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"Come follow me and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19

Category: Connection (Page 1 of 10)

As I Have Loved You.

December 14, 2024 / / 0 Comments

MaryEllen Montville

“John answered them, “I am an urgent, thunderous voice crying out in the desert—clear the way and prepare your hearts for the coming of the Lord Yahweh!” –John 1:23.

Approximately 400 miles south of Canada, in the frigid, icy waters of the North Atlantic Ocean, another John, John Harper, lesser known than John the Baptist for sure, was, nevertheless, much like his namesake in his passionate love for Christ and His people. John Harper possessed the Baptist’s same kind of inextinguishable white-hot desire to point “whosoever” to the Lord Jesus. Harper’s all-consuming desire was for Christ and to reach lost souls. To this end, he gave his whole life, much like the One he adored unto death. John Harper gave up his life—and life jacket—so that George Henry Cavell could live. Fulfilling in spirit and deed Jesus’ command to all those called by His name concerning our Christian duty. “This is My commandment, that you love and unselfishly seek the best for one another, just as I have loved you. No one has greater love [nor stronger commitment] than to lay down his own life for his friends.” –John 15:12-13.

A fitting reminder at Advent. Needed to help realign our hearts to what is profoundly important.

Our sold-out determination to fervidly follow after the Savior we claim to be our Lord—wherever He may lead us.

Decidedly making straight, by the strength and guidance of God’s Holy Spirit, every crooked path onto which we’ve strayed.

Keeping alive, with burning brilliance, Jesus’ Words to us as our guides: “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” –John 15:4-5.

The only way any of us, you, and I or either John referenced in today’s teaching do these good works prepared for us before the foundation of the world, is in God’s strength. By imitating Jesus. His desire, that not one should perish. “For we are His workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” –Ephesians 2:10.

John Harper most certainly did.

Believing he was about to die; this widower first ensured his only daughter and sister made it safely onto a lifeboat. They both lived to tell of John’s bravery and self-sacrifice. How they watched as he ran back and forth along the length of the deck of that sinking ship proclaiming Jesus as Lord, beseeching those about to meet their watery deaths to receive Him as Lord and Savior.

Eyewitness and other documented reports indicate John Harper remained laser-focused and determined to do all he could to ensure no one was lost. He was seen floating in those icy North Atlantic waters where he came across the man George Henry Cavell, pictured in today’s image, adrift and clinging for dear life to some broken-off piece of the Titanic.

Cavell himself reported that John Harper asked him, not once but twice, if he was saved.

Cavell responded he was not. At which time, Harper pulled off his own lifejacket and, tossing it to Cavell, told him: “Put this on. You need it more than I do.”  Knowing for sure he would soon meet his Lord and Savior, John Harper laid down his life for Cavell—following His Savior’s example to the very end. It was Harper’s dying hope that this one man would not perish but, much like the thief on the cross, in the last moments on earth, receive the blessed assurance of eternal life. Having survived his life-changing ordeal, picked up in a lifeboat by the crew of the RMS Carpathia, Cavell later reported John Harper had yelled out to him not once but twice: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved!” And he did. And he was to the glory of God.

Salvation is personal friends, a decision each man must make for himself. Accept the lifejacket being thrown your way today, or don’t. Jesus has afforded you the extraordinary privilege of making such an eternal decision.

Jesus has done His part to ensure you’re free to choose Him—or not.

Born the Babe we celebrate at Christmas. Jesus died fully God and fully man on Calvary’s Cross. He rose again on the third day, King of kings and Lord of lords. Jesus alone has defeated death and the grave—you can, too, if you accept His offer of salvation. “I call heaven and earth to witness this day against you that I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live.” –Deuteronomy 30:19.

Friends, we must not be distracted by all that glitters this holy season, lest we forget about its true meaning and purpose: Lest we forget God’s Son, beautiful, innocent Jesus, born of a virgin—having agreed in eternity past to be born in eternity future, all that He might live and die fully  God and fully man, experiencing ALL that we have yet sinned not. The Sinless One who laid down His life for the sin full. The Guiltless for the guilty; you and me.

It’s easy to lose sight of that Truth as we sing, Joy to the World!

Forgetting entirely the cost of such joy.

John Harper never lost sight of his Savior or the great privilege of joining Him in laying down his life for a friend. Multiple times, across the Gospels, Jesus tells His disciples—tells us, told John Harper, to follow Him. Our following Jesus has always been God’s plan. And we, like John the Baptist and John Harper, and that great cloud of witnesses that have gone before us, can do this only through the power of God’s Holy Spirit at work in us, willing and enabling us, as Philippians remind us, to do His pleasing and perfect will. “For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure.” –Philippians 2:13.

That’s precisely what John Harper did on that fateful morning in April 1912.

As we prepare our hearts to receive Him afresh this Advent—making room for Him by removing any false notion that our lives as Christians ought to be comfortable, stable, and free of suffering, though not popular, I’m sure, I will remind us all, starting with myself, of our need, privilege and calling to lay down our lives before the God-man we sing about having been born in a manger, remembering He is coming again as promised, soon and very soon now.

Is your heart prepared to receive Him if He comes this very night?

Had God not given John Harper His strength and the grace needed to meet his watery death in the icy waters of the North Atlantic Sea, who is to say if another would have been sent to George Henry Cavell saying, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved!” There are no icy waters today—no sinking ship. However, an SOS is being sent to you directly. Its message? Romans 10:9-10. John Harper’s last words to George Henry Cavell.

Simply put, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved!”

Grab the lifejacket being thrown to you now, friend. Slip it on and be saved. Jesus is coming back for you. Believe it or not. “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” Romans 10:9-10.

The Season of Giving.

December 7, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Matthew Botelho

“We then who are stronger ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification.” –Romans 15:1-2.

Greetings, SonsoftheSea family! I am humbled and thankful to be back with you and sharing this teaching our Lord Jesus has placed in my heart. As I read today’s scripture, it reminded me of the season we are in, the Christmas season. People who look at this season through worldly eyes see a holiday full of presents, decorations, and traditions. But for the believer, it is a time for us to celebrate the greatest Gift anyone could ever have given us, salvation in our Lord Jesus. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” –John 3:16-17.

