Category Archives: Self Control

Introduction to Books of Bible, Obeying God, Purposeful / Intentional, Self Control, Unteachable / Foolish, Wise

Chasing the Wind — Finding What Lasts (Ecclesiastes Introduction)

If you could hear the conclusion of life before walking through it, would you listen?

Key Verse:
“The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.” —Ecclesiastes 12:13 NASB

Background Context:
Ecclesiastes is one of the most honest and searching books in Scripture. Traditionally attributed to Solomon, the Preacher examines life “under the sun” — life viewed strictly from an earthly perspective. He explores wisdom, pleasure, wealth, work, achievement, and legacy, asking what truly endures.

The book famously begins with the words, “Vanity of vanities… all is vanity.” The Hebrew word carries the idea of vapor — something fleeting, temporary, impossible to grasp. Much of human striving, he says, is like chasing the wind.

Before we walk through that tension, we anchor ourselves in the book’s final conclusion.

Reflection on Ecclesiastes (Introduction):
Ecclesiastes will challenge us. It will expose how repetitive life can feel — generations rise and fall, the sun rises and sets, people labor endlessly, yet nothing ultimately satisfies. Success does not silence emptiness. Wealth does not guarantee contentment. Even wisdom has limits.

The Preacher’s observation is sobering: when life is lived only “under the sun,” disconnected from eternal perspective, it feels like chasing the wind.

But Scripture does not leave us in despair.

After examining every earthly pursuit, the conclusion is clear: “Fear God and keep His commandments.” Meaning is not found in accumulation or achievement. It is found in relationship with God expressed through obedience.

To fear God is to live in reverent awe — recognizing His authority over our lives. To keep His commandments is active submission, not mere agreement. Ecclesiastes makes it clear that knowing about God is not the same as walking with Him.

Earthly pursuits are not evil in themselves — but they are empty when they become ultimate. Work, pleasure, influence, knowledge — all fade if detached from obedience to God. Only what is rooted in Him endures.

Ecclesiastes does not dismiss life; it redirects it. It strips away illusions so that we can build on what lasts.

Over the coming weeks, we will wrestle honestly with the Preacher’s observations. We will confront the temptation to chase the wind. But we do so knowing the destination: reverence and obedience to God bring true meaning.

Before we examine life under the sun, we lift our eyes above it.

Application:

  • Reflect honestly on where you may be chasing the wind.

  • Examine whether your pursuits are rooted in eternal perspective.

  • Cultivate reverent awe toward God in daily decisions.

  • Treat obedience as central to faith, not optional.

  • Commit to walking through Ecclesiastes with humility and openness.

Closing Prayer:
Father, as we begin this journey through Ecclesiastes, anchor my heart in what truly matters. Expose where I have chased what cannot satisfy. Teach me to fear You rightly and to walk in obedience. Give me wisdom to see beyond what is temporary and courage to build my life on what lasts. 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.

Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Marriage, Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Psalms, Self Control, Submitted / Servant

The Bride and the King (Psalm 45)

What does it mean to belong to a King whose throne is eternal?

Key Verse:
“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of uprightness is the scepter of Your kingdom.” —Psalm 45:6 NASB

Background Context:
Psalm 45 is labeled a wedding song, likely composed for a royal marriage in Israel’s history. Yet as the psalm unfolds, the language exceeds any merely human king. The king is described in exalted, even divine terms. The New Testament later applies part of this psalm directly to Messiah (see Hebrews 1:8–9), revealing its prophetic dimension.

This psalm celebrates not only a royal union, but the reign of a righteous King and the beauty of covenant loyalty.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Psalm 45

For the choir director; according to the Shoshannim. A Maskil of the sons of Korah. A Song of Love.

      1My heart overflows with a good theme;
I address my verses to the King;
My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.

      2You are fairer than the sons of men;
Grace is poured upon Your lips;
Therefore God has blessed You forever.

      3Gird Your sword on Your thigh, O Mighty One,
In Your splendor and Your majesty!

      4And in Your majesty ride on victoriously,
For the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness;
Let Your right hand teach You awesome things.

      5Your arrows are sharp;
The peoples fall under You;
Your arrows are in the heart of the King’s enemies.

