Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Parables, Seeking God, Study the Word, Submitted / Servant, Teachable, Traditions / Holidays

The Widower Who Remarried: a Parable for the Holidays

In the tender narrative of a devoted widower, a poignant tale unfolds—a love story marked by cherished habits and traditions. This man, who once joyfully celebrated his first wife’s preferences with flowers, candy, and thoughtful gestures, found himself caught in the grip of those very traditions when she passed away.

Just to be clear, this is not a biblical parable, but one based on biblical teaching and one that is true many times over.

Grief-stricken but resilient, he remarried after a time of grieving, unaware of the impending storm that would brew within the walls of his new life. His second wife, with distinct tastes and desires, yearned for a love uniquely tailored to her. Despite gentle pleas for understanding, the man clung tenaciously to the echoes of his past, repeating gestures and traditions designed for his first love.

The stark contrast between his professions of love and the unchanged traditions left his second wife wounded and questioning. The pain intensified as the man, well-intentioned but misguided, failed to recognize the stark difference between honoring her and just holding on to the traditions of the love he once knew.

It may seem obvious to many of us that the man should have focused on his current wife to show her love in ways that were special to her, instead of just continuing with old habits or traditions that were based on someone else. The real question is, however, if we do the same thing to God without realizing it.

This thought-provoking parable serves as a mirror reflecting the way we often treat our relationship with God, especially when it comes to celebrating holidays. Steeped in long-held traditions, some stemming from ancient pagan practices, we, too, risk offering God a bouquet of weeds while insisting they are roses.

The parallel to our spiritual journey is striking. Are we, like the widower, unwilling to shed the comfort of familiar traditions and embrace God’s desires as communicated in the scriptures? Despite the discomfort and familial challenges, the heart of the matter lies in whether we choose man-made traditions over God’s prescribed path.

Diving deeper, the revelation unfolds that many commonly cherished celebrations—Christmas trees, wreaths, mistletoe, and even the December 25 date—are rooted in pagan worship practices. The Church, unable to quell these practices, eventually embraced them, akin to giving a weed the name of a rose.

The call is clear—to love God deeply is to align our lives with His desires, not clinging to traditions offensive to Him. The scriptures lay out the path, highlighting God’s Moedim (appointed times) or holy days for celebration, contrasting with the man-made festivals we’ve come to accept.

Acknowledging this truth is a challenging emotional journey. Admitting the need for change amidst familial resistance is a test of our devotion to Christ above all. As Jesus forewarned, following Him may stir discord even within our households, yet true discipleship requires prioritizing Christ over all familial bonds.

May this narrative stir a courageous introspection, prompting a prayerful pursuit of God’s kingdom above the familiar and cultural traditions. As the challenge resounds, may our hearts find the courage to trust in God’s ways over those of men, embracing the transformative journey toward a life more pleasing to Him.

If you truly love God, and submit your life to God… take the time to learn more about what He wants and not just stick to traditions of men that are offensive to Him. You can easily study online even using Christian encyclopedia’s like Zondervan or other encyclopedias. The origins are not secret, only that it has been accepted to celebrate God in ways that were developed by pagans for their gods. 119Ministries.com has put together an effective documentary in video form you can watch (The Christmas Question). They have previous teachings available for free you may consider as well (Sunburned – Part 1 and Sunburned – Part 2).

The LORD has also given us instructions on what holy days to celebrate to point to Him and our relationship with Him. They are called the Moedim and are outlined in Leviticus 23 and other places throughout the Bible.

You can find scripture where Jesus participated in the Moedim. You will never find record of Jesus celebrating Christmas and Easter (or almost anything we celebrate commonly today) in the Biblical record.

Passover and Easter are very different. See what they focus on. With God’s celebrations, the focus is always on Him and not gifts or food or simply ourselves. To learn more, scroll through and read from our Traditions/ Holidays category of teachings.

I recognize that this is an emotional subject for many and admitting that we should change is very hard. Even if we accept it and change our behavior, there will be much difficulty among family. This is to be expected when we stand for Christ above all others. Jesus said so himself in Matthew 10:23-39.

32 “Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.

34 “Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword.

35 ‘I have come to set a man against his father,
    a daughter against her mother,
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
36     Your enemies will be right in your own household!’[l]

37 “If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. 38 If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. 39 If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.

We each must decide whether or not we submit to God fully or hold tightly to the traditions of man. By the way… study of the new testament clearly shows that clutching to the traditions of man was the way of the Pharisees and Sadducees, not the way of Jesus.

God wants his people to be holy (set apart for God’s use) and righteous (living according to God’s commands rather than the world’s). He wants us to put Him first, above everything else.

Challenge yourself to objectively evaluate your traditions and seek first the kingdom of God. Do not dismiss this quickly but rather prayerfully seek God to show you the truth of His word and how to apply it in your life. Ask yourself about any tradition you claim to observe to honor God, if you were not influenced by family or cultural traditions would you naturally come up with this tradition by studying the Bible? If not, that can be a good indicator.

Pray that God would give you courage and boldness to pursue him with how you live. My family and I have been on this journey, we remain on this journey still today. It is difficult at times, but well worth pursuing to grow closer to Him and be more pleasing to Him. Trust in His ways over those of men.

