security
  • purpose
  • or ultimate pursuit

it cannot carry the weight people place upon it.

Only God can provide lasting fulfillment and peace.

This passage challenges us to examine our hearts honestly.

Are we pursuing God while responsibly handling resources?

Or are we chasing possessions as though they will finally satisfy what only God can fill?

Solomon’s observations remain deeply relevant today because the human heart has not changed.

People still strive endlessly for “more,” believing satisfaction waits just beyond the next achievement or purchase.

But Ecclesiastes reminds us:
without God, the pursuit never ends.

True contentment is not found in having everything.

It is found in trusting the One who provides everything.

Application:

  • Examine whether money or possessions have become too central in your heart.
  • Pursue contentment rather than endless striving for “more.”
  • Remember that earthly possessions are temporary and cannot satisfy fully.
  • Practice gratitude for what God has already provided.
  • Place your trust and security in God rather than wealth.

Closing Prayer:
Father, help me to guard my heart from the love of money and the endless pursuit of worldly gain. Teach me to be content with what You provide and to trust You as my true source of peace and security. Help me to use resources wisely without allowing them to become my focus or identity. Thank You for faithfully providing for my needs. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

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

John Golda

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

Courage / Fear, Faith / Trusting God, Learning To Pray Effectively, Psalms, Seeking God, Tribulation

Trusting God When Fear Takes Hold (Psalm 56)

What do you do when fear feels overwhelming and people seem against you?

Key Verse:
“When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.” —Psalm 56:3 NASB

Background Context:
Psalms 56 was written by David when the Philistines seized him in Gath (1 Samuel 21:10–15). David found himself surrounded by enemies, vulnerable, and afraid.

Following Psalm 55, which focused on anxiety and betrayal, Psalm 56 continues the theme of distress but places even greater emphasis on choosing trust in God in the middle of fear.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Psalm 56

Supplication for Deliverance and Grateful Trust in God.

For the choir director; according to Jonath elem rehokim. A Mikhtam of David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath.

     1Be gracious to me, O God, for man has trampled upon me;
Fighting all day long he oppresses me.

      2My foes have trampled upon me all day long,
For they are many who fight proudly against me.

      3When I am afraid,
I will put my trust in You.

      4In God, whose word I praise,
In God I have put my trust;
I shall not be afraid.
What can mere man do to me?

      5All day long they distort my words;
All their thoughts are against me for evil.

      6They attack, they lurk,
They watch my steps,
As they have waited to take my life.

      7Because of wickedness, cast them forth,
In anger put down the peoples, O God!

      8You have taken account of my wanderings;
Put my tears in Your bottle.
Are they not in Your book?

      9Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call;
This I know, that God is for me.

      10In God, whose word I praise,
In the LORD, whose word I praise,

      11In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid.
What can man do to me?

      12Your vows are binding upon me, O God;
I will render thank offerings to You.

      13For You have delivered my soul from death,
Indeed my feet from stumbling,
So that I may walk before God
In the light of the living.

Reflection on Psalm 56:
One of the most comforting aspects of this psalm is David’s honesty.

He does not pretend to be fearless.

Instead, he openly admits:
“When I am afraid…”

This is important.

Faith does not mean we never experience fear. Even strong believers encounter moments of anxiety, uncertainty, and vulnerability.

The difference is not the absence of fear.

The difference is what we choose to do with it.

David says:
“I will put my trust in You.”

Fear becomes a turning point toward trust rather than away from God.

David describes people attacking him continually:

  • opposing him
  • twisting his words
  • watching for opportunities against him

He feels surrounded and pressured.

Yet in the middle of all this, David repeatedly returns to the same foundation:
trust in God.

He says:
“In God, whose word I praise…”

This phrase appears multiple times.

David anchors himself not merely in changing circumstances, but in the reliability of God and His word.

This is a key lesson for us.

Fear grows when our focus remains fixed only on:

  • circumstances
  • threats
  • uncertainty
  • and human opposition

Trust grows when we remember:

  • who God is
  • what He has said
  • and that He remains faithful

David then makes a powerful declaration:
“What can mere man do to me?”

This does not mean people cannot hurt us physically or emotionally. David clearly understands danger.

Rather, he is recognizing that human power is limited while God’s authority is ultimate.

Another beautiful moment comes when David says:
“You have taken account of my wanderings; put my tears in Your bottle.”