      6Your throne, O God, is forever and ever;
A scepter of uprightness is the scepter of Your kingdom.

      7You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You
With the oil of joy above Your fellows.

      8All Your garments are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia;
Out of ivory palaces stringed instruments have made You glad.

      9Kings’ daughters are among Your noble ladies;
At Your right hand stands the queen in gold from Ophir.

      10Listen, O daughter, give attention and incline your ear:
Forget your people and your father’s house;

      11Then the King will desire your beauty.
Because He is your Lord, bow down to Him.

      12The daughter of Tyre will come with a gift;
The rich among the people will seek your favor.

      13The King’s daughter is all glorious within;
Her clothing is interwoven with gold.

      14She will be led to the King in embroidered work;
The virgins, her companions who follow her,
Will be brought to You.

      15They will be led forth with gladness and rejoicing;
They will enter into the King’s palace.

      16In place of your fathers will be your sons;
You shall make them princes in all the earth.

      17I will cause Your name to be remembered in all generations;
Therefore the peoples will give You thanks forever and ever.

Reflection on Psalm 45:
The psalmist begins with overflow — his heart is stirred with a good theme. He writes not mechanically, but with joy. The King is described as handsome, gracious in speech, mighty in battle, and righteous in rule. His throne is eternal, and justice marks His reign.

These descriptions stretch beyond earthly monarchy. A king whose throne is “forever and ever” and who is addressed as God points forward to a greater fulfillment. This is a picture of Messiah — a righteous ruler whose authority is rooted in truth and humility.

The psalm then turns to the bride. She is called to leave her former identity and cleave to the king. She is adorned in splendor and brought with joy into the royal palace. The imagery is rich with covenant language: devotion, honor, belonging.

In marriage, Psalm 45 celebrates loyalty, honor, and the joy of covenant union. It portrays marriage not as convenience, but as dignity and shared purpose.

Spiritually, it reveals the relationship between Messiah and His people. The King reigns in righteousness, and His bride responds with devotion and beauty shaped by His presence. To belong to this King is to share in His glory and future.

Psalm 45 reminds us that faith is not merely survival — it is celebration. Our King is righteous, eternal, and worthy of praise. And we are invited into covenant with Him.

Application:

  • Rejoice in the righteous reign of Messiah.

  • Honor covenant commitments with dignity and joy.

  • Align your life under the authority of the eternal King.

  • Leave behind former loyalties that compete with devotion to Him.

  • Let your worship overflow from a heart stirred by His beauty.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for the righteous King whose throne is forever. Help me honor You with loyalty, devotion, and joy. Shape my heart to celebrate Your reign and live in covenant faithfulness. May my life reflect the beauty of belonging to 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.

Drunkenness, Holy / Set Apart, Idols / False Gods, Repenting from Sin, Self Control, Traditions / Holidays, Worldliness

What is Mardi Gras and Should Christians Celebrate It?

What is Mardi Gras and why do so many Christians celebrate it? I grew up in a Catholic church and never could quite figure out how people could say that Mardi Gras was a “Christian holiday”. People broadly seemed to have accepted the concept that Christ wants us to embrace wild parties, drunkenness, public nudity, gluttony and other sinful behavior as a precursor to a period of repentance which follows.

Some may say that they only celebrate the parades, or they don’t participate or support the more offensive parts of Mardi Gras. However, it is all linked together as different levels of engagement in a clearly pagan festival. Does God like it if we only participate a little in some fun activities focused around a false god? What if we don’t do the “child sacrifice” but only dance before the idol or have a party on the day others sacrifice to the false god?

If it is not obvious enough that celebrating Mardi Gras is not a way to edify, honor, or lift up Christ then try a more academic exercise. Where in scripture did Jesus demonstrate or teach that we should sin greatly before a period of repentance? It’s not there. In fact, the opposite.

The call to repentance is real, but not the call to sin before it.

This does not even begin to touch on the focus that Mardi Gras puts on pagan gods associated with parades and other events.

Matthew 4:17

      17From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Romans 6

      1What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? 2May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it? 3Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? 4Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. 5For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; 7for he who has died is freed from sin.

      8Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him. 10For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

      12Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, 13and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 14For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

      15What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? May it never be! 16Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness? 17But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, 18and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. 19I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification.