—-

Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? Are you living today filled with the peace and joy of truly knowing and following Jesus Christ? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Learning To Pray Effectively, Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Protector / Deliverer, Psalms, Thankfulness

Deliverance for the Brokenhearted (Psalm 34)

Have you ever experienced fear so real that it consumed your thoughts — only to find that God delivered you in a way you did not expect?

Key Verse:
“I sought the LORD, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” —Psalm 34:4 NASB

Background Context:
Psalm 34 is David’s song of praise after one of the strangest moments in his life. Fleeing from Saul, David sought refuge among the Philistines, only to realize he was in danger again. He pretended to be insane in order to escape. It was a humiliating moment, yet God delivered him.

Instead of focusing on embarrassment or fear, David turns his experience into a testimony. He invites God’s people to magnify the Lord with him and proclaims that those who seek Him will find His help. Psalm 34 is a psalm of deliverance, worship, trust, and instruction for all who face fear, trouble, or brokenness.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Psalm 34

The LORD, a Provider and Deliverer.

A Psalm of David when he feigned madness before Abimelech, who drove him away and he departed.

     1I will bless the LORD at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

      2My soul will make its boast in the LORD;
The humble will hear it and rejoice.

      3O magnify the LORD with me,
And let us exalt His name together.

      4I sought the LORD, and He answered me,
And delivered me from all my fears.

      5They looked to Him and were radiant,
And their faces will never be ashamed.

      6This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him
And saved him out of all his troubles.

      7The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him,
And rescues them.

      8O taste and see that the LORD is good;
How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!

      9O fear the LORD, you His saints;
For to those who fear Him there is no want.

      10The young lions do lack and suffer hunger;
But they who seek the LORD shall not be in want of any good thing.

      11Come, you children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

      12Who is the man who desires life
And loves length of days that he may see good?

      13Keep your tongue from evil
And your lips from speaking deceit.

      14Depart from evil and do good;
Seek peace and pursue it.

      15The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous
And His ears are open to their cry.

      16The face of the LORD is against evildoers,
To cut off the memory of them from the earth.

      17The righteous cry, and the LORD hears
And delivers them out of all their troubles.

      18The LORD is near to the brokenhearted
And saves those who are crushed in spirit.

      19Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the LORD delivers him out of them all.

      20He keeps all his bones,
Not one of them is broken.

      21Evil shall slay the wicked,
And those who hate the righteous will be condemned.

      22The LORD redeems the soul of His servants,
And none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.

Reflection on Psalm 34:
David begins not with fear but with worship. “I will bless the LORD at all times.” His circumstances were humiliating, but his heart was anchored in praise. This teaches us that worship is not dependent on dignity, comfort, or success — it flows from a heart confident in God’s goodness.

David then shares his testimony: “I sought the LORD, and He answered me.” Deliverance came not because David was clever or brave, but because God was faithful. David magnifies the Lord so that others may find courage in his story.

Again and again throughout the psalm, David highlights who God is to the hurting:

  • He delivers those who cry out.

  • He encamps around those who fear Him.

  • He hears the brokenhearted.

  • He saves those crushed in spirit.

  • He rescues the righteous from all their troubles.

David’s famous invitation, “Taste and see that the LORD is good,” reminds us that God’s goodness is not merely a concept — it is something to be experienced. When we trust Him, we discover His faithfulness firsthand.

The psalm also contains instruction. David urges us to fear the Lord, to guard our tongues from evil, to pursue peace, and to live righteously. Why? Because “the eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.”

Yet David does not promise an easy life. “Many are the afflictions of the righteous,” he says. God’s people are not spared trouble — but they are promised deliverance. God is near the brokenhearted. He redeems His servants. He guards their bones. He saves them from fear, trouble, and shame.

Psalm 34 is a psalm for anyone who has felt afraid, ashamed, or overwhelmed. It is a declaration that no matter how dark the moment, God is near, God hears, and God delivers.

Application:

  • Seek the Lord in your fear. Do not hide — call on Him, and He will answer.

  • Worship in all seasons. Praise shifts your focus from fear to God’s faithfulness.

  • Guard your words. Choose speech that honors God and pursues peace.

  • Expect deliverance — not immunity. God rescues His people through trouble, not from the absence of it.

  • Rest in God’s nearness. He is close to the brokenhearted and attentive to your cries.

  • Taste and see. Step into trust and experience God’s goodness firsthand.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You that You hear me when I cry out and that You are near when I feel afraid or brokenhearted. Teach me to seek You in every circumstance and to trust Your deliverance even when I cannot yet see the way forward. Fill my heart with praise, guard my words, and let me experience Your goodness as I walk with You. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

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

John Golda

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

Consequences of Sin, Faith / Trusting God, Repenting from Sin, Tribulation

Faithfulness Through Every Season (Genesis 35:16–29)

Have you ever walked through a season where joy and sorrow collided — where blessing and heartbreak came almost in the same breath?

Key Verse:
“It came about as her soul was departing (for she died), that she named him Ben-oni; but his father called him Benjamin.” —Genesis 35:18 NASB

Background Context:
After Jacob’s renewal at Bethel, the narrative shifts into a series of deeply emotional events. As the family journeys south, Rachel goes into hard labor. The birth of Jacob’s final son becomes a moment of profound grief, as Rachel dies giving birth. She names the child Ben-oni (“son of my sorrow”), but Jacob renames him Benjamin (“son of my right hand”), signaling hope and blessing even in pain.

