Category Archives: Wickedness / Evil

Temptation/Tempting, Unteachable / Foolish, Wickedness / Evil, Worldliness

Do Not Be Seduced by Babylon (Revelation 17:1-6)

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What captures your heart more than your devotion to God?

Key Verse:

“Come here, I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who sits on many waters.” — Revelation 17:1 (NASB)

Background Context:

Following the completion of the bowl judgments, one of the seven angels shows John a vision explaining the fall of “Babylon the Great.” Before describing her judgment, however, John first describes her character.

He sees a woman clothed in luxury, wealth, and outward beauty, seated upon a scarlet beast. She holds a golden cup filled with abominations and is called “Babylon the Great, the Mother of Prostitutes and of the Abominations of the Earth.” The kings of the earth have committed immorality with her, and the nations have become intoxicated by her influence.

The imagery is vivid and shocking. Rather than merely identifying a city or empire, John presents Babylon as the embodiment of a world system that opposes God by enticing people to give their loyalty and affection to something other than Him.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Revelation 17:1-6

The Doom of Babylon

      1Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and spoke with me, saying, “Come here, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, 2with whom the kings of the earth committed acts of immorality, and those who dwell on the earth were made drunk with the wine of her immorality.” 3And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness; and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast, full of blasphemous names, having seven heads and ten horns. 4The woman was clothed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a gold cup full of abominations and of the unclean things of her immorality, 5and on her forehead a name was written, a mystery, “BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” 6And I saw the woman drunk with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the witnesses of Jesus. When I saw her, I wondered greatly.

Reflection on Revelation 17:1–6:

Throughout Scripture, God often describes His relationship with His people as that of a faithful husband and a faithful bride. Because of that covenant relationship, idolatry is frequently described as spiritual adultery.

The prophets repeatedly used this imagery when Israel abandoned the Lord to pursue other gods. Revelation continues that same picture by portraying Babylon as a prostitute who seduces the nations away from faithful worship of God.

Notice that Babylon does not conquer primarily by force.

She attracts.

She dazzles.

She intoxicates.

She promises satisfaction, security, power, wealth, and pleasure apart from God.

That has always been one of Satan’s greatest strategies.

From the Garden of Eden onward, temptation has often appeared attractive before revealing its true cost. Eve saw that the forbidden fruit was desirable. Israel repeatedly desired the idols of the surrounding nations. Demas deserted Paul because he loved this present world (2 Timothy 4:10). The enemy rarely begins by inviting people into obvious rebellion. Instead, he persuades them that something besides God will satisfy the deepest longings of the heart.

This is why John writes elsewhere:

“Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” (1 John 2:15)

John is not saying that God’s creation is evil or that we should withdraw from society. Rather, he warns us not to adopt the world’s values, priorities, and desires when they stand opposed to God’s kingdom.

One detail in John’s vision is especially revealing.

Babylon holds a golden cup.

From a distance, it appears beautiful and valuable. Yet inside it is filled with abominations and impurity. Outward appearance conceals inward corruption.

How often does sin present itself the same way? It promises freedom but produces bondage. It offers fulfillment but leaves emptiness. It advertises pleasure while hiding its consequences.

As followers of Yeshua, we are called to develop spiritual discernment. Not everything that glitters is good. Not everything the world celebrates is worthy of our affection. We must continually ask whether our desires are being shaped by God’s kingdom or by the values of Babylon.

Revelation repeatedly reminds us that every person ultimately chooses where his or her allegiance will lie. Earlier we saw people choosing between worshiping the Creator or worshiping the beast. We saw the faithful described as those who keep God’s commandments and hold to the testimony of Yeshua. Now we see another picture of that same conflict. Babylon seeks to capture the hearts of the nations, while God calls His people to remain wholly devoted to Him.

The question for us is not whether Babylon is attractive.

The question is whether we love the Lord enough to recognize the difference between temporary glitter and eternal treasure.

Application:

  • Ask God to reveal any worldly priorities that are competing for your heart.
  • Evaluate your desires in light of God’s kingdom rather than the values of the surrounding culture.
  • Remember that sin often appears attractive before revealing its true consequences.
  • Cultivate discernment through regular time in God’s Word.
  • Choose daily to remain faithful to Yeshua above every competing allegiance.

Closing Prayer:

Father, thank You for calling me to belong to You. Protect my heart from the subtle temptations of this world and help me recognize anything that competes for my devotion. Give me discernment to see beyond outward appearances and to value what is eternal rather than what is temporary. Strengthen me to remain faithful to You, keeping my eyes fixed on Yeshua and my heart devoted to Your kingdom alone. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

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

John Golda

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

Faith / Trusting God, Psalms, Wickedness / Evil

Trusting God Over Evil (Psalm 52)

What do you do when evil seems to prosper and speak loudly?

Key Verse:
“But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; I trust in the lovingkindness of God forever and ever.” —Psalm 52:8 NASB

Background Context:
Psalms 52 is written by David in response to betrayal and wickedness—specifically when Doeg the Edomite reported David to Saul, leading to the destruction of the priests at Nob. This psalm contrasts the pride and deceit of the wicked with the steady trust of the righteous.

