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.

Holding to God’s Truth and Messiah (Revelation 12:13-17)

What kind of people does Satan most fiercely oppose?

Key Verse:
“So the dragon was enraged with the woman, and went off to make war with the rest of her children, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.” —Revelation 12:17 NASB

Background Context:
In Revelation 12, John is shown a dramatic picture of the spiritual battle that has unfolded throughout history. A woman gives birth to a male child, a great dragon seeks to destroy them, and God repeatedly intervenes to protect and preserve His purposes.

The woman is commonly understood to represent Israel. The imagery of the sun, moon, and twelve stars points back to Joseph’s dream in Genesis 37 and the covenant people through whom God would bring His promises into the world.

The dragon is explicitly identified as Satan.

The male child is Messiah, Yeshua, the One who is destined to rule the nations.

After repeatedly failing to destroy God’s plans, Satan turns his attention to another group described in Revelation 12:17.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Revelation 12:13-17

      13And when the dragon saw that he was thrown down to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male child. 14But the two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, so that she could fly into the wilderness to her place, where she was nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. 15And the serpent poured water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, so that he might cause her to be swept away with the flood. 16But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and drank up the river which the dragon poured out of his mouth. 17So the dragon was enraged with the woman, and went off to make war with the rest of her children, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.

Reflection on Revelation 12:13–17:
One of the most encouraging truths in Revelation 12 is that Satan never succeeds in accomplishing his ultimate goal.

He seeks to destroy Messiah.

He fails.

He persecutes the woman.

God protects her.

He attempts to overwhelm her.

God intervenes.

Throughout the chapter, the dragon is active, but God remains sovereign.

This is an important reminder for believers today. Satan is real, and spiritual warfare is real, but neither occurs outside the authority and control of God.

After failing in his attacks against the woman, the dragon becomes enraged and turns his attention toward “the rest of her children.”

John then gives a very specific description of who these people are.

They are those:

  • who keep the commandments of God
  • and hold to the testimony of Jesus

Notice carefully what Scripture says.

It does not say:

  • those who keep the commandments of God or
  • those who hold to the testimony of Jesus

It says:

  • those who keep the commandments of God and
  • those who hold to the testimony of Jesus

Throughout history, people have often attempted to separate these two ideas.

Some focus heavily on God’s commandments and instruction while rejecting Messiah.

Others focus on faith in Messiah while treating God’s commandments and instruction as largely irrelevant.

Yet Revelation presents a different picture.

God’s faithful people embrace both.

The phrase “commandments of God” is much broader than simply the Ten Commandments.

Throughout Scripture, God’s instruction reveals His character, His wisdom, and His desire for how His people should live.

When Yeshua was asked about the greatest commandment, He replied:

“YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.”

And:

“YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.”

Then He added:

“On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:37–40)

The entire Law and the Prophets point toward these foundational truths.

God’s instruction is not merely a collection of rules.

It teaches us how to love God and how to love others according to His design.

Many people associate this emphasis on God’s commandments, instruction, and covenant faithfulness with Judaism.

Likewise, many people associate the testimony of Jesus with Christianity and faith in Messiah.

Yet Revelation 12:17 does not separate these themes.

Instead, it joins them together.

God’s faithful people are characterized by both.

They embrace God’s instruction.

They embrace God’s Messiah.

They seek to obey God and follow Yeshua.

This same description appears again later in Revelation:

“Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.” (Revelation 14:12)

The repetition should catch our attention.

God is not looking for half of the picture.

He desires a people who trust Him, obey Him, love Him, and follow His Messiah.

Perhaps this also helps explain why the dragon is enraged.

Satan is not threatened by fragments of truth.

He opposes the complete witness of God.

The enemy seeks division, compromise, and separation.

God calls His people toward unity in His truth.

Revelation 12 reminds us that faithful believers may face opposition, but they do so under the protection and sovereignty of God.

The dragon may make war against God’s people, but he cannot overthrow God’s plans.

He cannot stop God’s kingdom.

He cannot nullify God’s promises.

And he cannot separate God’s people from the God they serve.

The faithful remnant described in Revelation is not defined by perfect performance.

They are defined by a sincere commitment to both God’s truth and God’s Messiah.

That is the complete witness Satan opposes.

And that is the witness God calls us to embrace.

Application:

  • Pursue both faithful obedience to God and faith in Yeshua.
  • Study God’s instruction to better understand His character and His ways.
  • Resist attempts to separate God’s commandments from God’s Messiah.
  • Remember that genuine faith should produce a desire to obey God.
  • Stand firm when opposition comes, trusting that God remains sovereign.