Immediately after this, we see the sin of Reuben, who sleeps with Bilhah, Rachel’s handmaid — a grave dishonor to Jacob. The chapter then records the deaths of Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, and finally Isaac.

These verses remind us that life with God includes both joy and sorrow, blessing and loss, growth and stumbling — yet through it all, God remains faithful to His covenant and His people.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Genesis 35:16–29

     16Then they journeyed from Bethel; and when there was still some distance to go to Ephrath, Rachel began to give birth and she suffered severe labor. 17When she was in severe labor the midwife said to her, “Do not fear, for now you have another son.” 18It came about as her soul was departing (for she died), that she named him Ben-oni; but his father called him Benjamin. 19So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem). 20Jacob set up a pillar over her grave; that is the pillar of Rachel’s grave to this day. 21Then Israel journeyed on and pitched his tent beyond the tower of Eder.

      22It came about while Israel was dwelling in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine, and Israel heard of it.

The Sons of Israel

Now there were twelve sons of Jacob— 23the sons of Leah: Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn, then Simeon and Levi and Judah and Issachar and Zebulun; 24the sons of Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin; 25and the sons of Bilhah, Rachel’s maid: Dan and Naphtali; 26and the sons of Zilpah, Leah’s maid: Gad and Asher. These are the sons of Jacob who were born to him in Paddan-aram.

      27Jacob came to his father Isaac at Mamre of Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron), where Abraham and Isaac had sojourned.

      28Now the days of Isaac were one hundred and eighty years. 29Isaac breathed his last and died and was gathered to his people, an old man of ripe age; and his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.

Reflection on Genesis 35:16–29:
This passage feels like real life: joy, grief, sin, and transition woven together in a single narrative. After the spiritual renewal at Bethel, you might expect smooth sailing, but Scripture does not pretend that obedience eliminates suffering. Instead, we see how God sustains His people through seasons of both pain and blessing.

Rachel’s labor is described as extremely difficult. Her final act is naming her son “Ben-oni,” a name that reflects her sorrow and death. Jacob, however, renames him “Benjamin,” choosing to speak blessing, strength, and future over his son rather than tying him forever to a memory of loss.

This moment teaches us that even in grief, God can bring forth new purpose. Jacob refuses to let sorrow define the child’s identity. He looks forward, trusting the promises God reaffirmed at Bethel.

Then comes the sobering account of Reuben’s sin. Sleeping with Bilhah was not merely immorality — it was a rebellious attempt to claim authority within the family. Jacob says nothing here, but later in Genesis 49, this sin costs Reuben his firstborn inheritance. It is a reminder that ungodly choices have consequences, even when they do not unfold immediately.

Next, Deborah, the beloved nurse of Rebekah, dies and is mourned. Lastly, Isaac dies at 180 years old, and Esau and Jacob come together again to bury him — a final picture of reconciliation between the brothers.

Through birth, death, sin, grief, and family transition, one truth holds steady: God’s covenant continues. The expanding family, the promised son Benjamin, and the honoring of Isaac’s burial all signal that God’s hand has not left Jacob, even in painful seasons.

Life with God is not free from sorrow — but it is filled with His sustaining presence and faithful promises. Joy and grief can coexist, but God’s covenant faithfulness steadies His people through every season.

Application:

  • Recognize that faith does not remove sorrow. God walks with you through grief rather than shielding you from it.

  • Speak blessing even in painful seasons. Like Jacob renaming Benjamin, choose hope over despair.

  • Take sin seriously. Reuben’s choice shows that sinful actions have future consequences.

  • Honor transitions. Birth, death, and change are part of God’s shaping process.

  • Lean on God’s promises. His covenant faithfulness does not waver, even when life feels chaotic.

  • Let grief and faith coexist. You do not have to choose one — God meets you in both.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for being faithful through every season of life — in joy and in sorrow, in celebration and in grief. Teach me to cling to Your promises when life feels heavy and uncertain. Help me to speak blessing rather than despair, to walk in integrity, and to trust You in moments of transition and loss. Sustain me by Your presence, and remind me that Your covenant love never fails. 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, Obeying God, Seeking God, Submitted / Servant

Renewing Your Commitment to God’s Call (Genesis 35:1–15)

Have you ever realized you’ve drifted spiritually and sensed God calling you to return to a place of renewal and recommitment?

Key Verse:
“Then God said to Jacob, ‘Arise, go up to Bethel and live there, and make an altar there to God, who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau.’” —Genesis 35:1 NASB

Background Context:
After the painful and chaotic events of Genesis 34, God speaks directly to Jacob with renewed clarity: return to Bethel. Bethel was the place where Jacob first encountered God in a dream, where he saw the ladder reaching to heaven, and where God made covenant promises to him.

But Jacob had delayed fulfilling his vow. He settled in Shechem among ungodly people, where spiritual compromise and family disaster unfolded. Now God calls him to return — not just geographically, but spiritually.

Before going, Jacob commands his household to put away foreign gods, purify themselves, and change their garments. This is the first time Scripture records Jacob taking strong spiritual leadership over his family.

