Category Archives: Traditions / Holidays

Traditions / Holidays

What Does Christian Freedom Really Mean? (July 4)

Leave a comment

When Scripture says we are “free in Christ,” what are we actually free from?

Key Verse:
“For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” —Galatians 5:13 NASB

Background Context:
One of the greatest blessings of the Gospel is the freedom we have through Jesus Christ. Yet one of the greatest misunderstandings is what that freedom actually means. Some view Christian freedom as permission to live however they choose because salvation is by grace through faith. Others believe God’s commands no longer matter because Christ fulfilled the Law.

Scripture presents a very different picture. Our freedom in Christ is not freedom to sin—it is freedom from sin so that we can faithfully follow God.

Reflection:

The Bible is absolutely clear that salvation is a gift of God’s grace. We cannot earn it through our own efforts or by perfectly obeying God’s Law.

Paul writes in Ephesians 2:8–9:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Our salvation rests entirely upon God’s grace through faith in Yeshua. That truth should fill us with gratitude and humility.

Yet receiving God’s grace does not mean God no longer cares how we live.

In fact, Paul anticipated this misunderstanding. In Romans 6:1–2 he asked:

“Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be!”

Grace was never intended to become an excuse for disobedience. Rather, grace frees us from the bondage of sin so that we can pursue righteousness.

Acts 13:38–39 helps explain this freedom:

“Through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses.”

Notice what Paul says.

We are freed from sin and its condemnation—from what the Law could never accomplish on its own because of mankind’s sinful condition.

He does not say we are freed from God’s instruction.

Likewise, Romans 8:1–4 declares that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus because “the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” Through Christ, the penalty of sin is removed, and through the Holy Spirit we are empowered to walk according to God’s will rather than according to the flesh.

Yeshua Himself made it clear that following Him does not mean abandoning God’s instruction. In Matthew 5:17 He said:

“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.”

Later, when asked about the greatest commandment, He summarized the entire Law and the Prophets with two foundational commands:

“You shall love the Lord your God…” and “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37–40)

God’s Law was never intended to be a burden that earned salvation. It reveals God’s character and teaches us how to love Him and love one another according to His design.

Yeshua also said:

“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15)

Obedience does not produce our salvation.

It is the fruit of a heart that has been transformed by God’s grace.

Paul develops this same thought throughout Galatians 5. He warns believers not to seek justification through works of the Law, because no one can earn righteousness that way. At the same time, he gives an equally strong warning against abusing Christian freedom.

He writes:

“For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”

Christian freedom is not freedom to do whatever feels right.

It is freedom to do what is right.

Paul then explains what living by the flesh looks like—immorality, idolatry, jealousy, anger, drunkenness, and many other sins. In contrast, he describes the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

The contrast could not be clearer.

Freedom in Christ is demonstrated by walking in the Spirit, not by indulging the flesh.

The Holy Spirit does not lead us away from God’s ways.

He leads us into them.

When we truly follow Yeshua, we are no longer trying to earn salvation through perfect obedience to the Law—a task no sinful person could ever accomplish. Instead, we joyfully obey because we have already been saved by grace and because we desire to become more like Christ.

Christian freedom is therefore not a “get out of jail free” card that allows us to ignore God’s commands.

It is the wonderful privilege of being set free from sin so that we can finally live as God intended.

Application:

  • Thank God that salvation is His gift of grace through faith in Yeshua.
  • Remember that Christian freedom is freedom from sin, not freedom to sin.
  • Study God’s Word to better understand how He calls us to love Him and love others.
  • Ask the Holy Spirit to help you walk according to His ways rather than according to the flesh.
  • Examine your life to see whether you have ever used “Christian freedom” as an excuse to avoid repentance or obedience.

Closing Prayer:

Father, thank You for the incredible gift of salvation through Your grace. Thank You for setting me free from the bondage and penalty of sin through Yeshua. Help me never to misuse that freedom as an excuse for disobedience, but instead to walk by Your Spirit and delight in following Your ways. Continue transforming my heart so that my obedience flows from love for You and gratitude for all You have done. May my life reflect the freedom that is found in faithfully following Christ. 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, Protector / Deliverer, Sin, Traditions / Holidays

Celebrating True Freedom this July 4

Leave a comment

As we celebrate the freedom of our nation this Independence Day, have we stopped to consider the even greater freedom that Christ has given us?

Key Verse:
“It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” —Galatians 5:1 NASB

Background Context:
Independence Day reminds us of the tremendous sacrifices made to secure the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. Those freedoms are worthy of gratitude and celebration. Yet Scripture reminds us of an even greater freedom—the freedom Yeshua purchased for us through His death and resurrection.

