Category Archives: Righteousness / Serving God

All Knowing, Humility, Wise

God’s Wisdom or Our Own? (Ecclesiastes 7:23-29)

Why do we so often believe our way is better than God’s?

Key Verse:

“Behold, I have found only this, that God made men upright, but they have sought out many schemes.” — Ecclesiastes 7:29 (NASB)

Background Context:

As Solomon concludes Ecclesiastes 7, he reflects on the limits of human wisdom. Despite all his searching, observing, and learning, he honestly admits that some things remain beyond his understanding. Even the wisest man who ever lived recognized that human wisdom has its limits.

Yet after all his searching, Solomon arrives at one clear conclusion. The problem is not with God’s design or His wisdom. God created mankind upright, but humanity has continually chosen to pursue its own plans instead of trusting His.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Ecclesiastes 7:23-29

   23I tested all this with wisdom, and I said, “I will be wise,” but it was far from me. 24What has been is remote and exceedingly mysterious. Who can discover it? 25I directed my mind to know, to investigate and to seek wisdom and an explanation, and to know the evil of folly and the foolishness of madness. 26And I discovered more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and nets, whose hands are chains. One who is pleasing to God will escape from her, but the sinner will be captured by her.

      27“Behold, I have discovered this,” says the Preacher, “adding one thing to another to find an explanation, 28which I am still seeking but have not found. I have found one man among a thousand, but I have not found a woman among all these. 29“Behold, I have found only this, that God made men upright, but they have sought out many devices.”

Reflection on Ecclesiastes 7:23–29:

Solomon begins this passage with a remarkable confession:

“I said, ‘I will be wise,’ but it was far from me. What has been is remote and exceedingly mysterious. Who can discover it?” (Ecclesiastes 7:23–24)

These words remind us that no matter how much knowledge we gain, there will always be things that belong to God alone. Human wisdom is valuable, but it is not limitless. There are questions only the Creator can answer and truths that can only be understood as He reveals them.

That realization should produce humility rather than frustration. We live in a culture that often assumes every problem can be solved through human intelligence, scientific advancement, or personal insight. Solomon certainly valued wisdom, yet he recognized that human understanding can never replace dependence upon God.

After describing his diligent search for wisdom, Solomon reaches this conclusion:

“God made men upright, but they have sought out many schemes.”

The contrast is striking. God created humanity to walk in His ways. His design was good, His wisdom was perfect, and His instructions were given for our good. The problem is not that God failed to provide what we needed. The problem is that people continually seek their own way instead of His.

This pattern began in the Garden of Eden. God gave Adam and Eve everything they needed and one simple command to obey. Yet the serpent tempted them to believe that God’s wisdom was somehow lacking and that they could determine good and evil for themselves. Ever since then, humanity has repeated the same mistake—trusting our own understanding above God’s.

Proverbs echoes this truth:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5–6)

Notice the contrast. Solomon says humanity has sought out its own schemes, while Proverbs calls us to trust the Lord instead of leaning on our own understanding. One path leads away from God’s wisdom; the other leads us back to it.

Isaiah likewise reminds us:

“‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.'” (Isaiah 55:8–9)

Following God requires humility. It means acknowledging that His wisdom is greater than ours, even when we do not fully understand His ways.

As followers of Yeshua, we are called to that same humble trust. Jesus did not come merely to give us more information or better philosophy. He calls us to follow Him, to deny ourselves, and to walk in the ways of our heavenly Father. Rather than inventing our own path, we are invited to walk in the one God has already established.

Ecclesiastes reminds us that wisdom does not begin with believing we have all the answers. It begins with recognizing that God does. The more we trust His wisdom above our own, the straighter our path becomes.

Application:

  • Humbly acknowledge that God’s wisdom is greater than your own.
  • Examine areas where you may be relying on your own understanding instead of God’s Word.
  • Ask the Lord to help you recognize and abandon your own “schemes” in favor of His ways.
  • Trust God’s direction even when you cannot see the whole picture.
  • Seek wisdom with humility, knowing that true understanding begins with trusting the Lord.

Closing Prayer:

Father, thank You for Your perfect wisdom and for creating us to walk in Your ways. Forgive me for the times I have relied on my own understanding instead of trusting You. Help me to lay aside my own plans whenever they conflict with Your will and to walk humbly in the path You have prepared for me. Give me a teachable heart that seeks Your wisdom above my own, and strengthen my faith to trust You even when I do not understand everything You are doing. 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.

Peace / Rest, Psalms, Sabbath / Rest

Rest in God Alone (Psalm 62)

Where do you turn when life feels uncertain and everything around you seems to be shaking?

Key Verse:

“My soul waits in silence for God only; From Him is my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken.” — Psalm 62:1–2 (NASB)

Background Context:

David wrote Psalm 62 during a time of opposition and uncertainty. Although surrounded by enemies seeking to overthrow him, he does not begin by describing his circumstances. Instead, he fixes his attention on the One who never changes.

Throughout the psalm, David repeatedly declares that God alone is his rock, his salvation, and his stronghold. Rather than placing confidence in wealth, power, or people, he chooses to rest quietly in the Lord. His confidence is not rooted in the absence of trouble, but in the unchanging character of God.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Psalm 62

God Alone a Refuge from Treachery and Oppression.

For the choir director; according to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.

      1My soul waits in silence for God only;
From Him is my salvation.

      2He only is my rock and my salvation,
My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken.

      3How long will you assail a man,
That you may murder him, all of you,
Like a leaning wall, like a tottering fence?

      4They have counseled only to thrust him down from his high position;
They delight in falsehood;
They bless with their mouth,
But inwardly they curse.

Selah.

      5My soul, wait in silence for God only,
For my hope is from Him.

      6He only is my rock and my salvation,
My stronghold; I shall not be shaken.

      7On God my salvation and my glory rest;
The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.

      8Trust in Him at all times, O people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us.

Selah.

      9Men of low degree are only vanity and men of rank are a lie;
In the balances they go up;
They are together lighter than breath.

      10Do not trust in oppression
And do not vainly hope in robbery;
If riches increase, do not set your heart upon them.

      11Once God has spoken;
Twice I have heard this:
That power belongs to God;

      12And lovingkindness is Yours, O Lord,
For You recompense a man according to his work.

Reflection on Psalm 62:

One of the most beautiful phrases in this psalm is David’s declaration:

“My soul waits in silence for God only.”