Following Psalm 51, which focuses on repentance and a restored heart, Psalm 52 shifts to confronting evil and choosing where to place our trust.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Psalm 52

Futility of Boastful Wickedness.

For the choir director. A Maskil of David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul and said to him, “David has come to the house of Ahimelech.”

     1Why do you boast in evil, O mighty man?
The lovingkindness of God endures all day long.

      2Your tongue devises destruction,
Like a sharp razor, O worker of deceit.

      3You love evil more than good,
Falsehood more than speaking what is right.

Selah.

      4You love all words that devour,
O deceitful tongue.

      5But God will break you down forever;
He will snatch you up and tear you away from your tent,
And uproot you from the land of the living.

Selah.

      6The righteous will see and fear,
And will laugh at him, saying,

      7“Behold, the man who would not make God his refuge,
But trusted in the abundance of his riches
And was strong in his evil desire.”

      8But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of God;
I trust in the lovingkindness of God forever and ever.

      9I will give You thanks forever, because You have done it,
And I will wait on Your name, for it is good, in the presence of Your godly ones.

Reflection on Psalm 52:
David begins by addressing the arrogance of the wicked. He describes a man who boasts in evil, whose tongue devises destruction, and who loves falsehood more than truth.

This is not subtle wrongdoing—it is intentional, proud, and destructive.

The wicked person David describes trusts in power, wealth, and manipulation. He believes he can control outcomes through deceit and strength. This kind of confidence is rooted in self, not in God.

But David makes it clear—this path does not last.

God will bring judgment. He will uproot the one who trusts in lies and remove him from the place where he believes he is secure. What appears strong and established will be torn down.

This is a sobering reminder that evil may appear to succeed for a time, but it is never secure.

In contrast, David describes the righteous.

“But as for me…”

This is a deliberate choice.

Instead of responding with fear, anger, or compromise, David chooses trust. He compares himself to a green olive tree in the house of God—alive, rooted, and flourishing because of where he is planted.

This imagery is powerful.

The olive tree does not strive or force growth—it is sustained because it is rooted in the right place. In the same way, the righteous are sustained by their trust in God’s lovingkindness.

David’s confidence is not in circumstances, but in God’s character.

“I trust in the lovingkindness of God forever and ever.”

This is the key difference.

The wicked trust in temporary things—power, wealth, deceit.
The righteous trust in something eternal—God’s faithfulness.

David ends with praise and anticipation. He knows that God will act, and he chooses to wait on Him, declaring His name in the presence of others.

This psalm calls us to examine where we place our trust.

When we see evil around us—whether in individuals, systems, or culture—it can be tempting to respond with fear, frustration, or even compromise.

But David shows us another way.

We are not called to mirror the behavior of the wicked.
We are called to remain rooted in God.

Because in the end, what is rooted in Him will stand.

Application:

  • Do not be shaken when evil appears to prosper—it is temporary.
  • Choose to trust in God’s faithfulness rather than in worldly power or influence.
  • Guard your words and actions against deceit and compromise.
  • Stay rooted in God through prayer, obedience, and trust.
  • Respond to God’s faithfulness with praise and confidence in His justice.

Closing Prayer:
Father, help me to trust in You when I see evil around me. Keep my heart from fear or compromise, and root me deeply in Your truth and lovingkindness. Strengthen me to stand firm in righteousness and to rely on You rather than on the ways of the world. Thank You for Your faithfulness that endures 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.

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.

Adultery / Sex Outside Marriage, Holy / Set Apart, Tribulation, Wickedness / Evil, Wise, Worldliness

Living Wisely Among the Ungodly (Genesis 34:1–17)

Have you ever found yourself—or your family—in a situation where you realized too late that being too close to ungodliness brought danger you never expected?

Key Verse:
“But they were deeply grieved, and they were very angry because he had done a disgraceful thing in Israel by lying with Jacob’s daughter, for such a thing ought not to be done.” —Genesis 34:7 NASB

Background Context:
Jacob has settled his family in Shechem after returning to the land of Canaan. Though Jacob has grown spiritually over many years, the people living around him do not fear God. Living among those who reject God’s ways always carries danger—especially when families are not trained carefully about how to interact with ungodly culture.

In this context, Dinah goes out to “visit the daughters of the land.” Many commentaries suggest she was likely a young teenager. It appears she did not ask permission or take proper protection with her. Among a pagan people with no moral restraint, she becomes vulnerable and is violated by Shechem.

When Jacob hears, he remains silent, unsure how to respond. But her brothers are devastated—filled with grief and righteous anger because “such a thing ought not to be done.”

Genesis 34 is a sobering reminder that settling too close to ungodly influences can place our families in danger—not only physically, but morally and spiritually.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Genesis 34:1–17

      1Now Dinah the daughter of Leah, whom she had borne to Jacob, went out to visit the daughters of the land. 2When Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the land, saw her, he took her and lay with her by force. 3He was deeply attracted to Dinah the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the girl and spoke tenderly to her. 4So Shechem spoke to his father Hamor, saying, “Get me this young girl for a wife.” 5Now Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter; but his sons were with his livestock in the field, so Jacob kept silent until they came in. 6Then Hamor the father of Shechem went out to Jacob to speak with him. 7Now the sons of Jacob came in from the field when they heard it; and the men were grieved, and they were very angry because he had done a disgraceful thing in Israel by lying with Jacob’s daughter, for such a thing ought not to be done.

