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

Category: Faith (Page 1 of 9)

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.

Whatever You Will…

November 23, 2024 /

MaryEllen Montville

“And after going a little farther, He fell face down and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible [that is, consistent with Your will], let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.” –Matthew 26:39.

Those cannot expect to prosper, who do not, by faith and prayer, take God with them in all their ways. –Matthew Henry.

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus tells His disciples He has come, not to do His own will, but that of the Father who has sent Him. He’s come to be obedient even unto death—intent on being fully pleasing to God. “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.” –Philippians 2:6-8.

Jesus is devoted to His Father, regarding Himself as His Father’s servant. Jesus’ will was, and is still, to wholly bring about the will of His Father. “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but to do the will of Him who sent Me.” –John 6:38.

In our saying yes to Christ, fellow Christians, Paul reminds us in Galatians 2:20 that we, being in Christ, have made the same vow to our Father as Christ has; to obey God in all things—to make Him Lord of every “nook and cranny” of our lives—withholding no thing from Him, even unto our very lives. “I have been crucified with Christ [that is, in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith [by adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting] in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”

We are, after all, His Bride, called to live in submission to His Lordship.

There is a reason Jesus tells us to check our hearts and search out the true motive behind our desire to follow Him—to be His disciple. The reason behind our choosing to follow Jesus matters most to God. Is it out of pure love or for personal gain? Because Christ assures us that following Him will cost us our lives.

Those who, like Him, desire to live and die wholly consecrated, set apart to do the will of God—no matter what happens. “If you want to be my disciple, you must, by comparison, hate everyone else—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple. “But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. They would say, ‘There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!'” –Luke 14:26-30.

These few then must tally up the costs of our losses, determining their grand total to be as nothing compared to the unplumbed wealth of knowing and serving our Lord and Savior. Leaving behind whatever we believe has been gained here, and now, we must follow Jesus’ example of outright surrender to the Father’s will and plan for our lives—no turning back. “Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ.” –Philippians 3:8.

“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that One died for all, therefore all died. / And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died for them and was raised again.” –2 Corinthians 5:14-15. It was God’s will for Jesus to come face to face with His Gethsemane. Be convinced, then, you will face your own Gethsemane, repeatedly—until Christ takes you home.

Trials are part of the Christian’s life and walk, beloved. God uses them—dare I say, sent by Him, to refine our faith by affording us opportunities to die to vestiges of our flesh that, left un-surrendered, would otherwise pull our eyes and will away from God. “Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.” –James 1:2-4.

Knowing this, then, we each must choose to live fully in that place of final surrender, making friends with death to self, where flesh dies so that we, out true selves, may live in complete submission to God—doing His will, not our own. Choosing to love Him—not just chasing Him for His blessings or favor. Serving and loving Him because of who He is and what loving us—saving us—has cost him.

And yet, we can only do this, lay ourselves down on these “dying-daily” altars, these places of sacrifice, accepting every “we must choose” moment that spans our new life in Him because Christ’s strength alone enables us. Scripture reminds us not even the saintliest of us genuinely seek after God unless He first bids us to do so. “As it is written, None is righteous, just and truthful and upright and conscientious, no, not one. No one understands [no one intelligently discerns or comprehends]; no one seeks out God. All have turned aside; together they have gone wrong and have become unprofitable and worthless; no one does right, not even one!” –Romans 3:10-12.

Friends, trials of various sorts will come in this life—Jesus Himself guaranteed it. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” –John 16:33.

So I’ll encourage you now, before the trial comes, or perhaps while it’s happening, either way, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus—your Living hope—who, by His example, when faced with a trial far too great for you and me to face, willingly handed over the last iota of His “fully man” flesh to His Loving Father, so that He might finish the saving work He’d have to die to accomplish; leading  Him out of Gethsemane and “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup [of divine wrath] from Me; yet not My will, but [always] Yours be done.” And straight to “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” on Golgatha’s Cross.