This is not the silence of fear or uncertainty. It is the quiet confidence of someone who has learned where true security is found.

The world often tells us that peace comes when our problems disappear. David teaches something very different. Peace comes when our trust is anchored in the Lord, even while the storms continue to rage around us. Though enemies sought his downfall, David’s soul found rest because it was anchored to an unshakable foundation.

David repeatedly describes God as his rock, his salvation, and his stronghold. A rock is firm, stable, and unmoved by the storms that beat against it. While everything around David seemed uncertain, the God he trusted remained exactly the same.

That truth is just as important for us today. Our circumstances constantly change. Health changes. Finances change. Relationships change. Even our own emotions can shift from one day to the next. But the Lord never changes.

The writer of Hebrews reminds us:

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

James likewise tells us that with God there is “no variation or shifting shadow” (James 1:17). Because God’s character never changes, our confidence in Him does not have to change either.

David also warns us against placing our hope in things that cannot truly support us. He writes that people of high position are only a vapor, riches are uncertain, and power is temporary. These things may appear strong, but they are unstable foundations upon which to build a life.

Instead, David concludes:

“Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.” (Psalm 62:8)

What an incredible invitation. God does not ask us to pretend everything is fine. He invites us to pour out our hearts before Him—to bring our fears, disappointments, questions, and burdens into His presence. The same God who is our Rock is also our Refuge.

When we truly believe that God is unchanging, we no longer have to be controlled by every changing circumstance around us. External chaos does not have to produce internal chaos. Our souls can rest because they are held securely by the One who never fails.

As followers of Yeshua, we have even greater assurance. Through Him we know the Father personally and can confidently approach His throne in prayer. Whatever storms we may face, our hope rests upon the same faithful God whom David trusted thousands of years ago.

May we learn to quiet our souls—not because life is easy, but because the Lord is worthy of our complete trust.

Application:

  • Ask yourself what you have been relying on for security besides God.
  • Spend time in quiet prayer, allowing your soul to rest in God’s presence.
  • Pour out your heart honestly to the Lord, trusting Him with every concern.
  • Remember that God’s character never changes, even when your circumstances do.
  • Choose each day to build your confidence on the unshakable Rock rather than the shifting things of this world.

Closing Prayer:

Father, You alone are my Rock, my salvation, and my stronghold. Forgive me for the times I have placed my confidence in things that cannot truly satisfy or sustain me. Teach my soul to rest quietly in You, even when life feels uncertain. Thank You that You never change and that Your love and faithfulness endure forever. Help me to pour out my heart before You and trust You completely, knowing that You are my refuge in every season. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

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

John Golda

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

Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Fear / Reverence for God, Justice / Judgment, Loving / Kind, Miracles, Repenting from Sin, Through Prophets

A Heart that Refuses to Repent (Revelation 16:1–9)

When God confronts our sin, how do we respond?

Key Verse:

“They blasphemed the name of God who has the power over these plagues, and they did not repent so as to give Him glory.” — Revelation 16:9 (NASB)

Background Context:

As Revelation 16 begins, the seven angels receive instructions to pour out the seven bowls of God’s wrath upon the earth. These judgments intensify those described earlier in the seals and trumpets, demonstrating that God’s warnings have been repeatedly ignored. Yet even in the midst of these severe judgments, John records a sobering truth about the human heart.

Rather than turning to God in repentance, many continue to reject Him. The passage reminds us that the greatest barrier between humanity and God is not a lack of evidence but the unwillingness of the human heart to submit to Him.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Revelation 16:1-12

Six Bowls of Wrath

      1Then I heard a loud voice from the temple, saying to the seven angels, “Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.”

      2So the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth; and it became a loathsome and malignant sore on the people who had the mark of the beast and who worshiped his image.

      3The second angel poured out his bowl into the sea, and it became blood like that of a dead man; and every living thing in the sea died.

      4Then the third angel poured out his bowl into the rivers and the springs of waters; and they became blood. 5And I heard the angel of the waters saying, “Righteous are You, who are and who were, O Holy One, because You judged these things; 6for they poured out the blood of saints and prophets, and You have given them blood to drink. They deserve it.” 7And I heard the altar saying, “Yes, O Lord God, the Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments.”

      8The fourth angel poured out his bowl upon the sun, and it was given to it to scorch men with fire. 9Men were scorched with fierce heat; and they blasphemed the name of God who has the power over these plagues, and they did not repent so as to give Him glory.

Reflection on Revelation 16:1–9:

One of the saddest observations in all of Revelation is found in the repeated response of those experiencing God’s judgment.

John writes:

“They did not repent.”

Despite witnessing events unlike anything the world has ever seen, many continue to harden their hearts against God. Rather than humbling themselves, they blaspheme His name and refuse to give Him glory.

This should remind us that miracles alone do not produce repentance.

Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly demonstrated His power through mighty signs and wonders, yet people often continued in unbelief. Pharaoh witnessed the plagues upon Egypt but repeatedly hardened his heart. Many who saw Yeshua heal the sick, give sight to the blind, calm the sea, and even raise the dead still refused to believe that He was the Messiah.

The issue has never been whether God has revealed Himself.

The issue is whether people are willing to surrender to Him.

Yeshua taught this truth in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. When the rich man asked that someone be sent back from the dead to warn his brothers, Abraham replied:

“If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.” (Luke 16:31)

What a remarkable statement.

The resurrection of Yeshua would prove those words true. Even after the greatest miracle in history, many still refused to believe.

Revelation 16 reveals the same condition of the human heart. Judgment itself cannot soften a heart that has already chosen rebellion. Genuine repentance begins when we humbly acknowledge God’s authority and turn to Him in faith.

The apostle Paul reminds us that it is God’s kindness that is intended to lead us to repentance:

“Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and restraint and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4)

Throughout Revelation, God has repeatedly warned the world and called people to repentance. The eternal gospel has been proclaimed, His witnesses have testified, and countless opportunities have been given to turn back to Him. The bowls of wrath do not reveal a God who is eager to judge, but a holy God whose patience has been continually rejected.

Peter likewise reminds us of God’s heart:

“The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

This passage also encourages us to examine our own hearts.

Most of us will never openly blaspheme God as those described in Revelation do. Yet whenever we resist His conviction, excuse our sin, or delay repentance, we move in the same direction. A hardened heart rarely develops overnight. It is formed one small act of resistance at a time.

David understood the proper response when confronted with his own sin. He prayed:

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)

That should be our prayer as well.