      8But Hamor spoke with them, saying, “The soul of my son Shechem longs for your daughter; please give her to him in marriage. 9“Intermarry with us; give your daughters to us and take our daughters for yourselves. 10“Thus you shall live with us, and the land shall be open before you; live and trade in it and acquire property in it.” 11Shechem also said to her father and to her brothers, “If I find favor in your sight, then I will give whatever you say to me. 12“Ask me ever so much bridal payment and gift, and I will give according as you say to me; but give me the girl in marriage.”

      13But Jacob’s sons answered Shechem and his father Hamor with deceit, because he had defiled Dinah their sister. 14They said to them, “We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one who is uncircumcised, for that would be a disgrace to us. 15“Only on this condition will we consent to you: if you will become like us, in that every male of you be circumcised, 16then we will give our daughters to you, and we will take your daughters for ourselves, and we will live with you and become one people. 17“But if you will not listen to us to be circumcised, then we will take our daughter and go.”

Reflection on Genesis 34:1–17:
This passage confronts us with the tragic consequences of living close to those who reject God’s ways. Dinah’s violation is described plainly and without excuse. Scripture does not soften the evil, nor pretend it is small. God sees the wound. God hears the cries of the oppressed. God condemns the sin.

But we also see that Jacob’s choice of where to settle may have contributed to the danger. Shechem was a place with no fear of the Lord, and the people practiced immorality as a normal part of life. Yet Jacob appears to have stayed there without caution, without preparing his children to discern the risks, and without keeping proper boundaries around his family.

Dinah, curious about the women of the land, goes out alone—perhaps naively, perhaps secretly. Her desire to explore pagan culture takes her outside the safety of a God-fearing home and places her into the arms of someone with no moral restraint. The world often celebrates “exploration,” “blending,” and “multicultural curiosity,” but Scripture warns repeatedly that blending with ungodly ways leads to sorrow, compromise, or destruction.

Jacob’s sons understand at least one thing clearly: it would be dangerous and wrong to intermarry with a man—and a people—who do not fear God. They wrongly allow their anger to grow into deception and later into violent vengeance, which we will address in the next devotional. But their instinct that Dinah should not be handed over to an unrepentant man is morally sound.

There is a timeless principle here: living near ungodliness requires intentional safeguards. Raising children among a culture that rejects God demands vigilance, instruction, and active protection. The world will gladly pull our children into its values if we are not intentional. Parents must guide, teach, warn, and create healthy boundaries—not shelter in fantasy, but equip with truth. Had Dinah understood the dangers more clearly, she might never have wandered into harm.

This passage reminds us that evil exists, that ungodly culture is not harmless, and that families must be wise—living in the world, but not becoming entangled with it.

Application:

  • Be intentional about where and how you plant your family. Jacob’s choice to settle in Shechem carried spiritual and moral risks. Consider carefully the influences around your home.
  • Teach children the “why,” not only the “what.” Explain dangers clearly. Do not pretend the world is harmless—prepare them with truth.
  • Grieve injustice deeply. God does. Anger at sin is appropriate when it aligns with God’s righteousness.
  • Do not minimize sin. Shechem’s act was evil, and no cultural blending or marriage proposal could make it acceptable.
  • Beware of casual blending with ungodly culture. Scripture calls God’s people to be holy, set apart, and discerning in their relationships and influences.
  • Seek God’s wisdom in place of passivity. Jacob’s silence did not help Dinah. When trouble comes, seek God and act with integrity and courage.

Closing Prayer:
Father, we come before You with heavy hearts as we read this painful passage. Thank You that You see every wound and every injustice. Help me to be wise in where I settle my family, in what influences I allow, and in how I train my children. Give me courage to stand for what is holy and discernment to avoid blending with ways that oppose You. When evil occurs, teach me to respond with truth, compassion, and wisdom—always seeking Your justice and Your heart. 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.

Blessed, Faith / Trusting God, Obeying God, Wickedness / Evil

Faith in a Corrupt Generation (Genesis 6)

One man’s obedience stood out in a world full of rebellion.

Key Verse:
“But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.” —Genesis 6:8 NASB

Background Context:
Genesis 6 describes the rapid moral decay of humanity following the fall. The population had grown, but so had wickedness. God saw that “every intent of the thoughts of [man’s] heart was only evil continually” (v.5), and He was grieved. In response, He determined to bring judgment through a great flood. Yet in the midst of this darkness, one man stood out—Noah. He was righteous, blameless among his generation, and he walked with God. Because of Noah’s faith, God gave him instructions to build an ark, offering both salvation and a new beginning.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Genesis 6

The Corruption of Mankind

      1Now it came about, when men began to multiply on the face of the land, and daughters were born to them, 2that the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves, whomever they chose. 3Then the LORD said, “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, because he also is flesh; nevertheless his days shall be one hundred and twenty years.” 4The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men, and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown.

      5Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6The LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. 7The LORD said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, from man to animals to creeping things and to birds of the sky; for I am sorry that I have made them.” 8But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.