Closing Prayer:

Father, thank You for revealing Yourself through Your Word and through Messiah. Help me to love You with all my heart and to love others according to Your instruction. Strengthen my faith in Yeshua and deepen my desire to walk in Your ways. Guard me from compromise and help me remain faithful to both Your truth and Your Messiah. Thank You that no attack of the enemy can overcome Your purposes. 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.

Behind the Curtain, the Battle Rages (Revelation 12)

Have you ever felt like there was more happening behind the scenes than what you could see with your eyes?

Key Verse:
“Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come…” —Revelation 12:10 NASB

Background Context:
In Revelation 11:15–19, heaven celebrated the certainty of God’s coming kingdom and the ultimate reign of Messiah.

Now in Revelation 12, John is shown a vision that pulls back the curtain on a larger spiritual conflict. Rather than continuing the chronological flow of judgments, the chapter provides a panoramic view of the conflict between God’s purposes and Satan’s opposition throughout history.

This chapter introduces three major figures:

  • a woman
  • a child
  • a dragon

And through them, God reveals the larger spiritual battle unfolding behind earthly events.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Revelation 12

The Woman, Israel

      1A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars; 2and she was with child; and she cried out, being in labor and in pain to give birth.

The Red Dragon, Satan

3Then another sign appeared in heaven: and behold, a great red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads were seven diadems. 4And his tail swept away a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her child.

The Male Child, Christ

5And she gave birth to a son, a male child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron; and her child was caught up to God and to His throne. 6Then the woman fled into the wilderness where she had a place prepared by God, so that there she would be nourished for one thousand two hundred and sixty days.

The Angel, Michael

7And there was war in heaven, Michael and his angels waging war with the dragon. The dragon and his angels waged war, 8and they were not strong enough, and there was no longer a place found for them in heaven. 9And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. 10Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying,
“Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night. 11“And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death. 12“For this reason, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them. Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time.”

      13And when the dragon saw that he was thrown down to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male child. 14But the two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, so that she could fly into the wilderness to her place, where she was nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. 15And the serpent poured water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, so that he might cause her to be swept away with the flood. 16But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and drank up the river which the dragon poured out of his mouth. 17So the dragon was enraged with the woman, and went off to make war with the rest of her children, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.

Reflection on Revelation 12:1–17:
Revelation 12 is one of the most symbolic chapters in the entire book.

While believers differ on certain details, the major message of the chapter is remarkably clear:

There is a real spiritual battle taking place.

John sees a great sign in heaven:
a woman clothed with the sun, the moon under her feet, and a crown of twelve stars.

He then sees a great red dragon seeking to destroy the child she is about to bear.

The dragon is later identified plainly as Satan.

Unlike some symbols in Revelation that require careful interpretation, Scripture leaves no doubt about his identity.

From the beginning, Satan has opposed God’s purposes.

He opposed:

  • God’s people
  • God’s promises
  • God’s Messiah

The dragon waits for the child to be born so that he might destroy Him.

This immediately reminds us of numerous attempts throughout biblical history to prevent God’s redemptive plan.

Yet every attempt fails.

The child is born.
The child rules the nations.
The child is caught up to God and His throne.

This points clearly to Messiah.

One of the encouraging themes of Revelation 12 is that God’s plans cannot be stopped.

Satan opposes.
Satan attacks.
Satan deceives.

But he cannot overthrow God’s purposes.

The chapter then shifts to a heavenly conflict where Satan is cast down from heaven.

Again, the focus is not on Satan’s power but on his defeat.

Notice the declaration that follows:

“Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God… have come.”

Heaven celebrates because the accuser has been thrown down.

For believers, this is deeply encouraging.

Satan is often described as an accuser.

He seeks to condemn, discourage, and attack God’s people.

But Revelation reminds us that his authority is limited and temporary.

The victory belongs to God.

Verse 11 contains one of the most beloved statements in the chapter:

“They overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony…”

Notice what brings victory.

Not human strength.
Not human wisdom.
Not human effort.

Victory comes through:

  • the blood of the Lamb
  • faithful testimony
  • perseverance

This connects beautifully to themes we’ve already seen throughout Revelation.

God’s people overcome by remaining faithful to Him.

The chapter concludes with the dragon continuing his hostility toward God’s people.

Even after suffering defeat, he persists in opposition.

This reminds us that spiritual warfare remains a reality.

Believers should not be surprised by opposition, temptation, or spiritual struggle.

But neither should we be fearful.

The overarching message of Revelation 12 is not that Satan is powerful.

It is that God is greater.

The dragon appears throughout the chapter.

But he never controls the outcome.

God remains sovereign.

God preserves His people.

God accomplishes His purposes.

And God’s victory is certain.

This chapter encourages believers to view life through a larger lens.