Unlike political freedom, this freedom reaches the heart. It frees us from the bondage and penalty of sin so that we may live according to God’s will and enjoy a restored relationship with Him. However, similar to political freedom, it does not mean there are no more boundaries to how we live. Freedom does not mean we can or should do anything we choose.

Reflection:

As we gather with family and friends to celebrate July 4, it is fitting to thank God for the blessings of living in a nation where we have long enjoyed remarkable freedoms. Many men and women have sacrificed greatly to preserve those liberties, and we should never take them for granted. At the same time, our national freedom provides an opportunity to reflect on an even greater freedom that no government can grant and no earthly power can take away—the freedom we have in Christ.

The Apostle Paul explains this freedom beautifully in Romans 8:1–4:

“Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death… so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”

Through Yeshua, we are no longer condemned by our sin. We have been forgiven, redeemed, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live differently. This freedom is not freedom to sin; it is freedom from sin’s dominion.

Unfortunately, some misunderstand Christian freedom as though it means God’s instruction no longer matters. Yet Yeshua addressed this directly in Matthew 5:17–19:

“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.”

Yeshua perfectly fulfilled the Law, but He never taught His followers to reject God’s instruction. Instead, He taught its true meaning and demonstrated what wholehearted obedience looks like. Throughout His ministry, He challenged the legalistic traditions that religious leaders had added to God’s commands, while consistently affirming the righteousness and wisdom of God’s Word.

Paul makes this same point in Galatians 5:13:

“For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”

Christian freedom is not lawlessness. It is the freedom to love God, to love our neighbor, and to walk in obedience through the power of the Holy Spirit.

The psalmist understood this long before the coming of Messiah. Psalm 119 repeatedly celebrates God’s law not as a burden, but as a blessing.

“O how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.” (Psalm 119:97)

“Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Your law is truth.” (Psalm 119:142)

“Those who love Your law have great peace, and nothing causes them to stumble.” (Psalm 119:165)

God’s instruction was never intended to keep us from experiencing joy. It was given to help us walk in wisdom, righteousness, and peace. Through Christ, we are not freed from God’s ways—we are finally empowered to live them as He intended.

Perhaps no passage summarizes true freedom better than the words of Yeshua in John 8:31–36. Speaking to those who believed Him, He explained that abiding in His Word leads to knowing the truth, and “the truth will make you free.” He concluded with this wonderful promise:

“So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

Political freedom is a tremendous blessing, but it is temporary. Spiritual freedom is eternal. One allows us to worship without coercion. The other transforms our hearts so that we desire to worship God willingly and joyfully.

As we celebrate our nation’s independence, may we give even greater thanks for the freedom that only Christ can provide. May we use that freedom not to pursue our own desires, but to love, serve, and glorify the One who gave everything to redeem us.

Application:

  • Thank God for both the freedoms we enjoy as a nation and the greater freedom we have in Christ.
  • Remember that Christian freedom is freedom from the power of sin, not freedom to ignore God’s instruction.
  • Spend time studying God’s Word so you can better understand His will and walk in His ways.
  • Use your freedom to love God, serve others, and be a faithful witness for Yeshua.
  • Pray for our nation and its leaders, asking God to grant wisdom, justice, and hearts that turn toward Him.

Closing Prayer:

Father, thank You for the freedoms we enjoy and for the sacrifices that have made them possible. Above all, thank You for the freedom You have given us through Yeshua. Thank You for rescuing us from the bondage of sin and inviting us into a life of joyful obedience and fellowship with You. Help us never to misuse our freedom, but to use it to love You, serve others, and honor Your name. We pray for our nation and its leaders, asking that You would guide them with wisdom and righteousness. May our lives reflect the true freedom that can only be found in Christ. 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, Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, Peace / Rest, Sabbath / Rest, Traditions / Holidays

Rest Is an Act of Faith (Exodus 16:22-36)

Leave a comment

Do you trust God enough to stop working for one day each week?

Key Verse:
“See, the LORD has given you the sabbath; therefore He gives you bread for two days on the sixth day.” —Exodus 16:29 NASB

Background Context:
In Exodus 16:1–21, God responded to Israel’s complaints by providing manna from heaven. Each day the people gathered exactly what they needed, learning to depend upon God for their daily provision.

Now in Exodus 16:22–36, God introduces another lesson. He instructs the people to gather twice as much manna on the sixth day and to rest on the seventh. In doing so, God teaches His people that trusting Him includes not only working when He says work, but also resting when He says rest.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Exodus 16:22-36

The Sabbath Observed

      22Now on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for each one. When all the leaders of the congregation came and told Moses, 23then he said to them, “This is what the LORD meant: Tomorrow is a sabbath observance, a holy sabbath to the LORD. Bake what you will bake and boil what you will boil, and all that is left over put aside to be kept until morning.” 24So they put it aside until morning, as Moses had ordered, and it did not become foul nor was there any worm in it. 25Moses said, “Eat it today, for today is a sabbath to the LORD; today you will not find it in the field. 26“Six days you shall gather it, but on the seventh day, the sabbath, there will be none.”