      9These are the records of the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his time; Noah walked with God. 10Noah became the father of three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

      11Now the earth was corrupt in the sight of God, and the earth was filled with violence. 12God looked on the earth, and behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way upon the earth.

      13Then God said to Noah, “The end of all flesh has come before Me; for the earth is filled with violence because of them; and behold, I am about to destroy them with the earth. 14“Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood; you shall make the ark with rooms, and shall cover it inside and out with pitch. 15“This is how you shall make it: the length of the ark three hundred cubits, its breadth fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits. 16“You shall make a window for the ark, and finish it to a cubit from the top; and set the door of the ark in the side of it; you shall make it with lower, second, and third decks. 17“Behold, I, even I am bringing the flood of water upon the earth, to destroy all flesh in which is the breath of life, from under heaven; everything that is on the earth shall perish. 18“But I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall enter the ark—you and your sons and your wife, and your sons’ wives with you. 19“And of every living thing of all flesh, you shall bring two of every kind into the ark, to keep them alive with you; they shall be male and female. 20“Of the birds after their kind, and of the animals after their kind, of every creeping thing of the ground after its kind, two of every kind will come to you to keep them alive. 21“As for you, take for yourself some of all food which is edible, and gather it to yourself; and it shall be for food for you and for them.” 22Thus Noah did; according to all that God had commanded him, so he did.

Reflection on Genesis 6:
It’s sobering to read that humanity’s sin grieved the heart of God. His creation, made in His image, had turned to violence, corruption, and pride. God is not indifferent to wickedness—He sees, He grieves, and He responds with justice.

But then we read: “But Noah found favor.” One man—surrounded by moral decay—chose to walk with God. Noah didn’t blend in with the culture. He didn’t compromise. His life was marked by obedience, and that made all the difference.

Noah’s faith wasn’t passive. Hebrews 11:7 says that “by faith Noah… prepared an ark.” Building an ark took time, effort, and trust in a God-given warning about something never seen before. Noah had to endure mockery, isolation, and the weight of responsibility to obey when no one else would. But his obedience became the vessel of salvation.

Even in judgment, God made provision for redemption. Through Noah’s faithfulness, the door remained open for others to respond—though tragically, they did not.

Application:
What kind of person are you in the midst of a broken world? Are you blending in, or walking with God like Noah did? It may not be easy to stand apart, but God still looks for those who are willing to be faithful when the world is faithless.

You may not be called to build a boat, but you are called to obedience. To walk with God. To raise a godly family. To live with integrity, even when the culture mocks your faith. And just like Noah, your faith can create a legacy of salvation—for your household and beyond.

Closing Prayer:
Lord, help me walk with You even when the world walks away. Strengthen me to live with integrity and trust, especially when obedience feels costly. Thank You for Your mercy and for making a way through judgment. Let my life be marked by faith like Noah’s, and may others find hope through my obedience. 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, Diligent / Hard Worker, Family, Intgegrity / Honesty, Marriage, Parenting, Proverbs (Wisdom & Folly), Sloth / Laziness, Unteachable / Foolish, Wickedness / Evil, Wise

Wisdom for a Life of Integrity (Proverbs 6)

Every action has consequences, and the path of wisdom teaches us to take responsibility, work diligently, speak truthfully, and live with purity.

Key Verse:
“For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is light; and reproofs for discipline are the way of life.” —Proverbs 6:23 (NASB)

Background Context:
Proverbs 6 is a rich chapter filled with practical counsel from a father to his son. It covers a variety of topics: avoiding foolish financial entanglements, embracing hard work, guarding against wickedness and deceit, honoring parental instruction, and fleeing sexual immorality. These lessons are not random; they flow from a desire to help the reader live wisely and avoid the destruction that comes from foolish choices. This chapter reminds us that God’s instructions aren’t burdens—they’re safeguards, designed to preserve life and character.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Proverbs 6

     Parental Counsel

     1My son, if you have become surety for your neighbor,
Have given a pledge for a stranger,

2If you have been snared with the words of your mouth,
Have been caught with the words of your mouth,

3Do this then, my son, and deliver yourself;
Since you have come into the hand of your neighbor,
Go, humble yourself, and importune your neighbor.

4Give no sleep to your eyes,
Nor slumber to your eyelids;

5Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hunter’s hand
And like a bird from the hand of the fowler.

6Go to the ant, O sluggard,
Observe her ways and be wise,

7Which, having no chief,
Officer or ruler,

8Prepares her food in the summer
And gathers her provision in the harvest.

9How long will you lie down, O sluggard?
When will you arise from your sleep?

10“A little sleep, a little slumber,
A little folding of the hands to rest”—

11Your poverty will come in like a vagabond
And your need like an armed man.

12A worthless person, a wicked man,
Is the one who walks with a perverse mouth,

13Who winks with his eyes, who signals with his feet,
Who points with his fingers;

14Who with perversity in his heart continually devises evil,
Who spreads strife.

15Therefore his calamity will come suddenly;
Instantly he will be broken and there will be no healing.

