Category Archives: Seeking God

Discipline / Correction, Hope, Psalms, Purposeful / Intentional, Seeking God

Living Wisely in Light of Eternity (Psalm 39)

How often do we rush through life without stopping to consider how brief it really is?

Key Verse:
“Lord, make me to know my end and what is the extent of my days; let me know how transient I am.” —Psalm 39:4 NASB

Background Context:
Psalm 39 is another psalm of David written during a time of inner struggle. David is wrestling with frustration, suffering, and the temptation to speak rashly. Rather than allowing his words to become sinful, he chooses silence — at least outwardly — while his heart wrestles deeply before God.

This psalm reflects a moment of spiritual maturity, where David brings his confusion, pain, and questions directly to the Lord rather than venting them in destructive ways.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Psalms 39

The Vanity of Life.

For the choir director, for Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.

1I said, “I will guard my ways
That I may not sin with my tongue;
I will guard my mouth as with a muzzle
While the wicked are in my presence.”

      2I was mute and silent,
I refrained even from good,
And my sorrow grew worse.

      3My heart was hot within me,
While I was musing the fire burned;
Then I spoke with my tongue:

      4“LORD, make me to know my end
And what is the extent of my days;
Let me know how transient I am.

      5“Behold, You have made my days as handbreadths,
And my lifetime as nothing in Your sight;
Surely every man at his best is a mere breath.

Selah.

      6“Surely every man walks about as a phantom;
Surely they make an uproar for nothing;
He amasses riches and does not know who will gather them.

      7“And now, Lord, for what do I wait?
My hope is in You.

      8“Deliver me from all my transgressions;
Make me not the reproach of the foolish.

      9“I have become mute, I do not open my mouth,
Because it is You who have done it.

      10“Remove Your plague from me;
Because of the opposition of Your hand I am perishing.

      11“With reproofs You chasten a man for iniquity;
You consume as a moth what is precious to him;
Surely every man is a mere breath.

Selah.

      12“Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry;
Do not be silent at my tears;
For I am a stranger with You,
A sojourner like all my fathers.

      13“Turn Your gaze away from me, that I may smile again
Before I depart and am no more.”

Reflection on Psalm 39:
David begins by committing to guard his words. He recognizes the danger of speaking carelessly, especially in the presence of the wicked. Yet silence does not mean peace. As David holds his tongue, his inner turmoil grows until he finally pours his heart out to God.

David’s prayer shifts the focus from his circumstances to the brevity of life itself. He asks God to help him understand how fleeting his days are. Wealth, ambition, and striving suddenly appear hollow when measured against eternity. David recognizes that much of human effort amounts to chasing shadows.

This realization is not meant to produce despair, but humility. When we remember how short life is, we are freed from obsession with temporary gain and redirected toward what truly matters. David acknowledges that hope must rest in God alone, not in possessions, reputation, or control.

David also accepts God’s discipline. He does not accuse God unfairly, nor does he deny responsibility. Instead, he asks for relief while submitting to God’s authority. His plea is honest yet reverent — a model for how believers can bring pain before God without losing trust.

Psalm 39 teaches us that wisdom begins with perspective. Life is brief, words are powerful, and hope belongs only in the Lord. Silence before others and honesty before God often lead to clarity and renewed trust.

Application:

  • Guard your words. Wisdom often begins with restraint.

  • Bring inner turmoil to God. Silence toward others should lead to prayer, not bitterness.

  • Remember life’s brevity. Temporary things lose power when viewed through eternity.

  • Place hope in God alone. Wealth and striving cannot secure lasting peace.

  • Accept God’s discipline humbly. Correction is meant to restore, not destroy.

  • Live intentionally. Knowing your days are numbered gives purpose to each one.

Closing Prayer:
Father, teach me to number my days and to live wisely in the time You have given me. Guard my tongue from careless words and my heart from misplaced hope. Help me trust You in seasons of discipline and uncertainty, knowing that my life is in Your hands. May my hope rest in You alone, now and forever. 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.

Marriage, Patient, Seeking God, Song of Solomon

When Love Feels Distant (Song of Solomon 3:1-5)

Have you ever experienced a season where love felt uncertain or distant — where your heart longed for reassurance and closeness?

Key Verse:
“I found him whom my soul loves; I held on to him and would not let him go.” —Song of Solomon 3:4 NASB

Background Context:
Song of Solomon 3:1–5 shifts into a more vulnerable emotional space. The bride describes a night filled with longing and restlessness as she searches for her beloved. Unlike earlier passages filled with delight and affirmation, this section captures anxiety, absence, and the desire for reassurance.

This passage ends with a familiar refrain, reminding us once again that love must not be awakened or forced outside of its proper time. The tension between longing and restraint remains central to the message.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Song of Solomon 3:1-5

The Bride’s Troubled Dream

1“On my bed night after night I sought him
Whom my soul loves;
I sought him but did not find him.

      2‘I must arise now and go about the city;
In the streets and in the squares
I must seek him whom my soul loves.’
I sought him but did not find him.