At Bethel, God again appears to Jacob, reaffirms his new name “Israel,” restates the covenant blessings, and confirms His presence with him.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Genesis 35:1–15

Jacob Moves to Bethel

      1Then God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel and live there, and make an altar there to God, who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau.” 2So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Put away the foreign gods which are among you, and purify yourselves and change your garments; 3and let us arise and go up to Bethel, and I will make an altar there to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and has been with me wherever I have gone.” 4So they gave to Jacob all the foreign gods which they had and the rings which were in their ears, and Jacob hid them under the oak which was near Shechem.

      5As they journeyed, there was a great terror upon the cities which were around them, and they did not pursue the sons of Jacob. 6So Jacob came to Luz (that is, Bethel), which is in the land of Canaan, he and all the people who were with him. 7He built an altar there, and called the place El-bethel, because there God had revealed Himself to him when he fled from his brother. 8Now Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died, and she was buried below Bethel under the oak; it was named Allon-bacuth.

Jacob Is Named Israel

9Then God appeared to Jacob again when he came from Paddan-aram, and He blessed him.

10God said to him,
“Your name is Jacob;
You shall no longer be called Jacob,
But Israel shall be your name.”
Thus He called him Israel.

11God also said to him,
“I am God Almighty;
Be fruitful and multiply;
A nation and a company of nations shall come from you,
And kings shall come forth from you.

      12“The land which I gave to Abraham and Isaac,
I will give it to you,
And I will give the land to your descendants after you.”

13Then God went up from him in the place where He had spoken with him. 14Jacob set up a pillar in the place where He had spoken with him, a pillar of stone, and he poured out a drink offering on it; he also poured oil on it. 15So Jacob named the place where God had spoken with him, Bethel.

Reflection on Genesis 35:1–15:
God’s call to Jacob is simple and profound: “Arise, go up to Bethel… and make an altar.” After years of wandering, compromise, and family turmoil, God calls Jacob back to the place of encounter and the place of his original vow.

In Jacob’s response, we see one of the most significant moments of his spiritual growth. He does not hesitate. He does not argue. He does not delay. Instead, he leads.

Jacob commands his household to put away foreign gods. His family, influenced by the culture around them, had accumulated idols from Shechem and from Rachel’s past. Jacob now draws a clear boundary: if we are going to meet with God, we must cast away what competes for our hearts.

He also tells them to purify themselves and change their garments — outward signs of inward repentance. Jacob finally takes responsibility as the spiritual leader of his family, something notably absent in the previous chapter.

As they journey, God places a supernatural fear on the surrounding cities so that no one pursues them. When we walk back toward God in obedience, He goes before us in protection.

At Bethel, Jacob builds an altar and calls the place El-Bethel, “God of the House of God.” His focus is no longer just on the holy place but on the God who met him there. God affirms Jacob’s identity, repeats His covenant promises, and reminds him that He is the God who brings forth nations, kings, and blessing.

Bethel becomes a place of renewal, recommitment, and restored identity. For Jacob, returning to Bethel means stepping back into God’s purpose and presence after a painful detour.

And for us, Bethel represents the call to return to the Lord when we have drifted — to put away idols, renew obedience, and worship the God who calls us back with grace.

Application:

  • Return when God calls you. If the Spirit is prompting you to come back to a place of obedience or intimacy, respond without delay.

  • Remove competing loyalties. Put away anything in your life that rivals your devotion to God.

  • Lead your household spiritually. Like Jacob, take responsibility to guide your home toward purity, worship, and truth.

  • Remember your calling. God reaffirms Jacob’s identity — He does the same with those who return to Him.

  • Build an altar of remembrance. Mark moments when God renews your heart through prayer, worship, or recommitment.

  • Trust God’s protection as you obey. He shields those who walk in His will.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for calling me back when I have drifted. Help me to rise and return to the places where You first met me, to renew my devotion to You. Remove anything in my life that competes for my heart. Teach me to lead my home with clarity and faith, and to walk confidently in the identity You have given me. Draw me near again, and keep me close to Your presence. 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.

Holy / Set Apart, Study the Word, Submitted / Servant, Traditions / Holidays

Are Christmas Trees in the Bible?

In the enchanting glow of Christmas traditions that colored my childhood, this season held a special place in my heart. Yet, as adulthood unfolded, the Lord gently nudged me to unravel the origins of these cherished traditions, turning what was once my favorite time of the year into a journey of profound introspection.

One tradition that captivates families during this season is the joyous act of bringing a Christmas tree into the home—a tradition I enthusiastically partook in for decades. While undeniably fun, the pursuit of “fun” is not the moral compass by which we determine right from wrong. Sin may cloak itself in enjoyment, but its fleeting happiness pales in comparison to the profound joy found in a genuine relationship with our Heavenly Father.

As believers, we anchor our understanding of good and bad in God’s standards, illuminated through the pages of the Bible. Regardless of one’s perspective on its divine inspiration, the Bible remains the most accurate record of God’s relationship with His people and His guidelines for righteous living.

My quest for truth led me to scrutinize whether Christmas trees found a place in the Bible, and to my surprise, a passage in Jeremiah 10:1-4 seemed to allude to them. It cautioned against adopting the practices of non-believers, condemning the cutting of trees for decoration—a striking parallel to our modern Christmas traditions.

Some will argue this is focused only on idols, but it seems to apply also to Christmas trees.