The struggles we see around us are often part of a bigger spiritual reality.

Yet through it all, God’s people can remain confident because the Lamb has already secured the victory.

Application:

  • Remember that spiritual battles often exist behind visible circumstances.
  • Trust that God’s purposes cannot be defeated by Satan’s opposition.
  • Stand firm in the victory provided through the blood of the Lamb.
  • Remain faithful in your testimony regardless of opposition.
  • Take comfort in God’s sovereignty and ultimate victory.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for reminding me that You remain sovereign over every battle and every circumstance. Help me to see beyond temporary struggles and remember that Your victory is certain. Strengthen me to stand firm through the blood of the Lamb and the testimony of my faith. Give me courage to trust You when opposition comes and confidence that Your purposes will never fail. 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.

From Praise to Complaining (Exodus 15:22-27)

Key Verse:
“There He made for them a statute and regulation, and there He tested them.” —Exodus 15:25 NASB

Background Context:
In Exodus 15:1–21, Israel celebrated God’s miraculous deliverance at the Red Sea. The people sang, worshiped, and praised the Lord for defeating Pharaoh and rescuing them from slavery.

But the journey was not over.

In Exodus 15:22–27, Israel faces its first major challenge after crossing the sea. What follows reveals an important truth about faith, testing, and learning to trust God beyond moments of victory.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Exodus 15:22-27

The LORD Provides Water

      22Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness and found no water. 23When they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter; therefore it was named Marah. 24So the people grumbled at Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?” 25Then he cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a tree; and he threw it into the waters, and the waters became sweet.
There He made for them a statute and regulation, and there He tested them. 26And He said, “If you will give earnest heed to the voice of the LORD your God, and do what is right in His sight, and give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have put on the Egyptians; for I, the LORD, am your healer.”

      27Then they came to Elim where there were twelve springs of water and seventy date palms, and they camped there beside the waters.

Reflection on Exodus 15:22–27:
One of the most surprising things about this passage is how quickly the situation changes.

Only days earlier, the people were singing songs of praise and celebrating God’s mighty deliverance.

Now they are thirsty.

After traveling three days in the wilderness without finding water, they finally discover water at Marah.

But there is a problem.

The water is bitter and cannot be consumed.

The people’s response is immediate:

They grumble.

This is the first of many wilderness tests.

And it reveals something important.

It is often easier to trust God during a miracle than during the waiting that follows.

At the Red Sea, God’s power was obvious.

At Marah, faith was required.

The people had just witnessed:

  • the plagues
  • Passover
  • the pillar of cloud and fire
  • the crossing of the sea

Yet a new difficulty quickly caused them to forget God’s recent faithfulness.

Before judging Israel too harshly, we should recognize how often we do the same thing.

God answers a prayer.
God provides for a need.
God carries us through a difficult season.

Then a new challenge arises and suddenly we become anxious, fearful, or doubtful again.

This passage reminds us that every new trial presents a choice.

Will we focus on the problem?

Or will we remember the God who has already proven Himself faithful?

Moses responds differently than the people.

Instead of complaining, he cries out to the Lord.

God then shows him a tree, which he throws into the water, and the bitter water becomes sweet.

The miracle itself is important, but so is the lesson behind it.

God was not merely providing water.

He was teaching trust.

Scripture specifically says:

“There He tested them.”

When we hear the word “test,” we often think of God trying to make life difficult.

But biblical testing is usually about revealing and strengthening faith.

God already knew what was in Israel’s heart.

The test helped reveal it to them.

The Lord then gives a promise.

If they will listen to Him and walk in His ways, He will be their healer.

This introduces an important aspect of God’s character.

The God who delivered them from Egypt was also the God who would sustain them in the wilderness.

Deliverance was not the end of their dependence on Him.

It was the beginning.

The passage ends at Elim, where there are:

  • twelve springs of water
  • seventy palm trees

What a contrast.

First bitterness.

Then abundance.

First testing.

Then refreshment.

This reminds us that God often allows seasons of testing, but He also provides seasons of encouragement and renewal.

The people could not see Elim while standing at Marah.

But God already knew where He was leading them.

The same is true for us.

Sometimes we stand in the middle of a difficult circumstance and cannot see what God is doing.

Yet He already knows the destination.

He remains faithful in both the bitter waters and the refreshing springs.

Application:

  • Remember God’s past faithfulness when facing new challenges.
  • Bring your concerns to God in prayer rather than responding with complaint.
  • View trials as opportunities for God to strengthen your faith.
  • Trust that God is working even when circumstances seem bitter.
  • Remember that God often provides refreshment after seasons of testing.