      3“The watchmen who make the rounds in the city found me,
And I said, ‘Have you seen him whom my soul loves?’

      4“Scarcely had I left them
When I found him whom my soul loves;
I held on to him and would not let him go
Until I had brought him to my mother’s house,
And into the room of her who conceived me.”

      5“I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem,
By the gazelles or by the hinds of the field,
That you will not arouse or awaken my love
Until she pleases.”

Reflection on Song of Solomon 3:1–5:
The bride’s search begins in the quiet of night — a time often associated with vulnerability and fear. She longs for the presence of the one she loves but cannot find him. Her distress is real and emotional, not dramatic or exaggerated. Love here is not effortless; it is deeply felt and sometimes uncertain.

Rather than remaining passive, the bride rises and searches. She moves through the city, asking the watchmen if they have seen her beloved. This shows intentional pursuit. Love does not always wait — sometimes it seeks. Yet even in her searching, there is restraint. She is not driven by panic, but by devotion.

When she finds him, her response is telling. She holds him and does not let go. The insecurity of absence gives way to reassurance through presence. Love is strengthened not by possession, but by restored closeness and trust.

Spiritually, this passage reflects seasons when God may feel distant. There are times when believers sincerely seek Him and feel delayed or unanswered. Scripture does not shame this longing. Instead, it affirms the pursuit of God during moments of uncertainty.

Yet the passage ends with wisdom. The repeated warning not to awaken love before its proper time reminds us that desire, though good, must remain under discipline. Longing does not justify forcing outcomes. Whether in marriage, relationships, or our walk with God, love matures best when it respects God’s timing.

This passage teaches us that emotional longing is not weakness. It becomes strength when it leads us to seek, to trust, and to wait wisely.

Application:

  • Do not fear seasons of longing. They often deepen love rather than diminish it.

  • Seek intentionally. When closeness feels distant, pursue with humility and patience.

  • Hold fast to what is restored. Reassurance strengthens commitment.

  • Avoid forcing outcomes. Love grows best within God’s timing.

  • Trust God in the silence. Absence does not mean abandonment.

  • Balance desire with wisdom. Longing must remain guided by restraint.

Closing Prayer:
Father, when I experience seasons of longing or uncertainty, help me seek You rather than retreat in fear. Teach me patience, trust, and restraint as I wait for Your timing. Strengthen my heart to hold fast to what You restore and to honor love as You designed it. Let my longing lead me closer to You, not ahead of 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.

Grace / Forgiveness, Loving / Kind, Merciful, Repenting from Sin, Seeking God, Traditions / Holidays

A True Clean Start: Embracing God’s Grace (Reflection on a New Year)

As another year dawns, it’s a time when many of us contemplate the idea of a fresh start. The turning of the calendar seems to hold the promise of leaving behind past mistakes and embracing new opportunities. It’s a season of New Year’s resolutions, where we pledge to rid ourselves of bad habits or adopt better ones. However, as January fades into February, the enthusiasm for these “clean starts” often wanes, and we find ourselves back where we began.

But what if there’s a way to attain a genuine clean start—one infused with divine power and lasting transformation? The good news is that such an opportunity exists, and it’s not confined to the month of January. Through Christ, we can experience true forgiveness, redemption, and renewal. Our past sins need not define us, for God’s grace offers a pathway to a fresh beginning at any moment.

1. The Prodigal Son: A Story of Forgiveness (Luke 15:11-32)

“And He said, ‘A man had two sons…'” (Luke 15:11)

In the parable of the prodigal son, Jesus illustrates God’s unwavering love and forgiveness. The younger son squandered his inheritance in a distant land but came to his senses and returned home, expecting nothing more than to be a hired servant. However, his father’s response was a powerful demonstration of God’s grace. The father ran to embrace his wayward son, showering him with love, forgiveness, and a clean start.

2. God Awaits Our Return

God, our heavenly Father, awaits our return just as the father in the parable did. He watches the horizon for our humble repentance, ready to run and embrace us. There’s no sin too great for His forgiveness, no rebellion beyond His reach. It’s within our power to choose whether we return to Him or remain separated.

3. The Helper: God’s Power in Our Transformation (John 16:5-15)

“But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you…” (John 16:7)

When we turn to Christ for forgiveness and renewal, we receive more than forgiveness alone. God graciously sends the Holy Spirit as our Helper. The Spirit empowers us to overcome sin, make lasting changes, and embark on our fresh start. We are not alone in this journey; we have the divine power and guidance of God Himself.

4. A Call to Repentance and Obedience

While God’s forgiveness is boundless, it requires sincere repentance and a commitment to follow His ways. Repentance means turning away from our sinful past and submitting to God. The Bible is clear that we must obey God’s commandments and live according to His Word to walk in His grace.