This reveals the personal care of God.

God is not distant from our pain.
He notices our tears.
He remembers our struggles.

Nothing we experience is unseen by Him.

David’s confidence grows throughout the psalm until he ends with praise and thanksgiving.

He declares that God has delivered his soul from death and enabled him to walk before Him in the light of life.

This progression is important.

David begins afraid.
He ends worshiping.

What changed?

Not necessarily his circumstances.

His focus changed.

Psalm 56 reminds us that fear itself is not failure. The question is whether fear will drive us deeper into anxiety—or deeper into trust.

God does not ask us to pretend fear is absent.

He calls us to trust Him in the middle of it.

Application:

  • Bring your fears honestly before God rather than hiding them.
  • Choose trust in God even when circumstances feel uncertain.
  • Anchor your thoughts in God’s Word rather than fear-driven thinking.
  • Remember that God sees your struggles and cares deeply for you.
  • Let fear become an opportunity to grow in dependence on God.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You that I can bring my fears honestly before You. Help me to trust You when anxiety and uncertainty rise in my heart. Remind me that You see every tear and every struggle. Strengthen my faith so that fear drives me closer to You rather than away from You. Teach me to rest confidently in Your faithfulness and care. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

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

John Golda

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

Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, Sabbath / Rest, Seeking God, Traditions / Holidays

The Deep Roots and Rich Significance of Pentecost

Pentecost is not just a date on the Christian calendar—it’s a celebration of the moment the Holy Spirit made a transformative entry into the lives of the early believers.

Beyond its historical significance, Pentecost connects deeply with the Feast of Weeks, or Shavuot, a time celebrated by our Jewish forebears to mark the wheat harvest and traditionally, the giving of the Torah at Sinai. This dual significance enriches our understanding and invites us to explore how ancient traditions illuminate our modern faith experiences.

Body: Pentecost and Its Biblical Roots:
Acts 2 captures the dramatic arrival of the Holy Spirit, a pivotal moment that transformed ordinary followers of Christ into powerful witnesses of His gospel. This event is not just a miraculous narrative; it’s a fulfillment of a promise and a continuation of a legacy that began with the observance of the Feast of Weeks.

Connecting Old and New Testaments:
The Feast of Weeks, celebrated seven weeks after Passover, was originally a harvest festival but also came to be associated with the giving of the law at Mount Sinai. Similarly, Pentecost, falling 50 days post-Resurrection, marks not only the indwelling of the Holy Spirit but also a new kind of harvest—a harvest of souls and the spread of God’s word across nations.

The Cultural and Scriptural Significance:
As recorded in Leviticus Leviticus 23:15-21, Leviticus 34:22-24, and Numbers 28:26-31, the Feast of Weeks was a time of offering and holiness, a theme that transcends into the celebration of Pentecost with the offerings of the early church’s first fruits in faith and community. The scriptural mandate for a holy convocation and cessation from labor mirrors our call to reflect, celebrate, and revere this holy day.

Contemporary Observance and Application:
Today, as we embrace Pentecost, it’s crucial to reflect not only on the historical and spiritual implications but also on the personal call to each believer. The Holy Spirit’s descent is a reminder of our empowerment to live out the gospel, to be active participants in the ministry of reconciliation, and to foster a community bound by love and driven by divine purpose.

Call to Action:

  1. Reflect and Pray: Spend time in Acts 2 and the related Old Testament scriptures. Ask the Holy Spirit to deepen your understanding and connection to this historic and spiritual event.
  2. Celebrate Thoughtfully: Observe Pentecost as a day of spiritual renewal and commitment. Consider how you can incorporate elements of both the Feast of Weeks and Pentecost in your personal and communal worship.
  3. Study and Share: Dive deeper into the significance of the Feast of Weeks and its New Testament fulfillment. Share these insights with your community to enrich your collective appreciation and celebration of Pentecost.
  4. Live Empowered: Let the reality of the Holy Spirit’s dwelling within you inspire you to live boldly and lovingly as a witness of Christ’s love and power.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we remember Pentecost, we thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit, who empowers, guides, and transforms us. Help us to hold sacred the deep roots of this day, drawing from the rich history of Your workings among Your people. May we live out the truths of Your Word with passion and integrity, continually seeking Your wisdom and spreading Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Learn More: You can study more about the creators calendar using sites like Hebrew4Christians.com, MessianicLight.com, or Psalm119Ministries (select Time: Our Creators Calendar to see collection of videos available). You can learn about what the scripture says about these holy days, when they occur, why God told us to celebrate Shavuot, and traditions.