16There are six things which the LORD hates,
Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him:

17Haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
And hands that shed innocent blood,

18A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that run rapidly to evil,

19A false witness who utters lies,
And one who spreads strife among brothers.

20My son, observe the commandment of your father
And do not forsake the teaching of your mother;

21Bind them continually on your heart;
Tie them around your neck.

22When you walk about, they will guide you;
When you sleep, they will watch over you;
And when you awake, they will talk to you.

23For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is light;
And reproofs for discipline are the way of life

24To keep you from the evil woman,
From the smooth tongue of the adulteress.

25Do not desire her beauty in your heart,
Nor let her capture you with her eyelids.

26For on account of a harlot one is reduced to a loaf of bread,
And an adulteress hunts for the precious life.

27Can a man take fire in his bosom
And his clothes not be burned?

28Or can a man walk on hot coals
And his feet not be scorched?

29So is the one who goes in to his neighbor’s wife;
Whoever touches her will not go unpunished.

30Men do not despise a thief if he steals
To satisfy himself when he is hungry;

31But when he is found, he must repay sevenfold;
He must give all the substance of his house.

32The one who commits adultery with a woman is lacking sense;
He who would destroy himself does it.

33Wounds and disgrace he will find,
And his reproach will not be blotted out.

34For jealousy enrages a man,
And he will not spare in the day of vengeance.

35He will not accept any ransom,
Nor will he be satisfied though you give many gifts.

 

Holy / Set Apart, Lying / Deceiving, Repenting from Sin, Stealing / Theft, Visions, Wickedness / Evil

The Flying Scroll: A Warning Against Sin (Zechariah 5)

Sin will not go unnoticed or unpunished in the eyes of the Lord.

Key Verse:
“Then he said to me, ‘This is the curse that is going forth over the face of the whole land; surely everyone who steals will be purged away according to the writing on one side, and everyone who swears falsely will be purged away according to the writing on the other side.’” —Zechariah 5:3 (NASB)

Background Context:
Zechariah 5 presents two powerful visions: a flying scroll and a woman in a basket. These visions emphasize God’s coming judgment against sin among His people. The flying scroll represents a curse against those who commit two specific offenses: stealing and bearing false witness—both direct violations of God’s commandments. The imagery underscores that sin corrupts the land and its people, and God will not allow it to remain.

The second vision shows wickedness being personified and sealed inside a basket, carried away to a distant land—likely symbolizing Babylon—showing that sin will ultimately be removed from among God’s people and dealt with according to His perfect justice.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Zechariah 5

The Flying Scroll

      1Then I lifted up my eyes again and looked, and behold, there was a flying scroll. 2And he said to me, “What do you see?” And I answered, “I see a flying scroll; its length is twenty cubits and its width ten cubits.” 3Then he said to me, “This is the curse that is going forth over the face of the whole land; surely everyone who steals will be purged away according to the writing on one side, and everyone who swears will be purged away according to the writing on the other side. 4“I will make it go forth,” declares the LORD of hosts, “and it will enter the house of the thief and the house of the one who swears falsely by My name; and it will spend the night within that house and consume it with its timber and stones.”

      5Then the angel who was speaking with me went out and said to me, “Lift up now your eyes and see what this is going forth.” 6I said, “What is it?” And he said, “This is the ephah going forth.” Again he said, “This is their appearance in all the land 7(and behold, a lead cover was lifted up); and this is a woman sitting inside the ephah.” 8Then he said, “This is Wickedness!” And he threw her down into the middle of the ephah and cast the lead weight on its opening. 9Then I lifted up my eyes and looked, and there two women were coming out with the wind in their wings; and they had wings like the wings of a stork, and they lifted up the ephah between the earth and the heavens. 10I said to the angel who was speaking with me, “Where are they taking the ephah?” 11Then he said to me, “To build a temple for her in the land of Shinar; and when it is prepared, she will be set there on her own pedestal.”

Reflection on Zechariah 5:
This chapter reminds us that sin is not a small thing to be ignored or tolerated. YHWH sees all and will bring judgment upon unrepentant sin. Even among His people, God calls for righteousness, honesty, and faithfulness.

While we are saved by grace through Yeshua, we are still called to live holy lives, demonstrating obedience to God’s ways. This vision should stir in us a healthy fear of the Lord and a deep commitment to repent of any sin we are tolerating in our lives. It should also encourage us that God will not allow wickedness to flourish forever. He will purify His people.

Application:
Examine your heart honestly. Are there areas where sin has crept in—perhaps through dishonesty, selfishness, or compromised integrity? Bring these before the Lord in repentance. Ask for His cleansing and strength to walk uprightly. Be diligent to remove sin from your life rather than making excuses for it. Trust that God’s refining work is for your good and His glory.

Closing Prayer:
Father, I acknowledge that nothing is hidden from Your sight. I ask You to reveal any hidden sin in my heart and help me to repent fully. Cleanse me by Your Spirit and make me holy as You are holy. Strengthen me to walk in truth and righteousness, reflecting Your light to the world around me. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

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

John Golda

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

Blessed, Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Joy / Happiness / Rejoicing, Obeying God, Psalms, Wickedness / Evil

Rooted in Righteousness: The Way of the Blessed (Psalm 1)

Where are your roots planted—deep in God’s Word or drifting in the winds of the world?