I am “whosoever.” I will continue to be so until that glorious day when Jesus splits the sky and takes us home. Remember, my dear brothers and sisters, the Lord Himself reminds those who will not perish but have eternal life are the “whosoever believes.” To believe, we need to know the One—have a relationship with Jesus, sent to us by Almighty God. God gave us the greatest Gift, His only Son, Jesus.

My friends, we have entered the season of giving, but giving doesn’t always have to be done with our wallets.

I can think of other ways we can give of ourselves this season:

With time

With talents

And yes, with money

I placed money last because, in my opinion, cash is the most straightforward, common gift people give each other. It’s a tried-and-true go-to when it comes to giving. However, our time and talents are far more valuable than money.

Time is a precious gift, and how we spend it truly counts in the Kingdom of our God. Jesus points to the valuable use of time in the Gospel of John. “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if one walks in the night, he stumbles because the light is not with him.” –John 11:9-10. Jesus is talking with His disciples about the time He has remaining on earth and about making precious use of the time afforded us.

If you know someone who needs your time, help with a project maybe, or to talk and pray, give them that time without hesitation. Start by first sharing time with your family.

Our kids need our time. As does that aunt or grandparent who has no one to talk to, that sister or brother who is having a rough time. Take the time out of your day and give it to the one in need.

As for your talents, given to you by Almighty God, use them in a way that honors the Giver.

They weren’t given to you to bless you alone but to bless the Kingdom of God and all those you meet. “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” –1 Peter 4:9-10.

I have heard people say, ” I don’t have any talents.” My answer is this: that dear friend is a lie from the pit of hell! You absolutely have talents. The truth is, maybe you don’t recognize them—ask God to reveal them to you. Do you like to talk with people? How about playing an instrument? Do you enjoy reading or writing? The list goes on and on. We have many untapped talents just waiting to be put to use to reach people—help others. But sometimes, we have to get out of our comfort zones to use them effectively. Remember the words of Solomon, “A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.” –Proverbs 18:16.

Lastly, let’s look at how we use the finances God has blessed us with.

We understand money is a much-needed tool in this world—a resource. A seed that will multiply when it’s planted in good soil. All wealth belongs to God, so what we do with it matters. Let the attitude of our heart be then, “I have money, but money doesn’t have me.” If God places it on your heart to pay for the person’s groceries while standing in line, do it. Do it if God tells you to pay a person’s gas or electric bill. The Apostle Paul writes the Corinthian church saying this about our resources, “Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.” – 2 Corinthians 9:10-11

Giving your time, talents, and money is connected to your heart, dear friend.

Giving out of love for Jesus, not to be seen by men, is giving from a heart of Christ-like love. I have watched YouTube videos of people “helping” homeless people or “helping” random people in the streets, and it makes me sad. Why? Because their giving appears boastful. These people might think they are doing something good, but I question their motives personally. Did they do it to get new subscribers? If so, that’s selfish, not selfless. Jesus speaks about this type of giving in Matthew’s Gospel: “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.” –Matthew 6:1-2.

My friends, be genuine in your giving. Giving our time, talents, and, yes, even money can be so powerful. I have seen people come to the Lord when these gifts were shared with others from a pure heart. Giving freely also opens doors for us to share the Gospel. In the book of Acts, the Apostle Paul says this when talking to the people in Ephesus, “I have shown you in everyway, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” –Acts 20:35.

Paul says he has given his life and labor to the cause of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was not only preaching about Jesus, but he also showed the Ephesians how to walk as Jesus walked and love as Jesus did. In the Gospel of John, Jesus makes this Truth plain, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are my friends if you do whatever I command you.” –John 15:13-14. Though it may not be easy, even inconvenient at times, we are called to forget about ourselves and help our neighbor or just help out where we see the need. That is the point Jesus makes in John 15:13.

In the end, if we are faithful, we shall see the reward of our labor in heaven and hear those Words we all long to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant! Enter in!”

We at Sonsofthesea are praying for you. To the one reading this, know that Jesus loves you. If you desire to encounter Jesus this season, I invite you to come to Him in full repentance of your sins, asking Him to be the Lord and Savior of your life. He is knocking. Will you open the door of your heart to Him? “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” –Revelation 3:20.

Amen.

Passports and Privledges.

November 9, 2024 /

MaryEllen Montville

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God’s] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” –1 Peter 2:9.

Citizens must possess a passport, visa, or valid national identity card to travel to a country outside their country of origin. A legal document backed up by other documents proves, amongst other things, that they are who they claim to be. Otherwise, entrance into said country will be denied. By default, possessing said proof of citizenship implies these proofs have been accepted as valid by the authorities and are legal. The one presenting them is, in fact, who they claim to be. Such scrutiny is paramount. It aids countries in protecting their citizens from interlopers who would harm their land or fellow citizens.

But what if the one attempting to enter the said country cannot supply the proofs needed for entry?

Access is denied—they are turned away. They will also likely suffer some long-term penalty for their illicit attempt to sneak into somewhere they did not have permission to be.

If the kingdoms of this world have in place such stringent standards of entry into their countries—and strictly implement them. How much more will a Holy God, who gave His very life for everyone protect and require an even more excellent entry standard be met by the one attempting to gain access into His Kingdom? “But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. He asked, ‘How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?’ The man was speechless. “Then the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ “For many are invited, but few are chosen.” –Matthew 22:11-14.

So what proof must one possess—not merely claim to have—to enter the Kingdom of our God?

Our understanding of the distinct differences in these proofs involves our ability to recognize, practically and, more importantly, Biblically, the great distinction between our claiming to have a thing and our possessing it.

Why?

Because, both biblically and naturally speaking, an uncrossable chasm separates the heart of these two claims.

Let’s take a look:

Having: can be defined as: to hold in one’s use, service, regard, or at one’s disposal.

Having implies one may use something minus ownership—perhaps borrowing it for a time.