      27It came about on the seventh day that some of the people went out to gather, but they found none. 28Then the LORD said to Moses, “How long do you refuse to keep My commandments and My instructions? 29“See, the LORD has given you the sabbath; therefore He gives you bread for two days on the sixth day. Remain every man in his place; let no man go out of his place on the seventh day.” 30So the people rested on the seventh day.

      31The house of Israel named it manna, and it was like coriander seed, white, and its taste was like wafers with honey. 32Then Moses said, “This is what the LORD has commanded, ‘Let an omerful of it be kept throughout your generations, that they may see the bread that I fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you out of the land of Egypt.’” 33Moses said to Aaron, “Take a jar and put an omerful of manna in it, and place it before the LORD to be kept throughout your generations.” 34As the LORD commanded Moses, so Aaron placed it before the Testimony, to be kept. 35The sons of Israel ate the manna forty years, until they came to an inhabited land; they ate the manna until they came to the border of the land of Canaan. 36(Now an omer is a tenth of an ephah.)

Reflection on Exodus 16:22–36:

One of the most important things to understand about the Sabbath is that it did not begin at Mount Sinai. It did not originate with Moses or with the nation of Israel. The Sabbath traces all the way back to creation itself. Genesis 2:2–3 tells us that after completing His work, God rested on the seventh day, blessed it, and sanctified it. God certainly did not need rest, but He established a pattern for mankind and set apart the seventh day as something holy and special.

As Israel traveled through the wilderness, God intentionally taught them to honor what He had established from the beginning. Before He ever spoke the Ten Commandments from Mount Sinai, He was already teaching His people about the Sabbath. This is significant because it shows that the Sabbath was not merely an afterthought or a temporary provision. God wanted His people to learn to trust Him, and one of the ways He taught that lesson was through rest.

The Israelites had spent generations as slaves in Egypt. Slaves do not determine their own schedules. Slaves work when they are told to work, and their value is often measured by their productivity. God was teaching His people a different way of life. They were no longer Pharaoh’s servants. They belonged to Him.

For six days they were to gather manna. On the sixth day they were to gather twice as much. Then on the seventh day they were to rest. The lesson was simple but profound: God would provide enough. They did not need to gather manna on the Sabbath because God had already supplied what they needed. Observing the Sabbath therefore became an act of trust. Would they believe that God had truly provided enough? Would they trust Him enough to stop working?

Some did not. Despite God’s clear instructions, some people went out on the seventh day looking for manna and found none. The Lord responded by asking, “How long do you refuse to keep My commandments and My instructions?” The issue was not simply collecting food. The issue was whether the people trusted God’s provision and were willing to obey His instruction.

This same principle remains relevant today. Many people struggle with rest because they fear falling behind. We convince ourselves that there is too much to do, too much responsibility, or too many demands on our time. Yet the Sabbath reminds us that our security does not come from endless effort. It comes from God. The Israelites could gather manna seven days a week if they wanted, but if God did not provide it, their efforts would accomplish nothing.

Centuries later, Yeshua reinforced God’s purpose for the Sabbath when He said, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27). God did not create the Sabbath because He needed something from us. He created it because we need it. We need time to rest, time to worship, time to focus on our relationship with Him, and time to invest in our families and the things that truly matter.

Some claim that the Sabbath is no longer relevant, yet we find Yeshua regularly observing it. Luke 4:16 tells us that it was His custom to attend the synagogue on the Sabbath. We likewise see the apostles continuing to gather, teach, and worship on the Sabbath throughout the book of Acts. Whatever traditions may have developed over the centuries, the Scriptures consistently present the Sabbath as a blessing rather than a burden.

Perhaps the greatest lesson of Exodus 16 is that Sabbath requires faith. It requires us to acknowledge that God can accomplish more through our obedience than we can accomplish through our striving. The same God who provided enough manna on the sixth day is the God who continues to provide for His people today. When we rest according to His design, we declare our trust in Him as our provider.

The Sabbath is not ultimately about what we stop doing. It is about remembering who God is. It is a weekly reminder that the Creator still reigns, that He is faithful to provide, and that we can trust Him completely.

Application:

  • Remember that God established the Sabbath at creation, long before Sinai.
  • Trust God’s provision enough to set aside regular time for rest and worship.
  • View the Sabbath as a gift from God rather than a burden.
  • Spend time studying what Scripture teaches about God’s purpose for the Sabbath.
  • Use times of rest to strengthen your relationship with God and your family.