Key Verse:
“But his delight is in the Law of the Lord, and on His Law he meditates day and night.” —Psalm 1:2 (NASB)

Background Context:
Psalm 1 serves as a gateway to the entire book of Psalms and lays out two contrasting paths: the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked. The righteous are blessed—not because of external wealth or worldly success, but because their lives are rooted in God’s instruction. They do not walk in the counsel of the wicked, stand in the path of sinners, or sit with scoffers. Instead, they find joy and purpose in meditating on the Torah—the Law and instruction of the Lord. This delight leads to stability, fruitfulness, and endurance, like a tree planted by streams of water. In contrast, the wicked are like chaff—useless, unstable, and ultimately swept away.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Psalm 1

1 Oh, the joys of those who do not
    follow the advice of the wicked,
    or stand around with sinners,
    or join in with mockers.
2 But they delight in the law of the Lord,
    meditating on it day and night.
3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
    bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither,
    and they prosper in all they do.

4 But not the wicked!
    They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind.
5 They will be condemned at the time of judgment.
    Sinners will have no place among the godly.
6 For the Lord watches over the path of the godly,
    but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.

Reflection on Psalm 1:
Psalm 1 challenges us to evaluate where our thoughts, values, and behaviors are anchored. Are we being shaped more by the world’s opinions or by God’s unchanging truth? The psalmist reminds us that blessing comes from a life not merely avoiding sin, but actively rooted in God’s Word.

The imagery of a tree planted by streams of water is not accidental. A healthy tree doesn’t just survive—it thrives, even in drought, because its roots go deep into the source of life. In the same way, the righteous grow spiritually, bear fruit, and do not wither—regardless of circumstance—because they are grounded in the truth of God’s Word.

This passage also gives us a sober reminder: the way of the wicked may seem easy or popular for a time, but it leads to destruction. The Lord watches over the righteous, but those who reject His ways will not stand in the end.

Application:
Take a moment to consider where you’re getting your counsel. Is it from God’s Word or from the world? Make it your aim to meditate on Scripture daily—not just reading it but allowing it to shape your thinking and living. The more time you spend rooted in the Word, the more your life will reflect the peace, strength, and fruitfulness that God desires for you.

Closing Prayer:
Father, plant me deeply in Your truth. Help me to love Your instruction and to meditate on it day and night. Keep me from the paths that lead to destruction, and lead me in the way of righteousness. Let my life be like a tree planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in its season for Your glory. In Yeshua’s name,

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.

Discipline / Guidance From God, Eternal, Joy / Happiness / Rejoicing, Peace / Rest, Protector / Deliverer, Repenting from Sin, Seeking God, Wickedness / Evil, Worldliness

A Call to Wake Up and Return to God (Joel 1)

How do we respond when everything around us seems to be falling apart?

In Joel 1, the prophet sounds an alarm as the people of Judah face a devastating plague of locusts. This calamity serves as both a warning and an invitation: a call to wake up, examine their hearts, and return to God with renewed devotion.

Key Verse:
“Wake up, you drunkards, and weep! Wail, all you drinkers of wine; wail because of the new wine, for it has been snatched from your lips.” – Joel 1:5 (NIV)

(Continued and Clarified after scripture.)

Joel 1

The Devastation of Locusts

      1The word of the LORD that came to Joel, the son of Pethuel:

      2Hear this, O elders,
And listen, all inhabitants of the land.
Has anything like this happened in your days
Or in your fathers’ days?

      3Tell your sons about it,
And let your sons tell their sons,
And their sons the next generation.

      4What the gnawing locust has left, the swarming locust has eaten;
And what the swarming locust has left, the creeping locust has eaten;
And what the creeping locust has left, the stripping locust has eaten.

      5Awake, drunkards, and weep;
And wail, all you wine drinkers,
On account of the sweet wine
That is cut off from your mouth.

      6For a nation has invaded my land,
Mighty and without number;
Its teeth are the teeth of a lion,
And it has the fangs of a lioness.

      7It has made my vine a waste
And my fig tree splinters.
It has stripped them bare and cast them away;
Their branches have become white.

      8Wail like a virgin girded with sackcloth
For the bridegroom of her youth.

      9The grain offering and the drink offering are cut off
From the house of the LORD.
The priests mourn,
The ministers of the LORD.

      10The field is ruined,
The land mourns;
For the grain is ruined,
The new wine dries up,
Fresh oil fails.

      11Be ashamed, O farmers,
Wail, O vinedressers,
For the wheat and the barley;
Because the harvest of the field is destroyed.

      12The vine dries up
And the fig tree fails;
The pomegranate, the palm also, and the apple tree,
All the trees of the field dry up.
Indeed, rejoicing dries up
From the sons of men.

      13Gird yourselves with sackcloth
And lament, O priests;
Wail, O ministers of the altar!
Come, spend the night in sackcloth
O ministers of my God,
For the grain offering and the drink offering
Are withheld from the house of your God.

Starvation and Drought

14Consecrate a fast,
Proclaim a solemn assembly;
Gather the elders
And all the inhabitants of the land
To the house of the LORD your God,
And cry out to the LORD.