5. God’s Promises of Forgiveness

God’s promises of forgiveness are abundant throughout the Scriptures:

  • “Come now, and let us reason together,” says the LORD, “Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow…” (Isaiah 1:18-20)
  • “Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord…” (Acts 3:19-21)
  • “In Him, we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace…” (Ephesians 1:3-14)

6. The Invitation to a Fresh Start

So, as the calendar turns from one year to the next, remember that a clean start isn’t limited to January. Through Christ, we can experience forgiveness, renewal, and transformation at any moment. God’s grace is always available, ready to wash away our sins and empower us to live according to His will.

Embrace Your Fresh Start

As you embark on this new year, remember that God’s grace offers you a fresh start—a clean slate free from the burdens of past mistakes. You need not rely on the changing of the calendar or societal norms for a new beginning. Instead, turn to God, repent of your sins, and submit to His guidance. Allow His Spirit to empower you in your journey of transformation. In God’s grace, every moment is an opportunity for a true clean start.

May the grace and peace of our Lord 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 / Forgiveness, Merciful, Repenting from Sin, Seeking God

Chosen by Grace, Not Merit (Genesis 38:1-11)

Have you ever looked at the brokenness of a family — or your own past — and wondered how God could possibly bring anything good from it?

Key Verse:
“But Er, Judah’s firstborn, was evil in the sight of the LORD, so the LORD took his life.” —Genesis 38:7 NASB

Background Context:
Genesis 38 interrupts the Joseph narrative with a sobering account of Judah and his family. Judah separates from his brothers, settles among the Canaanites, and marries a Canaanite woman. His sons grow up in an environment far removed from God’s covenant standards, and their lives reflect it.

This chapter records selfishness, sexual immorality, disregard for responsibility, and rejection of God’s ways. God responds decisively, judging wickedness and allowing the consequences of sin to unfold. Yet this dark chapter also sets the stage for one of the greatest revelations of grace in all of Scripture — that God would later choose the tribe of Judah as the lineage through which Yeshua would enter the world.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Genesis 38:1-11

Judah and Tamar

      1And it came about at that time, that Judah departed from his brothers and visited a certain Adullamite, whose name was Hirah. 2Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite whose name was Shua; and he took her and went in to her. 3So she conceived and bore a son and he named him Er. 4Then she conceived again and bore a son and named him Onan. 5She bore still another son and named him Shelah; and it was at Chezib that she bore him.

      6Now Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, and her name was Tamar. 7But Er, Judah’s firstborn, was evil in the sight of the LORD, so the LORD took his life. 8Then Judah said to Onan, “Go in to your brother’s wife, and perform your duty as a brother-in-law to her, and raise up offspring for your brother.” 9Onan knew that the offspring would not be his; so when he went in to his brother’s wife, he wasted his seed on the ground in order not to give offspring to his brother. 10But what he did was displeasing in the sight of the LORD; so He took his life also. 11Then Judah said to his daughter-in-law Tamar, “Remain a widow in your father’s house until my son Shelah grows up”; for he thought, “I am afraid that he too may die like his brothers.” So Tamar went and lived in her father’s house.

Reflection on Genesis 38:1–11:
Genesis 38 records terrible behavior and deeply broken choices by Judah and his family. They are living far from God, guided by the flesh and driven by self-interest rather than obedience to God’s ways. This is not a family seeking the Lord — it is a family drifting further from Him.

Judah’s separation from his brothers is more than geographical; it is spiritual. His marriage into the Canaanite culture and the moral collapse of his household reflect a rejection of God’s covenant standards. Scripture gives no details about Er’s wickedness — only that it was serious enough to bring God’s judgment. Onan, too, acts selfishly, using Tamar while refusing his responsibility, and God judges him as well.

The result is devastation: death, grief, and a vulnerable woman left without protection. This is the fruit of living by the flesh — broken relationships, suffering, and loss. God is not pleased, and the consequences are real.

And yet, standing back from the text, we are confronted with an astonishing truth. This is the tribe God chose. From this deeply flawed, sinful lineage would eventually come King David — and ultimately, Jesus Christ Himself.

What an overwhelming reminder of God’s grace.

God does not choose by merit. If He did, none of us would stand. God chooses by grace — giving what we do not deserve — and by mercy — withholding the punishment we rightly deserve when we repent and turn back to Him.

Though we do not see repentance in this first part of Genesis 38, we know the larger story. God redeems what is broken. He works through imperfect people, messy families, and painful histories to accomplish His purposes.

This passage assures us that a sinful past does not disqualify us from God’s grace. Brokenness is not the end of the story. God’s invitation still stands: turn away from living for the flesh, turn toward Him, and walk in His ways.

Application:

  • Take sin seriously. Living according to the flesh brings real consequences.

  • Do not drift from God’s ways. Small compromises can lead to great brokenness.

  • Reject merit-based thinking. God’s grace, not your performance, is your hope.

  • Be encouraged by God’s mercy. Your past does not disqualify you from God’s purposes.

  • Turn toward God today. Repentance opens the door to forgiveness and renewal.