Jeremiah 10:1-4 (KJV)

1Hear ye the word which the LORD speaketh unto you, O house of Israel:

2Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.

3For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.

4They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.

Delving deeper into the roots of Christmas, I discovered that many of its customs have pagan origins. While this revelation might be startling, it underscores the importance of Yahweh’s call for believers to be set apart and holy, avoiding the adoption of worldly practices under the guise of Christianity.

For those intrigued to explore further, additional articles and videos are available, providing a comprehensive understanding of Christmas traditions. I urge you to prayerfully consider these revelations, seeking the courage and discernment to distance ourselves from heathen practices in alignment with God’s teachings.

To learn more:

In conclusion, I invite you to join me in prayer:

Father, grant us the strength to prioritize Your instructions above all else. Instill in us the courage and discernment to detach from traditions rooted in heathen or pagan origins, which stand contrary to Your teachings. May an awakening sweep through Your people worldwide, turning them away from worldly ways and toward Your divine path. Amen.

Shalom

John

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.

False Prophets / Teachers, Holy Spirit / Ruach HaKodesh, Obeying God, Study the Word

Guarding Your Heart Against Deception (1 John 2:18-29)

How do you stay steady in a world full of spiritual confusion, false teaching, and voices competing for your loyalty?

Key Verse:
“As for you, let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning.” —1 John 2:24 NASB

Background Context:
John warns the church that “many antichrists” have arisen — people who deny Christ’s identity and seek to deceive believers. He reminds them that the presence of false teachers is a sign of the “last hour,” a period all believers live in as we await Yeshua’s return.

John distinguishes true believers by two things:

  • They remain in the truth

  • They possess an anointing from the Holy One — the Holy Spirit, who teaches and guards them

This passage calls believers to discernment, steadfastness, and confidence in their relationship with God.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

1 John 2:18-29

      18Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared; from this we know that it is the last hour. 19They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it would be shown that they all are not of us. 20But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all know. 21I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it, and because no lie is of the truth. 22Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son. 23Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father; the one who confesses the Son has the Father also. 24As for you, let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father.

The Promise Is Eternal Life

      25This is the promise which He Himself made to us: eternal life.

      26These things I have written to you concerning those who are trying to deceive you. 27As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him.

      28Now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming. 29If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone also who practices righteousness is born of Him.

Reflection on 1 John 2:18–29:
John speaks directly and lovingly: “Children, it is the last hour.” This is not fear-mongering but clarity. We live in an age marked by deception, spiritual counterfeits, and attempts to distort the identity of Yeshua.

He identifies “antichrists” not merely as future apocalyptic figures but as anyone who denies Christ and works against the truth. Some of these individuals once claimed to be part of the Christian community but departed, revealing that their hearts were never truly transformed.

Yet John does not leave believers anxious or uncertain. Instead, he points them to two powerful realities:

1. Believers have an anointing from the Holy One.
This anointing is the presence of the Holy Spirit, who teaches, illuminates truth, and helps us discern error. The Spirit does not add new doctrines but affirms the truth already revealed in the Gospel.

2. The stability of the Christian life comes from abiding.
John repeats this word over and over — abide in what you heard from the beginning. Remain rooted in the true teaching about Yeshua. Don’t chase new or novel ideas that distort the gospel. Stay anchored in Scripture, in Christ, and in fellowship with God’s people.

John reminds believers that abiding in the truth leads to confidence, not confusion. When Christ appears, those who remain in Him will not shrink away in shame but stand with joy and assurance.

He also makes a clear distinction: those who deny the Son do not have the Father. True relationship with God is inseparable from right belief about Yeshua.

The passage concludes with both encouragement and a call to action: abide in Him, practice righteousness, and live as children of the One who is pure.

Application:

  • Abide in Scripture. Stay anchored in the gospel you first believed; do not be swayed by novelty or distortion.

  • Rely on the Holy Spirit. Seek His guidance in discernment; He protects your heart from deception.

  • Stay rooted in sound teaching. Measure every message against the Word of God.

  • Do not be alarmed by false teachers. Their presence does not mean God has lost control — Scripture says this would happen.

  • Remain confident in Christ’s return. Abiding produces boldness and joy, not fear or shame.

  • Practice righteousness. Let your obedience reflect that you belong to the One who is righteous and true.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for giving me the Holy Spirit to guide, teach, and protect me from deception. Help me to abide in Your truth, to remain anchored in Your Word, and to recognize false teaching when it appears. Strengthen my heart to practice righteousness and to live with confidence as I await the return of Yeshua. Keep me faithful, discerning, and steadfast. In His name, Amen.

Love, Worldliness

Loving God, Not the World (1 John 2:15-17)

What truly has your heart today — the things of this world, or the One who gave Himself for you?

Key Verse:
“The world is passing away and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.” —1 John 2:17 NASB

Background Context:
After reassuring believers of their forgiveness and their identity in Christ, John turns to a crucial warning: do not love the world. The “world” here does not mean creation or people, whom God loves, but the world system — the patterns of thinking, desiring, and living that oppose God and entice the flesh.

John identifies three expressions of worldly desire:

  • the lust of the flesh

  • the lust of the eyes

  • the pride of life

These desires fueled humanity’s fall from Eden onward and continue to war against our hearts. John contrasts this temporary world with the eternal reality of doing God’s will.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

1 John 2:15-17

Do Not Love the World

      15Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. 17The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.