Rather than waiting until hardship forces us to examine our lives, may we respond quickly whenever God convicts us through His Word and His Spirit. A soft heart is one of God’s greatest blessings.

Revelation 16 reminds us that every person ultimately makes a choice.

Will we humble ourselves before the Lord while His mercy is still extended?

Or will we harden our hearts until repentance no longer seems desirable?

Today is the day to respond to God’s grace.

Application:

  • Ask God to reveal any area where your heart has become resistant to His correction.
  • Respond quickly when the Holy Spirit brings conviction instead of delaying repentance.
  • Thank God for His patience and mercy, which continually invite you back to Him.
  • Pray for those whose hearts remain hardened against the gospel.
  • Cultivate a humble heart that is eager to submit to God’s will.

Closing Prayer:

Father, thank You for Your incredible patience, mercy, and kindness toward me. Forgive me for the times I have resisted Your correction or delayed repentance. Create in me a clean heart that is soft and responsive to Your Spirit. Help me to recognize Your loving discipline as an expression of Your care and to turn quickly to You whenever You reveal sin in my life. May I continually give You the glory You deserve and faithfully walk in Your ways. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

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

John Golda

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

Faith / Trusting God, Is the Old Testament Relevant Today?, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Persecution / Glorifying God, Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Protector / Deliverer, Revelation

Great and Marvelous Are Your Works (Revelation 15:1-8)

When God’s judgment comes, will we trust that His ways are righteous and true?

Key Verse:

“And they sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, ‘Great and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God, the Almighty; Righteous and true are Your ways, King of the nations!'” —Revelation 15:3 NASB

Background Context:

Revelation 15 is a brief but important transition between the warnings and harvest of Revelation 14 and the seven bowls of God’s wrath that will be poured out in Revelation 16. John sees seven angels holding the final seven plagues, through which the wrath of God will be completed.

Before those judgments begin, however, John’s attention is drawn to those who have overcome the beast, his image, and the number of his name. Standing before God, they worship Him and sing what John calls “the song of Moses… and the song of the Lamb.” This remarkable description connects God’s deliverance in Exodus with the ultimate deliverance accomplished through Yeshua. Moses and the Lamb are not presented as opponents or competing messages, but as part of the same unfolding plan of God.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Revelation 15

A Scene of Heaven

      1Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels who had seven plagues, which are the last, because in them the wrath of God is finished.

      2And I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those who had been victorious over the beast and his image and the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, holding harps of God.

3And they sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying,

“Great and marvelous are Your works,
O Lord God, the Almighty;
Righteous and true are Your ways,
King of the nations!

      4“Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your name?
For You alone are holy;
For ALL THE NATIONS WILL COME AND WORSHIP BEFORE YOU,
FOR YOUR RIGHTEOUS ACTS HAVE BEEN REVEALED.”

      5After these things I looked, and the temple of the tabernacle of testimony in heaven was opened, 6and the seven angels who had the seven plagues came out of the temple, clothed in linen, clean and bright, and girded around their chests with golden sashes. 7Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever. 8And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power; and no one was able to enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished.

Reflection on Revelation 15:1–8:

One of the most striking images in Revelation 15 is the gathering of God’s faithful people who have overcome the beast. Revelation 13 portrayed the beast as powerful and intimidating, with authority over peoples and nations. Yet from God’s eternal perspective, those who refused to worship the beast are the ones who ultimately stand victorious.

Their victory does not necessarily mean they escaped suffering or even physical death. Their victory is found in remaining faithful to God. The world may have considered them defeated, but before the throne of God they stand as overcomers. This reminds us that God’s definition of victory can be very different from the world’s.

John then tells us that they sing “the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb.” This deliberately connects Revelation with the Exodus story. After God delivered Israel through the Red Sea and destroyed Pharaoh’s pursuing army, Moses and the Israelites sang praises to the Lord for His mighty deliverance (Exodus 15:1–18). Now, in Revelation, God’s people once again stand victorious while praising the One who has delivered them.

The connection is powerful. Pharaoh sought to enslave God’s people, while the beast seeks their worship and allegiance. God delivered Israel from Pharaoh, and He will ultimately deliver His people from every power that opposes Him. The Exodus established a pattern we see throughout Scripture: God redeems His people and calls them to belong faithfully to Him.

It is also significant that those who overcome sing the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb. Moses and the Lamb are not presented as opponents or competing messages. They are part of the same unfolding plan of God. This echoes a theme we have already seen in Revelation. The dragon makes war against those who “keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus” (Revelation 12:17), and the saints are later described as those who “keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus” (Revelation 14:12). Now the victorious stand before God singing of Moses and the Lamb.

We should be careful not to separate what Scripture brings together. Moses does not save us; our salvation comes through Yeshua and His sacrifice on our behalf. Neither does obedience earn our salvation. Yet faith in Yeshua should not lead us to dismiss God’s instruction as though the God who spoke through Moses and the Messiah who came to redeem us represent opposing paths. From Exodus to Revelation, we see one God unfolding one plan of redemption, calling His people to trust Him, obey Him, and remain faithful to Him.

The song of Moses celebrated God’s mighty deliverance from Egypt. The song of the Lamb celebrates an even greater deliverance through Messiah. Together they point us toward the same faithful God who redeems His people and ultimately gives them victory.

Their song also declares:

“Righteous and true are Your ways, King of the nations!”

This truth becomes especially important as Revelation moves into the severe judgments of the seven bowls. God’s judgments are not impulsive or unjust. The One who judges is the same God whose ways are righteous and true. He has repeatedly warned humanity, called people to repentance, and demonstrated tremendous patience. When His judgment finally comes, it will be completely consistent with His perfect holiness and justice.

This echoes the song of Moses in Deuteronomy:

“The Rock! His work is perfect, for all His ways are just; a God of faithfulness and without injustice, righteous and upright is He.” (Deuteronomy 32:4)

Revelation 15 invites us to trust God’s character even when we encounter passages about judgment that are difficult to comprehend. We may not always understand everything God does or exactly how His plans will unfold, but we can know who He is. His works are great and marvelous. His ways are righteous and true.

The chapter closes with the temple filled with the smoke of God’s glory and power as the seven angels prepare to pour out the bowls of wrath. The scene reminds us that history remains completely under God’s authority. The beast does not have the final word. Babylon does not have the final word. Sin, suffering, and death do not have the final word. Those who remain faithful to the Lamb may face hardship for a time, but their ultimate destination is victory and worship in the presence of God.