Closing Prayer:

Father, thank You for creating the Sabbath as a gift and blessing for Your people. Help me to trust You enough to rest and to remember that You are my provider. Teach me to embrace the rhythms You established from the beginning and to find joy in spending dedicated time with You. Strengthen my faith to trust Your provision rather than relying solely on my own efforts. Thank You for Your faithfulness and care. 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.

Father / Yahweh, Parenting, Traditions / Holidays

Yahweh Is A Good Father: Let Us Honor Him

As we celebrate Father’s Day, it is good to focus on our Creator and Father in addition to celebrating good earthly fathers. Take time to prayerfully and thoughtfully reflect on who He is and what He has already done for You.

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

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

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

Reflect on the greatness of God’s power toward you as God the Father. He is Father, Provider, Shelter, and Protector.

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

Focus on God’s character, praise Him, and be thankful. His character should be reflected in our character.

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

Consider picking one or more of God’s characteristics, starting with the one you understand the least, and study its meaning, including a study of application in scriptures. This activity will renew your mind in that area and, in turn, transform your character to be more like God and our Lord Jesus Christ. After completing this, consider doing the other character traits over time, perhaps one a week.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, thank You for being such a wonderful Father. Thank you for caring for me even when I may not understand why I experience certain things that are difficult. You are worthy of praise. You are the model for the father I should strive to be. Please help me (and/or pray for fathers in your life here) to become more like You. Amen. 

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

John Golda

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

Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, Peace / Rest, Sabbath / Rest, Traditions / Holidays

Remember the Sabbath

Sabbath can be a very interesting topic to study within the Bible. YHWH had a lot to say to his people about the Sabbath. In fact, a seventh-day rest is recorded from the beginning, with the example of YHWH as he completed creation. We can also perhaps see where Sabbath rest foreshadows the rest we find in Yeshua as Messiah, for it is through him and his death and resurrection that we are saved. We need not try to be made righteous through our works, though our works should still be righteous. We can also see the foreshadowing of the rest we find when we die and go to be with the LORD, and also when the LORD returns and begins his millennial reign on Earth. Further, the Sabbath is a part of the holy days of YHWH set out in Leviticus 23 and was intended to be part of our relationship with him, and was intended to help us.

Sabbath is rich in meaning, but unfortunately, today most Christians act as if Sabbath is obsolete and has no meaning. I have seen it disappear in my lifetime. Where businesses were shut down for the Sabbath in the past, albeit on Sunday, now most are open. People no longer rest but rather remain very busy on basically every day of the week. People go about their agenda in their own way. They have lost the Sabbath.

My family and I rediscovered the Sabbath in recent years and have started setting it aside as a day of rest. It is a significant change and may even seem inconvenient at times as you adjust, but it is genuinely worthwhile to pursue. It is important to YHWH, and he created it for our benefit rather than his own.

We can, and perhaps should, have a robust discussion about how to celebrate Sabbath today, but let us take time today to simply review some of what YHWH has said and demonstrated about Sabbath. Once we help to establish its importance, I encourage each of you to continue studying Sabbath and seeking to begin living it in your own lives. Keep growing and learning on this subject. There is much that has been lost for which we should endeavor to recover.

A good and simple place to start as you read through scripture is to recognize that the main theme is that his people should not work and should not cause others to work on the Sabbath. It is to be kept as a sign of our covenant with him, and he created it for us. Interestingly, I can not find instructions specifically to go to synagogue or temple (or church) on the Sabbath day; however, it was clearly an accepted custom that even Yeshua demonstrated.

YHWH set an example for us from the very beginning as part of creation to observe a day of rest on the seventh day, after our work has been done.

Gen 2:1-2       1Thus the heavens and the earth were completed, and all their hosts. 2By the seventh day God completed His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.

Did YHWH say anything about when his people should stop celebrating the Sabbath?

Exod 31:16-27 16‘So the sons of Israel shall observe the sabbath, to celebrate the sabbath throughout their generations as a perpetual covenant.’ 17“It is a sign between Me and the sons of Israel forever; for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, but on the seventh day He ceased from labor, and was refreshed.”

YHWH gave guidance to his people to work in the first six days and rest on the seventh, which is consistent with his example during creation. (The seventh day would be Saturday by our current calendar.) He also instructed us not to cause others to work.

Exod 20:8-22    8“Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9“Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10but the seventh day is a sabbath of the LORD your God; in it you shall not do any work, you or your son or your daughter, your male or your female servant or your cattle or your sojourner who stays with you. 11“For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day; therefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day and made it holy.