      20For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21Therefore what benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the outcome of those things is death. 22But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life. 23For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

We are called to righteousness and not to sin. How then can those in the church widely accept and embrace sin as a “Christian holiday”? The answer is that we have not followed the Lord’s instructions. He commands us not to learn the ways of the pagans and not to celebrate as they do. But all too often our common cultural holidays have been greatly influenced by pagan celebrations. The church has chosen to accept and blend pagan practices alongside or in place of how the Lord wants us to worship Him.

What Is Mardi Gras?

When Christianity arrived in Rome, religious leaders decided to incorporate these popular local traditions into the new faith, an easier task than abolishing them altogether. As a result, the excess and debauchery of the Mardi Gras season became a prelude to Lent, the 40 days of fasting and penance between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday.

Along with Christianity, Mardi Gras spread from Rome to other European countries, including France, Germany, Spain and England.

http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/mardi-gras

Deuteronomy 12:1-5

   1“These are the statutes and the judgments which you shall carefully observe in the land which the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you to possess as long as you live on the earth. 2“You shall utterly destroy all the places where the nations whom you shall dispossess serve their gods, on the high mountains and on the hills and under every green tree. 3“You shall tear down their altars and smash their sacred pillars and burn their Asherim with fire, and you shall cut down the engraved images of their gods and obliterate their name from that place. 4“You shall not act like this toward the LORD your God. 5“But you shall seek the LORD at the place which the LORD your God will choose from all your tribes, to establish His name there for His dwelling, and there you shall come.

In order to choose to follow the Lord His way, which is the only true way to follow Him, then we must turn away from and reject pagan celebrations which have been blended with or replaced God’s instructions for how we are to worship Him and how we are to live. Let us not make excuses, accepting the lifestyle of the pagans as our own, no matter how long the family traditions have been established. When we start making exceptions, we often end up with things like Mardi Gras… many who claim to be Christian accept it and would defend it… but none can justify it based on scripture or God’s word. It has become part of the culture based on a historical choices and family traditions. Let us seek the Lord and the Lord’s way alone to live submitted to Him. Let us not blend with the ways of the pagans but rather turn back to our Lord wholeheartedly and without hesitation.

—-

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.

Self Control, Tongue / Gossip / Slander

The Power of the Tongue (James 3:1-12)

Do your words build up or tear down?

James 3:1-12 warns us of the immense power our words hold. The tongue, though small, has the ability to bring life or destruction. As followers of Yeshua, we are called to use our words wisely, speaking in a way that honors God and reflects His love.

Key Verse:
“But no one among mankind can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” – James 3:8 (NASB)

Background Context:
James addresses the responsibility that comes with speaking, especially for those in leadership. He emphasizes that words are powerful and can influence others for good or harm. James uses vivid imagery to describe the tongue—a bit that controls a horse, a small rudder that steers a ship, and a tiny spark that can set a whole forest on fire. His warning is clear: the way we speak reflects our heart, and we must guard our words carefully.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

James 3:1-12

The Tongue Is a Fire

      1Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment. 2For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well. 3Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well. 4Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. 5So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things.
See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! 6And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. 7For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. 8But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. 9With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; 10from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. 11Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? 12Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh.

Reflection on James 3:1-12:

  • The Tongue Is Powerful:
    James compares the tongue to a small bit that controls a powerful horse and a rudder that steers a massive ship (James 3:3-4). Though tiny, the tongue has great influence. Are you using your words to guide others toward truth and encouragement, or are they leading to harm?
  • Words Can Destroy Like Fire:
    “A great forest is set aflame by such a small fire!” (James 3:5). Gossip, slander, and unkind words spread quickly, causing lasting damage. Are you careful with the words you speak, or do you allow reckless speech to hurt others?
  • No One Can Fully Tame the Tongue:
    James acknowledges that controlling our words is incredibly difficult (James 3:7-8). While we may never achieve perfect speech, we must continually surrender our words to God and seek His help in speaking wisely. Do you pray for God to help you guard your tongue?
  • Blessing and Cursing from the Same Mouth:
    James points out the hypocrisy of praising God while speaking negatively about others (James 3:9-10). If we are truly followers of Yeshua, our speech should be consistent with His character. Do your words reflect the love and grace of God?
  • A Good Tree Bears Good Fruit:
    Just as a fresh spring cannot produce saltwater, our speech should align with a heart that has been transformed by God (James 3:11-12). What do your words reveal about your heart?