Application:

  • Remain faithful to God even when obedience is difficult or costly.
  • Remember that true victory is measured by faithfulness to God, not by worldly success.
  • Recognize Moses and the Lamb as part of God’s one unfolding plan rather than competing messages.
  • Hold firmly to faith in Yeshua while seeking to know and obey God’s instruction.
  • Trust God’s righteous character even when you do not fully understand His judgments.

Closing Prayer:

Father, great and marvelous are Your works, and righteous and true are Your ways. Thank You for the beautiful story of redemption You have revealed throughout Scripture, from Your deliverance of Israel from Egypt to the ultimate salvation You provide through Yeshua the Messiah. Help me not to separate what You have brought together, but to trust in Yeshua for my salvation while joyfully seeking to know and obey Your ways. Give me strength to remain faithful when the world pressures me to compromise. May my life bring You glory as I look forward to the day when Your people will stand victorious before You and worship Your name. 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, Humility, Seeking God, Through Prophets, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

The Holiness of God (Exodus 19:16-25)

How often do we pause to consider the holiness of the God we worship?

Key Verse:

“So it came about on the third day, when it was morning, that there were thunder and lightning flashes and a thick cloud upon the mountain and a very loud trumpet sound, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled.” —Exodus 19:16 NASB

Background Context:

After several days of preparation, the long-awaited moment finally arrived. The Lord descended upon Mount Sinai in fire, accompanied by thunder, lightning, thick clouds, smoke, and the sound of an exceedingly loud trumpet. The mountain shook violently as God’s presence descended upon it, and the people trembled before Him.

This dramatic scene prepared Israel to receive God’s covenant and the Ten Commandments in the following chapter. Before God gave His instruction, He revealed His holiness and majesty so that His people would understand who was speaking to them.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Exodus 19:16-25

   16So it came about on the third day, when it was morning, that there were thunder and lightning flashes and a thick cloud upon the mountain and a very loud trumpet sound, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled. 17And Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain.

The LORD Visits Sinai

      18Now Mount Sinai was all in smoke because the LORD descended upon it in fire; and its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked violently. 19When the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and God answered him with thunder. 20The LORD came down on Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain; and the LORD called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up. 21Then the LORD spoke to Moses, “Go down, warn the people, so that they do not break through to the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish. 22“Also let the priests who come near to the LORD consecrate themselves, or else the LORD will break out against them.” 23Moses said to the LORD, “The people cannot come up to Mount Sinai, for You warned us, saying, ‘Set bounds about the mountain and consecrate it.’” 24Then the LORD said to him, “Go down and come up again, you and Aaron with you; but do not let the priests and the people break through to come up to the LORD, or He will break forth upon them.” 25So Moses went down to the people and told them.

Reflection on Exodus 19:16–25:

The description of God’s appearance at Mount Sinai is unlike anything else in Scripture. Thunder roared. Lightning flashed across the sky. Smoke covered the mountain like a furnace, and the whole mountain trembled violently. The sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder until the people could do nothing but stand in awe before the Lord.

These signs were not intended merely to impress Israel.

They revealed the holiness and majesty of God.

Throughout Scripture, God’s holiness sets Him apart from everything He has created. He is perfect in righteousness, completely pure, and utterly unlike sinful humanity. When people encounter even a glimpse of His glory, their first response is often humble reverence.

Isaiah experienced this when he saw the Lord seated upon His throne.

“Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts… Then I said, ‘Woe is me, for I am ruined!'” (Isaiah 6:3–5)

Likewise, when Peter witnessed the miraculous catch of fish, he fell before Yeshua and said,

“Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” (Luke 5:8)

The closer we come to God, the more clearly we recognize both His holiness and our need for His grace.

Another important lesson from Sinai is that God alone determines how people may approach Him. The boundaries around the mountain were not arbitrary restrictions. They reminded Israel that sinful humanity cannot casually enter the presence of a holy God.

This truth runs throughout the Bible. Nadab and Abihu would later learn the danger of approaching God according to their own ideas rather than His instruction (Leviticus 10:1–3). Even King Uzzah lost his life when he handled the Ark contrary to God’s commands (2 Samuel 6:6–7). These accounts remind us that God’s holiness is never to be treated lightly.

Yet the story does not end at Sinai.

One of the beautiful themes of Scripture is that the God who descended upon Mount Sinai also made a way for His people to draw near. Through Yeshua, the barrier created by sin has been removed.

The writer of Hebrews intentionally contrasts Sinai with the New Covenant:

“For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched… But you have come to Mount Zion… and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant.” (Hebrews 12:18–24)

What an incredible privilege.

Israel stood at the foot of the mountain and was told not to come near.

Through Messiah, we are invited to draw near with confidence because He has borne our sin and become our great High Priest.

But notice what Hebrews concludes:

“Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28–29)

God’s holiness has not changed.

What has changed is our access to Him through Christ.

That truth should never make us casual in our worship. Instead, it should fill us with even greater gratitude. The holy God who caused Mount Sinai to tremble now invites us into His presence through His Son.

May we never lose our sense of wonder.

May we approach Him with confidence because of Yeshua, but always with the reverence and awe that His holiness deserves.

Application:

  • Take time to reflect on God’s holiness as well as His love.
  • Approach worship with reverence, gratitude, and humility.
  • Thank God that through Yeshua you have access to His presence.
  • Remember that God’s holiness calls us to pursue lives that honor Him.
  • Let your awe of God deepen your worship and strengthen your obedience.

Closing Prayer:

Father, You are holy, righteous, and worthy of all honor and praise. Thank You that although I could never approach You on my own, You have made a way through Yeshua to come into Your presence with confidence. Help me never to lose my sense of awe before You. Teach me to worship You with reverence, humility, and gratitude, and let my life reflect the holiness to which You have called me. 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.

Fear / Reverence for God, Holy, Holy / Set Apart, Seeking God, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Prepare Your Heart to Meet with God (Exodus 19:7–15)

How intentionally do we prepare ourselves when we come before the Lord?

Key Verse:

“Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments.’” —Exodus 19:10 NASB

Background Context:

After calling Israel to be His treasured possession, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation, the people responded with one voice, saying, “All that the LORD has spoken we will do.” Before speaking the Ten Commandments, however, God instructed Moses to prepare the people. They were to consecrate themselves, wash their garments, and be ready to meet with the Lord on the third day as He descended upon Mount Sinai.