There is some debate amongst different sources as to the date of the Passover and thus Shavuot/Pentecost each year. Don’t let this discourage you from getting started celebrating and studying God’s holy days.

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, Faithful, Obeying God, Submitted / Servant

God Knows the Best Way Forward (Exodus 13:17–22)

What do you do when God leads you in a direction that does not seem logical or easy?

Key Verse:
“The LORD was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day… and in a pillar of fire by night…” —Exodus 13:21 NASB

Background Context:
In Exodus 13:1–16, God commands Israel to remember His deliverance from Egypt and to teach future generations about His faithfulness.

Now in Exodus 13:17–22, the journey begins. But instead of leading Israel along the shortest and most direct route, God leads them another way—revealing important truths about His guidance, wisdom, and presence.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Exodus 13:17-22

God Leads the People

      17Now when Pharaoh had let the people go, God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, even though it was near; for God said, “The people might change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.” 18Hence God led the people around by the way of the wilderness to the Red Sea; and the sons of Israel went up in martial array from the land of Egypt. 19Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for he had made the sons of Israel solemnly swear, saying, “God will surely take care of you, and you shall carry my bones from here with you.” 20Then they set out from Succoth and camped in Etham on the edge of the wilderness. 21The LORD was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. 22He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.

Reflection on Exodus 13:17–22:
As Israel leaves Egypt, God makes a surprising decision.

He does not lead them by the shortest route.

Scripture specifically tells us that although the way through the land of the Philistines was nearer, God chose another path because the people might become discouraged when faced with war and return to Egypt.

This is important.

The shortest path is not always the best path.

From a human perspective, the direct route would seem logical and efficient. But God saw something His people could not yet see.

He understood:

  • their fears
  • their weaknesses
  • their spiritual condition
  • and what they were truly prepared for

So He led them differently.

This reminds us that God’s guidance is not based merely on speed or convenience—it is based on wisdom.

There are times when we pray for God to move quickly, open the easiest door, or take us directly to the destination we desire. But sometimes God leads us through a longer process because He knows what is necessary to prepare us.

The Israelites had been delivered from Egypt physically, but they still had much to learn spiritually.

God was not only bringing them somewhere.

He was transforming them along the way.

The passage also mentions that Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, fulfilling a request made generations earlier.

This small detail carries deep meaning.

Joseph trusted that God would eventually bring His people out of Egypt, even long before it happened. Carrying his bones was a testimony that God had now fulfilled that promise.

Again we see:

  • God remembers.
  • God fulfills His word.
  • God’s promises extend across generations.

Then comes one of the most powerful images in Exodus:

“The LORD was going before them…”

By day, a pillar of cloud.
By night, a pillar of fire.

God’s presence was visible.

He was not distant from His people as they journeyed—He was actively leading them.

And importantly:
“The pillar… did not depart…”

God remained with them continually.

This would become crucial because the journey ahead would include:

  • uncertainty
  • fear
  • hardship
  • waiting
  • testing

But before those challenges come, God establishes something foundational:

His presence goes with them.

This passage speaks deeply into our own lives.

Sometimes God’s path feels confusing.
Sometimes the journey feels longer than expected.
Sometimes we wonder why God is not taking the “easier” route.

But God sees what we cannot.

What feels like delay may actually be protection.
What feels indirect may actually be preparation.

And through it all, God does not abandon His people.

He leads them step by step.

The question is not whether we fully understand the path.

The question is whether we trust the One leading us.

Application:

  • Trust God even when His direction does not make immediate sense.
  • Remember that God’s delays may actually be protection or preparation.
  • Focus on following God faithfully rather than demanding the easiest path.
  • Take comfort in God’s continual presence with His people.
  • Trust that God sees the full picture, even when you cannot.

Closing Prayer:
Father, help me to trust You when the path ahead feels uncertain or confusing. Remind me that Your wisdom is greater than my understanding and that You lead with purpose and care. Thank You for never abandoning Your people and for guiding us step by step. Help me to follow You faithfully, even when I do not fully understand the journey. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

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

John Golda

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

Protector / Deliverer, Purposeful / Intentional, Traditions / Holidays

Remember What God Has Done (Exodus 13:1-16)

After God brings you through something difficult, how do you keep from forgetting Him once the season changes?