Friend, if you’re crying out to God, asking Him why He has seemingly forsaken you, why He is allowing this dark trial to crush the very life from you, if you’re asking God to remove that cup of _________ from you, then, like Jesus, you must also be willing to hear God say, “This cup must stay.” Trusting Him—when even the greatest blessing of your life, that breakthrough, the return of your prodigal, the restoration of your marriage or family, your salvation, comes only through your willingness to swallow what is found in the very dregs of “death to self’s” bitter cup. “For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?” –Luke 9:25.

Trials will come, friends. Will you choose to love, serve, and obey God for who He is when they hit, or will your house fall?

Are you willing to tell God, “Not my will, but Thine be done,” and mean it? Regardless, the cup placed before you? This decision starts when Jesus becomes your Lord and Savior. “I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse; therefore, you shall choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants.” –Deuteronomy 30:19.

Getting UnStuck.

November 16, 2024 /

MaryEllen Montville

“That is what the Scriptures mean when God told him, ‘I have made you the father of many nations.’ This happened because Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing.” –Romans 4:17.

Today, I felt led to share this word of encouragement: We serve a God who brings dead things to life. Who creates new things out of nothing—out of those who feel like nothing.

If you are stuck, wanting to believe for more, question whether your life and faith will ever change and grow. Will God really do all He’s promised to do? Then I pray this encourages and gives you direction. The hope needed to keep believing in Jesus. I pray it reminds you of the power of the Living God you serve and how even the Fathers of the faith experienced feelings of being stuck. So don’t panic—Jesus does not condemn you for feeling stuck—even Father Abraham wondered if his situation could change. Still, God had a plan for Abraham, and He has one for your life.

 “God also said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah. I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her.” Abraham fell facedown; he laughed and said to himself, “Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?” –Genesis 17:15-17.

Remember, beloved, God alone has the power to change your life and circumstances.

God caused two dried-out old bodies to bring forth new life. He allows us, desires for us—sent His One and Only Son to us so that we might one day be partakers of every promise He made to and through Abraham—that dried-up old man. Who, by the way, felt stuck himself at times—as did his wife, Sarai. In Genesis Chapter Fifteen, we read about a conversation between God and Abraham. God promises this old, childless man he’ll be the Father of nations and have his own child with Sarai. But Abraham is stuck. To his thinking, their combined old age can’t add up to them having their own child.

But God said it would be so… and so it was.

So what do you think He, who is no respecter of persons, will do with your dead hope—your feeling stuck, that nothing—that you, dear Christian—will never change? I’ll remind you your feelings are just that, feelings; they’re fluid, changeable, and fickle, regardless of their weightiness. If you let them, they’ll sink you—robbing you of life, trust, and hope. Robbing you of your Isacc. They have attempted to hijack your mind, exalting themselves over Christ’s Sovereignty in your life, and now they must bow before Him—relinquishing their temporary grip over your heart. Instead, you must remind them of the Truth—it’s the only sure way to conquer them—taking them captive rather than allowing yourself to be held captive by them.

Something not easy to do when they’re screaming in your ear, doing their level best to extinguish all hope and belief—faith that anything in life can or will get better than it is right now—yourself included. Just give up. You’ll never be more than your past—or present because you’re inextricably locked in their grip.

But Truth says: “The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you.” –Romans 8:11. You, child of God, possess so great a Power within you that, if you ever truly grab hold of this Living Truth—you’d never be the same. Though this verse speaks of our resurrected bodies, as written in a previous chapter, Paul doesn’t want you to miss this same Spirit that raised Jesus from the grave affords you unimaginable spiritual power right now.

It’s likely why Holy Spirit had Paul remind us of these following Truths:

“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” –2 Corinthians 10:5. To become unstuck, we must partner with God’s Holy Spirit, remembering He will not force Himself upon us; we must open ourselves to Him, giving Him and the Truth of His Word our undivided attention.