Reflection on 1 John 2:15–17:
John’s words are simple, direct, and searching: “Do not love the world nor the things in the world.” Every believer is faced with a choice of affection — either the world will claim our hearts, or God will. The two cannot coexist peacefully.

The “world” that John warns against is a system of values built on rebellion, self-gratification, and pride. It is a world that measures success by what we have, how we appear, and how much we can elevate ourselves above others. It pulls our hearts away from obedience and distracts us from devotion.

John describes this world through three powerful categories:

1. The lust of the flesh:
Desires that draw us into sinful pleasure, self-indulgence, and cravings that dominate rather than serve God.

2. The lust of the eyes:
The pull of what looks appealing — materialism, coveting, comparison, and the endless pursuit of “more.”

3. The pride of life:
Arrogance, self-sufficiency, status, and boasting in what we accomplish apart from God.

These temptations are not new; they mirror the serpent’s appeal to Eve in Genesis 3 and Satan’s temptations of Yeshua in the wilderness.

John then gives a sobering truth: the world is passing away. Everything that seems desirable, successful, or impressive today will be gone tomorrow — empty, temporary, fragile.

In contrast, “the one who does the will of God lives forever.” Obedience to God aligns us with what is eternal, unshakable, and rooted in His kingdom rather than the shifting values of culture.

This passage calls us to examine our affections — what we pursue, what we admire, what we give our time and desires to. True love for God is revealed in a heart freed from the world’s grip and anchored in eternal things.

Application:

  • Examine your desires. Ask where the world’s values have influenced your thinking, goals, or affections.

  • Fight the pull of the flesh. Pursue holiness through the Spirit, not through willpower alone.

  • Guard your eyes. Be watchful about what you admire, envy, or long for.

  • Reject pride. Humble yourself before God, recognizing your dependence on Him.

  • Choose what is eternal. Invest your heart in God’s will — His Word, His kingdom, His righteousness.

  • Remember the world is temporary. Let this truth shape your decisions, priorities, and hopes.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for calling me out of the world and into Your light. Help me to recognize the subtle ways the world appeals to my heart, and give me strength through Your Spirit to resist its pull. Fix my affection on You alone. Teach me to pursue Your will, to value what is eternal, and to walk in humility and obedience. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

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

John Golda

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

Loving / Kind, Marriage, Song of Solomon

Beauty Through the Eyes of Love (Song of Solomon 1:5-17)

Have you ever felt unworthy, overlooked, or insecure — only to be lifted up by the kind and affirming words of someone who truly loves you?

Key Verse:
“Do not stare at me because I am dark, for the sun has burned me… My mother’s sons were angry with me; they made me caretaker of the vineyards, but I have not taken care of my own vineyard.” —Song of Solomon 1:6 NASB

Background Context:
In Song of Solomon 1:5–17, the bride opens her heart with surprising vulnerability. She confesses insecurity about her appearance — her skin darkened by the harsh sun from outdoor labor, a sign not of beauty in her culture but of social disadvantage. She shares her pain openly: she was mistreated, made to work hard, and feels unattractive and unvalued.

The beloved responds not with dismissal or correction but with tender affirmation and praise. Their dialogue becomes a beautiful picture of mutual honor, emotional intimacy, and the healing power of loving words.

This interaction also reflects how God speaks to His people — meeting our insecurities with compassion, lifting our heads, and reminding us of the worth He places on us.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Song of Solomon 1:5-17

 5“I am black but lovely,
O daughters of Jerusalem,
Like the tents of Kedar,
Like the curtains of Solomon.

      6“Do not stare at me because I am swarthy,
For the sun has burned me.
My mother’s sons were angry with me;
They made me caretaker of the vineyards,
But I have not taken care of my own vineyard.

      7“Tell me, O you whom my soul loves,
Where do you pasture your flock,
Where do you make it lie down at noon?
For why should I be like one who veils herself
Beside the flocks of your companions?”

Solomon, the Lover, Speaks

8“If you yourself do not know,
Most beautiful among women,
Go forth on the trail of the flock
And pasture your young goats
By the tents of the shepherds.

      9“To me, my darling, you are like
My mare among the chariots of Pharaoh.

      10“Your cheeks are lovely with ornaments,
Your neck with strings of beads.”

      11“We will make for you ornaments of gold
With beads of silver.”

      12“While the king was at his table,
My perfume gave forth its fragrance.

      13“My beloved is to me a pouch of myrrh
Which lies all night between my breasts.

      14“My beloved is to me a cluster of henna blossoms
In the vineyards of Engedi.”

      15“How beautiful you are, my darling,
How beautiful you are!
Your eyes are like doves.”

      16“How handsome you are, my beloved,
And so pleasant!
Indeed, our couch is luxuriant!

      17“The beams of our houses are cedars,
Our rafters, cypresses.

Reflection on Song of Solomon 1:5–17:
The bride begins with a heartfelt confession: “I am dark but lovely.” She is wrestling with identity — she knows she has worth, yet she feels the sting of cultural judgment and personal insecurity. Her darkened skin is not the result of leisure but of hardship, conflict, and being forced by her brothers into labor that wore her down. She feels unseen, unprotected, and undesired.