  • Trust God with your family’s story. He can redeem even deeply broken histories.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your grace and mercy that reach even into the darkest places of human failure. Help me take sin seriously without losing hope in Your forgiveness. Show me where I need to turn away from the flesh and return to Your ways. Heal the broken places in my life and my family, and remind me that You do not choose by merit, but by grace. I place my trust in You and thank You for redemption through Yeshua. In His name, Amen.

Faithful, Loving / Kind, Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Pride, Protector / Deliverer, Psalms, Repenting from Sin, Seeking God, Wickedness / Evil

Steadfast Love Beyond Measure (Psalm 36)

Have you ever been struck by the contrast between how broken people can be — and how faithful God remains?

Key Verse:
“Your lovingkindness, O LORD, extends to the heavens, Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.” —Psalm 36:5 NASB

Background Context:
Psalm 36, attributed to David, opens with a sober reflection on the nature of human wickedness and then pivots dramatically to a soaring declaration of God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. David observes how sin deceives the human heart, dulling conscience and removing fear of God. Yet instead of dwelling there, he lifts his eyes to the character of the Lord — a God whose mercy, righteousness, and protection far exceed human corruption.

This psalm contrasts the emptiness of life apart from God with the abundance and refuge found in His presence.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Psalm 36

      1Transgression speaks to the ungodly within his heart;
There is no fear of God before his eyes.

      2For it flatters him in his own eyes
Concerning the discovery of his iniquity and the hatred of it.

      3The words of his mouth are wickedness and deceit;
He has ceased to be wise and to do good.

      4He plans wickedness upon his bed;
He sets himself on a path that is not good;
He does not despise evil.

      5Your lovingkindness, O LORD, extends to the heavens,
Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

      6Your righteousness is like the mountains of God;
Your judgments are like a great deep.
O LORD, You preserve man and beast.

      7How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God!
And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings.

      8They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house;
And You give them to drink of the river of Your delights.

      9For with You is the fountain of life;
In Your light we see light.

      10O continue Your lovingkindness to those who know You,
And Your righteousness to the upright in heart.

      11Let not the foot of pride come upon me,
And let not the hand of the wicked drive me away.

      12There the doers of iniquity have fallen;
They have been thrust down and cannot rise.

Reflection on Psalm 36:
David begins by describing sin as deceptive and self-flattering. The wicked person no longer recognizes or hates his own sin. There is no fear of God before his eyes, and as a result, his words and actions drift further from wisdom and goodness. This is a sobering reminder of what happens when truth is replaced by self-justification.

But David does not linger on darkness. He intentionally shifts his focus upward — from the failure of man to the faithfulness of God. God’s lovingkindness reaches to the heavens, His faithfulness to the skies, His righteousness stands like mighty mountains, and His judgments are as deep as the sea. Where human sin is shallow and fleeting, God’s character is vast and unchanging.

David then turns to personal trust. God is not distant or abstract; He is a refuge. Those who know Him are sheltered under the shadow of His wings, satisfied by the abundance of His house, and refreshed by the river of His delights. God is the source of life and light — without Him, all else fades.

The psalm closes with a prayer for continued mercy and protection. David asks God to preserve His lovingkindness for those who know Him and to guard him from the pride and violence of the wicked. His confidence rests not in his own strength, but in the sure downfall of those who oppose God.

Psalm 36 teaches us to see clearly: to recognize the reality of sin without becoming consumed by it, and to anchor our hearts in the overwhelming faithfulness of God.

Application:

  • Recognize sin honestly. Do not allow self-deception to dull your sensitivity to wrongdoing.

  • Lift your eyes to God’s character. His love and faithfulness far exceed human failure.

  • Take refuge in the Lord. Find safety under the shadow of His wings.

  • Draw from God’s abundance. True satisfaction comes from His presence, not the world.

  • Walk in God’s light. Let His truth expose darkness and guide your path.

  • Trust God’s justice. He will ultimately deal with pride and wickedness.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your steadfast love and unshakable faithfulness. When I am tempted to be discouraged by the sin I see — in the world or in myself — lift my eyes to Your greatness. Shelter me under Your wings, satisfy my soul with Your presence, and guide me by Your light. Keep my heart humble, faithful, and anchored in 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.

Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Parables, Seeking God, Study the Word, Submitted / Servant, Teachable, Traditions / Holidays

The Widower Who Remarried: a Parable for the Holidays

In the tender narrative of a devoted widower, a poignant tale unfolds—a love story marked by cherished habits and traditions. This man, who once joyfully celebrated his first wife’s preferences with flowers, candy, and thoughtful gestures, found himself caught in the grip of those very traditions when she passed away.

Just to be clear, this is not a biblical parable, but one based on biblical teaching and one that is true many times over.

Grief-stricken but resilient, he remarried after a time of grieving, unaware of the impending storm that would brew within the walls of his new life. His second wife, with distinct tastes and desires, yearned for a love uniquely tailored to her. Despite gentle pleas for understanding, the man clung tenaciously to the echoes of his past, repeating gestures and traditions designed for his first love.