Summary Key Points:

  • Words have great influence: The tongue has the power to guide, encourage, or destroy.
  • Uncontrolled speech is dangerous: Reckless words can spread like wildfire.
  • We need God’s help to control our words: No one can tame the tongue alone.
  • Our words should reflect our faith: Blessing and cursing should not come from the same mouth.
  • A transformed heart produces godly speech: What we say reflects what is in our hearts.

Application:
Be intentional with your words. Before speaking, ask yourself if your words are bringing life or causing harm. Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide your speech so that your words reflect the love and wisdom of God.

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help me to control my tongue and use my words for good. Let my speech reflect Your love, wisdom, and truth. Keep me from speaking words that harm, and fill my heart with kindness, so that what overflows from my mouth glorifies You. 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.

Holy / Set Apart, Intgegrity / Honesty, Just, Justice / Judgment, Psalms, Purposeful / Intentional, Self Control, Truth

A Life of Integrity: Committing to Righteousness in Every Area (Psalm 101)

How do you pursue a life of integrity when no one is watching?

In Psalm 101, David outlines a powerful commitment to live righteously before God, not just in public but also in private. This psalm challenges us to examine our own lives and dedicate ourselves to godliness in all we do.

Key Verse: “I will be careful to lead a blameless life—when will you come to me? I will conduct the affairs of my house with a blameless heart.” – Psalm 101:2 (NIV)

Background Context: Psalm 101 is often referred to as “The Psalm of the King’s Commitment” because it captures King David’s vow to uphold integrity and righteousness as a leader. Written as a personal declaration, this psalm expresses David’s desire to live a life that honors God and promotes justice and goodness in his home and kingdom. It reflects a deep commitment to holiness, integrity, and the rejection of evil. Though it speaks from the perspective of a king, its principles apply to anyone desiring to lead a life that pleases God.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Psalm 101

The Psalmist’s Profession of Uprightness.

A Psalm of David.

      1I will sing of lovingkindness and justice,
To You, O LORD, I will sing praises.

      2I will give heed to the blameless way.
When will You come to me?
I will walk within my house in the integrity of my heart.

      3I will set no worthless thing before my eyes;
I hate the work of those who fall away;
It shall not fasten its grip on me.

      4A perverse heart shall depart from me;
I will know no evil.

      5Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy;
No one who has a haughty look and an arrogant heart will I endure.

      6My eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me;
He who walks in a blameless way is the one who will minister to me.

      7He who practices deceit shall not dwell within my house;
He who speaks falsehood shall not maintain his position before me.

      8Every morning I will destroy all the wicked of the land,
So as to cut off from the city of the LORD all those who do iniquity.

Reflection on Psalm 101:

  • A Commitment to Personal Integrity: The psalm begins with David’s personal resolution: “I will sing of your love and justice; to you, Lord, I will sing praise. I will be careful to lead a blameless life” (Psalm 101:1-2). David’s pursuit of integrity is not just a personal preference but an act of worship. He wants his life to reflect God’s character—His love and justice. This commitment to living blamelessly is not limited to public actions but extends to his private conduct. David’s resolve to lead a blameless life challenges us to examine whether we are pursuing righteousness in every area of our lives, even when no one else sees. Are we honoring God in our thoughts, words, and actions?
  • Integrity at Home and in Private: David emphasizes his desire to “conduct the affairs of my house with a blameless heart” (Psalm 101:2). Integrity begins at home and in private. What we do behind closed doors is just as important as what we do in public. True integrity is living in a way that pleases God even when there is no one to impress. This means that our private lives should match our public testimony. Are we acting with love, patience, and honesty in our homes? Are we honoring God with our choices when no one is around to hold us accountable? David’s commitment to live blamelessly at home sets a high standard for us to follow.
  • Rejecting Evil and Protecting Holiness: In verses 3-4, David expresses his resolve to turn away from evil and keep it far from his presence: “I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it. The perverse of heart shall be far from me; I will have nothing to do with what is evil.” This speaks to a proactive stance against sin and compromise. David understands that to live a life that honors God, he must intentionally reject anything that corrupts or leads to sin. This challenges us to consider what we are allowing into our lives—our entertainment, conversations, relationships, and thought patterns. Are we tolerating things that dishonor God, or are we actively guarding our hearts and minds?
  • Upholding Justice and Truth: David’s commitment extends beyond his personal conduct to how he leads others: “Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not tolerate” (Psalm 101:5). David vows to uphold justice and truth in his community, refusing to tolerate slander, pride, or dishonesty. This reflects God’s heart for justice and righteousness. As followers of Christ, we are called to promote truth, justice, and love in our relationships and communities. We must be willing to speak against injustice and defend those who are mistreated or wronged, even when it is difficult or unpopular.
  • Choosing Companions Wisely: David concludes by declaring that he will only surround himself with those who are faithful and walk in integrity: “My eyes will be on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me; the one whose walk is blameless will minister to me” (Psalm 101:6). Our companions can have a significant influence on our walk with God. David’s resolve to choose his companions wisely is a reminder to us to surround ourselves with people who encourage us to grow in our faith and pursue righteousness. Who are the voices influencing your life? Are they leading you closer to God or pulling you away from Him? Being intentional about the company we keep is an essential part of living a life of integrity.

Summary Key Points:

  • Personal Integrity as Worship: David’s commitment to a blameless life is an act of worship, reflecting God’s love and justice in both private and public spheres.
  • Integrity Begins at Home: True integrity is demonstrated in private life and at home, not just in public. Our private conduct should honor God just as much as our public actions.
  • Rejecting Evil and Guarding Against Sin: David’s rejection of anything that is vile or evil challenges us to proactively guard our hearts and minds against sin and compromise.
  • Upholding Justice and Truth: Integrity means upholding justice, speaking truth, and refusing to tolerate slander, pride, or dishonesty in ourselves or those around us.
  • Choosing Faithful Companions: Our companions significantly impact our walk with God. Surround yourself with those who encourage you to grow in faith and pursue righteousness.

Application: Reflect on your own commitment to living a life of integrity. Are there areas where your private life doesn’t match your public testimony? Ask God to reveal any areas where compromise has crept in and to give you the courage to pursue righteousness in every area of your life. Consider what influences you are allowing into your heart and mind, and take intentional steps to reject anything that dishonors God. Finally, take time to evaluate your relationships and consider whether your companions are helping you grow in your walk with God. Choose to build your life on a foundation of integrity, so that your life reflects God’s character and brings glory to His name.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of integrity set by King David in Psalm 101. Help us to commit ourselves to living a blameless life, not just in public but also in private. Reveal any areas of compromise in our hearts and give us the courage to reject what is evil and pursue what is good. Guide us to be people who uphold truth, justice, and righteousness in all we do. Surround us with faithful companions who encourage us to grow in our relationship with You. May our lives reflect Your love, justice, and holiness, bringing glory to Your name. 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.

Humility, Kindness / Gentleness, Money / Finances / Wealth, Psalms, Purposeful / Intentional, Self Control

Timeless Lessons from Psalm 39 for a Meaningful Life

Psalm 39 focuses on a few important themes we an apply to our lives today.

Life passes quickly. How we choose to spend it is important. Truly as we reflect, our natural tendency to strive for material wealth and accomplishment does not bring a harvest that is as lasting and important as we hope for.

We must cultivate mindfulness and a sense of urgency in how we live our lives. Focus on what truly matters, such as our relationships with others, acts of kindness, and positively impacting the world. Instead of getting consumed by temporary gains, we can strive to live a life of purpose and meaning, aware that our time here is limited.

Additionally, we should guard our speech. Especially, in the age of social media and digital interactions, the words we use can spread quickly and have a significant impact. Being mindful of our speech and using it to build others up rather than tear them down is a valuable lesson from Psalm 39 that can contribute to a more compassionate and understanding society.

Psalm 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.”

Remember the brevity of life and to live with intention, mindfulness, and kindness towards others. By doing so, we can make the most of our time and leave a positive legacy behind.