Closing Prayer:
Father, help me to trust You not only during times of victory, but also during seasons of testing. Forgive me for the times I focus more on my problems than on Your faithfulness. Strengthen my faith and teach me to bring my concerns to You in prayer. Help me remember that You are with me in both the bitter waters and the refreshing springs. Thank You for always being faithful. 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.

Sorrow Can Make Us Wiser (Ecclesiastes 7:1-6)

Why do some of life’s most valuable lessons often come through seasons we would never choose for ourselves?

Key Verse:
“It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, because that is the end of every person, and the living takes it to heart.” —Ecclesiastes 7:2 NASB

Background Context:
In Ecclesiastes 6, Solomon reflected on the emptiness of pursuing satisfaction apart from God. Wealth, success, honor, and long life cannot fill the deepest needs of the human heart.

Now in Ecclesiastes 7:1–6, Solomon presents a series of statements that seem surprising at first. He compares sorrow to laughter, mourning to feasting, and even speaks of the value of reflecting on death. Yet beneath these difficult sayings lies an important lesson about wisdom, character, and spiritual growth.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Ecclesiastes 7:1-6

Wisdom and Folly Contrasted

      1A good name is better than a good ointment,
And the day of one’s death is better than the day of one’s birth.

      2It is better to go to a house of mourning
Than to go to a house of feasting,
Because that is the end of every man,
And the living takes it to heart.

      3Sorrow is better than laughter,
For when a face is sad a heart may be happy.

      4The mind of the wise is in the house of mourning,
While the mind of fools is in the house of pleasure.

      5It is better to listen to the rebuke of a wise man
Than for one to listen to the song of fools.

      6For as the crackling of thorn bushes under a pot,
So is the laughter of the fool;
And this too is futility.

Reflection on Ecclesiastes 7:1–6:
At first glance, this passage can feel uncomfortable.

Solomon says:

  • a good name is better than costly perfume
  • the day of death is better than the day of birth
  • mourning is better than feasting
  • sorrow is better than laughter

These statements seem completely opposite to how most people naturally think.

But Solomon is not teaching that joy is bad or that sadness is inherently good.

Rather, he is teaching that difficult experiences often teach lessons that comfort and celebration cannot.

Consider the contrast between a funeral and a party.

A party is enjoyable.
A funeral is painful.

Yet Solomon says it is better to go to a house of mourning because it causes people to reflect on what truly matters.

Funerals remind us:

  • life is temporary
  • time is limited
  • relationships matter
  • eternity is real

They force us to ask questions that are easy to avoid during seasons of comfort.

In this sense, sorrow can become a teacher.

Many believers can look back and identify seasons of loss, disappointment, or hardship that ultimately drew them closer to God.

The experience itself was not pleasant.

But the spiritual growth that came from it was valuable.

This theme appears throughout Scripture.

Romans 5:3–4 teaches that suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope.

James 1:2–4 reminds believers that trials help develop spiritual maturity.

God often uses difficult seasons to shape us in ways that comfort never could.

Solomon also warns about the danger of surrounding ourselves only with voices that tell us what we want to hear.

“The rebuke of a wise man is better than the song of fools.”

Most people prefer praise over correction.

Yet loving correction often provides more benefit than empty compliments.

A wise friend who speaks truth may help us grow more than a hundred people who simply tell us what we want to hear.

Solomon compares the laughter of fools to the crackling of thorns under a pot.

It makes noise.
It flares briefly.

But it produces little lasting value.

In contrast, wisdom may sometimes come through uncomfortable conversations, painful experiences, and difficult truths.

This passage challenges a common assumption.

We often assume that the best seasons of life are the easiest ones.

Yet many of the qualities God values most:

  • humility
  • perseverance
  • compassion
  • dependence on Him
  • wisdom

are often developed through adversity.

That does not mean we should seek suffering.

Nor does it mean we should celebrate pain for its own sake.

Rather, it means we can trust that God is able to use even difficult seasons for our good and His purposes.

Solomon reminds us that wisdom often grows in places where comfort would rather not go.

And when we allow God to teach us through those seasons, hardship can become a tool He uses to shape us into the people He desires us to be.

Application:

  • Allow difficult seasons to draw you closer to God rather than away from Him.
  • Reflect regularly on what truly matters in light of eternity.
  • Receive wise correction with humility rather than resisting it.
  • Remember that spiritual growth often comes through challenges and trials.
  • Trust that God can use hardship to develop wisdom and character in your life.

Closing Prayer:
Father, help me to trust You during difficult seasons and to learn the lessons You desire to teach me. Give me wisdom to see beyond temporary circumstances and to focus on what truly matters. Help me receive correction with humility and grow through every trial I face. Thank You for using both joyful and difficult seasons to shape me into the person You are calling me to be. 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.