The stark contrast between his professions of love and the unchanged traditions left his second wife wounded and questioning. The pain intensified as the man, well-intentioned but misguided, failed to recognize the stark difference between honoring her and just holding on to the traditions of the love he once knew.

It may seem obvious to many of us that the man should have focused on his current wife to show her love in ways that were special to her, instead of just continuing with old habits or traditions that were based on someone else. The real question is, however, if we do the same thing to God without realizing it.

This thought-provoking parable serves as a mirror reflecting the way we often treat our relationship with God, especially when it comes to celebrating holidays. Steeped in long-held traditions, some stemming from ancient pagan practices, we, too, risk offering God a bouquet of weeds while insisting they are roses.

The parallel to our spiritual journey is striking. Are we, like the widower, unwilling to shed the comfort of familiar traditions and embrace God’s desires as communicated in the scriptures? Despite the discomfort and familial challenges, the heart of the matter lies in whether we choose man-made traditions over God’s prescribed path.

Diving deeper, the revelation unfolds that many commonly cherished celebrations—Christmas trees, wreaths, mistletoe, and even the December 25 date—are rooted in pagan worship practices. The Church, unable to quell these practices, eventually embraced them, akin to giving a weed the name of a rose.

The call is clear—to love God deeply is to align our lives with His desires, not clinging to traditions offensive to Him. The scriptures lay out the path, highlighting God’s Moedim (appointed times) or holy days for celebration, contrasting with the man-made festivals we’ve come to accept.

Acknowledging this truth is a challenging emotional journey. Admitting the need for change amidst familial resistance is a test of our devotion to Christ above all. As Jesus forewarned, following Him may stir discord even within our households, yet true discipleship requires prioritizing Christ over all familial bonds.

May this narrative stir a courageous introspection, prompting a prayerful pursuit of God’s kingdom above the familiar and cultural traditions. As the challenge resounds, may our hearts find the courage to trust in God’s ways over those of men, embracing the transformative journey toward a life more pleasing to Him.

If you truly love God, and submit your life to God… take the time to learn more about what He wants and not just stick to traditions of men that are offensive to Him. You can easily study online even using Christian encyclopedia’s like Zondervan or other encyclopedias. The origins are not secret, only that it has been accepted to celebrate God in ways that were developed by pagans for their gods. 119Ministries.com has put together an effective documentary in video form you can watch (The Christmas Question). They have previous teachings available for free you may consider as well (Sunburned – Part 1 and Sunburned – Part 2).

The LORD has also given us instructions on what holy days to celebrate to point to Him and our relationship with Him. They are called the Moedim and are outlined in Leviticus 23 and other places throughout the Bible.

You can find scripture where Jesus participated in the Moedim. You will never find record of Jesus celebrating Christmas and Easter (or almost anything we celebrate commonly today) in the Biblical record.

Passover and Easter are very different. See what they focus on. With God’s celebrations, the focus is always on Him and not gifts or food or simply ourselves. To learn more, scroll through and read from our Traditions/ Holidays category of teachings.

I recognize that this is an emotional subject for many and admitting that we should change is very hard. Even if we accept it and change our behavior, there will be much difficulty among family. This is to be expected when we stand for Christ above all others. Jesus said so himself in Matthew 10:23-39.

32 “Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.

34 “Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword.

35 ‘I have come to set a man against his father,
    a daughter against her mother,
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
36     Your enemies will be right in your own household!’[l]

37 “If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. 38 If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. 39 If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.

We each must decide whether or not we submit to God fully or hold tightly to the traditions of man. By the way… study of the new testament clearly shows that clutching to the traditions of man was the way of the Pharisees and Sadducees, not the way of Jesus.

God wants his people to be holy (set apart for God’s use) and righteous (living according to God’s commands rather than the world’s). He wants us to put Him first, above everything else.

Challenge yourself to objectively evaluate your traditions and seek first the kingdom of God. Do not dismiss this quickly but rather prayerfully seek God to show you the truth of His word and how to apply it in your life. Ask yourself about any tradition you claim to observe to honor God, if you were not influenced by family or cultural traditions would you naturally come up with this tradition by studying the Bible? If not, that can be a good indicator.

Pray that God would give you courage and boldness to pursue him with how you live. My family and I have been on this journey, we remain on this journey still today. It is difficult at times, but well worth pursuing to grow closer to Him and be more pleasing to Him. Trust in His ways over those of men.

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Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? Are you living today filled with the peace and joy of truly knowing and following Jesus Christ? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Faith / Trusting God, Obeying God, Seeking God, Submitted / Servant

Renewing Your Commitment to God’s Call (Genesis 35:1–15)

Have you ever realized you’ve drifted spiritually and sensed God calling you to return to a place of renewal and recommitment?

Key Verse:
“Then God said to Jacob, ‘Arise, go up to Bethel and live there, and make an altar there to God, who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau.’” —Genesis 35:1 NASB

Background Context:
After the painful and chaotic events of Genesis 34, God speaks directly to Jacob with renewed clarity: return to Bethel. Bethel was the place where Jacob first encountered God in a dream, where he saw the ladder reaching to heaven, and where God made covenant promises to him.

