Category Archives: Pride

Humility, Obeying God, Pride, Purposeful / Intentional, Truth

Walking in Truth (3 John 1)

January 20, 2026 John (HFJ Director)

Key Verse:
“I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.” —3 John 1:4 NASB

Background Context:
3 John is a personal letter from the apostle John to a believer named Gaius. Unlike many New Testament letters addressed to churches, this one highlights individual character within the body of Christ. John contrasts three people: Gaius, who walks faithfully in truth; Diotrephes, who loves power and control; and Demetrius, who has a good testimony grounded in truth.

Through these examples, John teaches that walking in truth is not theoretical — it is revealed in how we treat others, exercise authority, and support God’s work.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

3 John 1

You Walk in the Truth

1The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.

2Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. 3For I was very glad when brethren came and testified to your truth, that is, how you are walking in truth. 4I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.

5Beloved, you are acting faithfully in whatever you accomplish for the brethren, and especially when they are strangers; 6and they have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. 7For they went out for the sake of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. 8Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers with the truth.

9I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say. 10For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words; and not satisfied with this, he himself does not receive the brethren, either, and he forbids those who desire to do so and puts them out of the church.

11Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God. 12Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself; and we add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true.

13I had many things to write to you, but I am not willing to write them to you with pen and ink;

14but I hope to see you shortly, and we will speak face to face.
15 Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.

Reflection on 3 John:
John begins with encouragement. He praises Gaius for walking in truth and for showing faithful love to traveling brothers and servants of the gospel. Gaius’ hospitality is not driven by reputation or obligation, but by sincere devotion to God. His actions support the work of truth itself.

John then presents a sharp contrast. Diotrephes seeks preeminence. He rejects authority, speaks maliciously, refuses hospitality, and even excludes others from fellowship. His behavior exposes a heart driven by pride rather than submission to God. Leadership, when rooted in self-interest, becomes destructive to the body of Christ.

This contrast highlights a crucial lesson: authority does not equal godliness. Position does not guarantee faithfulness. True leadership is measured by humility, obedience to truth, and care for others.

John encourages believers to imitate what is good, not what is evil. This is not a call to rebellion, but to discernment. Faithfulness sometimes requires resisting ungodly behavior, even when it comes from those in positions of influence.

Finally, John points to Demetrius, whose life reflects truth consistently. His reputation is affirmed not just by people, but by truth itself. This reminds us that integrity is ultimately measured by alignment with God’s Word, not popularity or control.

3 John calls believers to walk faithfully in truth, support those who serve God rightly, and reject prideful ambition that disrupts unity and obedience.

Application:

Walk in truth daily. Faithfulness is shown through consistent obedience.
Support God’s work. Hospitality and encouragement advance the gospel.
Reject prideful leadership. Authority must submit to truth, not replace it.
Choose humility. God honors those who serve rather than dominate.
Imitate what is good. Follow examples rooted in obedience and integrity.
Value God’s approval. A good testimony before God matters most.

Closing Prayer:
Father, help me walk faithfully in Your truth each day. Guard my heart from pride and ambition, and teach me to serve with humility and integrity. Give me discernment to support what is good and resist what is harmful, even when it is uncomfortable. May my life bring You joy as I walk in obedience and truth. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

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

John Golda

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

Adultery / Sex Outside Marriage, Humility, Intgegrity / Honesty, Lying / Deceiving, Pride, Repenting from Sin

Grace That Breaks Through Sin (Genesis 38:12–30)

December 31, 2025 John (HFJ Director)

What happens when God exposes our sin — do we defend ourselves, or do we humble ourselves and tell the truth?

Key Verse:
“She is more righteous than I, since I did not give her to my son Shelah.” —Genesis 38:26 NASB

Background Context:
After the deaths of Er and Onan, Judah promises Tamar that she will be given to his remaining son, Shelah, when he comes of age. Judah fails to keep his word. Tamar is left waiting, vulnerable, and without provision in a society where her future depended on the faithfulness of others.