We can have a great many things. A pen in our hand, for instance. However, having a pen in our hand does not mean we possess it—it may not be our pen. Maybe we picked it up off a counter or a colleague’s desk? The same can be said for a car. We may have a car—yet it is not our possession—we may have borrowed or rented it temporarily. The same goes for the flats we live in. We pay rent to stay in them, but they are not ours. We may momentarily have use of things like the pen in our hand and the borrowed or rented car or apartment, yet none of them are our possessions.

Possession: indicates the legal right to use, possess, and give away a thing.

Possession implies ownership, unlike having implied temporary use.

Knowing this, let us examine the entry standard God requires into His Kingdom.

Must we keep all of God’s laws to enter His Kingdom? Impossible! No, entry into His Kingdom isn’t based on whether we can prove we have kept God’s laws—because not one of us is capable of such a feat. Break one, you’ve broken them all! “For the one who attempts to keep all of the law of Moses but fails in just one point has become guilty of breaking the law in every respect! For the same One who tells us, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” Now if you don’t commit adultery but do commit murder, you are still guilty as a law-breaker.” –James 2:10-11.

Instead, entry into the Kingdom of God is granted based on righteousness—Christ’s Righteousness.

Jesus Himself made this clear: no righteousness, no relationship—no entry into His Kingdom. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” –Matthew 7:21.

It doesn’t matter how “good” a person you are or how many rules you attempt to keep. Righteousness is the only acceptable proof positive required to enter the Kingdom of God. You must be in possession of said proof. But how? How do we, sin-full men, come to possess such righteousness and gain access to such proof?

Jesus Himself answers this question for us.

In John 3:1-6, while talking with the Pharisee, Nicodemus, Jesus made it plain to him, and through this saying to us, not just anyone can enter the Kingdom of God. Being a priest or professed follower of Jesus won’t cut it. Neither will you touting your parents’ professed religion of choice as your own or the cross hanging around your neck or above your bed gain you access to His Kingdom. As with a natural Kingdom or country, one cannot simply stroll into God’s Kingdom to merely assuage one’s curiosity, to “check it out” and see if it suits them before committing to live there.

Listen to what Jesus told Nicodemus regarding possessing the proof needed to gain access into His Kingdom: “Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.”

And yet, scripture makes plain that not one of us is righteous. “As it is written and forever remains written, “THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS [none that meets God’s standard], NOT EVEN ONE.” –Romans 3:10.

So, how do we obtain the righteousness necessary to enter God’s Kingdom?

That’s where proof of our righteousness comes in: No righteousness, no entry into this Kingdom.

Righteousness is afforded us via our relationship with Jesus Christ. As Jesus told Nicodemus, we must be born again; this free, unplumbable privilege is only afforded us in Jesus Christ. His life, death, and defeat of the grave—His resurrection, a relationship with Him, makes having His Righteousness possible. “It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” –1Corinthians 1:30-31.

Amazingly, God’s Holy Spirit is alive and at work in us now—if we are His. Jesus’ sinless Righteousness covers our sins. When God looks at us, He sees His Son—Pure. Holy. Without spot or wrinkle.

Jesus alone is the One living person—the only Person, who has ever possessed such righteousness and, equally, retains the right to bestow it on whosoever He chooses. “Just as [in His love] He chose us in Christ [actually selected us for Himself as His own] before the foundation of the world, so that we would be holy [that is, consecrated, set apart for Him, purpose-driven] and blameless in His sight. In love.” –Ephesians 1:4.

Beloved of God, you, who possess said proof God demands, will be granted legal entry into His Kingdom. Hallelujah! “He made Christ who knew no sin to [judicially] be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we would become the righteousness of God [that is, we would be made acceptable to Him and placed in a right relationship with Him by His gracious lovingkindness].” –2 Corinthians 5:21.

What about you, friend? Should Christ come today, do you possess the proof necessary to enter the Kingdom of God?

Have you been born again?

If not, let today be the day salvation comes to you.

Jesus made accepting Him into your life as your Lord and Savior as simple as this: “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.” –Romans 10:9-10.

Cousins & The Cornerstone.

November 2, 2024 /

MaryEllen Montville

“When the owner of the vineyard returns,” Jesus asked, “what do you think he will do to those farmers?” The religious leaders replied, “He will put the wicked men to a horrible death and lease the vineyard to others who will give him his share of the crop after each harvest.” Then Jesus asked them, “Didn’t you ever read this in the Scriptures? ‘The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing, and it is wonderful to see.” –Matthew 12:40-43.

Scattered amongst a crowd, you’d be hard-pressed to distinguish one from the other. Stand them side by side; you’ll catch glimpses of familial similitudes. Vague, yet undeniably present. Inverse likenesses. Cousins, maybe? “When I look at you, I see my father’s eyes.” “And when I look at you, I see my father’s smile.”

Family. Often, its dynamics are complicated. Too often, families are fraught with some misgiving or another about a member or members that can quickly turn volatile when trying to unite divided factions—and when they do finally come together, they mostly disagree. It may be because one side incites the other by reminding them they’re the family favorites and that “your side” has only been invited because “well, family is family.”

Sounds harsh, right?

Even eerily familiar to some of you who’ve experienced firsthand the incisive sting of familial rejection?

And yet, there is sugar hidden within this severe, bitter truth. Sweet morsels of grace wrapped in inclusion, redemption, privilege, and forgiveness, making even this most sharp rejection palpable. Thus, at least, that’s the way it’s been between Jews and Christians for millennia. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” –Romans 1:16.

Yet soon and very soon, one family, invited by One Host, will sit at one table where there’ll be no favorites. “There is [now no distinction in regard to salvation] neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you [who believe] are all one in Christ Jesus [no one can claim a spiritual superiority].” –Galatians 3:28.

Meet the Cousins: The Jews and the Christians, and the Host: Cornerstone, Jesus.

Cousin One, the Jews: You’ve already met him—who he represents. Jesus was talking to them and their side of the family in today’s verses. They’re the ones Cornerstone first came to—He unveiled His plan and identity to them. They would be the first to receive an invitation to a future family gathering. But Cousin One had an issue with Cornerstone telling them and their side of the family that their blatant misuse of their God-given authority coupled with their disobedience and blindness would now result in the gift God had given them being handed over, for a time, to the other side of the family.