      15Alas for the day!
For the day of the LORD is near,
And it will come as destruction from the Almighty.

      16Has not food been cut off before our eyes,
Gladness and joy from the house of our God?

      17The seeds shrivel under their clods;
The storehouses are desolate,
The barns are torn down,
For the grain is dried up.

      18How the beasts groan!
The herds of cattle wander aimlessly
Because there is no pasture for them;
Even the flocks of sheep suffer.

      19To You, O LORD, I cry;
For fire has devoured the pastures of the wilderness
And the flame has burned up all the trees of the field.

      20Even the beasts of the field pant for You;
For the water brooks are dried up
And fire has devoured the pastures of the wilderness.

Background Context:
The book of Joel opens with a vivid description of disaster: an unprecedented swarm of locusts has devastated Judah’s crops, leaving the people without food or resources. This calamity is a physical hardship, but Joel also highlights its spiritual dimension, calling the people to recognize their need to return to God. The destruction symbolizes a deeper call to repentance, warning of an even greater “day of the Lord” that will come if they fail to heed God’s message. Joel’s urgent words remind us of the need for sincere repentance and renewed focus on God, especially in times of crisis.

Reflection on Joel 1:

  • Recognizing Wake-Up Calls in Times of Crisis: Joel begins with a wake-up call to the people, urging them to recognize the severity of their situation. He calls out those who are spiritually asleep, living as though God’s warnings don’t apply to them. This devastation was more than just an environmental disaster; it was an invitation for self-reflection. Are there hardships in your life that may be calling you to examine your heart? Ask God for the clarity to recognize any areas where you may need to wake up and turn to Him.
  • The Urgency of True Repentance: Joel’s message emphasizes the need for genuine repentance, urging everyone—from farmers to priests—to turn to God. This call to repentance extends beyond words to a true change of heart and action. Joel calls on the people to “declare a holy fast” and “cry out to the Lord” (Joel 1:14). True repentance is marked by humility, a willingness to surrender our ways, and a commitment to seek God wholeheartedly. Is there an area of your life where you need to return to God? Approach Him with humility, seeking His mercy and forgiveness.
  • Acknowledging the Desolation of Sin: The locusts in Joel 1 symbolize the destruction that sin brings to our lives, stripping away what is good and leaving only desolation. The devastation of the crops—bread, wine, and oil—represents the loss of life’s essentials and God’s blessings due to disobedience. When we allow sin to take root, it gradually erodes our peace, joy, and spiritual well-being. Are there “locusts” in your life—habits, attitudes, or relationships—that are keeping you from God? Confess these areas, asking God to restore what has been lost.
  • Returning to God with Wholehearted Dependence: Joel urges the people to gather in the house of the Lord and cry out to Him, recognizing their complete dependence on God for restoration. In times of loss, God invites us to turn to Him, not just for deliverance but for renewed relationship. True dependence on God means acknowledging that only He can restore what has been broken. Are you relying on God in the areas where you feel most in need? Let your prayers be an honest expression of your dependence on Him.
  • The Coming “Day of the Lord”: Joel’s warning of the “day of the Lord” highlights that God’s judgment is not just a distant concept but an impending reality for those who reject Him. This day of judgment calls us to examine our lives and be ready to stand before God. Joel’s message is an invitation to prepare our hearts, knowing that the day of the Lord can come unexpectedly. Are you living with an awareness of eternity? Let this be a reminder to live each day with purpose, aligning your heart with God’s truth.

Summary Key Points:

  • Crisis as a Wake-Up Call: Hardships can serve as reminders to evaluate our lives and draw closer to God.
  • True Repentance Goes Beyond Words: Genuine repentance requires a change of heart and a commitment to turn back to God.
  • Sin Brings Spiritual Desolation: Just as locusts strip away crops, sin strips away the blessings of peace and joy.
  • Dependence on God for Restoration: God invites us to rely on Him fully, trusting Him to renew and restore what has been broken.
  • Living with an Eternal Perspective: The “day of the Lord” reminds us to live with awareness of God’s coming judgment, aligning our hearts with Him.

Application:
Reflect on any areas of your life where you may need to wake up spiritually. Consider how God may be calling you to turn back to Him in specific ways. Embrace a heart of true repentance, turning away from anything that is hindering your relationship with God. Pray for His restoration in the areas of loss or brokenness, and live each day with the awareness of His eternal purposes, seeking to align your life with His will.

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your patience and mercy. Help us to recognize Your voice in times of crisis, and lead us to genuine repentance. Forgive us for any ways we have strayed from You. Restore our hearts, renew our dependence on You, and help us to live each day with a heart turned toward You. Thank You for Your unfailing love and faithfulness. 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.

Faith / Trusting God, Faithful, Humility, Idols / False Gods, Protector / Deliverer, Seeking God, Wickedness / Evil, Worldliness

The Danger of Forgetting God (Hosea 13)

What happens when we forget the One who rescued us?

Hosea 13 warns of the dangers Israel faced as they turned away from God, relying on themselves and false idols instead of the Lord who delivered them.