Leviticus 23:3    3‘For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day there is a sabbath of complete rest, a holy convocation. You shall not do any work; it is a sabbath to the LORD in all your dwellings.

YHWH intended us to recognize Sabbath even during pressure to get work done or accomplish an important task (like handling Yeshua’s body after he was crucified).

Exod 34:21    21“You shall work six days, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even during plowing time and harvest you shall rest.

Luke 23:54-56     54It was the preparation day, and the Sabbath was about to begin. 55Now the women who had come with Him out of Galilee followed, and saw the tomb and how His body was laid. 56Then they returned and prepared spices and perfumes. And on the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.

YHWH intended the rest to be more than just not doing the work for which we get paid. One can have quite an engaging dialogue in defining “work”, recognizing that some of the literal activity which YHWH specifically called out in scripture could arguably not really feel like work in today’s environment/technology. (e.g., lighting a fire, etc.) He also specified not buying things offered for sale on the Sabbath

Nehemiah 10:31 31As for the peoples of the land who bring wares or any grain on the sabbath day to sell, we will not buy from them on the sabbath or a holy day; and we will forego the crops the seventh year and the exaction of every debt.

When does Sabbath begin?

Leviticus 23:32 32“It is to be a sabbath of complete rest to you, and you shall humble your souls; on the ninth of the month at evening, from evening until evening you shall keep your sabbath.”

This would be consistent with the Hebrew calendar observed by God’s people in Biblical times, where a day started with sundown and ended with sundown. In today’s calendar, this would be Friday night at sundown through Saturday night at sundown. (Learn more at Hebrew4Christians.com or 119Ministries.com.)

Is Sabbath casual or important to YHWH? You can probably already tell it is important based on how much YHWH had to say about it to his people and the fact that he set the example during creation.

Exod 20:8    8“Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy

Ezekiel 20:20 20‘Sanctify My sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between Me and you, that you may know that I am the LORD your God.’

Deuteronomy 5:12    12‘Observe the sabbath day to keep it holy, as the LORD your God commanded you.

Exodus 31:13      12The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 13“But as for you, speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘You shall surely observe My sabbaths; for this is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am the LORD who sanctifies you. 14‘Therefore you are to observe the sabbath, for it is holy to you. Everyone who profanes it shall surely be put to death; for whoever does any work on it, that person shall be cut off from among his people. Tell the Israelites, “Surely you must observe my Sabbaths, for this will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so that you may know that I am the LORD who sanctifies you.

Why is the Sabbath important to YHWH?

Exod 31:17 17“It is a sign between Me and the sons of Israel forever; for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, but on the seventh day He ceased from labor, and was refreshed.”

What example did Yeshua set for proper observance of the Sabbath?

Luke 4:16  16And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and stood up to read.

Matthew 12:9-15

      9Departing from there, He went into their synagogue. 10And a man was there whose hand was withered. And they questioned Jesus, asking, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”—so that they might accuse Him. 11And He said to them, “What man is there among you who has a sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will he not take hold of it and lift it out? 12“How much more valuable then is a man than a sheep! So then, it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” 13Then He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand!” He stretched it out, and it was restored to normal, like the other. 14But the Pharisees went out and conspired against Him, as to how they might destroy Him.

      15But Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. Many followed Him, and He healed them all,

John 9:13-14   13They brought to the Pharisees the man who was formerly blind. 14Now it was a Sabbath on the day when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes.

Mark 2:23-28       23And it happened that He was passing through the grainfields on the Sabbath, and His disciples began to make their way along while picking the heads of grain. 24The Pharisees were saying to Him, “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?” 25And He said to them, “Have you never read what David did when he was in need and he and his companions became hungry; 26how he entered the house of God in the time of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the consecrated bread, which is not lawful for anyone to eat except the priests, and he also gave it to those who were with him?” 27Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. 28“So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”

In order to make the Sabbath day a day of physical rest, we must prepare ahead of time. The sixth day was referred to as the day of preparation.

Exodus 16:5 5“On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather daily.”

Exodus 16:22-26       22Now on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for each one. When all the leaders of the congregation came and told Moses, 23then he said to them, “This is what the LORD meant: Tomorrow is a sabbath observance, a holy sabbath to the LORD. Bake what you will bake and boil what you will boil, and all that is left over put aside to be kept until morning.” 24So they put it aside until morning, as Moses had ordered, and it did not become foul nor was there any worm in it. 25Moses said, “Eat it today, for today is a sabbath to the LORD; today you will not find it in the field. 26“Six days you shall gather it, but on the seventh day, the sabbath, there will be none.”