These instructions were not given because clean clothes could make sinful people holy. Rather, the outward preparation symbolized a much deeper inward reality. God was teaching His people that approaching His holy presence requires reverence, humility, and hearts that are set apart for Him.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Exodus 19:7-15

      7So Moses came and called the elders of the people, and set before them all these words which the LORD had commanded him. 8All the people answered together and said, “All that the LORD has spoken we will do!” And Moses brought back the words of the people to the LORD. 9The LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will come to you in a thick cloud, so that the people may hear when I speak with you and may also believe in you forever.” Then Moses told the words of the people to the LORD.

      10The LORD also said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments; 11and let them be ready for the third day, for on the third day the LORD will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. 12“You shall set bounds for the people all around, saying, ‘Beware that you do not go up on the mountain or touch the border of it; whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death. 13‘No hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot through; whether beast or man, he shall not live.’ When the ram’s horn sounds a long blast, they shall come up to the mountain.” 14So Moses went down from the mountain to the people and consecrated the people, and they washed their garments. 15He said to the people, “Be ready for the third day; do not go near a woman.”

Reflection on Exodus 19:7–15:

One of the striking features of this passage is that God did not immediately appear before the people. Instead, He instructed Moses to prepare them over several days. Their clothing was to be washed, boundaries were established around the mountain, and the people were called to consecrate themselves before the Lord.

These outward actions pointed to an inward truth.

God has always been concerned with the condition of the heart.

Throughout Scripture, external acts of worship are meant to reflect an internal posture of faith, humility, and repentance. Washing garments did not remove sin, but it reminded Israel that they were about to stand before a holy God and should not approach Him casually.

David expressed this desire centuries later when he prayed:

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)

Likewise, James writes:

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (James 4:8)

The emphasis remains the same. God desires hearts that are devoted to Him.

Another important lesson is found in the boundaries God established around Mount Sinai. The people were not free to approach God however they wished. His holiness required that they come according to His instruction.

Our culture often encourages us to approach God on our own terms, defining worship according to personal preference rather than according to His Word. Yet Scripture consistently reminds us that God is holy. He lovingly invites us into His presence, but He also teaches us how to approach Him with reverence and awe.

The writer of Hebrews echoes this truth:

“Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28–29)

The good news is that through Yeshua we have confidence to enter God’s presence. Hebrews tells us:

“Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus…” (Hebrews 10:19)

What a remarkable contrast.

At Sinai, the people were instructed to remain at a distance because of God’s holiness.

Through Messiah, the barrier created by sin has been removed, and we are invited to draw near to our Father. Yet the holiness of God has not changed. Our privilege of access should deepen our reverence, not diminish it.

This passage also challenges us to consider how we prepare ourselves for worship. It is easy to rush into prayer, Bible study, or gathered worship while our minds are distracted by countless other concerns. Israel spent days preparing to meet with the Lord. While we no longer prepare through ceremonial washing, we should still prepare our hearts through repentance, prayer, gratitude, and a desire to hear God’s voice.

God is worthy of our thoughtful preparation because He is worthy of our wholehearted worship.

May we never approach His presence casually.

Instead, may we come with humble hearts, grateful for the privilege of drawing near through our great High Priest, Yeshua the Messiah.

Application:

  • Take time to prepare your heart before prayer, worship, and studying God’s Word.
  • Ask God to reveal anything that needs repentance before coming into His presence.
  • Remember that God’s holiness has not changed, even though we now have access through Christ.
  • Approach worship with reverence, gratitude, and expectation.
  • Thank God that through Yeshua you are invited to draw near to Him with confidence.

Closing Prayer:

Father, thank You for inviting me into Your presence through Yeshua. Help me never to approach You casually or take Your holiness for granted. Prepare my heart to worship You with reverence, humility, and gratitude. Search me, cleanse me, and draw me ever closer to You. May my worship always reflect the honor and glory You deserve. 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, Holy / Set Apart, Obeying God

Called to be a Holy Nation (Exodus 19:1-6)

What kind of people has God called us to be?

Key Verse:

“Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine; and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” —Exodus 19:5–6a NASB

Background Context:

Three months after leaving Egypt, Israel arrived at Mount Sinai. Here, God would establish His covenant with the nation and soon give His Law through Moses. Before speaking the Ten Commandments, however, God reminded His people of what He had already done for them and revealed His purpose for calling them. Israel was not chosen because of its greatness but because of God’s grace. He redeemed them so they could belong to Him and represent Him before the nations.

It is also important to remember that the people gathered at Mount Sinai were not only the descendants of Jacob. When Israel departed Egypt, “a mixed multitude also went up with them” (Exodus 12:38). Men and women from other nations had witnessed the Lord’s mighty works, chose to leave Egypt behind, and joined themselves to the people of God. Together, this covenant community stood before the mountain to hear the Lord speak.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Exodus 19:1-8

   1In the third month after the sons of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on that very day they came into the wilderness of Sinai. 2When they set out from Rephidim, they came to the wilderness of Sinai and camped in the wilderness; and there Israel camped in front of the mountain. 3Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob and tell the sons of Israel: 4‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings, and brought you to Myself. 5‘Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine; 6and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the sons of Israel.

Reflection on Exodus 19:1–6:

As Israel gathered at the foot of Mount Sinai, they stood at one of the most significant moments in biblical history. God had delivered them from slavery, protected them through the wilderness, provided manna from heaven, brought water from the rock, and given them victory over their enemies. Before giving them His commandments, He first reminded them of His grace.

The Lord said:

“You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings, and brought you to Myself.” (Exodus 19:4)

Those final words are beautiful.

God did not simply deliver Israel from Egypt.

He delivered them to Himself.

The purpose of redemption has always been relationship. God’s desire was not merely to rescue His people from bondage but to bring them into covenant fellowship with Him. The same is true for us today. Through Yeshua, we are not simply rescued from the penalty of sin—we are invited into a restored relationship with our heavenly Father.

This pattern is found throughout Scripture. God acts first in grace, and His people respond in loving obedience. Israel did not earn their deliverance by perfectly keeping God’s commandments. They were redeemed first, and then God taught them how to live as His covenant people.

Likewise, we are saved by God’s grace through faith, not by our works (Ephesians 2:8–9). Yet Paul immediately continues by saying that we are “created in Christ Jesus for good works” (Ephesians 2:10). Obedience does not earn our salvation; it is the grateful response of those who have already been redeemed.