Remember to Praise After the Victory (Exodus 15:1-21)

When God answers a prayer or brings you through a difficult season, what is your first response?

Key Verse:
“The LORD is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation.” —Exodus 15:2 NASB

Background Context:
In Exodus 14, God parted the Red Sea, delivered Israel from Pharaoh’s army, and demonstrated His power in a way that would be remembered for generations.

Now in Exodus 15:1–21, the people respond to God’s deliverance with worship. Moses and the Israelites sing a song of praise, celebrating God’s victory, His faithfulness, and His unmatched power.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Exodus 15:1-21

The Song of Moses and Israel

      1Then Moses and the sons of Israel sang this song to the LORD, and said,
“I will sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted;
The horse and its rider He has hurled into the sea.

      2“The LORD is my strength and song,
And He has become my salvation;
This is my God, and I will praise Him;
My father’s God, and I will extol Him.

      3“The LORD is a warrior;
The LORD is His name.

      4“Pharaoh’s chariots and his army He has cast into the sea;
And the choicest of his officers are drowned in the Red Sea.

      5“The deeps cover them;
They went down into the depths like a stone.

      6“Your right hand, O LORD, is majestic in power,
Your right hand, O LORD, shatters the enemy.

      7“And in the greatness of Your excellence You overthrow those who rise up against You;
You send forth Your burning anger, and it consumes them as chaff.

      8“At the blast of Your nostrils the waters were piled up,
The flowing waters stood up like a heap;
The deeps were congealed in the heart of the sea.

      9“The enemy said, ‘I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil;
My desire shall be gratified against them;
I will draw out my sword, my hand will destroy them.’

      10“You blew with Your wind, the sea covered them;
They sank like lead in the mighty waters.

      11“Who is like You among the gods, O LORD?
Who is like You, majestic in holiness,
Awesome in praises, working wonders?

      12“You stretched out Your right hand,
The earth swallowed them.

      13“In Your lovingkindness You have led the people whom You have redeemed;
In Your strength You have guided them to Your holy habitation.

      14“The peoples have heard, they tremble;
Anguish has gripped the inhabitants of Philistia.

      15“Then the chiefs of Edom were dismayed;
The leaders of Moab, trembling grips them;
All the inhabitants of Canaan have melted away.

      16“Terror and dread fall upon them;
By the greatness of Your arm they are motionless as stone;
Until Your people pass over, O LORD,
Until the people pass over whom You have purchased.

      17“You will bring them and plant them in the mountain of Your inheritance,
The place, O LORD, which You have made for Your dwelling,
The sanctuary, O Lord, which Your hands have established.

      18“The LORD shall reign forever and ever.”

      19For the horses of Pharaoh with his chariots and his horsemen went into the sea, and the LORD brought back the waters of the sea on them, but the sons of Israel walked on dry land through the midst of the sea.

      20Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took the timbrel in her hand, and all the women out after her with timbrels and with dancing.

21Miriam answered them,
“Sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted;
The horse and his rider He has hurled into the sea.”

Reflection on Exodus 15:1–21:
One of the most encouraging aspects of this passage is that Israel responds correctly.

Throughout Exodus, we have already seen moments of fear, doubt, and questioning. But after witnessing God’s mighty deliverance at the Red Sea, the people stop and worship.

They do not immediately focus on themselves.

They do not boast about their courage.

They do not celebrate their own wisdom or strength.

Instead, they give glory to God.

The song begins:

“I will sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted…”

The focus is entirely on what God has done.

This is an important lesson because it is easy to enjoy God’s blessings while forgetting to thank the One who provided them.

The Israelites recognized that their salvation did not come through:

  • military strength
  • clever strategy
  • personal ability

It came from God alone.

This is why Moses declares:

“The LORD is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation.”

Notice the personal nature of that statement.

Not merely:

  • our nation’s salvation
  • our ancestors’ salvation

But:
“My strength.”
“My song.”
“My salvation.”

God’s work had become personal.

The same should be true for us.

It is not enough simply to know that God has worked throughout history.

We should also recognize how He has worked in our own lives.

The song continues by praising God’s power over Egypt.

Again and again, the emphasis is that God fought for His people.

This echoes the lesson from Exodus 14:

“The LORD will fight for you.”

The Israelites were reminded that their victory was not self-produced.

It was God-given.

The song also looks forward.

The people celebrate not only what God has done, but what He will continue to do.

They express confidence that the God who delivered them from Egypt will also lead them into the land He promised.

This is a beautiful picture of faith.

True worship remembers God’s past faithfulness and trusts Him for future faithfulness.