Mark 15:42-43   42When evening had already come, because it was the preparation day, that is, the day before the Sabbath, 43Joseph of Arimathea came, a prominent member of the Council, who himself was waiting for the kingdom of God; and he gathered up courage and went in before Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus.

Luke 23:54-56     54It was the preparation day, and the Sabbath was about to begin. 55Now the women who had come with Him out of Galilee followed, and saw the tomb and how His body was laid. 56Then they returned and prepared spices and perfumes. And on the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.

For whose benefit is the Sabbath? Man or God?

Mark 2:27   27Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.

We should prayerfully reflect on what the Lord has to say about the Sabbath and how we should observe it still today. Invest time to continue studying and begin trying to adjust your lifestyle to incorporate Sabbath. Don’t be overwhelmed trying to “get it all right” and do so overnight. Instead, allow yourself to learn and apply, and then continue to learn more and apply that, and so on.

I am convinced the Lord is pleased when his people pursue living according to his instruction by pursuing something in our lives as important as the Sabbath.

Some additional resources to consider:

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please help me to embrace Your concept of Sabbath joyfully. Give me the courage to turn away from the world’s ways and toward Yours. Thank You for creating Sabbath for us! 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.

Children, Father / Yahweh, Parenting, Traditions / Holidays

Guided by YHWH: Embodying the Qualities of a Good Father

Good fathers should pursue Christ and be spiritual leaders in their families. They should put YHWH first, their wife next, and then the children in their priority list, and then actually live their lives according to that standard. YHWH has said much about what it means to be a good father. It need not be a mystery.

Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Psalm 103:13 Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.

Colossians 3:21 Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart.

Psalm 127:3-5 Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; they will not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.

Luke 11:11-12 “Now suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? “Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he?

Joshua 24:14-15 “Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. 15“If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

Perhaps some scripture does not explicitly call out “fathers”, but as in Joshua 24:14-15, he demonstrates the role of a good father as a strong leader for his family committed to serving YHWH even if others refuse to do so. Psalm 127:3-5 shows a good father feels blessed to have received the gift of children.

There are many more such scriptures. I encourage you to do an internet search for “Bible scriptures about good fathers” and invest time to dive deeper. In fact, YHWH gives us the metaphor to think of Him like a Father, and He is perfect. Thus, we can learn much about being a good father from studying how He relates to His people.

Good fathers are not perfect… There is only one perfect Father. On behalf of all those fathers out there who are trying to lead, protect, and provide for their families, we appreciate your grace and forgiveness when we get it wrong, and we welcome your prayers and encouragement on our behalf so we may become better and better at what YHWH has called us to be… fathers.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, thank You for the righteous fathers who strive to lead their families in Your ways. Please help and encourage fathers to actively lead and love their families. Help fathers reflect Your character traits and be a light to others who do not know You and a godly example to their children. 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.

Consequences of Sin, Grace / Forgiveness, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Loving / Kind, Traditions / Holidays

The Ultimate Act of Love: Reflections on Memorial Day

As we recognize Memorial Day, it is a good time to reflect on and appreciate those who have laid down their lives for the rest of us to be able to live free in the United States of America. It is a good time to pray for those who are actively serving, have served, or are surviving family of those who have died in service to our country. God gave us this unique nation based on Judeo-Christian values and heritage. Many have served and died protecting it.

Yeshua demonstrated and taught that there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for his friends. He laid down His life for all those who choose to follow Him and submit to Him. We can be thankful for sure that our sins can be forgiven because of Him. We could never pay that debt.

Yeshua also encouraged His disciples to show this kind of love for one another as well… to lay down their life for one another. So, too, are we encouraged to lay down our lives for one another. At times, we may face a situation where we literally must make that choice in an instant. Other times we lay down our lives by how we live for others rather than living for ourselves.

As we read, we should not overlook that Yeshua said that “You are my friends if you do what I command you.” This is clearly important, but a different context in our relationship with Him vs. relationships with each other that we may consider friends. We should obey Yeshua to be His “friend”. We do not need to obey each other to be friends.

John 15:12-17

Disciples’ Relation to Each Other

12“This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. 13“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. 14“You are My friends if you do what I command you. 15“No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. 16“You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. 17“This I command you, that you love one another.

Take time to pray for those who risk their lives or lose them for others. Pray also for their families. Of course, not everyone in uniform is righteous or acts with righteous motives, but many have sacrificed none the less to protect our country and our freedom. Pray also for the leadership in our government so that they would lead well and not recklessly. Further, pray for the people of our nation that they would hold in high regard those that serve to protect our nation and risk their lives to do so.