Key Verse:
“And it shall serve as a sign to you on your hand and as a reminder on your forehead, that the law of the LORD may be in your mouth…” —Exodus 13:9 NASB

Background Context:
In Exodus 12, God delivers Israel from Egypt through the Passover and brings them out exactly as He promised. The people leave bondage behind and begin their journey toward the land God promised them.

Now in Exodus 13:1–16, God immediately gives instructions about remembrance, consecration, and teaching future generations. Deliverance was never meant to become a forgotten event—it was meant to shape how His people lived going forward.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Exodus 13:1-16

Consecration of the Firstborn

      1Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2“Sanctify to Me every firstborn, the first offspring of every womb among the sons of Israel, both of man and beast; it belongs to Me.”

      3Moses said to the people, “Remember this day in which you went out from Egypt, from the house of slavery; for by a powerful hand the LORD brought you out from this place. And nothing leavened shall be eaten. 4“On this day in the month of Abib, you are about to go forth. 5“It shall be when the LORD brings you to the land of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Amorite, the Hivite and the Jebusite, which He swore to your fathers to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey, that you shall observe this rite in this month. 6“For seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, and on the seventh day there shall be a feast to the LORD. 7“Unleavened bread shall be eaten throughout the seven days; and nothing leavened shall be seen among you, nor shall any leaven be seen among you in all your borders. 8“You shall tell your son on that day, saying, ‘It is because of what the LORD did for me when I came out of Egypt.’ 9“And it shall serve as a sign to you on your hand, and as a reminder on your forehead, that the law of the LORD may be in your mouth; for with a powerful hand the LORD brought you out of Egypt. 10“Therefore, you shall keep this ordinance at its appointed time from year to year.

      11“Now when the LORD brings you to the land of the Canaanite, as He swore to you and to your fathers, and gives it to you, 12you shall devote to the LORD the first offspring of every womb, and the first offspring of every beast that you own; the males belong to the LORD. 13“But every first offspring of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb, but if you do not redeem it, then you shall break its neck; and every firstborn of man among your sons you shall redeem. 14“And it shall be when your son asks you in time to come, saying, ‘What is this?’ then you shall say to him, ‘With a powerful hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, from the house of slavery. 15‘It came about, when Pharaoh was stubborn about letting us go, that the LORD killed every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man and the firstborn of beast. Therefore, I sacrifice to the LORD the males, the first offspring of every womb, but every firstborn of my sons I redeem.’ 16“So it shall serve as a sign on your hand and as phylacteries on your forehead, for with a powerful hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt.”

Reflection on Exodus 13:1–16:
After bringing Israel out of Egypt, God immediately tells them to remember.

This is significant.

God knows how quickly people can forget His faithfulness once the crisis has passed. In moments of desperation, people often cry out to God intensely—but once deliverance comes, it becomes easy to move on and slowly lose sight of what He has done.

So God establishes reminders.

He tells Israel to consecrate every firstborn to Him because He spared their firstborn during Passover. This was meant to create a continual reminder that their deliverance came from God alone.

The Feast of Unleavened Bread is also reaffirmed—not simply as ritual, but as remembrance.

Again and again, God emphasizes:

  • remember this day
  • teach your children
  • tell future generations
  • keep this before you

This reveals something important about spiritual life.

Faith is not sustained by occasional emotional moments alone.

It must be intentionally remembered and reinforced.

God was building rhythms of remembrance into the lives of His people so they would not drift spiritually after deliverance.

Moses repeatedly says:
“It is because of what the LORD did for me…”

This makes the deliverance personal.

Not just:

  • what God did historically
  • what God did for the nation
  • what God did for others

But:
“What God did for me.”

This passage also shows that deliverance leads to consecration.

God did not rescue His people merely so they could continue living exactly the same way they had before.

They now belonged to Him in a special way.

The firstborn being set apart symbolized that their lives were now connected to God’s purposes and ownership.

This principle still matters today.

God’s work in our lives is not meant to produce temporary gratitude alone—it is meant to produce transformed living.

We also see repeated emphasis on future generations.

Parents were to explain:

  • why these practices existed
  • what God had done
  • and why it mattered

Faith was meant to be shared intentionally.

This passage challenges us with an important question:

What are we doing to remember God’s faithfulness?