God then gives His people an incredible calling:

“You shall be My own possession among all the peoples… and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”

A priest represents God before others. Israel was called to display God’s character so that the surrounding nations would come to know Him. Their holiness was never intended to make them proud or isolated, but to make God’s glory visible to the world.

It is also worth remembering who was standing at the foot of Mount Sinai.

Scripture tells us that a mixed multitude had come out of Egypt with Israel (Exodus 12:38). God’s covenant community already included people from more than one nation who had chosen to follow the God of Israel. Later, God would make this principle even clearer by declaring:

“The same law shall apply to the native as to the stranger who sojourns among you.” (Exodus 12:49)

And again:

“There is to be one statute for you and for the stranger who sojourns with you, a perpetual statute throughout your generations.” (Numbers 15:15–16)

From the beginning, God demonstrated that His instruction was given to His covenant people, which included not only those born into Israel but also those from the nations who joined themselves to Him in faith. This foreshadows the beautiful picture we see fulfilled through Messiah, as God calls people from every tribe, tongue, and nation into His family.

Peter intentionally echoes this passage when writing to believers:

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9)

Peter is not inventing a new calling. He is reminding believers that through Messiah they now share in the same mission—to belong to God, reflect His character, and proclaim His greatness to the world.

Notice that God’s invitation includes both privilege and responsibility. His people are His treasured possession, and He calls them to listen to His voice and keep His covenant. Relationship and obedience have never been enemies. Throughout Scripture, those who love the Lord desire to walk in His ways because they know His commandments reveal His wisdom, His holiness, and His love.

The world should see something different in those who belong to God. Our priorities, our words, our relationships, and our obedience should point others to the One who has redeemed us.

Just as God brought Israel to Himself at Mount Sinai, He has brought us to Himself through Yeshua. May we joyfully embrace the privilege of belonging to Him and faithfully live as His representatives in the world.

Application:

  • Thank God for redeeming you and bringing you into a relationship with Him.
  • Remember that God’s grace always precedes our obedience.
  • Live as one of God’s people, reflecting His holiness and love in your daily life.
  • Look for opportunities to represent God well before those around you.
  • Rejoice that through Messiah, God is drawing people from every nation into His covenant family.

Closing Prayer:

Father, thank You for redeeming me and bringing me into a relationship with You through Yeshua. Thank You that Your grace reached me long before I deserved it. Help me to joyfully walk in Your ways, not to earn Your love, but because You have already made me Your own. May my life reflect Your holiness and point others to Your goodness. Use me as Your representative in the world, proclaiming Your greatness to all who will hear. 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 Knowing, Repenting from Sin, Seeking God, Submitted / Servant, Wise

God Made Us Upright (Ecclesiastes 7:23–29)

Where does the brokenness we see in ourselves and in the world come from?

Key Verse:

“Behold, I have found only this, that God made mankind upright, but they have sought out many schemes.” —Ecclesiastes 7:29 NASB

Background Context:

As Solomon concludes Ecclesiastes 7, he reflects on the limits of human wisdom and the reality of mankind’s sinful condition. Although he has devoted himself to seeking wisdom and understanding, he recognizes that there are mysteries only God fully comprehends. His search ultimately leads him to a profound conclusion: God created humanity upright, but people have continually chosen their own paths instead of God’s.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Ecclesiastes 7

      23I tested all this with wisdom, and I said, “I will be wise,” but it was far from me. 24What has been is remote and exceedingly mysterious. Who can discover it? 25I directed my mind to know, to investigate, and to seek wisdom and an explanation, and to know the evil of folly and the foolishness of madness. 26And I discovered more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and nets, whose hands are chains. One who is pleasing to God will escape from her, but the sinner will be captured by her.

      27“Behold, I have discovered this,” says the Preacher, “adding one thing to another to find an explanation, 28which I am still seeking but have not found. I have found one man among a thousand, but I have not found a woman among all these. 29“Behold, I have found only this, that God made men upright, but they have sought out many devices.”

Reflection on Ecclesiastes 7:23–29:

Throughout Ecclesiastes, Solomon repeatedly reminds us that human wisdom has limits. In this closing section of chapter seven, he admits that despite all his searching, some things remained beyond his understanding. This is a refreshing reminder that even the wisest man who ever lived recognized that God’s wisdom is infinitely greater than his own.

There is great humility in admitting that we do not have all the answers. Our culture often celebrates self-confidence and independence, encouraging us to trust our own understanding. Yet Scripture consistently points us in the opposite direction. Proverbs 3:5–6 tells us:

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

The more we grow in our knowledge of God, the more we recognize how much we still have to learn.

Solomon’s search eventually brings him to one of the most important conclusions in the entire book:

“God made mankind upright, but they have sought out many schemes.”

This verse beautifully summarizes the story of Scripture. In the beginning, God created mankind in His image and declared His creation to be “very good” (Genesis 1:31). Humanity was designed to live in fellowship with God, reflecting His character and walking in His ways.

The brokenness we experience today did not originate with God.

It originated when mankind chose to depart from His design.

Beginning with Adam and Eve in the garden, people have continually pursued their own wisdom instead of trusting God’s. We devise our own plans, redefine right and wrong according to our preferences, and convince ourselves that our way is better than His. Solomon describes these pursuits as “many schemes”—countless attempts to find fulfillment, purpose, and wisdom apart from the One who created us.

Paul describes this same reality in Romans 3:23:

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

The problem is not that God’s design was flawed.

The problem is that humanity has repeatedly rejected it.

Yet the good news of Scripture is that God did not abandon His creation. Through Yeshua, He has made a way to restore what sin has broken. Paul writes:

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

The Gospel is not merely about forgiveness.

It is about restoration.

God is transforming His people into the likeness of His Son and restoring us to the purpose for which we were created.

As Ecclesiastes 7 comes to a close, Solomon leaves us with both a warning and a hope. The warning is not to trust our own schemes or imagine that we can improve upon God’s design. The hope is that our Creator has not given up on us. His wisdom remains perfect, His ways remain good, and through Christ He invites us back into the life He intended from the beginning.

The wisest path we can take is not creating our own way.

It is humbly walking in His.

Application:

  • Trust God’s wisdom even when you do not fully understand His ways.
  • Examine your life for areas where you may be following your own plans instead of God’s.
  • Remember that sin originates from humanity’s rebellion, not from God’s design.
  • Rejoice that through Yeshua, God is restoring His people to Himself.
  • Commit yourself to walking in God’s ways rather than pursuing your own schemes.