Take time to also pause and reflect on our Savior, Yeshua, who laid down his life for us so we could be forgiven and reconciled with the Father. Give thanks to him. Do not let that offer be wasted. Rather, submit to him, turn from your sin, and seek him. Let him be Lord of your life. You will find greater joy and peace in this world and after.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, thank You that You sent Yeshua to lay down His life for me, so that I could be forgiven and reconciled to You. Thank You for the people that have sacrificed personally to protect and build up our nation as a free nation built on individual liberty and not dominated by tyrants or a ruling class that controls the people. Please help protect and maintain that nation based on Your principles and ideals from those who would change it for something else, like socialism or simply giving up more and more individual freedom to government control. Please raise up the righteous and bring restoration to the land that we would be a light for the world to bring You glory. 

Shalom

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.

Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, Sabbath / Rest, Seeking God, Traditions / Holidays

The Deep Roots and Rich Significance of Pentecost

Pentecost is not just a date on the Christian calendar—it’s a celebration of the moment the Holy Spirit made a transformative entry into the lives of the early believers.

Beyond its historical significance, Pentecost connects deeply with the Feast of Weeks, or Shavuot, a time celebrated by our Jewish forebears to mark the wheat harvest and traditionally, the giving of the Torah at Sinai. This dual significance enriches our understanding and invites us to explore how ancient traditions illuminate our modern faith experiences.

Body: Pentecost and Its Biblical Roots:
Acts 2 captures the dramatic arrival of the Holy Spirit, a pivotal moment that transformed ordinary followers of Christ into powerful witnesses of His gospel. This event is not just a miraculous narrative; it’s a fulfillment of a promise and a continuation of a legacy that began with the observance of the Feast of Weeks.

Connecting Old and New Testaments:
The Feast of Weeks, celebrated seven weeks after Passover, was originally a harvest festival but also came to be associated with the giving of the law at Mount Sinai. Similarly, Pentecost, falling 50 days post-Resurrection, marks not only the indwelling of the Holy Spirit but also a new kind of harvest—a harvest of souls and the spread of God’s word across nations.

The Cultural and Scriptural Significance:
As recorded in Leviticus Leviticus 23:15-21, Leviticus 34:22-24, and Numbers 28:26-31, the Feast of Weeks was a time of offering and holiness, a theme that transcends into the celebration of Pentecost with the offerings of the early church’s first fruits in faith and community. The scriptural mandate for a holy convocation and cessation from labor mirrors our call to reflect, celebrate, and revere this holy day.

Contemporary Observance and Application:
Today, as we embrace Pentecost, it’s crucial to reflect not only on the historical and spiritual implications but also on the personal call to each believer. The Holy Spirit’s descent is a reminder of our empowerment to live out the gospel, to be active participants in the ministry of reconciliation, and to foster a community bound by love and driven by divine purpose.

Call to Action:

  1. Reflect and Pray: Spend time in Acts 2 and the related Old Testament scriptures. Ask the Holy Spirit to deepen your understanding and connection to this historic and spiritual event.
  2. Celebrate Thoughtfully: Observe Pentecost as a day of spiritual renewal and commitment. Consider how you can incorporate elements of both the Feast of Weeks and Pentecost in your personal and communal worship.
  3. Study and Share: Dive deeper into the significance of the Feast of Weeks and its New Testament fulfillment. Share these insights with your community to enrich your collective appreciation and celebration of Pentecost.
  4. Live Empowered: Let the reality of the Holy Spirit’s dwelling within you inspire you to live boldly and lovingly as a witness of Christ’s love and power.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we remember Pentecost, we thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit, who empowers, guides, and transforms us. Help us to hold sacred the deep roots of this day, drawing from the rich history of Your workings among Your people. May we live out the truths of Your Word with passion and integrity, continually seeking Your wisdom and spreading Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Learn More: You can study more about the creators calendar using sites like Hebrew4Christians.com, MessianicLight.com, or Psalm119Ministries (select Time: Our Creators Calendar to see collection of videos available). You can learn about what the scripture says about these holy days, when they occur, why God told us to celebrate Shavuot, and traditions.

There is some debate amongst different sources as to the date of the Passover and thus Shavuot/Pentecost each year. Don’t let this discourage you from getting started celebrating and studying God’s holy days.

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.

Children, Parenting, Traditions / Holidays

Celebrating Mothers: Beyond Just One Day a Year

Once a year, the world pauses to say “Thank you, Mom,” often accompanied by gifts and flowers. This is good, but what if we chose to live every day with that same spirit of gratitude and respect for mothers? Let’s explore what the Bible teaches us about the enduring role of mothers and how we can honor them not just annually, but every day.

Mother’s Day is a special occasion indeed, and worthy to be celebrated as a special day. However, the Bible suggests that honoring our mothers is an ongoing commitment, deeply rooted in love and respect. The scriptures provide us with profound insights into the significance of mothers in our lives, guiding us to appreciate and support them in ways that go far beyond conventional celebrations.