Miriam then leads the women in worship as the entire community joins in praise.

Worship becomes the natural response to God’s salvation.

This passage challenges us to consider how we respond after God answers prayers, provides for needs, or carries us through difficult circumstances.

Sometimes we cry out passionately when we need help.

But do we praise Him just as passionately after He answers?

Israel’s song reminds us that worship should not be reserved only for weekly gatherings.

It should be the natural response of grateful hearts.

There is another important lesson here as well.

The song came after the victory.

Soon Israel will face new challenges in the wilderness.

New tests.
New needs.
New opportunities to trust God.

This song would serve as a reminder of what God had already done.

Remembering God’s faithfulness in past trials strengthens our faith for future ones.

That is why worship and remembrance are so important.

They help us remember that the God who was faithful yesterday will still be faithful tomorrow.

Application:

  • Take time to thank God when He answers prayers and provides deliverance.
  • Give God the glory for victories rather than taking credit yourself.
  • Remember God’s past faithfulness when facing new challenges.
  • Make worship a regular response to God’s goodness.
  • Trust that the God who has been faithful before will remain faithful in the future.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your faithfulness and for the many ways You have worked in my life. Help me not to take Your blessings for granted or forget to praise You after You answer my prayers. Teach me to worship You with gratitude and joy, remembering that every good gift comes from You. Strengthen my faith through the memory of Your faithfulness, and help me trust You for whatever lies ahead. 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.

Giving for God, Not for Applause (Matthew 6:1-4)

If no one knew about your generosity, would you still choose to give?

Key Verse:
“But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” —Matthew 6:3 NASB

Background Context:
In Matthew 6:1–4, Yeshua continues the Sermon on the Mount by addressing a subject that reaches beyond our actions and directly into our hearts: our motives.

Giving to those in need is a good and godly thing. Throughout Scripture, God calls His people to care for the poor, the widow, the orphan, and those facing hardship. But in this passage, Yeshua teaches that God is concerned not only with what we do, but also with why we do it.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Matthew 6:1-4

Giving to the Poor and Prayer

1“Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.      2“So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 3“But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

Reflection on Matthew 6:1–4:
Jesus begins with a warning:

“Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them…”

This is a striking statement because He is not condemning generosity.

He is addressing motivation.

A person can perform the right action for the wrong reason.

The hypocrites Jesus describes gave publicly in ways designed to attract attention. Their goal was not primarily to help others or honor God. Their goal was recognition.

They wanted:

  • praise from people
  • admiration from others
  • a reputation for being generous

Jesus says that when human approval is the goal, human approval becomes the reward.

“They have received their reward in full.”

That is a sobering thought.

A person may receive applause from others and yet miss the greater reward that comes from pleasing God.

Yeshua then presents a completely different approach.

“When you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.”

Jesus is using deliberate imagery to emphasize humility and secrecy.

The point is not that every act of giving must be hidden absolutely. Scripture contains examples of public generosity that honored God. Rather, the emphasis is that our giving should not be driven by a desire for recognition.

The focus should be on serving God and loving others.

This reflects a broader biblical principle.

God looks beyond outward actions and examines the heart.

When 1 Samuel 16:7 describes God’s selection of David, it says:

“Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

God sees what others cannot see.

He sees:

  • our motives
  • our attitudes
  • our desires
  • our intentions

This is both challenging and encouraging.

It is challenging because we cannot hide selfish motives from God.

It is encouraging because even when no one else notices our acts of kindness, God does.

Jesus says:

“Your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.”

Nothing done for God’s glory is ever overlooked by Him.

This teaching also reminds us that Christian generosity flows from love.

We do not give:

  • to impress others
  • to elevate ourselves
  • to gain status

We give because God has been generous to us.

2 Corinthians 9:7 teaches:

“God loves a cheerful giver.”

The emphasis is not merely on the gift itself, but on the heart behind it.

When our motivation is love for God and love for others, giving becomes an act of worship.

Instead of drawing attention to ourselves, we point people toward the goodness of God.

Ultimately, this passage asks each of us a simple but searching question:

When I serve, give, or help others, whose approval am I seeking?

Because our answer reveals much about the condition of our hearts.

Application:

  • Examine your motives when serving or giving to others.
  • Seek God’s approval above the praise of people.
  • Look for opportunities to give quietly and humbly.
  • Remember that God sees every act of kindness, even when others do not.
  • Let generosity flow from gratitude for God’s generosity toward you.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your generosity and kindness toward me. Help me to give with a pure heart and a desire to honor You rather than seeking recognition from others. Guard me from pride and selfish ambition, and teach me to serve others with humility and love. Thank You that You see what is done in secret and that Your approval matters more than the praise of people. 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.