We must remember our lives are no longer our own; they belong to Christ now.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” –2 Corinthians 5:17. Knowing we are weak creatures—sheep He calls us, God’s Holy Spirit, coupled with His Inerrant, Living Word, reminds us of who we truly are now—a new creation. Christ in us—His will, His plans, His timing, and Sovereignty in all things, His Truth ruling the throne of our lives, choices, and will. We must repent of allowing ourselves to believe we’re somehow entitled to some thing we feel is missing in our lives.

“Listen carefully: I have given you authority [that you now possess] to tread on serpents and scorpions, and [the ability to exercise authority] over all the power of the enemy (Satan); and nothing will [in any way] harm you.” –Luke 10:19. We must consciously turn away from every feeling that frightens and paralyzes us by intentionally and actively aiming our thoughts at Truth, God’s Living Word, our Source. Christ alone offers the Christian—life, hope, joy, and complete satisfaction.

Our fickle feelings don’t stand a chance against such Sovereign Power.

We are not God and have no idea what is best for us. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” –Philippians 4:6-8.

So, how does God’s Word get us unstuck?

“Set your mind and keep focused habitually on the things above [the heavenly things], not on things that are on the earth [which have only temporal value]. For you died [to this world], and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God.” –Colossians 3:2-3.

Choose to take God at His Word by believing the Truth, not the lie. Trusting in the power of His Holy Spirit alive in you—that same power that raised Jesus from the dead who can and will free you if you allow Him. Because perhaps, just perhaps, your feeling stuck is, in fact, God’s way of lovingly enabling you to come face to face with your own fleshly dissatisfactions so that He might once and for all rid you of them because, at their core, your dissatisfactions are you playing god. You’re telling Him you know better than He what you need right now—what is best for you. That your current state of life is, in fact, not good. It is you forgetting you are no longer your own and have said, claimed, and professed to trust Jesus—at all times.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” –Isaiah 55:8-9. You’re feeling stuck has not taken God by surprise—He saw this coming even if you didn’t. Dare I say God allowed it. To bring good from it. To restore and bless you somehow. God is being God. Using feelings, He permitted you to experience (being stuck, powerless to change, questioning if you can really change—is it really possible, or are you too old? Too far gone. Is it too late? Can it really happen still?) To redirect you, bring about hope and His perfect plan for you. To rid you of fleshly feelings and desires that in no way reflect His Son to this lost and dying world. The answer is a resounding yes, by the way, to each of the above questions.

“We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.” –Romans 8:28. Beloved, trust that God is at work in you now, amid your feelings. He has a good plan for you—for your life. Trust His timing. Trust that your Good Father knows best what’s best for you.

And dear friend, if you are feeling stuck in this world, longing to be finally free of its hold on you, there is a way out. It starts with you asking Jesus into the life you so desperately want to be changed. “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.

“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.

New Season.

July 27, 2024 /

Pastor Maria Braga

“When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” –1 Cor 13:11.

Scripture is so current! It was not only for the past but also the present and the future. I have grown and become an adult woman in an adult body, and I continue to grow and mature. I have matured in many areas of my life and am still maturing in other places, especially my spiritual life. I pray that God never stops chasing me in every area, but especially the areas of immaturity where I need to become wise and discerning in life. This Scripture is life to me – it not only reminds me but also causes an urgency in me to continue transitioning and growing from the person I was yesterday into the new person I’m becoming in Christ Jesus.

Often, we think challenges come to break us! However, God sends these very challenges our way to grow us. In our limited minds, we can’t comprehend God’s plan for us, but He tells us of His plan in Scripture. “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.” –Jer. 29:11.

When we capture this concept, we mature and understand that to grow spiritually, we must experience growing pains. God allows us to go through some valleys to shape and mold us to fit His plan for our lives. God uses all we go through to grow and develop us while preparing us for things much greater than ourselves. The situations He allows us to go through are the foundations for our breakthroughs and our ability to experience something new. “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” –Isaiah 43:19.