Many believers can relate. We often come before God feeling unworthy — marked by our past, shaped by pain, or convinced that our flaws define us. Yet even in her weakness, the bride speaks truth: “I am dark but lovely.” She recognizes that her worth is not erased by her circumstances.

The beloved immediately responds with compassion and affirmation. He calls her “my darling,” speaks gently, and compares her beauty to the most exquisite mare among Pharaoh’s chariots — strong, elegant, and unmatched. His words lift her spirit, restore her confidence, and affirm her identity.

Then the bride responds with admiration of her own, showing that healthy love is mutual. The exchange becomes a tender dance of honor, where each person sees the other through eyes of affection and speaks life rather than criticism.

Spiritually, this mirrors how God treats us. When we come to Him burdened by shame, insecurity, or past wounds, He does not condemn or shame us. He speaks truth to our hearts, calling us beloved, chosen, and lovely in His sight. His affirmation is not flattery — it is rooted in His love and the identity He gives His people.

Marriage, likewise, is strengthened when spouses speak life, affirmation, and dignity over one another. Love listens to insecurities, lifts burdens, and restores confidence through tenderness and truth.

Application:

  • Bring your insecurities to God. He already knows them, and He meets them with compassion and truth.

  • Speak life to those you love. Affirmation strengthens relationships; criticism wounds them.

  • See yourself through God’s eyes. Your worth comes from Him, not from the scars of your past or the opinions of others.

  • Honor your spouse. Like the beloved, express admiration, encouragement, and tenderness.

  • Practice mutual care. Healthy relationships involve giving and receiving emotional support.

  • Let God heal your identity. Lay down past hurts, and allow His truth to restore your sense of worth.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You that You see me fully — every fear, every wound, every insecurity — and yet You call me beloved. Teach me to find my worth in what You say about me, not in the opinions of others or the scars of my past. Help me to speak life and encouragement to those You’ve placed in my life, especially within my family. Heal my heart, strengthen my identity in You, and let my relationships reflect Your compassion and truth. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

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

John Golda

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

Blessed, Loving / Kind, Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Psalms, Strong in Our Weakness, Thankfulness, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Rejoicing in the God Who Reigns (Psalm 33)

When you look at the world around you — its uncertainties, its leaders, its chaos — do you ever feel overwhelmed, or do you rest knowing that God still sits on the throne?

Key Verse:
“For the word of the LORD is upright, and all His work is done in faithfulness.” —Psalm 33:4 NASB

Background Context:
Psalm 33 is a call to joyful, confident praise rooted in the character and sovereignty of God. Unlike many psalms, it is not attributed to a specific author, yet its themes fit beautifully with David’s style of worship. The psalm begins by calling the righteous to praise God with instruments, singing, and gladness. It then moves into a sweeping description of God’s creative power, His wisdom in ruling the nations, and His watchful eye over those who fear Him.

This psalm reminds God’s people that their security does not come from earthly strength — not armies, kings, or human plans — but from the Lord who sees, knows, and delivers.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Psalms 33

Praise to the Creator and Preserver.

1Sing for joy in the LORD, O you righteous ones;
Praise is becoming to the upright.

      2Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre;
Sing praises to Him with a harp of ten strings.

      3Sing to Him a new song;
Play skillfully with a shout of joy.

      4For the word of the LORD is upright,
And all His work is done in faithfulness.

      5He loves righteousness and justice;
The earth is full of the lovingkindness of the LORD.

      6By the word of the LORD the heavens were made,
And by the breath of His mouth all their host.

      7He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap;
He lays up the deeps in storehouses.

      8Let all the earth fear the LORD;
Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.

      9For He spoke, and it was done;
He commanded, and it stood fast.

      10The LORD nullifies the counsel of the nations;
He frustrates the plans of the peoples.

      11The counsel of the LORD stands forever,
The plans of His heart from generation to generation.

      12Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.

      13The LORD looks from heaven;
He sees all the sons of men;

      14From His dwelling place He looks out
On all the inhabitants of the earth,

      15He who fashions the hearts of them all,
He who understands all their works.

      16The king is not saved by a mighty army;
A warrior is not delivered by great strength.

      17A horse is a false hope for victory;
Nor does it deliver anyone by its great strength.

      18Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him,
On those who hope for His lovingkindness,

      19To deliver their soul from death
And to keep them alive in famine.

      20Our soul waits for the LORD;
He is our help and our shield.

      21For our heart rejoices in Him,
Because we trust in His holy name.

      22Let Your lovingkindness, O LORD, be upon us,
According as we have hoped in You.

Reflection on Psalm 33:
Psalm 33 opens with joy. Praise is not optional — it is “befitting” for the righteous. Worship is the proper response when we understand the character of God.

The psalmist celebrates three great truths:

1. God’s Word is powerful and reliable.
By His word the heavens were made. By His command, the seas gather, and creation stands firm. Everything God says is upright, trustworthy, and true. His promises never fail because they are backed by His power.

2. God reigns over the nations.
The plans of nations rise and fall, but the counsel of the Lord stands forever. Earthly leaders boast of strength and strategy, yet God frustrates the plans of the wicked and establishes His own purposes unhindered. No army, no king, and no earthly power can secure salvation apart from God.