“Jesus said to them, “If you were blind [to spiritual things], you would have no sin [and would not be blamed for your unbelief]; but since you claim to have [spiritual] sight, [you have no excuse so] your sin and guilt remain.” John 9:41.

When the Apostle Paul explained to Cousin Two, the Christians, the reasons why Cornerstone had made this decision to remove, for a time, the gift He’d first given Cousin One, the Jews,  Paul explained Cornerstons decision using these very words: “So I say, have they stumbled so as to fall [to spiritual ruin]? Certainly not! But by their transgression [their rejection of the Messiah] salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make Israel jealous [when they realize what they have forfeited]. Now if Israel’s transgression means riches for the world [at large] and their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their fulfillment and reinstatement be!” –Romans 11:11-12.

Cousin Two, to whom it’d been made clear that they’d only been invited to the family gathering because, “as family,” they had to be, now understood the whole Truth about why they’d been invited. They now understood that the invitation extended to them had a two-fold purpose uniquely their own. Using Olive trees as a metaphor, more specifically, the grafting of branches into the primary root system feeding the Olive tree, Paul makes clear to Cousin Two, the Christians, not to think more highly of themselves than they ought, that in fact, what Cousin One had been telling them all along, biting as it was, was the Truth.

“If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble.” –Romans 11:17-20.

Nevertheless, said Truth did not negate the weight of the ultralaborious responsibility momentarily placed on the newly grafted in shoulders of Cousin Two; yet as He had with Cousin One, the Jews, Cornerstone would give Cousin Two the same Helper who would enable them to fulfill this ultralaborious—impossible without God’s help, task. One Cornerstone—One Helper. “But you will receive power and ability when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be My witnesses [to tell people about Me] both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth.” –Acts 1:8.

A rife in this family had occurred—a family divided by unbelief and pride. Yet Cornerstone was—is, immovable in His desire—plan, really, for His family to be One.

He’d extended an invitation to both sides, wanting both to celebrate as one, and He would not, will not, allow His invitation to be thwarted by division.

Cornerstone had a plan and it was good—is good.

It brings into crystalline focus what He’s always had planned for His family—everyone in His family—Jew and Gentile alike. “This Jesus is the stone which was despised and rejected by you, the builders, but which became the chief Cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among people by which we must be saved [for God has provided the world no alternative for salvation].” –Acts 4:11-12.

Whether you’re a Jew or a Gentile, the Chief Cornerstone, Jesus, has made His plan known today; He wants you to join Him. He gave His life for you so you could join Him, know Him, and accept His invitation to be part of the family gathering that will take place soon and very soon. Mindblowing, right? That The God who flung the stars in the sky and knows them by name, who created whole galaxies—and you—would even give you a choice. That’s Love! Your only response to such love? “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” –Matthew 3:2.

“You have been saved by God’s love and kindness because you believed. It was not because of anything you did, but it was a gift from God. You were not saved by trying to do what the law says. So no one can be proud about it. God has made us. In Jesus Christ God made us so that we can do good things. He planned that we should live that way.” –Ephesians 2:8-10.

Remain In Me.

September 28, 2024 /

MaryEllen Montville

“So you must remain faithful to what you have been taught from the beginning. If you do, you will remain in fellowship with the Son and with the Father.” –1 John 2:24.

In his first Epistle, John the Apostle admonishes us four times within four verses to “remain” both faithful and in fellowship with Christ Jesus, and he adds our doing this is a sure sign of our love and obedience to God and His Word. “And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him.” –1John 2:3-5.

Perhaps, as John was writing this portion of his Epistle, he was reflecting on earlier times.

Those days when he and his brothers spent drinking in every Word that fell from Jesus’ lips as they walked, talked, worked, ministered, debated with, and questioned Him so as to know and learn everything Jesus had to teach them. I pose this question because, upon reflection, the heart of John’s words in his Epistles concerning remaining connected to Christ—obeying Him, abiding in Him, could easily be interchanged with those spoken directly to him by Jesus in his Gospel. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” –John 15:5;8.

At their core, each verse points to how crucial staying connected to Christ truly is.

This cardinal precept of “remaining,” of spiritual intimacy with God, was a point Jesus emphasized the importance of repeatedly with His friends—and through them, to us. This precept of abiding is repeated throughout the Gospels—particularly in John’s.

Yet how? How do we “remain” faithful to what we’ve been taught from the beginning when nearly every day we hear of some new theory, new doctrine, some new “Word from the Lord” splashed across YouTube or social media, from the pulpit or whispered in our ear from a “well-meaning” yet albeit naïve believer. How do we “abide” in Christ when we’re being pulled this way or that by family members who demand, we choose between being with them or following after “this Jesus of yours.” When that addiction we thought was long behind us, the habit that had all but destroyed us, seems to be calling to us. A vague yet familiar siren song emanating up from our memory.

When your marriage is in crisis and, no matter of counseling, prayer, or late-night raging at the pain of disappointment and betrayal seems to heal it. How? When your wayward child is drifting further and further away, duped by a culture filling their heads with lies and confusion. When that stinging church hurt, or the betrayal of a life-long friend threatens to grow roots of bitterness in your heart. When the boss says that you must work on Sunday or participate in some office practice, that goes against your faith and principles, or it’s your job.

Thankfully, as believers, the answer to these questions isn’t complicated.

The process of our overcoming may be muddy and challenging, but the answer itself is straightforward. “…remain in my love.” –John 15:9. Jesus assures us, the solace and strength we need to overcome any trial is not only readily available to us, but found only in Him.

Equally, a prolific seed of Truth is found inside this simple verse: our unequivocal need for absolute Oneness with God. “Without me, you see, you can’t do anything. –John 15:5.

Sounds simplistic, I know. Maybe even trite to some.

However, absolute Oneness with God is what our relationship with Jesus must be built upon for us to flourish—to overcome and thrive spiritually.

We must have a resolute, watertight bond with our God. “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.” –Matthew 7:24-25.

And yet beloved, when we’re the ones facing the mountain before us, the death, terrifying diagnosis, betrayal, break-up, or loss, this simple Truth of abiding in Jesus, clinging to Him, placing a measure of faith we didn’t even know we possessed in Him, can feel not only daunting, but down-right impossible for some of us to swallow. And yet, swallow we must. Staying connected to Truth—to Jesus, we must.