Walking with God Through the Storm (Genesis 6-9)

What kind of person does God use when the world around them is moving in the wrong direction?

Key Verse:
“Thus Noah did; according to all that God had commanded him, so he did.” —Genesis 6:22 NASB

Background Context:
Genesis 6–9 records one of the most well-known accounts in Scripture: Noah, the ark, the flood, and God’s covenant. Because many of us learned this story as children, it can be easy to focus on the animals and the ark while overlooking the profound spiritual lessons contained within these chapters.

These chapters reveal God’s response to human wickedness, His faithfulness to preserve a righteous remnant, the obedience of Noah, and His covenant promises for future generations.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Genesis 6-9

Reflection on Genesis 6–9:
The story begins with a sobering picture.

God looks upon humanity and sees that wickedness has become widespread.

Genesis 6:5 tells us that every intent of man’s heart was continually bent toward evil. The corruption and rebellion of mankind grieved God deeply.

Scripture says:

“It broke His heart.”

This reminds us that sin is not merely the breaking of rules.

Sin grieves the heart of God.

Yet even in the midst of widespread wickedness, God saw something different in Noah.

Genesis 6:8 says:

“But Noah found favor with the LORD.”

While the world around him rejected God, Noah chose a different path.

This theme appears repeatedly throughout Scripture. God often works through a faithful remnant rather than the majority.

Noah was not perfect, but he walked with God.

And because he walked closely with God, he heard God’s voice and responded with obedience.

God revealed His plan to Noah and gave detailed instructions for building the ark.

Imagine how unusual this must have seemed.

Noah had likely never seen anything like the coming flood.

The project would take years.

Many undoubtedly mocked him.

Many probably questioned him.

Yet Noah’s response was simple:

“According to all that God had commanded him, so he did.”

Noah did not debate with God.

He did not negotiate for easier instructions.

He did not obey partially.

He obeyed completely.

This lesson becomes even more powerful when the flood begins.

God tells Noah to enter the ark.

Again Scripture records:

“So Noah did; according to all that the LORD had commanded him.”

Obedience was not a one-time event.

It became a pattern of life.

This is often where faith is tested.

Many people are willing to obey God once.

But Noah obeyed God consistently.

He trusted God through:

  • the construction of the ark
  • entering the ark
  • the flood itself
  • the long waiting period afterward

The flood lasted forty days, but Noah and his family remained on the ark for more than a year before finally stepping onto dry ground.

This was not a short trial.

It required patience, endurance, and trust.

Noah could not see the full timeline.

He simply continued trusting the God who had spoken.

This connects closely to other faithful servants throughout Scripture.

Like Abraham, Noah obeyed before seeing the outcome.

Like Moses, Noah trusted God through uncertainty.

Like the disciples, Noah followed God’s instructions without fully knowing how every detail would unfold.

Then comes one of the most beautiful moments in the account.

After finally leaving the ark, Noah does not immediately focus on himself.

He does not first build a house.
He does not first establish a farm.
He does not first pursue comfort.

He builds an altar.

His first response is worship.

This reveals a heart that understands where deliverance came from.

Noah recognized that his preservation was not ultimately the result of his own effort.

It was the result of God’s grace and faithfulness.

God responds by establishing a covenant with Noah and his descendants.

The rainbow becomes a sign of that covenant—a reminder of God’s promise that He would never again destroy the earth through a worldwide flood.

Today, whenever we see a rainbow, we should remember God’s faithfulness.

The rainbow is not primarily a symbol of mankind.

It is first a symbol of God’s covenant.

It reminds us that God keeps His promises.

Genesis 6–9 ultimately teaches us two powerful truths.

First, God remains faithful even when the world grows increasingly corrupt.

Second, righteous people respond to God through trust and obedience.

Noah’s life demonstrates that faith is not merely believing God exists.

Faith is trusting Him enough to obey.

Even when others mock.
Even when the path is difficult.
Even when the journey takes longer than expected.

The story of Noah is not simply about an ark.

It is about a man who walked closely with God and trusted Him through one of the greatest trials recorded in Scripture.

Application:

  • Choose to follow God even when those around you choose a different path.
  • Make obedience a consistent pattern rather than an occasional event.
  • Trust God’s instructions even when you do not fully understand His plans.
  • Remain faithful during long seasons of waiting and uncertainty.
  • Respond to God’s faithfulness with worship, gratitude, and obedience.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for the example of Noah and his faithful obedience. Help me to walk closely with You and to trust Your guidance even when I cannot see the full picture. Strengthen me to obey consistently, remain faithful during seasons of waiting, and keep my focus on You rather than the opinions of others. Thank You for Your faithfulness and for always keeping Your promises. 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.