Shalom. May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. Devotion by John in service to Christ

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

Courage / Fear, False Prophets / Teachers, Self Control, Study the Word, Teachable

We Are Called to Challenge Perversion of the Gospel

There are many perversions in the way people (yes, even Christian churches) teach the gospel. As we do not have the benefit of relating directly to Paul as a living apostle to help keep our church leaders in check, we must rely largely on our own awareness and genuine study of the Bible to learn what is true and what is not. We then have the opportunity to get involved and help the church leadership to be held accountable to the truth of scripture. If the church you are in has leadership that refuses to engage and discuss scripture with you about possible differences of understanding or perspective, then it may be time to find another church. They should be prepared to give a defense for what they teach without getting defensive.

Some pastors are well aware they are not teaching the full gospel and it may be they simply need some encouragement and support in engaging the people in some topics. They know people do not always want to hear the full gospel as it makes them uncomfortable as it challenges them to repent and change. Others don’t care about the gospel and are teaching only for money or pride or some other reason. (Yes, some actually make quite a bit of money, but not your average pastor).  Some genuinely may understand the gospel differently and benefit from that Biblical discussion on scripture.

As always, remain humble, listen as well as talk when you engage. You, too, may have something to learn about the gospel that the pastor can help teach you.  Focus on scripture in resolving any difference of understanding. The attitude of “I went to seminary and you did not” is not a real answer. If seminary was helpful, then they should be able to explain with references to scripture that hold up to close scrutiny and study.

Galatians :1:6-10

Perversion of the Gospel

     6I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; 7which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! 9As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!

      10For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.

Seek the Father in prayer and pray for the Holy Spirit to open up the scriptures as you study. Ask for boldness and an appropriate loving attitude as you engage and challenge some of the teaching that you may have been taught since you were a child. Remember, as Paul highlights, we should seek to please God rather than men.

—-

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.

Am I on the path?, Kindness / Gentleness, Love, Mercy, Purposeful / Intentional, Repenting from Sin, Self Control, Teachable

Clothe Yourselves with Mercy, Kindness, Humility, Gentleness, and Patience.

As Christians we are called to be a light to the world. To show others the path to Jesus Christ. All too often non Christians cannot tell the difference between Christians and the world by looking at how we live. Paul provides a meaningful call to action on how we should be living.

Colossians 3:1-17.

3 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your[a] life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.

5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming.[b] 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11 In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile,[c] circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized,[d] slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.

12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

It is difficult to add anything to such a well written passage. This is a scripture to dwell on and not to skim. I hope and pray you reflect on it and challenge yourself to answer the call that Paul (and Jesus) have extended to us in this scripture.

Church / Body of Christ, Holy Spirit / Ruach HaKodesh, Prophecy, Purposeful / Intentional, Self Control, Submitted / Servant, Teachable

All Things Must Be Done Properly and in an Orderly Manner.

I find this section of scripture fascinating and challenging to study. Paul lays out some specific instructions for conducting church in an orderly manner in 1 Corinthians 14. He addresses prophecy and speaking in / interpreting tongues with some interesting considerations that can certainly still be applied today. He also addresses a subject that is sure to make some people uncomfortable or even angry as he speaks regarding women remaining silent in church. For our culture, this is roundly rejected… but should it be? We truly should always challenge ourselves to study context to better understand if this specific instruction was generally applicable or applicable to the church of Corinth due to its specific situation at the time. In any case, the broader point is clearly that we should have order and not confusion in order to edify God, help the body of Christ, and draw in new believers to Christ.

1 Corinthians 14:20-40

Instruction for the Church

     20Brethren, do not be children in your thinking; yet in evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature. 21In the Law it is written, “BY MEN OF STRANGE TONGUES AND BY THE LIPS OF STRANGERS I WILL SPEAK TO THIS PEOPLE, AND EVEN SO THEY WILL NOT LISTEN TO ME,” says the Lord. 22So then tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophecy is for a sign, not to unbelievers but to those who believe. 23Therefore if the whole church assembles together and all speak in tongues, and ungifted men or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are mad? 24But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an ungifted man enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all; 25the secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so he will fall on his face and worship God, declaring that God is certainly among you.