3. God watches over those who fear Him.
He sees every heart. He knows every thought. He protects those who trust Him, delivering them from death and sustaining them in famine. His eye is not distant — it is attentive, loving, and faithful.

These truths bring profound comfort in uncertain times. We live in a world full of shifting nations, powerful leaders, and noisy confusion. But Psalm 33 reminds us that our hope is not anchored in earthly stability. It rests in the unchanging character and sovereign rule of God.

Our response? To wait for the Lord, to rejoice in Him, and to trust His holy name — because His lovingkindness surrounds those who hope in Him.

Application:

  • Praise God with joy. Worship is not just emotion; it is a right and fitting response to His character.

  • Trust His Word over human wisdom. God’s promises are more solid than the plans of nations or the predictions of experts.

  • Rest in His sovereignty. Nothing in world events can overturn God’s purposes.

  • Reject false saviors. Human strength, money, government, or personal ability cannot replace the Lord as your security.

  • Live under His watchful care. God sees you, knows you, and surrounds those who fear Him with steadfast love.

  • Wait on the Lord with confidence. Hope is not passive — it is a steady, joyful expectation rooted in who God is.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You that Your Word is trustworthy and Your works are faithful. Teach me to praise You with joy and confidence, even when the world feels unstable. Help me to rest in Your sovereignty and rely on Your lovingkindness. Keep my heart hopeful, my trust firm, and my eyes fixed on You alone. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

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

John Golda

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

Father / Yahweh, Holy Spirit / Ruach HaKodesh, Jesus Christ / Yeshua

Yahweh Reveals Himself Through the Holy Trinity

Many struggle to fully understand how one God has chosen to reveal Himself to us in the persons of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Some even fall away from true faith over their lack of understanding in this issue or hesitate to follow Yeshua because of it. Others may simply dismiss it. Blessed are those who accept it on faith and those who study God’s word to gain a clearer understanding of it. Whatever your understanding, scripture is clear… Yahweh reveals Himself to us in three key relationships… that of Yahweh the Father, Yeshua the Son of God, and the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 3:16-18 16After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him, 17and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.”

Matthew 28:18-19 18And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Take note of the importance of the Holy Trinity by its explicit mention by God in both the beginning of Jesus’ public earthly ministry at baptism and the end after He has died and been raised from the dead. The fact that God finds it important to express Himself to us in this way is undeniable. He does not shy away from it. It is front and center and important.

We could do well to conduct a detailed Bible study on each aspect of the trinity, and I encourage you to do so as you read through the Bible and study. I encourage you also to prayerfully ask God to reveal Himself clearly to you. For the purposes of today’s devotion, I will summarize at a high level.

Let me first begin with a simple example that may help remove some of the mystery, and then we will explore Biblical insights into the persons of the Trinity through which God reveals Himself to His people.

Try not to get hung up on someone revealing themselves through three persons. It seems impossible at first but consider even God’s humble people. I am a servant of God. So too am I a husband and a father. Further, I am a neighbor and a citizen of a city and a nation. I am an employee and also a leader. I am a son and a brother. I could go on. I am one person, but through many different roles I reveal myself in different relationships with people I meet. I am the same person, yet the way I act to my children is different in some ways to the way I act to my employer. Each relationship is consistent with the person being revealed, but each may show a different aspect or part of that person. So it is likewise with God.

Also allow for the fact that there may be nothing else exactly like it we can relate to. God is supernatural. Thy physical may help us understand Him, but may not be a perfect match.

God the Father, Yahweh

God the Father is the Creator, the Alpha and Omega… beginning and the end, He is our Father, our Provider, our Protector. He is sovereign. Respect and honor who God is. Take a few moments and 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)
  • The Beginning and the End (Alpha and Omega)

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 Old Testament names for God.

God the Son, Yeshua

The word of God became flesh in the person of Yeshua and dwelt among us. He showed us how to live in relationship with God the Father and our fellow man. He suffered and died and was raised from the dead so our wrongs could be forgiven.

John 1:1-5 1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. 4In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. 5The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

John 1:14-18 14And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15John testified about Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’” 16For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. 17For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. 18No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.

John 14:6-11 6Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

7“If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.”

8Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9Jesus said to him, “Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10“Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works. 11“Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe because of the works themselves.

God The Holy Spirit, Ruach Chodesh

The Holy Spirit is a helper that God sends for each of us who believe in Him through the person of Jesus Christ and submit our lives to Him. The Spirit represents God living inside of each believer to help comfort, counsel, teach, and guide us.

John 14:16-26 16“I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; 17that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.

18“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19“After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me; because I live, you will live also. 20“In that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. 21“He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him.” 22Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord, what then has happened that You are going to disclose Yourself to us and not to the world?” 23Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him. 24“He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father’s who sent Me.

25“These things I have spoken to you while abiding with you. 26“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.

Embrace God’s word and allow God to more fully reveal Himself to you through each of these relationships He has chosen… God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please help me to more fully understand the mystery of how you reveal yourself, three persons in one. You are one God, but You reveal Yourself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Let me not reject the truth because I do not fully understand it, but rather help me to accept Your word and continue to grow in understanding. Help me not to redefine Your word to fit my understanding, but rather redefine my understanding based on Your word.  Amen. 

Shalom

Devotion by John in service to Christ

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