Some seasons in life involve cutting people and situations away. We must delete conversations, phone numbers, and contacts, remove negativity, and bury stories and memories that will hurt us in our new season.

Even some good things from the old Season don’t fit in with the new.

All you need is to heal and grow in the confidence that those past things, as good as they once were, will now be thorns used to poke you in this new season. “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” –2 Corinthians 3:18.

 Don’t expect everyone to applaud the new in you.

Acquire the faith and trust you need to move on regardless. “No, dear brothers, and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” –Philippians 3:13-14.

It is complicated for humans to understand that God’s timing is not ours.

His timing is perfect for every situation. All things happen the way they do for a reason. Life looks like a mountain at times, a mountain of stuff accumulated over the years that becomes clutter and blurs our vision of the next season of life. We must check in daily and ready ourselves for whatever comes by wearing the whole armor of God. It will protect us from any unexpected fiery arrows directed at us.

The Kingdom of God is an ever-increasing, always forward-moving Kingdom.

An organism that moves constantly in the direction of the King of kings and Lord of Lords; God longs to lead us into maturity; His heart longs to take us deeper into our knowledge and understanding of His love.

We look to Jesus’ victory for endurance, and we embrace His joy as our strength. “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” –Hebrews 12:2.

You can choose to step through your next door, full of fear, doubt, and low expectations. But you will only experience the fullness of the new season God intends for you if you step into it with faith and great expectation.

I thank you, Lord, for this great salvation. For Your grace, we get to experience the joy that comes with it. Please fill me up with your Spirit and heal me today. Please help me continue to grow and become more and more like you as I journey through this life. Fill my heart and bless me. And I also pray for those who have yet to ask you into their lives as Lord Savior. May they do it today. In Jesus’ name. Amen. “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.

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.

Dear God (A Letter of Thanksgiving.)

June 1, 2024 /

Matthew Botelho

“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together.” –Psalm 34:1-3.

Dear God,

 I must boast in You!

I thank You because I would not be where I am today without You. You have blessed me beyond measure; I have more than enough. You have done it all, and You alone are worthy of all my praise. You have blessed my marriage and my family. You have brought me to a place of plenty, and we grow richly in You. My family humbles itself under Your Mighty hand. When I was at my lowest, You were there and loved Me. You saw me in my blindness and removed the scales from my eyes. I was a mess, wallowing in the pit of my sin, but You reached down and grabbed me, pulling me out.

I was a lost sheep who had strayed, You left the others to rescue me. You said, “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? And if he should find more it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.”-Matthew 18:12-14

Jesus, You did not leave me desperate in my sin but forgave me.

I am reminded of Your prophet Isaiah. What You spoke through him regarding Judah’s wickedness, saying, “Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord, though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.” –Isaiah 1:18.

As Your people once worshipped idols, so did I. Praise was kept only for me. I sought the approval of man, yet You loved me anyway. I am washed clean by Your Blood, Jesus; I can walk holy and set apart because You are holy.

In 1 Peter 1:13-16, You said: “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but He who called you is holy, you also be holy in your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

Your patience with humanity speaks volumes of Your love for us.

You know what’s in our hearts before we do. We are wicked when left unchecked by You, and yet Your eyes do not miss a thing. Proverbs 15:3 reminds us: “The eyes of the Lord are every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good.”

 I asked You: “Why do you keep us around, God? Truthfully, we are often self-centred, prideful, ignorant, spoiled children. Yet, John 3:16-17 answered my question: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should 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.”

Your Words are the keys to setting us free from the darkness of this world.

Lord Jesus, help us burn brighter as the days get darker. Remind us that victory has already come for those who call You Lord and that death no longer holds us captive.

Jesus, thank you for remembering me in my times of distress.

You have promised that You would never leave nor forsake me. You have never failed me, Lord. You do what you say You will do, exactly, and accomplish what You set out to do, precisely. May my praise always be for You alone, my Lord Jesus. Amen.