But Jacob had delayed fulfilling his vow. He settled in Shechem among ungodly people, where spiritual compromise and family disaster unfolded. Now God calls him to return — not just geographically, but spiritually.

Before going, Jacob commands his household to put away foreign gods, purify themselves, and change their garments. This is the first time Scripture records Jacob taking strong spiritual leadership over his family.

At Bethel, God again appears to Jacob, reaffirms his new name “Israel,” restates the covenant blessings, and confirms His presence with him.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Genesis 35:1–15

Jacob Moves to Bethel

      1Then God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel and live there, and make an altar there to God, who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau.” 2So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Put away the foreign gods which are among you, and purify yourselves and change your garments; 3and let us arise and go up to Bethel, and I will make an altar there to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and has been with me wherever I have gone.” 4So they gave to Jacob all the foreign gods which they had and the rings which were in their ears, and Jacob hid them under the oak which was near Shechem.

      5As they journeyed, there was a great terror upon the cities which were around them, and they did not pursue the sons of Jacob. 6So Jacob came to Luz (that is, Bethel), which is in the land of Canaan, he and all the people who were with him. 7He built an altar there, and called the place El-bethel, because there God had revealed Himself to him when he fled from his brother. 8Now Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died, and she was buried below Bethel under the oak; it was named Allon-bacuth.

Jacob Is Named Israel

9Then God appeared to Jacob again when he came from Paddan-aram, and He blessed him.

10God said to him,
“Your name is Jacob;
You shall no longer be called Jacob,
But Israel shall be your name.”
Thus He called him Israel.

11God also said to him,
“I am God Almighty;
Be fruitful and multiply;
A nation and a company of nations shall come from you,
And kings shall come forth from you.

      12“The land which I gave to Abraham and Isaac,
I will give it to you,
And I will give the land to your descendants after you.”

13Then God went up from him in the place where He had spoken with him. 14Jacob set up a pillar in the place where He had spoken with him, a pillar of stone, and he poured out a drink offering on it; he also poured oil on it. 15So Jacob named the place where God had spoken with him, Bethel.

Reflection on Genesis 35:1–15:
God’s call to Jacob is simple and profound: “Arise, go up to Bethel… and make an altar.” After years of wandering, compromise, and family turmoil, God calls Jacob back to the place of encounter and the place of his original vow.

In Jacob’s response, we see one of the most significant moments of his spiritual growth. He does not hesitate. He does not argue. He does not delay. Instead, he leads.

Jacob commands his household to put away foreign gods. His family, influenced by the culture around them, had accumulated idols from Shechem and from Rachel’s past. Jacob now draws a clear boundary: if we are going to meet with God, we must cast away what competes for our hearts.

He also tells them to purify themselves and change their garments — outward signs of inward repentance. Jacob finally takes responsibility as the spiritual leader of his family, something notably absent in the previous chapter.

As they journey, God places a supernatural fear on the surrounding cities so that no one pursues them. When we walk back toward God in obedience, He goes before us in protection.

At Bethel, Jacob builds an altar and calls the place El-Bethel, “God of the House of God.” His focus is no longer just on the holy place but on the God who met him there. God affirms Jacob’s identity, repeats His covenant promises, and reminds him that He is the God who brings forth nations, kings, and blessing.

Bethel becomes a place of renewal, recommitment, and restored identity. For Jacob, returning to Bethel means stepping back into God’s purpose and presence after a painful detour.

And for us, Bethel represents the call to return to the Lord when we have drifted — to put away idols, renew obedience, and worship the God who calls us back with grace.

Application:

  • Return when God calls you. If the Spirit is prompting you to come back to a place of obedience or intimacy, respond without delay.

  • Remove competing loyalties. Put away anything in your life that rivals your devotion to God.

  • Lead your household spiritually. Like Jacob, take responsibility to guide your home toward purity, worship, and truth.

  • Remember your calling. God reaffirms Jacob’s identity — He does the same with those who return to Him.

  • Build an altar of remembrance. Mark moments when God renews your heart through prayer, worship, or recommitment.

  • Trust God’s protection as you obey. He shields those who walk in His will.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for calling me back when I have drifted. Help me to rise and return to the places where You first met me, to renew my devotion to You. Remove anything in my life that competes for my heart. Teach me to lead my home with clarity and faith, and to walk confidently in the identity You have given me. Draw me near again, and keep me close to Your presence. 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.

Guide, Holy Spirit / Ruach HaKodesh, Seeking God, Study the Word, Traditions / Holidays

Test Everything Faithfully: A Call to Discernment

Ever caught in the flow of fervent teachings or ingrained traditions, but not sure whether or not they are truly based on God’s word? Maybe you even feel spirit led… but is it truly the Spirit or something else?

Dive into Apostle Paul’s timeless guidance on embracing the Spirit while critically evaluating every teaching against Scripture’s unchanging standards.