The King is Coming (Revelation 11:15–19)

When the world seems out of control, do you remember who ultimately sits on the throne?

Key Verse:
“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.” —Revelation 11:15 NASB

Background Context:
In Revelation 11:1–14, the two witnesses faithfully proclaimed God’s truth despite intense opposition. Though it appeared for a time that evil had prevailed, God raised and vindicated His servants before the world.

Now in Revelation 11:15–19, the seventh trumpet sounds. Instead of focusing primarily on judgment, the scene shifts to heaven’s celebration of God’s coming reign and the certainty of His ultimate victory.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Revelation 11:15-19

The Seventh Trumpet—Christ’s Reign Foreseen

      15Then the seventh angel sounded; and there were loud voices in heaven, saying,
“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.” 16And the twenty-four elders, who sit on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17saying,
“We give You thanks, O Lord God, the Almighty, who are and who were, because You have taken Your great power and have begun to reign. 18“And the nations were enraged, and Your wrath came, and the time came for the dead to be judged, and the time to reward Your bond-servants the prophets and the saints and those who fear Your name, the small and the great, and to destroy those who destroy the earth.”

      19And the temple of God which is in heaven was opened; and the ark of His covenant appeared in His temple, and there were flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder and an earthquake and a great hailstorm.

Reflection on Revelation 11:15–19:
Throughout Revelation, believers encounter scenes of conflict, opposition, persecution, and judgment.

At times, it can seem as though evil is gaining ground.

But with the sounding of the seventh trumpet, heaven pulls back the curtain and reminds us of something essential:

God’s victory is certain.

The heavenly voices proclaim:

“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ…”

Notice the certainty of the declaration.

This is not presented as a possibility.
It is not a hope that may or may not happen.

It is the guaranteed outcome of history.

From God’s perspective, the final victory is so certain that it is proclaimed as an accomplished reality.

This is deeply encouraging because believers often live in a world that appears increasingly resistant to God’s ways.

We see:

  • injustice
  • rebellion
  • suffering
  • corruption
  • opposition to truth

It can be tempting to wonder whether righteousness will ultimately prevail.

Revelation 11 answers that question clearly.

Yes.

The King is coming.

And His kingdom will endure forever.

The twenty-four elders respond by falling on their faces and worshiping God.

Their response is significant.

When they see God’s victory and sovereignty more clearly, they do not celebrate human achievement.

They worship.

True worship flows naturally from recognizing who God is.

The elders praise God because He has:

  • taken His great power
  • begun to reign
  • judged evil
  • rewarded His servants

This reminds us that God’s justice is not absent.

There are times when it may seem delayed.

There are seasons when evil appears to prosper.

But Scripture consistently teaches that God sees everything and will ultimately judge with perfect righteousness.

This truth should encourage believers.

It means we do not need to carry the burden of ultimate justice ourselves.

God is both perfectly loving and perfectly just.

The passage also speaks of reward.

God remembers His servants.

He remembers:

  • prophets
  • saints
  • those who fear His name

Nothing done in faithful service to God is forgotten.

Sometimes obedience feels unnoticed.

Sometimes faithfulness appears unrewarded.

But God’s perspective is very different from ours.

He sees every act of faithfulness.

He remembers every sacrifice made for His kingdom.

The chapter concludes with the temple of God opening in heaven and the ark of His covenant appearing.

The ark represented God’s presence, faithfulness, and covenant promises.

This image serves as a powerful reminder that God remains faithful to everything He has promised.

From Genesis to Revelation, God has never failed to keep His word.

This passage ultimately shifts our focus from present circumstances to future certainty.

The world around us may change.
Nations may rise and fall.
Challenges may come and go.

But one truth remains unchanged:

Yeshua is King.

And His kingdom will never end.

That reality gives hope, courage, and perspective to God’s people in every generation.

Application:

  • Remember that God’s victory is certain, even when circumstances seem discouraging.
  • Focus on God’s kingdom rather than becoming consumed by temporary events.
  • Trust that God sees and remembers every act of faithfulness.
  • Rest in God’s promise that justice will ultimately be accomplished.
  • Worship God for His sovereignty, power, and faithfulness.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You that Your kingdom is certain and that Your purposes cannot fail. Help me to keep my eyes on You when the world feels unstable or discouraging. Strengthen my faith as I wait for the fulfillment of Your promises. Thank You for remembering Your servants and for remaining faithful to every word You have spoken. Help me to live faithfully as I look forward to the day when Yeshua reigns openly as King over all. In His 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.

Sharing God's word through devotionals and other resources. Helping you study the Bible and apply it to your life. Helping young children to enjoy the Bible at our Kid Zone.