Friends, there are times when we must stop and simply thank God for everything He has done—just as David once did. David took time to thank God for His Sovereignty and His protection. So today, be reminded to go before the Throne of God with a humble heart, seeking only His Presence. As His child, remember, you can enter boldly into His Throne room of grace, filled with awe at how genuinely Magnificent your God is. “Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne room of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” –Hebrews 4:14-16 

We have received our salvation through Jesus alone. The Blood of our Lord, Jesus, has washed our sins away, and we are free!

Jesus lived a sinless life yet died a sinner’s death. He did this for you, me, and for everyone in every generation after us who will believe that Jesus is the Son of God! That the Word became flesh and walked this earth. Having done this, Jesus can sympathize with us. He alone is God, able to save humanity from its sin. Having come in the flesh, Jesus knew what it felt like to be a living, breathing man. Still, Jesus also understood the heart and will of His Father because, throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus never lost Oneness with His Father. “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel.” –John 5:19-20.

Maybe you can see yourself and how you feel about Jesus in this letter.

We all come from diverse backgrounds, and our testimonies will be different. But what unites us, what we share, is this: we each have had an encounter with Jesus—if we are His, that moment when we came to the “end of ourselves.”  Amen?

How can we honestly look back at our past lives and not say, “How did I make it this far? How is it that I am still alive?” Because many of us can say, “I shouldn’t still be here because…” 

Our answer: But God!

Whatever the addiction or mindset was, in His Mercy, Jesus set you free, my brothers and sisters. It wasn’t by your own understanding or anything you did or could have done; your freedom came solely by the Spirit of Almighty God. He alone brought you through it. “Where can I go from Your spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold You are there; If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your right hand shall hold me.” –Psalm 139:7-10.

Friends, today, I hope you’ll praise the Lord Jesus. Worship Him with all that is in you; He is worthy of your praise. Get undignified! Dance around! Sing a new song to Jesus!

If you are reading this for the first time and want to know Jesus, experience this freedom and joy, then ask Jesus to come into your heart. Repent of your sins, be washed by Jesus’ Precious Blood, and receive His free gift of salvation. Friend, Jesus said, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” -John 14:23.

Believe and Be Confident.

April 27, 2024 /

Elda Othello-Wrightington.

Have you ever felt like you were a little fish in a big pond? Sometimes, life can feel that way, especially if you have lived life in a small pond. Truth be told, in order for a small fish to become a big fish, its environment has to change. Change is hard but possible. But what if, due to circumstances, the environment cannot be changed? Well, then, one’s mindset must change. What do I mean? One must work through all their thoughts and feelings of unbelief.

Unbelief has a way of crippling one’s dream and what God might be calling you to do.

When fear sets in, questions start to arise. Can I really do this? Soon, that God-sized dream becomes a man-sized what could have been. Too often, many God-given dreams, visions, and plans end up in the cemetery because they were never walked out by faith. Fear and a lot of second-guessing brought on their early death.

Recently, I realized that had happened to me.

I have been going through a lot of transitions (maybe some midlife—joking!), and it occurred to me that I believed God could do God-sized things for everyone except me. This untruth was allowed to live in my imagination because I allowed fear, doubt, and unbelief to settle in.

You might be reading this and saying to yourself, “That’s me!” Or “But you don’t know what I’ve been through. I prayed, and God didn’t answer.” Or “I’ve been waiting, and it didn’t happen at all the way I expected or anticipated it would.”

Welp! That kind of talk and thinking is unbelief.

I want to share with you the question Holy Spirit asked me. “You say you trust God, but do you really believe God can do it for you?”

Many of you may know the Bible story of the man who brought his son to the disciples to be healed, but the disciples couldn’t heal him (Mark 9 1-29). Interestingly, Jesus identifies them as “you unbelieving generation.” Wow! What a statement. The disciples and even the boy’s father struggled and wondered why this boy couldn’t receive his healing. The father’s statement is a very thought-provoking one. He exclaims, “I believe but help by unbelief.”