Our feelings will fail us, so will our hearts, courage, and minds—our friends, too, as well intended as they may be. In times of trials, only Jesus can help us. Save, heal, deliver, strengthen, enable, make a way through or restore us.

Only Jesus.

Actually, this is true every day. For most of us, unfortunately, we only become aware of this when the winds and waves are threatening to take us out.

Each verse in today’s teaching is intended to harken us back to Jesus. To Remind us we can do nothing apart from Him—not even those things we so readily take for granted, like drawing our next breath.

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus repeatedly states that He came not to exercise His own will but to do the will of the Father who sent Him. To say what He’d heard the Father say only. “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does…” –John 5: 19-20.

At the core of all Jesus did was an ever-present determination to obey God and His Word to the utmost, even unto His death on the Cross.

It was this burning love for the Father, this fixed determination that was such a part of who Jesus is that nothing and no one could lure Him away from oneness with the Father. This absolute oneness caused and enabled Jesus to do what the “fully man” in Him momentarily stumbled over. “Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” –Mark 14:35-36.

We would do well to imatate Jesus by remaining in, trusting in, the love of the Father for His children.

Beloved, you have a Great High Priest who knows how hard it is for you right now. He not only sees you but that all but unbearable weight of pain you’re carrying—He’s been there. It’s why, in part, He sent me to remind you to stay connected to Him—your True and Only Source of Strength. Abide in Him. Trusting that the strength, healing, rescue, answers, or freedom you need—have been praying for— is found only in Jesus—that He has you.

Your trial, the “hour” that has come upon you, is safe in God’s Hands.

No matter what things look like, regardless of how dark it may get, trust God, beloved, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand.  The Father and I are one.” –John 10: 28-30.

Friend, Jesus made connecting with Him simple. Here’s how: “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.” –Romans 10:9-10. I encourage you to call out to Jesus as your Lord and Savior today, become one with Him—abide in Him.

“Cleansing A Leperous Heart”

September 7, 2024 /

Matthew Botelho

“While traveling to Jerusalem, He passed between Samaria and Galilee. As He entered a village, men with serious skin diseases met Him. They stood at a distance and raised their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” When He saw them, He told them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And while they were going they were healed. But one of them, seeing that he was healed, returned and with a loud voice, gave glory to God. He fell facedown at His feet, thanking Him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus said, “Were not cleansed? Where are the nine? Didn’t any return to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And He told him, “Get up and go on your way. Your faith has made you well.” –Luke 17:11-19.

As stated, these ten men had a severe skin disease, which Scripture hints at being leprosy, a chronic but now curable infectious disease mainly causing skin lesions and nerve damage. The Law of Moses stated: “The person afflicted with an infectious skin disease is to have his clothes torn and his hair hanging loose, and he must cover his mouth and cry out ‘unclean, unclean!’ He will remain unclean as long as he has the infection; he is unclean. He must live alone in a place outside the camp.” –Leviticus 13:45-46

To make a point, I’ll use this metaphor. Just as leprosy deteriorates the flesh, unrepented sin will deteriorate your soul, causing you to live removed from God. It may even cause your death.

Brothers and sisters, before we came to Christ, we were as unclean spiritually as these poor men were physically.

Our hearts were diseased and riddled with sin.

Our minds were saturated with the things of this world, the lusts of the eyes. “For the mindset of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit itself to God’s law, for it is unable to do so. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” –Romans 8:7-8

And we know that the longer a person chooses to live a sinful life, the more the evidence of their sins radiates outward. Their outward man becomes a reflection of their inward sins. “The heart is more deceitful than anything else, and incurable–who can understand it?” –Jeremiah 17:9.

As with the ten lepers in today’s Scripture, your sin will cause you to live apart from God.

Man cannot rid himself of sin, but God made a way for all men to be free and be cleansed of all inequities through His son, Jesus. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” –Romans 6:23.

Concerning the lepers: “He told them, Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And while they were going they were healed. But one of them, seeing that he was healed, returned and with a loud voice, gave glory to God. He fell facedown at His feet, thanking Him. And he was a Samaritan.” –Luke 17:14-15.

These lepers cried out to Jesus, “Have mercy on us!”  and a repentant heart is what God wants. You may have been cast out, friend, but know that God still sees you, even though your sin has distorted your heart. Jesus still knows you and loves you.

They cried out for mercy and acknowledged Jesus as Lord and Master over their sickness and hearts. God does not want you to remain in your sin. He wants you to be all He created you to be: holy and full of purpose. In Mark, Jesus reminds us of this: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe in the good news!” –Mark 1:15.

 When these ten lepers heard Jesus say, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” Something stirred inside them. Having lived as cast-outs, it must have been a while since they had felt this stirring of hope inside themselves.

Their disease had plagued them for so long they had forgotten what it felt like to have hope and faith. But because of Jesus, their faith had been stirred up, and, in obedience to His command, they ran to show themselves to the priests.

But why did they have to show themselves to the priests?

Showing yourself to the priest was written in the Law of Moses, and Jesus never contradicted His Father’s Word. “But if the raw flesh changes and turns white, the priest must pronounce the infected person clean; he is clean. “–Leviticus 13:16-17. Also, the local priests must have known about these ten men and their condition. Their all being healed together was Jesus’ way of sending a message to these priests that the Messiah had come. Surely, they would remember what the prophet Isaiah had said about Him: “He Himself bore our sicknesses, and carried out pains; but we in turn regarded Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted.” –Isaiah 53:4.

Ten men received healing from something that had taken everything away from them, and then, each man was restored because of their encounter with Jesus—there must have been some head-scratching happening by those local priests.

Friends, instead of sorrow and living as cast out from God because of your sin, you too can come to Jesus in complete repentance and cry out, “Jesus, save me! Have mercy on me!” Because of His mercy and great love for you, Jesus will change your heart and heal your inner man. He’ll redeem you, making you holy and clean by forgiving your sins and giving you new life! “I assure you: Unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” –John 3:3.