Biblical Guidance on Honoring Mothers: Deuteronomy 5:16 reminds us of the command to honor our parents so that we may prosper and live long in the land given by the Lord. This isn’t just about obedience; it’s about recognizing the foundational role mothers play in our lives.

The Proverbs 31 Woman – A Model of Strength and Devotion: Proverbs 31:13-31 paints a picture of an ideal mother—a hardworking, compassionate, and wise woman who cares deeply for her family and community. From managing a household to extending a hand to the needy, her life is a testament to the power of a godly woman.

Teaching and Guidance: Mothers also play a crucial role in imparting wisdom and moral guidance as seen in Proverbs 6:20-22. They lay down the foundational values that guide their children throughout life.

Joy and Rejoicing: Children are called to live righteously, bringing joy to their mothers, as highlighted in Proverbs 23:22-25. True joy for a mother comes not from material gifts but from seeing her children lead lives of integrity and kindness.

A Mother’s Love: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 isn’t just about romantic love; it’s a blueprint for the kind of love that should flow in families, especially from and towards mothers. Patience, kindness, and perseverance in love are marks of true affection and respect.

Summary: Mother’s Day should be more than a once-a-year occasion; it should be a daily celebration of gratitude and biblical love. Good mothers exemplify virtues that deserve to be recognized and reciprocated every day.

Call to Action:

  1. Reflect Daily: Each day, take a moment to appreciate the sacrifices and love your mother has shown you. Consider writing her a note or simply telling her what she means to you.
  2. Learn and Share: Dive deeper into the scriptures mentioned above and share your insights with your family or during a Mother’s Day gathering.
  3. Act Continuously: Show love and respect through consistent actions. Help around the house, spend quality time together, and be present—it’s these everyday acts that truly honor and uplift mothers.
  4. Celebrate Community: Encourage those in your community to honor their mothers by setting an example and organizing community activities that recognize and support mothers of all ages.

Closing Prayer: Lord, we thank You for the blessing of mothers who nurture, teach, and guide us. We pray for strength for every mother who tirelessly gives of herself in love and service. Help us to appreciate, respect, and honor them not just today but every day of our lives. Inspire us to support and uplift the mothers in our community, showing them the love and respect they so richly deserve. In Your holy 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.

Children, Parenting, Traditions / Holidays

Embracing Our Spiritual Family This Mother’s Day

Not all family is bound by blood—some of the strongest bonds are formed through obedience to the Word.

Key Verse:
“But He answered and said to them, ‘My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.’” —Luke 8:21 (NASB)

Background Context:
In the midst of His ministry, Yeshua (Jesus) was told that His mother and brothers were waiting to see Him. His response may seem surprising at first. Rather than stepping away to greet His biological family, He used this moment to emphasize a greater spiritual truth. His family, He said, includes all who hear God’s Word and obey it. This does not negate the value of earthly family—after all, honoring our parents is a biblical command—but it expands our understanding of who we are called to love and care for as family in the body of Christ.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Luke 8: 19-21

  19And His mother and brothers came to Him, and they were unable to get to Him because of the crowd. 20And it was reported to Him, “Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, wishing to see You.” 21But He answered and said to them, “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.”

Reflection on Luke 8:19–21:
In our rush to study scripture or prepare for holidays like Mother’s Day, we can sometimes miss the deeper spiritual treasures waiting just beneath the surface. Yeshua’s words here are a powerful reminder that the family of God is not defined by genetics but by shared obedience and devotion to the Father.

This passage invites us to view those in our faith community through a new lens. It challenges us to see fellow believers as mothers, brothers, sisters—as true family. And just like with our earthly families, we are called to extend grace, love, forgiveness, and practical support. In doing so, we reflect the heart of Yeshua, who showed that true kinship lies in shared submission to the will of God.

Application:
This Mother’s Day, honor the mothers in your life—both physical and spiritual. Reach out to those in your church or community who may need extra support or encouragement. Be intentional: make a call, send a note, or simply ask how you can help. If possible, organize opportunities for fellowship and refreshment, such as a meal or small gathering, and commit to ongoing support throughout the year. Let your actions reflect the truth Yeshua taught: that the body of Christ is a true and lasting family.

Closing Prayer:
Father, we thank You for the gift of earthly mothers and for the greater spiritual family You have given us in Christ. Help us to honor both, and to love our brothers and sisters in the faith with compassion and purpose. Teach us to obey Your Word and to walk together in unity and support. May we see each believer through Your eyes—as precious family. In Yeshua’s name we pray, amen.

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

John Golda

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