Now, that’s a bold statement to tell Jesus.

 It’s also one that most of us struggle to admit. Friends, we must muster up the courage to believe and not doubt. “All things are possible if you believe “—Mark 9:23.

You might not have all the confidence in the world, but as a result of my own struggle, can I encourage you to start with God?

If you haven’t made Jesus your Lord and Savior, I want to encourage you to do so today. The Bible says in Romans 10:9-10 “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. It is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”

 When you put your confidence in God, He will lead you not only to salvation BUT also cause you to grow and thrive.

So, be confident in what He has called you to be and do by simply believing that He who calls you will also qualify you. He will show you the way. And will connect you to the right people. “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.” –1 Corinthians 1:27-29.

Another encouragement I have for you, if you’re struggling with believing, is to remember the promise found in Hebrews 10:23: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering for he who promised is faithful.”

Joseph had a dream he once shared with his brothers, and all it seemed to get him was sold into slavery and various other troubles. I wonder how often he questioned if he had heard God or asked himself where God was!

Friends, I’ve been there, and I just wanted to share an insight God shared with me about holding on to His promises: Hold on with patience!

Joseph had to learn to be patient before he could be Pharaoh’s second in command, a position that would ultimately save Joseph, his family, and many nations. Joseph didn’t know his dream would require that he be sold into slavery, be accused, and placed in prison, not to mention be forgotten—yet all of this was part of God’s plan for Joseph’s life.

 When we feel God has forgotten us, the truth is we have often underestimated God’s displaying patience toward us. That might sound a little backward. Yes, God is displaying patience towards us. Could it be possible that He is waiting for us to believe so that our growth can begin?

I was sent here today to encourage and remind someone that Jesus is in control and has a plan far bigger than our own. I’ve learned that God sometimes waits for us to believe Him. He is patiently waiting to see if we will grow into what He has called us to be through simple obedience and trust that He controls the process.

Be patient. Remember, the process has its purpose.

God is patient with us, and we must learn to be patient with our journey and wait for our dream or goal—whatever it might be. Believe my sisters and my brothers, and be confident in God. “Let us seize and hold tightly the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is reliable and trustworthy and faithful [to His word.” –Hebrews 10:23.

There Were Witnesses, Part 2.

April 13, 2024 /

MaryEllen Montville

“For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” –2 Peter 1:16.

Each Apostle had witnessed Jesus’ life and ministry during the approximate three-plus years He was on earth. And each was so convinced that Jesus was indeed who He’d professed to be while with them, they were willing to die a martyr’s death rather than deny Him—including Matthias, the Apostle chosen by lots to replace Judas’ Iscariot after he’d hung himself. “Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.” –Acts 1:21-26.

Historians say only the Apostle John, believed to have been the youngest of Jesus’s twelve Apostles, lived to see old age, having died at Ephesus of natural causes. Tertullian, a historian, wrote that Roman Emperor Domitian intended for John to be martyred by being boiled alive in a pot of oil. But God had a different plan for John’s life, so what had been intended to kill him—failed.

Perhaps Jesus was alluding to the way Domitian would attempt to kill John when he spoke these words in answer to John and his brother James’ request to sit at Jesus’ right and left hand in His Kingdom. “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” “We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.” –Mark 10:38-40.

Because concerning Peter’s death, Jesus was the first to tell Peter that, like Himself, he would also be crucified. Directly after reinstating Peter within that now famous dialogue found in John 21:15, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” Jesus says this: “Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

And Peter did follow Jesus—straight to his cross.

Early church historians, such as Eusebius, Clement of Rome, and Tertullian, have each given us extra-Biblical accounts detailing by whose hand and what methods of torture were used to kill all twelve Apostles.

Of Peter, it’s said that when Emperor Nero ordered him to be crucified, he asked his executioners to be crucified upside down, having claimed to be unworthy of being crucified in the same fashion as his Lord. Only God and Peter’s executioners know whether this account of Peter’s final hour is valid.