When Judah’s wife dies and he later travels to Timnah, Tamar takes desperate action to secure what was rightfully hers under God’s law. Judah, unaware of her identity, sins sexually and unknowingly leaves behind personal items that later expose him. When Tamar is accused, the truth comes into the open, forcing Judah to confront his hypocrisy publicly.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Genesis 38:12–30

12Now after a considerable time Shua’s daughter, the wife of Judah, died; and when the time of mourning was ended, Judah went up to his sheepshearers at Timnah, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite. 13It was told to Tamar, “Behold, your father-in-law is going up to Timnah to shear his sheep.” 14So she removed her widow’s garments and covered herself with a veil, and wrapped herself, and sat in the gateway of Enaim, which is on the road to Timnah; for she saw that Shelah had grown up, and she had not been given to him as a wife. 15When Judah saw her, he thought she was a harlot, for she had covered her face. 16So he turned aside to her by the road, and said, “Here now, let me come in to you”; for he did not know that she was his daughter-in-law. And she said, “What will you give me, that you may come in to me?” 17He said, therefore, “I will send you a young goat from the flock.” She said, moreover, “Will you give a pledge until you send it?” 18He said, “What pledge shall I give you?” And she said, “Your seal and your cord, and your staff that is in your hand.” So he gave them to her and went in to her, and she conceived by him. 19Then she arose and departed, and removed her veil and put on her widow’s garments.

20When Judah sent the young goat by his friend the Adullamite, to receive the pledge from the woman’s hand, he did not find her. 21He asked the men of her place, saying, “Where is the temple prostitute who was by the road at Enaim?” But they said, “There has been no temple prostitute here.” 22So he returned to Judah, and said, “I did not find her; and furthermore, the men of the place said, ‘There has been no temple prostitute here.’” 23Then Judah said, “Let her keep them, otherwise we will become a laughingstock. After all, I sent this young goat, but you did not find her.”

24Now it was about three months later that Judah was informed, “Your daughter-in-law Tamar has played the harlot, and behold, she is also with child by harlotry.” Then Judah said, “Bring her out and let her be burned!” 25It was while she was being brought out that she sent to her father-in-law, saying, “I am with child by the man to whom these things belong.” And she said, “Please examine and see, whose signet ring and cords and staff are these?” 26Judah recognized them, and said, “She is more righteous than I, inasmuch as I did not give her to my son Shelah.” And he did not have relations with her again.

27It came about at the time she was giving birth, that behold, there were twins in her womb. 28Moreover, it took place while she was giving birth, one put out a hand, and the midwife took and tied a scarlet thread on his hand, saying, “This one came out first.” 29But it came about as he drew back his hand, that behold, his brother came out. Then she said, “What a breach you have made for yourself!” So he was named Perez. 30Afterward his brother came out who had the scarlet thread on his hand; and he was named Zerah.

Reflection on Genesis 38:12–30:
This passage is uncomfortable — and intentionally so. Judah condemns Tamar quickly and harshly, ready to punish her publicly, while remaining blind to his own sin. His response reveals a heart that is far from God: quick to judge others, slow to examine himself.

When Tamar produces Judah’s seal, cord, and staff, the truth becomes undeniable. Judah’s response marks a turning point in his life. He does not deny, excuse, or deflect. He confesses plainly: “She is more righteous than I.”

This moment is not an endorsement of Tamar’s actions, nor an approval of Judah’s sin. Scripture explains what happened — it does not celebrate it. What stands out is Judah’s willingness, at last, to acknowledge his failure. This is the first recorded moment of humility and accountability in Judah’s story.

From this broken situation, Perez and Zerah are born. Perez, whose name means “breach” or “breaking through,” becomes part of the lineage of King David — and ultimately, Yeshua the Messiah. God brings redemption not by excusing sin, but by exposing it and calling His people to repentance.

Genesis 38 shows us that God’s grace does not erase accountability. Sin is named. Consequences remain. Yet God is not finished with Judah. This chapter marks the beginning of Judah’s transformation — a transformation we will see continue later when he offers himself in place of Benjamin.

The grace of God shines brightly here. God does not pretend sin is harmless. But He also does not abandon His people when they humble themselves and turn toward truth. He redeems what is broken and brings life where failure once ruled.