Because without intentional remembrance:

  • gratitude fades
  • spiritual complacency grows
  • and people slowly drift

God knew Israel would need reminders.

And so do we.

The moments where God has carried us, delivered us, provided for us, and changed us should not become distant memories. They should shape:

  • our worship
  • our obedience
  • our identity
  • and the way we teach others

Deliverance was not the end of the story.

It was the beginning of a life centered on remembering and following God.

Application:

  • Regularly remember and reflect on what God has done in your life.
  • Build intentional habits that keep your focus on God’s faithfulness.
  • Allow God’s deliverance to lead to deeper obedience and surrender.
  • Share God’s faithfulness with the next generation and those around you.
  • Guard against spiritual forgetfulness after difficult seasons pass.

Closing Prayer:
Father, help me never to forget Your faithfulness and the ways You have carried me through difficult seasons. Teach me to remember what You have done and to let those memories shape how I live today. Help me to walk in obedience, gratitude, and trust, and give me opportunities to share Your faithfulness with others. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

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

John Golda

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

All Powerful / King of All, Humility, Learning To Pray Effectively, Submitted / Servant, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Reverence Begins with Listening (Ecclesiastes 5:1-7)

Do you approach God more focused on speaking—or on listening?

Key Verse:
“Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools…” —Ecclesiastes 5:1 NASB

Background Context:
In Ecclesiastes 4, Solomon reflects on oppression, loneliness, and the emptiness of striving apart from God, while also emphasizing the value of companionship and support.

Now in Ecclesiastes 5:1–7, Solomon turns to a different subject—how people approach God. Rather than focusing on outward religious activity, he emphasizes reverence, humility, careful words, and a heart that truly listens.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Ecclesiastes 5:1-9

Your Attitude Toward God

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

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

Reflection on Ecclesiastes 5:1–7:
Solomon begins with a striking instruction:

“Guard your steps…”

This is language of intentionality and reverence.

Approaching God is not meant to be casual, careless, or thoughtless. Solomon warns that many people come before God speaking quickly, making promises lightly, or going through religious motions without true humility.

Instead, he says:

“Draw near to listen…”

This is powerful.

Many people approach prayer and worship primarily focused on what they want to say. But Solomon teaches that listening is just as important—perhaps even more important.

God is not impressed by endless words or outward activity detached from sincerity.

This is why Solomon contrasts listening with “the sacrifice of fools.” These are people who participate outwardly in worship while remaining careless inwardly.

The problem is not worship itself.

The problem is a heart that speaks quickly but listens little.

Solomon continues:

“Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought…”

Why?

Because:
“God is in heaven and you are on the earth.”

This is a reminder of perspective.

God is holy.
God is sovereign.
God is not equal to us.

Reverence matters.

This does not mean we should fear approaching God relationally, but it does mean we should approach Him with humility and sincerity rather than carelessness.

Solomon then warns about making rash vows.

In difficult moments, people often promise things quickly:

  • “God, if You do this, I’ll change.”
  • “I promise I’ll follow through.”
  • “I’ll dedicate myself completely…”

But Solomon warns against speaking lightly before God and then failing to follow through.

It is better not to make a vow than to make one carelessly and break it.

This passage challenges a tendency that still exists today:

  • emotional promises without lasting obedience
  • religious words without transformed hearts
  • talking to God without listening to Him

Solomon also connects careless speech with dreaming and busyness. Just as dreams can become confused through much activity, words can become empty through excess talking.

The issue is not quantity of words.

It is sincerity of heart.

The section concludes with a simple but weighty statement:

“Fear God.”

This is the anchor for everything else.

True worship begins with reverence.
True obedience begins with humility.
True relationship with God begins with recognizing who He is.

This passage reminds us that God is not looking for performance.

He desires hearts that:

  • listen
  • obey
  • speak truthfully
  • and approach Him with reverence

Application:

  • Approach God with reverence rather than carelessness.
  • Spend time listening to God, not only speaking to Him.
  • Be sincere and thoughtful in your prayers and commitments.
  • Avoid making emotional promises to God without intention to follow through.
  • Cultivate humility and reverence in your relationship with Him.

Closing Prayer:
Father, help me to approach You with reverence, humility, and sincerity. Teach me to listen carefully and not speak carelessly before You. Guard my heart from empty words and shallow worship. Help me to honor You not only with my lips, but with a life of obedience and trust. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

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

John Golda

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