Let’s explore these insights more deeply:

  • Embrace and Evaluate: In 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22, Paul warns us not to stifle the Spirit or scorn prophecies but to test everything and cling to what is good. This balance is essential for maintaining the integrity of our faith journey.
  • The Power of Discernment: The challenge of discerning truth from deception is both a gift and a critical responsibility. Discernment ensures that our beliefs are rooted in truth rather than tradition.
  • Tradition vs. Truth: Paul’s exhortation to test everything shines a light on the necessity of scrutinizing widely accepted norms, such as the observance of Sabbath on Sunday. The cultural shift towards Sunday Sabbath lacks a clear biblical foundation. A careful examination of the disciples’ practices, pre and post Yeshua’s resurrection, reveals their adherence to the seventh-day Sabbath.
  • Unmasking Cultural Holidays: Explore the pagan roots intertwined with “Christian holidays” like Christmas and Easter. The historical roots often intertwine with pagan practices, challenging believers to scrutinize traditions inherited from generations past. The absence of biblical endorsement for these celebrations invites us to reevaluate their place in our faith.
  • Testing Cultural Assumptions: Investigate common yet inaccurate cultural representations of biblical events, such as the number of wise men visiting Jesus or the nativity scene’s setting. These explorations reveal how deeply cultural assumptions can distort biblical truths.

If I were to ask most people “How many wise men visited Jesus?”, most would say “three”. Fact is that we don’t know. The Bible does not say. It only says they brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh and we assume and teach three. It could be two or it could be five. One person can bring a gift of two items or two people can both bring the same item.

Similarly, nativity scenes almost always show the wise men at the stable where Yeshua was born. If you read the text, you will see this is not at all accurate. The star appeared when Yeshua was born. That is what triggered the wise men to plan and begin their journey. By the time they arrived, Yeshua was in a house, not a stable. We will also read later that Herod, understanding that Yeshua was born well ahead of the arrival of the Magi, ordered children up to two years old to be killed, not only newborns. (Matthew 2:1-12)

Conclusion: As we navigate the complex tapestry of faith and tradition, let Paul’s wisdom guide us. Embrace discernment to anchor our beliefs in the unchanging Word of God.

Call to Action: Commit to studying Scripture independently, challenging commonly accepted practices by comparing them with biblical teachings. Encourage others to embark on this journey of discernment and truth.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, grant us discerning hearts and minds. Guide us to hold fast to what is good and abstain from every form of evil. Illuminate the path of truth amid the complexities of cultural assumptions. May we, as Your children, stand firm on the foundation of Your Word. In Yeshua’s name, we pray, Amen.

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

John Golda

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

Obeying God, Peace / Rest, Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Seeking God

Walking Forward in Peace (Genesis 33:12-20)

When peace is restored, do you rush ahead into comfort, or pause to seek what God wants next?

Key Verse:
“Then Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Paddan-aram, and camped before the city. He bought the piece of land where he had pitched his tent…and he erected there an altar and called it El-Elohe-Israel.” —Genesis 33:18–20 NASB

Background Context:
After reconciling with Esau, Jacob faces another test — not one of conflict, but of discernment. Esau, overjoyed at their reunion, invites Jacob to travel with him back to Seir. But Jacob gently declines. He explains that his flocks and children move slowly and that they would fall behind if forced to keep Esau’s pace. Instead, Jacob chooses a different route, eventually settling near Shechem in the land of Canaan — the very land God had promised to his ancestors.

Before settling in, Jacob purchases a piece of land and builds an altar, naming it El-Elohe-Israel (“God, the God of Israel”). This marks a significant spiritual milestone: Jacob is no longer the wandering deceiver, but a man living in covenant relationship with the God who has guided, protected, and transformed him.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Genesis 33:12-20

     12Then Esau said, “Let us take our journey and go, and I will go before you.” 13But he said to him, “My lord knows that the children are frail and that the flocks and herds which are nursing are a care to me. And if they are driven hard one day, all the flocks will die. 14“Please let my lord pass on before his servant, and I will proceed at my leisure, according to the pace of the cattle that are before me and according to the pace of the children, until I come to my lord at Seir.”

      15Esau said, “Please let me leave with you some of the people who are with me.” But he said, “What need is there? Let me find favor in the sight of my lord.” 16So Esau returned that day on his way to Seir. 17Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built for himself a house and made booths for his livestock; therefore the place is named Succoth.

Jacob Settles in Shechem

18Now Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Paddan-aram, and camped before the city. 19He bought the piece of land where he had pitched his tent from the hand of the sons of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for one hundred pieces of money. 20Then he erected there an altar and called it El-Elohe-Israel.

Reflection on Genesis 33:12–20:
Jacob’s reunion with Esau is a story of peace restored — but this next passage reminds us that reconciliation doesn’t always mean walking the same path afterward. Esau offers companionship and protection, yet Jacob declines with discernment. His decision isn’t rooted in distrust, but in obedience.

Jacob is not led by fear or manipulation — he is led by God’s promises. God had called him back to Canaan, not to Seir. Jacob honors Esau’s kindness without compromising his obedience to God’s direction. His words are humble, but his actions are firm.