Closing Prayer:

Father, thank You for creating me with purpose and for never giving up on Your creation. Forgive me for the times I have trusted my own understanding instead of Your perfect wisdom. Help me to reject my own schemes and to walk faithfully in the path You have set before me. Thank You for the restoration You offer through Yeshua and for continuing to transform me into His likeness. May my life reflect Your wisdom and bring glory to Your name. 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.

Learning To Pray Effectively, Seeking God, Submitted / Servant

Is God Ignoring My Prayers?

Sometimes Yahweh may be answering our prayers, and we don’t even know it. Perhaps His answer is “no” or “not right now”. However, if we feel like He is not answering us, we should also prayerfully reflect on whether or not we are in right relationship with Him. The problem, if there is one, is with us…not with Him. We must turn the lordship of our lives over to Yahweh. We need to die to self and increase in Him.

John 3:30

30“He must increase, but I must decrease.

What are some situations in which the LORD will not hear our prayers? Keep in mind, this is not simply speaking about those who outright rebel against Him, but rather to those who claim to follow Him. Also note, this is not comprehensive, not even close. I encourage you to study more on your own to learn more about what may stand between you and the LORD.

The LORD hears the prayers of the righteous, but is far from the wicked, or sinners.

 31“We know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is God-fearing and does His will, He hears him. (John 9:31)

29The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous. (Proverbs 15:29)

   2But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear. (Isaiah 59:2)

12“FOR THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE TOWARD THE RIGHTEOUS, aND HIS EARS ATTEND TO THEIR PRAYER, bUT THE FACE OF THE LORD IS AGAINST THOSE WHO DO EVIL.”(1 Peter 3:12).

Related to the one above, the LORD does not hear the prayers of one who turns away from the law, the teachings of God. This is actually the standard by which we can judge sin.

9He who turns away his ear from listening to the law, even his prayer is an abomination. (Proverbs 28:9)

Again, the next one is related to the ones above, but with a different emphasis that helps to drive additional clarity. We must choose to fear, or in this context, respect, the LORD as we would a father who has authority over us. When we reject the LORD and choose to go our own way, He will let us, and we will face the consequences. However, do not assume that if we choose to go our own way, He will then “bail us out” by answering our prayers when things go wrong.

24 “Because I called and you refused,  I stretched out my hand and no one paid attention;  25and you neglected all my counsel and did not want my reproof; 26I will also laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your dread comes, 27When your dread comes like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you. 28“Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but they will not find me, 29Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD. 30“They would not accept my counsel, they spurned all my reproof. 31“So they shall eat of the fruit of their own way and be satiated with their own devices. (Prov 1:24-31)

Specific sins are called out for emphasis at times also:

7You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered. (1 Peter 3:7)

Sometimes people make empty prayers, for show before man, more than based in humility and reverence before our Father.

 46“Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love respectful greetings in the market places, and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets, 47who devour widows’ houses, and for appearance’s sake offer long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.” (Luke 20:46-47).

  5“When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 6“But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. 7“And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. 8“So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.  (Matthew 6:5-8)

Sometimes people may pray with words, but their heart is far from being submitted to the lordship of the Father.

  13Then the Lord said, “Because this people draw near with their words and honor Me with their lip service, but they remove their hearts far from Me, and their reverence for Me consists of tradition learned by rote, (Isaiah 29:13).

9And He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt: 10“Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11“The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12‘I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’ 13“But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ 14“I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:9-14 )    

Do not ask, not believing that He can answer.

 6But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (James 1:6-8)

Reconcile with your brother (in Christ) before coming before the LORD. Seeking forgiveness from others is important when we have done wrong.

23“Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering. (Matthew 5:23)

These are just a few examples. I encourage you to seek out more and perhaps even add them to the comment trail on this article. When there is a problem in our prayer life with the Father, it is important to remember that the problem lies with us, not with Him. The first and best approach is to fully embrace and submit to Him, asking forgiveness and guidance.

For more, read Learning to Pray Effectively.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please forgive me for my sins. Help me to repent and turn to Your ways. Please draw me near to You and help me to be in right relationship with You so that You would hear my prayers and answer. When You answer “no” or “not now”, please help me to understand and stand strong in my faith and relationship with You. Amen. 

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.

Learning To Pray Effectively

The Heart of Effective Prayer

God has a lot to say about prayer in the Bible. It is a very important two-way communication between God and His people. He wants to hear from us and wants us to hear from Him. God also wants us to selflessly pray for others, not just for ourselves.

Prayer is a topic that can and should be studied at great length by every believer. This teaching is longer than most that we provide. As such, you may expect to go through it thoughtfully will take more than just a few minutes. Take it in pieces and come back to it if that helps, but get started even if you can’t finish it all at once.

For this teaching, as a starting point to lead you toward righteous prayer, we highlight several scriptures regarding prayer, but will only break down into greater detail the teaching of Jesus, Himself, regarding prayer in Matthew 6:5-14. It was in this way that Jesus began teaching His disciples how to pray.

To learn more about prayer, you can review our devotions on prayer by selecting the Category “Prayer” or consider other resources, such as those recommended on our site at “Study the Word: Books and Other Study Tools“.

1 Timothy 2:1-8

1First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, 2for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time. 7For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

8Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension.

Ephesians 6:18-20

18With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, 19and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Philippians 4:4-7

4Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. 6Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Matthew 5:23

23“Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.

Matthew 26:36-46

36Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to His disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and distressed. 38Then He said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me.”

39And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.” 40And He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “So, you men could not keep watch with Me for one hour? 41“Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

42He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, “My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done.” 43Again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44And He left them again, and went away and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more. 45Then He came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46“Get up, let us be going; behold, the one who betrays Me is at hand!”

Matthew 6:5-14

5“When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 6“But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

7“And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. 8“So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

9“Pray, then, in this way:
‘Our Father who is in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.

10‘Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.

11‘Give us this day our daily bread.

12‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

13‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’]

14“For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15“But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.

Please do not skip over verses 5-8. While these are not included in what we commonly refer to as “The Lord’s Prayer” or “The Our Father”, they are critical points in teaching common mistakes that we should not be making. Do not pray for attention before men, but rather pray in secret for relationship with God. Do not use meaningless repetition… including just empty recitation of the prayer that Jesus shares in verses 9-13! This prayer is not a formula of specific words that must be recited, but rather an outline to help you focus your prayer in relating to God. It is meaningless to just memorize and repeat the words without truly dwelling on what they mean and how to relate to our God!