Once restored, Jesus, our high priest, declares us clean and in right standing with the Father!

We read only one leper returned to Jesus and gave glory to God, a Samaritan, which the Jews hated. He was that one who needed a touch of God; the others got what they came for and then went their way. Then Jesus said, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Didn’t any return to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And He told him, “Get up and go on your way. Your faith has made you well.” –Luke 17:17-19.

We should not take God’s blessings for granted, especially His gift of grace. “Kiss his son, or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.” –Psalm 2:12.

Friends don’t be like the nine who got what they came for and then forgot to thank Jesus for what He had done for them. Instead, raise your hands in joyous admiration and thank Jesus for His true gift of salvation! The Blood of our Lord Jesus has cleansed our leprous hearts.

Like the ten lepers, Jesus has made us new creations.

As I close this week’s teaching, know that we at Sonsofthesea are praying you know God’s love and the Truth that salvation is found in no one but in His Son, Jesus.

Do not harden your heart or turn away if you hear His voice calling you. Today is the day of salvation. Repent of your sins and ask Jesus to come into your heart. Believe His promise to you: “Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and have dinner with him and he with Me.” –Revelation 3:20.

Amen.

Fading Light

August 17, 2024 /

MaryEllen Montville

Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going. Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.” –John 12:35-36.

If we are paying attention, we’ve noticed it’s getting darker earlier than when the first light of summer stretched wide its arms, pushing back the cover of night ever so slightly at first. Then, widening its reach, it gradually offered us all an unkeepable promise: more time, and as humans do, we want that: more time. In our flesh, we long for the stretched-out days and longer nights of a never-ending summer. But beloved, if we are paying attention, then that check in our spirit, that something deep within us knows that it knows summer’s promise is deceptive—because the Light is in fact, fading.

As it is in the heavenly realm, so too on the earth.

At the same time, while there is Light, we must not allow ourselves to be lulled into the false promise of a never-ending summer—lazy days of all play and laughter. Instead, we must work and all the more while it is day. We must put our hands to the plow with a fresh grip and a new determination. We must consciously live holy and pleasing lives, faithfully doing the work God gave us, created us to do before the foundation of the world.

We must consecrate ourselves anew to Jesus while it is still day, beloved of God. Working with renewed diligence, knowing: “the mystery of lawlessness [rebellion against divine authority and the coming reign of lawlessness] is already at work; [but it is restrained] only until he who now restrains it is taken out of the way.” –2 Thessalonians 2:7.

A lot of “musts,” I know. Still, we must—because the Light is fading. A mystery as wholly unknowable in totality as God Himself, yet equally real.

God uses His creation to speak to us, pointing us toward more profound Truth—facets of Himself, revealing slivers of His “It Is Finished” plan. “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse–Romans 1:20.

As Christians, we get to watch God’s Word unfold before our very eyes: a Living message of hope and comfort pointing us toward our eternal reward. The Light of Christ and the radiance of God’s Glory. “But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word.” –Hebrews 1:2-3.

We are privy to God’s master plan—if we’ve chosen to open and study it—allowed it to lead and guide us as God intended. Our Creator ensured we would be prepared for all that would come—more, He ensured we’d have a survival guide that would help us navigate the fading of the Light and a sure promise that we would and will overcome darkness by placing His Spirit in us as our Guide. “But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth [full and complete truth]. For He will not speak on His own initiative, but He will speak whatever He hears [from the Father—the message regarding the Son], and He will disclose to you what is to come [in the future].” –John 16:13.

Friends, as the light God blesses us with recedes and the seasons change in obedience to their Creator, let’s follow their example of gracefully surrendering that which we were never meant to hang on to—created things. Things like the fading light of summer. Instead, as instructed, let us look to the City that will not need created light because the Uncreated, Self-Existent God Himself will be its eternal Light, forever banishing this current darkness. “And the city has no need of the sun nor of the moon to give light to it, for the glory (splendor, radiance) of God has illumined it, and the Lamb is its lamp and light.” –Revelation 21:23.

Beloved, the world is getting darker and darker indeed, but fear not!

As we understand it, God has had a plan from before time. Every second, every event in time—across time, mysteriously interwoven into a glorious, majestic, Royal fabric far too tremendous and vast for our simple and finite minds to take in. His name? Jesus, Light of The World. Listen as the Prophet Isaiah shares with us a sliver of God’s plan. “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” – Isaiah 7:14.

Immanuel: God with us.

God so wanted us to be with Him that He sent His only Son, Jesus, The Light of the world, into this world so that by Him, through Him—through a relationship with Him, we might one day soon and very soon once again behold the glory of God our Father with unveiled faces.

Summer has made us an unkeepable promise, friend, but not God.

Don’t mourn the passing of summer’s temporary light. Instead, as Jesus instructs us in today’s Scripture, run to, seize, grab hold of Him with both hands—while it’s still day.

Every man must choose for himself. Choose, then, to live in True Light.

Scripture assures us our ability to do this will end suddenly one day. So, I encourage you to—pray, that you will embrace, welcome, and drink in the Light of Life while He may be found.

Summer lasts for a season. Your life is eternal. Where you’ll spend it, in darkness or Light, is before you today. The choice is yours, friend. Choose the unfading Light. “But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” 2 Peter 3:8-10.

Who Is Worthy?

August 10, 2024 /

Matthew Botelho

“You did not choose Me, but I chose you. I appointed you that you should go out and produce fruit and that your fruit should remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, He will give you. This is what I command you: Love one another.” – John 15:16-17.

I am so blessed to be back with you, my Sonsofthesea family! I truly have missed doing what our Lord has called me to do and connecting with all of you. God is very merciful and, like a good father, will chasten those He loves. We serve a God that will never leave you in a pit of doubt, loneliness, and depression. So, I need to be very transparent with you, brothers and sisters; I have been wrestling with the above in my heart these past few weeks away.

These very thorns in my flesh were slowly digging into my heart.