Application:

Examine your heart honestly. Beware of judging others while ignoring your own sin.
Respond humbly when confronted. Confession opens the door to restoration.
Do not confuse explanation with approval. Scripture records sin without endorsing it.
Keep your word. Faithfulness matters, especially when others depend on you.
Trust God’s redemptive power. He can bring hope even from deeply broken situations.
Choose repentance over pride. God works most powerfully in humble hearts.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your mercy that meets us even when our sin is exposed. Give me a heart that responds with humility rather than defensiveness. Help me to confess where I have failed, to keep my word, and to walk in integrity before You. Thank You for being a God who redeems broken stories and brings life where there was shame. Continue Your work of transformation in me. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

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

John Golda

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

Steadfast Love Beyond Measure (Psalms 36)

December 27, 2025 John (HFJ Director)

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

Humility, Pride, Proverbs (Wisdom & Folly), Unteachable / Foolish, Wise

Awe and Wonder – Recognizing Our Need for God (Proverbs 30)

November 16, 2025 John (HFJ Director)

Do you ever feel small when you think about God’s greatness — realizing how little we truly understand, yet how much He has revealed through His Word and creation?

Key Verse:
“Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.” —Proverbs 30:5 NASB

Background Context:
Proverbs 30 is attributed to Agur son of Jakeh, a man we know little about except that he was humble and deeply aware of his limitations. Unlike Solomon, Agur doesn’t write as a king but as a man in awe of God’s wisdom. He begins with a confession of his own ignorance and smallness before God, recognizing that divine wisdom far exceeds human understanding. The chapter then unfolds as a series of observations — warnings against pride, requests for integrity and contentment, and poetic reflections on the order and beauty of creation.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Proverbs 30

The Words of Agur

1The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, the oracle.
The man declares to Ithiel, to Ithiel and Ucal:

2Surely I am more stupid than any man,
And I do not have the understanding of a man.

3Neither have I learned wisdom,
Nor do I have the knowledge of the Holy One.

4Who has ascended into heaven and descended?
Who has gathered the wind in His fists?
Who has wrapped the waters in His garment?
Who has established all the ends of the earth?
What is His name or His son’s name?
Surely you know!

5Every word of God is tested;
He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.

6Do not add to His words
Or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar.

7Two things I asked of You,
Do not refuse me before I die:

8Keep deception and lies far from me,
Give me neither poverty nor riches;
Feed me with the food that is my portion,

9That I not be full and deny You and say, “Who is the LORD?”
Or that I not be in want and steal,
And profane the name of my God.

10Do not slander a slave to his master,
Or he will curse you and you will be found guilty.

11There is a kind of man who curses his father
And does not bless his mother.

12There is a kind who is pure in his own eyes,
Yet is not washed from his filthiness.

13There is a kind—oh how lofty are his eyes!
And his eyelids are raised in arrogance.

14There is a kind of man whose teeth are like swords
And his jaw teeth like knives,
To devour the afflicted from the earth
And the needy from among men.

15The leech has two daughters,
“Give,” “Give.”
There are three things that will not be satisfied,
Four that will not say, “Enough”:

16Sheol, and the barren womb,
Earth that is never satisfied with water,
And fire that never says, “Enough.”

17The eye that mocks a father
And scorns a mother,
The ravens of the valley will pick it out,
And the young eagles will eat it.

18There are three things which are too wonderful for me,
Four which I do not understand:

19The way of an eagle in the sky,
The way of a serpent on a rock,
The way of a ship in the middle of the sea,
And the way of a man with a maid.

20This is the way of an adulterous woman:
She eats and wipes her mouth,
And says, “I have done no wrong.”

21Under three things the earth quakes,
And under four, it cannot bear up:

22Under a slave when he becomes king,
And a fool when he is satisfied with food,

23Under an unloved woman when she gets a husband,
And a maidservant when she supplants her mistress.

24Four things are small on the earth,
But they are exceedingly wise:

25The ants are not a strong people,
But they prepare their food in the summer;

26The shephanim are not mighty people,
Yet they make their houses in the rocks;

27The locusts have no king,
Yet all of them go out in ranks;

28The lizard you may grasp with the hands,
Yet it is in kings’ palaces.

29There are three things which are stately in their march,
Even four which are stately when they walk:

30The lion which is mighty among beasts
And does not retreat before any,

31The strutting rooster, the male goat also,
And a king when his army is with him.

32If you have been foolish in exalting yourself
Or if you have plotted evil, put your hand on your mouth.

33For the churning of milk produces butter,
And pressing the nose brings forth blood;
So the churning of anger produces strife.