Key Verse:
“But I have been the Lord your God since the land of Egypt; you were not to know any god except Me, for there is no savior besides Me.” – Hosea 13:4 (NASB)

Background Context:
In Hosea 13, God confronts Israel for their abandonment of Him. Despite delivering them from slavery in Egypt and providing for them in the wilderness, Israel had placed their trust in idols, wealth, and self-reliance. Through Hosea, God reminds them of His past faithfulness and warns of the consequences of their unfaithfulness. This chapter is a call to remember our need for God and to stay anchored in His love and truth.

Hosea 13

Ephraim’s Idolatry

1When Ephraim spoke, there was trembling.
He exalted himself in Israel,
But through Baal he did wrong and died.

      2And now they sin more and more,
And make for themselves molten images,
Idols skillfully made from their silver,
All of them the work of craftsmen.
They say of them, “Let the men who sacrifice kiss the calves!”

      3Therefore they will be like the morning cloud
And like dew which soon disappears,
Like chaff which is blown away from the threshing floor
And like smoke from a chimney.

      4Yet I have been the LORD your God
Since the land of Egypt;
And you were not to know any god except Me,
For there is no savior besides Me.

      5I cared for you in the wilderness,
In the land of drought.

      6As they had their pasture, they became satisfied,
And being satisfied, their heart became proud;
Therefore they forgot Me.

      7So I will be like a lion to them;
Like a leopard I will lie in wait by the wayside.

      8I will encounter them like a bear robbed of her cubs,
And I will tear open their chests;
There I will also devour them like a lioness,
As a wild beast would tear them.

      9It is your destruction, O Israel,
That you are against Me, against your help.

      10Where now is your king
That he may save you in all your cities,
And your judges of whom you requested,
“Give me a king and princes”?

      11I gave you a king in My anger
And took him away in My wrath.

      12The iniquity of Ephraim is bound up;
His sin is stored up.

      13The pains of childbirth come upon him;
He is not a wise son,
For it is not the time that he should delay at the opening of the womb.

      14Shall I ransom them from the power of Sheol?
Shall I redeem them from death?
O Death, where are your thorns?
O Sheol, where is your sting?
Compassion will be hidden from My sight.

      15Though he flourishes among the reeds,
An east wind will come,
The wind of the LORD coming up from the wilderness;
And his fountain will become dry
And his spring will be dried up;
It will plunder his treasury of every precious article.

      16Samaria will be held guilty,
For she has rebelled against her God.
They will fall by the sword,
Their little ones will be dashed in pieces,
And their pregnant women will be ripped open.

Reflection on Hosea 13:

  • Forgetting God Leads to Destruction: Israel’s pride and self-reliance caused them to turn away from the One who had provided for them (Hosea 13:6). When we forget God and trust in other things for security, we open ourselves to spiritual decay. Are you relying on yourself or worldly security? Take this as a chance to renew your trust in God, acknowledging that He alone sustains us.
  • The Futility of Idolatry: Hosea describes Israel’s idolatry and shows how idols cannot save or deliver. Today, idols may look different but are still anything we prioritize over God—work, relationships, or possessions. Are there “idols” that have taken precedence over God? Confess them, and invite God to be at the center of your life again.
  • Remembering God’s Faithfulness: God reminds Israel of His past deeds, leading them out of Egypt and providing for them (Hosea 13:4-5). Reflecting on God’s past faithfulness helps us trust Him for the future. Take time to recall moments of God’s provision, and thank Him for His constant presence.
  • The Need for Repentance and Humility: Israel’s pride blinded them to their need for God. Pride can lead us to rely on ourselves instead of God. When we repent and humble ourselves, God forgives us and restores our relationship. Are there areas of pride or self-reliance you need to surrender? Pray for a humble heart, allowing God to take His rightful place in your life.
  • God’s Desire to Redeem: Despite Israel’s unfaithfulness, God expresses His desire to redeem them. He longs to be their help and deliverance (Hosea 13:14). Through Jesus, this promise extends to us. No matter how far we’ve drifted, God is ready to redeem and renew us. Turn to Him, knowing He is faithful to restore.

Summary Key Points:

  • Forgetting God Brings Spiritual Decay: When we place our trust in idols or ourselves instead of God, we drift from His protection and purpose.
  • Idolatry Leads to Emptiness: Anything that takes God’s place in our lives ultimately leaves us unfulfilled and distant from Him.
  • Reflect on God’s Past Faithfulness: Remembering how God has been faithful strengthens our trust in His ongoing provision and care.
  • Humble Yourself Before God: Pride separates us from God; humility restores our relationship with Him and aligns us with His will.
  • God’s Redemption Is Always Available: God desires to redeem and restore us, no matter how far we’ve strayed, welcoming us back with love.

Application:
Evaluate areas where you may be self-reliant or distracted from God. Confess any idols, pride, or self-reliance, and ask God to help you refocus on Him. Recall moments of His faithfulness in your life and thank Him for His unchanging love. Let His faithfulness remind you of His power to redeem and restore.

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness and unfailing love. Forgive us for the times we’ve turned to idols or trusted ourselves rather than You. Help us to remember Your past faithfulness and to keep You at the center of our lives. Give us humble hearts that seek Your will, and renew us with Your redeeming grace. 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.