I felt that I was drowning in a sea of self-pity. Jealousy and strife were not only in my heart; they were taking root. These horrible works of the flesh were becoming manifest. Then, one day, as I was feeling sorry for myself, the Holy Spirit directed me to this Scripture, a checklist of my heart. The apostle Paul writes to the church in Galatia:

“Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds,  strife,  jealousy,  outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar,  I tell you about these things in advance-as I told you before- that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” –Galatians 6:19-21

My heart sank as I read this, and I felt sick to my stomach.

As a Christian, having just one of these sinful works of the flesh at work in you is terrible, but I could check off at least seven of these sins in my spirit. I fell on my face with tears, “Lord, how can I worship You when I am such a mess right now? How could You ever see anything in me? How am I worthy to be called you child?”

As I write this, the question returns: who is worthy?

What human is worthy to be in the presence of the Holy and Righteous Sovereign God?

After reading those verses in Galatians 6, I thank God that scales fell from my eyes, and I saw no way any Christian could, I could, boldly stand in God’s presence with all of that junk in our hearts. No man can receive the Kingdom of God in such sinful flesh. They must be born again. They need the Spirit of the living God. Jesus makes this clear in John 3:3, “I assure you; unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

My brothers and sisters, we all need Jesus!

Please hear me, friends: if you think the enemy won’t fire his fiery arrows at you or that the dark night of the soul that overtook me could never overtake you, then you are truly letting your guard down. I once said the very same thing: “My eyes are always on Jesus. That won’t happen to me.” I’d forgotten the Truth I so love. “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” –Proverbs 16:18.

Friends, as long as we live in these earthly vessels, we are prime targets for Satan’s attacks.

In 1 Peter 5:8-9, the apostle Peter warns us of this: “Be serious! Be alert! Your adversary The devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him and be firm in the faith knowing that the same sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.”

Are we worthy to receive the forgiveness of God?

Humanly speaking, the answer is no if we look at it through the lens of the flesh or human ability.

We are not worthy to receive anything from a Holy and Pure God. Jesus alone is worthy! “The Lord is great and worthy of our praise; no one can understand how great he is.” –Psalm 145:3.

By nature, humans are selfish and self-centered.

We are always thinking about getting ahead or getting that next best thing, keeping up with the worldly standards of “success.” Such striving causes us to walk in fear and doubt, asking ourselves what the next day will bring before the day ever comes. Yet God still proves Himself to be a loving Father! “But God proves His love for using that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us!” –Romans 5:8.

God will never stop loving us, loving you, brothers and sisters. He cannot. God is Love. 1 John 4:16 reminds us of this. “We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.” He wants a relationship even with His most stubborn creations, you and me. “Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” –1 John 4:10.

In today’s verse, Jesus reminds us: “you did not choose Me, but I chose you.”

 Let that sink in for a moment. God chose you—in your imperfections, in your anxiety, in your mess.

But, Jesus also tells us to repent our sins and believe He is God’s Son.

We’re able to stand righteous before God only by Jesus’ finished work—His life, death, and resurrection.

It wasn’t Matthew Botelho who solved his mess. If anything, I was making things worse for myself and my family. Not to mention all those who stood beside me during this challenging time. Only the love of the Father set this servant free from all that bitterness and selfishness. And though I am not worthy of such forgiveness, Jesus said, “For God loved the world in this way; He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” –John 3:16.

I am an “everyone” who believes. I have been set free by the One who sets His children “free indeed!”

Brothers and sisters, If you are going through a trying season, please know you are not going through it alone. We at Sonsofthesea are praying for all of you. We all walk through the desert at some time or another, that dry place where our enemy can take us out if we’re not careful. But with Jesus beside you every step of the way, you will leave your valley., just as I did.

And friend, if you are reading this and you feel the pull of the Holy Spirit moving you closer to God, follow His leading. Do not harden your heart, but allow the Presence of God to saturate every part of you. Repent and believe that Jesus washed away your sins with His precious Blood. Ask Him into heart and life as Lord of all. Amen. “As it is said, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” –Hebrews 3:15.

Me, Lord?

July 13, 2024 /

MaryEllen Montville

“Boaz went over and said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Stay right here with us when you gather grain; don’t go to any other fields. Stay right behind the young women working in my field. Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. “What have I done to deserve such kindness?” she asked. “I am only a foreigner.” –Ruth 2:8;10.



Like many redemption stories, Ruth’s started long before Boaz, her earthly kinsman redeemer, took notice of her gleaning grain in his field. Long before, he would waste no time hastening before the town elders and leaders to state his intentions concerning her. “Then Boaz said to the elders and to the crowd standing around, “You are witnesses that today I have bought from Naomi all the property of Elimelech, Kilion, and Mahlon. And with the land I have acquired Ruth, the Moabite widow of Mahlon, to be my wife.” –Ruth 4:9-10.

As with all those Jesus calls His own, somewhere in the eternal past, a conversation occurred between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit concerning us; in this instance, Their discussion centered around Ruth and Their plan for her life. As with our own, Ruth’s story began so far back that as God recounted it, the earth was yet formless and void. “According as he has chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.” –Ephesians 1:4-5.

Ruth, a Moabite, married Mahlon, a Judean immigrant from Bethlehem. Son of Elimelech and Naomi, Mahlon had accompanied his parents and brother to Moab due to a famine that had struck their land. Thus, Mahlon somehow lands in Ruth’s proverbial backyard and ever the story goes. Boy meets girl. Boy marries girl, yet after ten years of marriage, Ruth is not only left childless but a widow when Mahlon dies suddenly. Nonetheless, El Roi, the God of her husband’s people, saw Ruth’s plight. “The LORD protects foreigners; He sustains the fatherless and the widow, but the ways of the wicked He frustrates.” –Psalm 146:9.

Ever watchful, El Roi, the God who saw Ruth, sees us. “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” –Hebrews 13:8.

So even when we, the vulnerable and dispossessed, the seemingly unseen, unprotected, the foreigner, feel as Ruth did, wholly unworthy of receiving such unfathomable kindness and such incomprehensible love. Contrary to those feelings and far more than any man’s kindness toward us, God is far more willing, kinder, and more gracious than the best of us deserve. “Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.” –Isaiah 30:18.