To explore this further, we will explore how to apply this outline for prayer with greater depth, so we draw near to God rather than repeat memorized words. (I am grateful to those who shared with me what I now share with you, as I find it a very good application of the Lord’s Prayer.)

“Our Father who is in heaven,”

Respect and honor who God is. Take a few moments and be still before God. Contemplate the character of God:

  • The Great I Am
  • Creator of All
  • All-Knowing (omniscient)
  • All-Powerful (omnipotent)
  • Present In All Places At All Times (omnipresent)
  • Unchanging (immutable)
  • Eternal (without beginning or end)
  • Incapable of Making a Mistake (flawless)
  • Without limit or boundaries (infinite)
  • Holy (worthy of devotion as one perfect in goodness)
  • Just (behaving according to what is morally right and fair)
  • The Beginning and the End (Alpha and Omega)

In Ephesians 1:18-19 Paul prays “…that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.”

Reflect on the greatness of God’s power toward you as:

  • God the Father: Father, Provider, Shelter, Protector
  • God the Son: Righteousness, Holiness, Peace, Truth
  • God the Holy Spirit: Comforter, Counselor, Teacher, Guide

“Hallowed be Your name.”

God’s name is to be separated from the world. To do this, we must separate from the world and focus on God. Focus on the Old Testament names for God.

Consider also focusing on God through a worship song.

“Your kingdom come.”

God’s kingdom is where He has total rule and authority. It is a kingdom of righteousness based on free will. His servants choose willingly or even enthusiastically to obey Him.

This scripture represents submission to God to rule and control your life. You are asking God to transform your character to be more like His character to make the fruit you bear more like the fruit of Jesus’ life and ministry.

We must first pray “my kingdom go” before we can truly pray for God’s kingdom to come. Pray for God to take control of these areas of your life; release them into His hands.

  • My family
  • My future
  • My job
  • My finances
  • My ministry
  • My thought life

Write in your prayer journal any areas you feel like God is directing you to pray for specifically.

God’s character should be reflected in our character.

  • Compassionate
  • Gracious
  • Humble
  • Pure (in body and mind)
  • Merciful
  • Giving (in time and resources)
  • Slow to anger / Patient
  • Filled with love
  • Truthful
  • Forgiving
  • Kind
  • Faithful (to God)
  • Wise
  • Servant’s heart
  • Disciplined (self-control)
  • Joyful
  • Holy (set apart from sin; set apart for God’s purpose)
  • Just (e.g., justice)

Periodically (e.g., once a week), pick one of God’s characteristics, starting with your weakest, and study its meaning completely, including a study of its application in scriptures. This activity will renew your mind in that area and, in turn, transform your character to be more like God and our Lord Jesus Christ. After completing the list, start over again.

“Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

This should be our personal acknowledgment of God’s will to be done in our lives in His timing and His way. Ask God what His will is for decisions that you need to make this week or later this year, and then listen and wait for His answer.

Proverbs 3:5-7 guides us to”Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.”

Write in your journal the decisions you have to make and the answers from God. Expect Him to answer, and then test the answer you hear against the scripture to ensure you are hearing from God and not from your own sin nature or from Satan.

God’s answer may not come during prayer time. It may come later that day or even the next couple of days. Often, His answer is not what we expect.

Pray for upcoming events as you write them in your journal. They may include things such as government (federal, state, local), schools, Christian leaders or ministry/church staff, missionaries, pastors, and of course, events personal to your own life or that of your family and friends.

Pray for God’s will to be done for any individuals or groups for whom you are responsible or for individual people for whom God puts on your heart a desire to pray.

Consider writing down a prayer strategy in your journal and referring back to it periodically.

“Give us this day our daily bread.”

At this point, ask God to provide for your needs (e.g., home, family, finances, church, ministry, friends, etc.)

The body needs food to live, but the spirit also needs food to live. Jesus is our food because He is the Word. Ask Him to speak a word to your spirit. Consider reading a devotional from a book and/or a few verses from the Bible. Write down what stands out to you. Meditate on it and write in your journal an action plan for applying it to your life as you feel led by the Spirit. (Meditation in the Christian walk is not emptying the mind and seeking nothingness as in some other faiths, but rather actively using our God-given minds to think about and apply the written word of God in our lives.)

“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”

This was so important to Jesus that He came back to it in verses Matthew 6:14-15.

14“For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15“But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.

Examine your heart and be completely honest with what you find because your Father knows anyway. Confess these things to God and ask forgiveness. Then turn from them and sin no more. Ask the Holy Spirit to convict you and reveal any sins you are unaware of at this time. Confess these sins to God and again ask forgiveness, turn from them, and sin no more.

If there is a particular sin that keeps recurring, create an action plan to address it. The plan should include prayer, focused Bible study, and possibly additional resources or partnering with an accountability partner with whom you can share your struggle honestly.

Pray that God would forgive, bless, and be good to the people who you believe have mistreated you. The only way God will continue to forgive us is if we continue to forgive others. Hold no bitterness or resentment in your heart. Purge from your heart any desire for revenge.

“And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

Ask God for protection. Ask Him to show you any snares of the enemy so that you might not be caught in them. This is where you must ponder your footsteps and consider where you are going or by whom something is coming. Write in your journal anything new that is coming into your life or anything that is already in your life that you do not have peace about. Now, ask God if this is from Him or from the enemy or from our own internal sin nature. Test each situation against the word of God revealed in scripture. If something does not line up with the word, do not do it. If it lines up with the word, but you still can not get peace about it, seek advice from a mentor. Godly counsel can be very helpful.

“[For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’]”

Acknowledge God and all of His attributes. Realize that God is on the throne and He is in charge. Everything is under His control. Let this truth comfort you.

Thank God for being with you during your prayer time and thank Him that He will be with you all day, because He will… our Father loves us!

Praying meaningfully through the Lord’s prayer can easily grow to take thirty minutes or more. Do not try to rush it! If you do not have as much time, pick some of the areas to focus on in each part of the prayer and then rotate which areas you focus on from day to day. Whatever you do, please heed Jesus’ advice:

5“When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 6“But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

7“And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. 8“So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

To study more teachings about effective prayer, review our category of teachings about Learning to Pray Effectively.

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

—-

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.