This moment also reveals the importance of wisdom after reconciliation. When God grants peace in a broken relationship, we should give thanks — but not assume that every open door is meant to be walked through. Peace does not erase calling.

Jacob’s next act — building an altar — shows how deeply his faith has matured. This altar, El-Elohe-Israel, means “God, the God of Israel.” It’s the first time Jacob uses his new name publicly. He’s declaring before his family and community that the God who met him at Peniel is now his God — not just the God of Abraham or Isaac. It’s a moment of worship, gratitude, and identity.

Jacob, once defined by striving, is now defined by surrender. He has learned to walk forward in peace, guided not by fear or human plans, but by God’s hand.

Application:

  • Seek God’s direction even after peace is restored. Don’t confuse reconciliation with a call to follow someone else’s path.

  • Be gracious but firm in obedience. Jacob honored Esau but chose to follow where God led.

  • Mark moments of God’s faithfulness. Like Jacob’s altar, create reminders of what God has done in your life.

  • Let peace lead to worship. True reconciliation should move us to gratitude before God, not self-satisfaction.

When God restores peace, it’s not the end of the journey — it’s a new beginning. Like Jacob, may we move forward carefully, worshipfully, and in step with the God who faithfully leads us home.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for the gift of reconciliation and peace. Teach me to walk forward with wisdom, not rushing ahead but following where You lead. Help me to recognize when to stay, when to move, and how to honor others without compromising obedience to You. Let my life be like Jacob’s altar — a testimony of gratitude, worship, and faithfulness to the God who has guided me through every trial. 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, Provider, Seeking God

The God Who Meets Us on the Journey (Genesis 28:10-22)

Even when we feel far from home, God’s presence and promises never leave us.

Have you ever discovered that God was working in your life even when you thought He was distant?

Key Verse:
“Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, ‘Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.’” —Genesis 28:16 NASB

Background Context:
Jacob, now fleeing from his brother Esau, travels toward Haran to find refuge and a wife from his mother’s family. Alone in the wilderness, with only a stone for a pillow, Jacob rests for the night. There, he dreams of a ladder (or stairway) reaching from earth to heaven, with angels ascending and descending upon it. Above the ladder stands the Lord, who reaffirms to Jacob the covenant promises given to Abraham and Isaac — promises of land, descendants, and blessing. God also assures Jacob personally that He will be with him and bring him safely back. When Jacob awakens, overwhelmed by awe, he declares the place holy and names it Bethel (“House of God”).

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Genesis 28:10-22

Jacob’s Dream

      10Then Jacob departed from Beersheba and went toward Haran. 11He came to a certain place and spent the night there, because the sun had set; and he took one of the stones of the place and put it under his head, and lay down in that place. 12He had a dream, and behold, a ladder was set on the earth with its top reaching to heaven; and behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. 13And behold, the LORD stood above it and said, “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie, I will give it to you and to your descendants. 14“Your descendants will also be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south; and in you and in your descendants shall all the families of the earth be blessed. 15“Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” 16Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it.” 17He was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.”

      18So Jacob rose early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put under his head and set it up as a pillar and poured oil on its top. 19He called the name of that place Bethel; however, previously the name of the city had been Luz. 20Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will keep me on this journey that I take, and will give me food to eat and garments to wear, 21and I return to my father’s house in safety, then the LORD will be my God. 22“This stone, which I have set up as a pillar, will be God’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to You.”

Reflection on Genesis 28:10–22:
Jacob wasn’t seeking God — he was running from trouble. Yet God sought him. That’s the beauty of grace: God meets us not only when we are faithful but when we are afraid, uncertain, or even undeserving. Jacob’s dream wasn’t just about angels; it was a revelation that heaven itself was open and God was near.

Through this encounter, the Lord reaffirmed His covenant — not because Jacob had earned it, but because God is faithful to His promises. He declared, “I am with you and will keep you wherever you go.” Those words must have brought deep comfort to Jacob, who was leaving everything familiar behind.

When Jacob awoke, he recognized what we often realize in hindsight — that God had been present all along. His response was one of worship and commitment. He built a memorial stone, called the place Bethel, and vowed that if God would be with him and provide for him, he would serve Him faithfully.

For believers today, this passage reminds us that God’s presence is not confined to holy places or ideal circumstances. He meets us on our journeys — in rest stops, wilderness seasons, and places of uncertainty — to remind us that His promises still stand.

Application:
Reflect on a time when God met you unexpectedly — perhaps during a season of difficulty, transition, or fear. Take a moment to thank Him for His faithfulness. If you’re in a wilderness season now, remember Jacob’s words: “Surely the Lord is in this place.” Make a commitment to trust God’s guidance and presence wherever the road leads.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for meeting me even when I feel far from You. Help me to see Your hand at work in every place and season of my life. Remind me that Your promises still stand and that You are faithful to guide and protect me. Teach me to walk with confidence, knowing You are near, and to worship You wherever I go. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

John Golda

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