“When Naomi heard in Moab that the Lord had come to the aid of his people by providing food for them, she and her daughters-in-law prepared to return home from there.” Ruth 1:6. But somewhere en route to Bethlehem, “the house of bread,” Naomi has second thoughts. She tells Ruth and her sister-in-law Orpha to head back to Moab, their families, their gods, and, hopefully, to future husbands.

After some tears and a long goodbye, Orpha concedes and heads back to Moab, but not Ruth.

Right there on a dusty road that will lead both women to a future they could not have imagined, Ruth upends her heart, spilling its contents at her mother-in-law’s feet. “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” –Ruth 1:16-17.

Only at the feet of Jesus, as Mary, Lazarus’ sister, cries tears born of eternal devotion and an inexpressible love while pouring spikenard over Jesus’ feet, wiping them with her hair, do we see a more moving example of such humble, pure and heartfelt devotion. But that’s a teaching for another day. Ruth’s humility, tender devotion to her mother-in-law, readiness, confidence, and courage to leave her family—and the only life she’s ever known; her emboldened plea and willingness to follow Naomi, come what may, were gifts from God.

Unrecognized at the moment, each trait was some piece of the whole she would need to walk out God’s plan for her life faithfully.

A destiny unfolding undecipherably before her as she walked beside Naomi on that dusty, one-way road that led to redemption. “So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he made love to her, the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. The women said to Naomi: “Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.” Then Naomi took the child in her arms and cared for him. The women living there said, “Naomi has a son!” And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.” –Ruth 4:13-17.

And if we follow David’s genealogy, it leads us straight to our Eternal Kinsman Redeemer, Jesus: “Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of King David.” Then, after skipping multiple generations, David’s natural lineage ends with “and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah.”

Ruth could not have known where her obedient, submissive heart would lead her.

We know Ruth was overwhelmed with gratitude by the human kindness shown to her by Boaz; the scriptures make that clear. But what we can only imagine is how full of gratitude, how much more humbled and thunderstruck Ruth may have felt had she known standing on that dusty road that her one decision to leave a familiar world behind her to follow Naomi would one day lead to her having played some small part in ensuring her spiritual Redeemer and ours; Jesus,  Savior of the whole world, is born.

So, what does Jesus’ being born mean for you specifically?  

It means if, like Ruth, you are willing to humble yourself and follow after the One True God who has led you not to some dusty road but here, instead, you might meet and, like her, walk away following not some earthy redeemer who can offer you only temporary rewards, but your eternal, Kinsman Redeemer, Jesus Christ who offers you His Life.

Won’t you welcome His Life into your yours? Are you willing to leave behind this world’s old, familiar things and follow God more wholeheartedly, passionately, and tenderheartedly than even Ruth once followed Naomi? “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” –Psalm 32:8.

As scripture says, being born again must occur for you to have a relationship with God. A relationship Christ gave up all to have with you. “Me, Lord?” “Yes, you child.” “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” –John 3:3.

He Walks With Me.

June 29, 2024 /

Matthew Botelho & MaryEllen Montville

“A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.” –Proverbs 16:9.

I love this proverb because, as Christians, it is something we have all dealt with and can relate to. We all have a dream or vision that we want to pursue, and dreams and visions are good to have. Often, they are a gift from God that gives us something to strive for and a purpose to get up every morning. Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law.” Having a plan to strive for is great, especially when you seek God first. God promises that it will be blessed and fulfilling; maybe not always exactly what you want or asked for, but blessed and fulfilling because He will always bring good and personal growth out of it. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus reminds us to keep God first in our hearts and everything we do. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

My dear friends, I’m here to remind you that you have a purpose, and God has a plan for your life.

If you belong to Him, do not think for one second that God has left you as orphans. He speaks to you daily through His Spirit that dwells inside you. So do not ignore what God is speaking to you. Be wise in understanding what God is showing you regarding how to walk out what He has placed in your heart. Because when you allow yourself to think you are wise in your own ways and feel you do not need the Lord’s help, you will always be wrong. Always hit avoidable roadblocks and pitfalls. “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” –Hebrews 3:15.

God’s Holy Spirit gives you the knowledge and the peace to navigate whatever He has placed on your heart; you can confidently walk knowing that God and His promises are with you and for you. You will never hear the Lord say, “Well, got to go now! And oh, good luck, because you are going to need it! Remember God and all that good stuff. See ya!”

God forbid!

I can’t even imagine it!

I thank God we serve a faithful, kind, intentional, and loving God who created us on purpose—with a purpose.

Today, I cannot even think about what life would be without having Jesus as my Sustainer—the One who places His plans and purposes in my heart. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” –Jeremiah 29:11.

Because there once was a time when I walked in rebellion, according to my plans and desires—walking in the way that seemed right in my heart. “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, But the end thereof are the ways of death.” –Proverbs 14:12. It was not until Jesus came and set me on the path of Life that forever changed me. He said, “Follow Me,” and directed my steps in a new direction. One from which, by His grace and in His strength, I will never turn. “For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” –2 Corinthians 6:2.

Brothers and sisters, I pray that before you begin to set goals and make life plans for yourself, you first go before our Lord in prayer, wholeheartedly seeking Him and submitting yourself and your plans to God, allowing His Holy Spirit to guide your every step. “Commit your works to the LORD [submit and trust them to Him], And your plans will succeed [if you respond to His will and guidance].” –Proverbs 16:3.

So many right now do not know that the love of God is found in no one other than Christ Jesus. Jesus alone is the only way back into a loving Father-child relationship with God. “Jesus said to him, “I am the [only] Way [to God] and the [real] Truth and the [real] Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” –John 14:6.

For those who are reading this for the first time and don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus but want one, who want to know what it truly means to walk in a new direction, to have your sins forgiven and your plans firmly established and blessed by God, I invite you first to repent of your sins—ask Jesus to forgive you, then, ask Him to come into your heart as Lord and Savior believing He is truly the Son of God. God promises, “If you acknowledge and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord [recognizing His power, authority, and majesty as God], and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart a person believes [in Christ as Savior] resulting in his justification [that is, being made righteous—being freed of the guilt of sin and made acceptable to God]; and with the mouth he acknowledges and confesses [his faith openly], resulting in and confirming [his] salvation.” –Romans 10:9-10.

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