      26What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. 27If anyone speaks in a tongue, it should be by two or at the most three, and each in turn, and one must interpret; 28but if there is no interpreter, he must keep silent in the church; and let him speak to himself and to God. 29Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others pass judgment. 30But if a revelation is made to another who is seated, the first one must keep silent. 31For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted; 32and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets; 33for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

      34The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. 35If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church. 36Was it from you that the word of God first went forth? Or has it come to you only?

      37If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord’s commandment. 38But if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.

      39Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues. 40But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.

Don’t miss the broader point of the scripture about needing to proceed in an orderly manner for tongues and prophecy and teaching in the church, about needing an interpreter for tongues and so on. Don’t focus solely on the verse about women keeping silent and miss the broader point. God is a God of order and not of confusion. We must conduct ourselves as the body of Christ in an orderly manner.

Curious or upset by the command for women to keep silent in church? Want to explore it more? I encourage each of us submit our spirit to God, quiet our preconceived notions based on our local culture, pray for help and click through to more study resources to explore what Paul may have intended more closely. From the link provided, you can select different commentaries and study multiple perspectives or do you own search. I need to spend more time with it myself. The immediate context may be limited to speaking in tongues or prophesying or interpreting tongues in church setting, which was the topic Paul was addressing, but it is difficult to avoid the possibility that it may be broader than that associated with women not taking a leadership role or authority role over men in the church. The issue of submission for women is covered in 1 Timothy, Ephesians, and 1 Peter in addition to here in 1 Corinthians (refer to link above labeled “study resources”)… not to mention Genesis 3:16.

Try to sort through the topic without bias of “what you are used to” or “what our culture has taught you” or even “current church teaching”. Be teachable and submitted to God. Look not to emotions, but to what the scripture actually says and in what context. Don’t rush to judgement on this topic. Meditate on it. Study it. Pray.  It is not our role to agree or disagree with scripture (e.g. with God), but rather to study it and change our lives to reflect what God instructs. Look around, there are plenty of examples of commonly accepted church practices which are wildly out of step with scripture and God’s instruction… always has been. Look to scripture and God Himself.

Our challenge is to shape ourselves into God’s image, not to reshape Him into our own.

Spend time in prayer and ask God to reveal to you more discernment and wisdom on the specific instructions given here and on the broader topic of maintaining a proper and orderly manner in the body of Christ and in church.

—-

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.

Church / Body of Christ, Discipline / Correction, Rebuke Wrong Behavior, Self Control

Exercise Self Control; Put God First Above Your Own Desires

A healthy debate among believers to ensure we are striving to fully understand God’s word can be healthy. However, foolish and unnecessary division is not God’s intent. God intends us to be one body of Christ, not factions fighting against one another. We should conduct ourselves with proper respect as we participate in things like the Lord’s Supper. We should focus on Jesus Christ first, rather than each of our needs and desires.

1 Corinthians 11:17-22

    17But in giving this instruction, I do not praise you, because you come together not for the better but for the worse. 18For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that divisions exist among you; and in part I believe it. 19For there must also be factions among you, so that those who are approved may become evident among you. 20Therefore when you meet together, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper, 21for in your eating each one takes his own supper first; and one is hungry and another is drunk. 22What! Do you not have houses in which to eat and drink? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you? In this I will not praise you.

Let none of us grow complacent and self focused in our relation to one another in the body of Christ. Let us remain focused on Christ and hold consideration toward one another. In this case, people were putting their own desires first, seeking to eat or drink the Lord’s Supper. There were divisions in the body of Christ. They were not putting God first.

So, too, we should recognize that there is an appropriate time and place to rebuke our brothers as Paul does in this scripture. He is gentle but direct. He first sought something to compliment them earlier in the chapter before then turning to a rebuke. Even in his rebuke he is kind in that he simply says “In this I will not praise you.”. Even after we determine to follow Christ there is still right and wrong behavior and wrong behavior should be properly confronted and addressed lest it fester and undermines the body of Christ more broadly over time.

Spend a few minutes praying and asking God to show you any areas where you need to make a change in your behavior or attitude or where He wants you to provide correction, respectfully, to another for their behavior. Do not rush this time. Let Him speak to you. Think about each area of your life (e.g. work, spouse, children, church, ministry, etc.)

Shalom. May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. Devotion by John in service to Christ

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.