We do know each Apostle followed their Master’s example as best a sinful man could, including Paul, who, though not an eyewitness of Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and ascension, was chosen by Jesus Himself to be His Apostle to the Gentiles and who—and chose death over denying His Lord, And in Romans 5, reminds us:– “Now it is an extraordinary thing for one to willingly give his life even for an upright man, though perhaps for a good man [one who is noble and selfless and worthy] someone might even dare to die.”  Then, in the next verse, this humbling and incomprehensible Truth is shared: “But God demonstrates his love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Concerning the Apostles, below are some shared accounts of how each man chose death, to be martyred rather than deny their Lord and Savior. Each took to heart more, with a final act of unwavering certainty and a profound demonstration of unmitigated love; each put legs beneath the Words their Lord had spoken concerning the selfless sacrifice both true love and Life require. “Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.”—Matthew 10:38-39.

  1. James, John’s brother: the first of the twelve to be put to death. His martyrdom is verified in Scripture. King Herod had him killed by the sword in Jerusalem (Acts 12:2).
  2. Like Peter, his brother Andrew is said to have been crucified by a Roman Governor in Patras, Greece. He was scourged, then bound with leather straps to his x-shaped cross, a “crux decussata,” which, when turned on its side, was intended to mock Christ’s Cross and discourage His followers.
  3. Historians share two different accounts of Phillip’s martyrdom. One account has him beheaded while in Hierapolis, Greece, while another has him and two other Christ followers, possibly Nathaniel, being crucified. This account has Phillip preaching the Gospel as he hung on his cross.
  4. As with Phillip, there are two accounts of Nathaniel’s martyrdom. One says he was skinned alive, while another claims he, too, was crucified while preaching in northern India.
  5. Matthew is said to have been martyred in Ethiopia by the sword.
  6. Mark was martyred in Egypt, having been drug through the streets by a team of horses until he was dead.
  7. Historians say Simon, The Zealot, was sawed from head to toe in Northern Africa.
  8. Jude, or Judas Thadeus, aka “the other Judas,” is said to have been martyred somewhere in Lebanon, having been shot by arrows.
  9. Luke, it is said, was hung from an olive tree.
  10. And Matthias was crucified.
  11. John survived, having been boiled in oil and died of old age on the Isle of Patmos.
  12. Lastly, Peter is said to have been crucified upside down.

And though not eyewitness ourselves, if we profess to be believers, to have received Jesus as Lord and Savior of our lives, acknowledging Him as sole Owner and Master of our lives, then we, like all twelve of our brothers mentioned above, and others, like John the Baptist, who, also chosedeath over denying His Lord and Savior, we too, must do as they did—choosing Christ over our own lives. “You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy.” –1 Peter 1:8.

We’re living in dark days, friends, “perilous times,” as the Bible refers to them—lawless days, where far too many professed believers live in the shadows, running away from taking a bold, fixed stance for Jesus, their faith, and commitment to our Lord.

What about you?

Where do you stand with Jesus?

Do you boldly profess Him as Savior, Lord, and Master of your life?

Like your brothers before you, are you so thoroughly convinced of who Jesus is that you’d lay down your life for Him rather than deny Him?

I pray you will. Because I believe to the very bones of me that if you genuinely believe Jesus is who He said He is, then if asked by Him to face such an hour as our brothers once did, His grace would be sufficient to silence every fear we’d have in the natural.

How can I be so sure of this?

One, my God is not a liar. And two, He has promised us—promised me, it’s meant to be personal.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you.” –Deuteronomy 31:6.

Since Jesus is Alpha and Omega, the same yesterday, today, and forever, what He promised to Moses, Aaron, and others throughout Scripture is my promise as His child. Yours, too, if Jesus is your Lord and Savior.

And if you don’t yet know Him as Lord, His Word assures you that you can do so today if you ask Him into your life, acknowledging you are a sinner in need of a Savior. “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.

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