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

Category: Relationship (Page 7 of 18)

The Hands and Feet of Jesus.

December 30, 2023 /

Pastor Samuel Cordeiro

The year 2023 has quickly come and has quickly passed. For many, 2023 was a challenging year; for others, 2023 was a year of victories. 2024 is now upon us, and I have an encouragement, or better yet, a challenge for the global church, the global Body of Christ – that we stand up and be the hands and feet of Jesus! This world is desperate for a touch from God, and God has called every follower and disciple of Jesus Christ to be the conduit of His supernatural, miraculous power.

In the book of Matthew, we read about one of Jesus’ more famous miracles, the feeding of the five thousand men, besides women and children.

” When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. But when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him on foot from the cities. And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick. When it was evening, His disciples came to Him, saying, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages and buy themselves food.” But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” And they said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.” He said, “Bring them here to Me.” Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. So they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained. Now those who had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children.” –Matthew 14:13-21

In this passage, we see a large crowd of followers desperate and hungry to hear the words of Jesus. They were in a deserted place, far from any fast food or supermarket. Jesus has been healing the sick and speaking to the crowd for hours. It was getting late, and Jesus’ disciples made a very good “suggestion” to Jesus – (v15): “Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages and buy themselves food.” The disciples were thinking rationally. They were speaking out of sincere care for the crowd, suggesting they leave now before it gets too dark for them to go to the nearest village and buy themselves food.

Jesus’s response was highly fascinating – (v16): “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” I can only imagine what the disciples were thinking: What do you mean to give them something to eat? There are thousands of people here! We didn’t even bring food for ourselves!

In the gospel of Mark, Mark 6:37, we read how the disciples responded to Jesus: “…That would take more than half a year’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” Again, the disciples were thinking rationally and not with eyes of faith; their giving the crowd something to eat hadn’t even crossed their brains.

We read in John 6:9 that the disciples found a boy in the crowd with five loaves of bread and two small fish and brought it all to Jesus.

The disciples had heard Jesus when He had told them to feed the crowd. Yet, they knew they could not do it with their own strength.

In verse 18, Jesus told them to bring what they had to Him.

There are many times when God calls us to do something, yet we rely on our natural ability and give up and say it is impossible. Yet, with God, all things are possible!

God is asking all of us to bring what we have to the Lord and watch Him multiply and supernaturally take what we have to further His kingdom here on earth. We should not rely on our strength or abilities, talents, gifts, or resources, but put our faith and trust in Him alone!

In verse 19, after the disciples gave what they had to Jesus, He commands the crowd to take a seat on the grass, in a way, telling them to rest, wait and watch patiently. When we surrender or give to the Lord, we often expect a miracle right away, yet there will be times when Jesus tells us to sit, wait and watch Him.

Jesus then took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples gave to the multitudes (v.19). After Jesus had given thanks and blessed the five loaves and two fish, He didn’t pass the food directly to the crowd, He didn’t call birds to drop the food in the laps of the crowd, He gave it the disciples to pass it out. The disciples became an extension of the hands and feet of Jesus – the conduit of blessing, the conduit of God’s supernatural miraculous power.

As we approach this new year, I pray that we all surrender everything we have and are to the Throne and feet of Jesus. When we do so, we must rest in Him, wait on Him, and watch Him move. However, we must also be vigilant because, yes, there will be times that God will drop mana from heaven or send a wind to blow quail into our camp, but there will also be times when God is calling us to be His conduit of blessing towards others.

And when He does so, we need to be ready to rise up and be the hands and feet of Jesus to those around us and beyond our near reach. 

Let’s all be reminded of Jesus’ word in Matthew 25:40-45: “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’”

The very first step in surrendering to God is wholly surrendering our hearts and lives to Him. Above all else, God wants our hearts surrendered to Him. I encourage you today. To open up your hearts and welcome Him in. Jesus says, “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

Saturation Point.

December 9, 2023 /

MaryEllen Montville

“They will fall by the sword, or be carried off into slavery among all the Gentiles. And Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, till the appointed times of the Gentiles have expired.” –Luke 21:24

Saturation Point. Dictionary.com defines it this way: A point at which some capacity is at its fullest; limit:

As I read today’s Scripture, its last nine words came alive. God’s Logos, His written Word, became Rhema, a Living Word. I couldn’t help but think of everything happening in Israel right now. Let me explain: the Holy Spirit mostly speaks a Rhema Word into our spirit as we read His Written Word. It’s made alive and often applies to a right-now situation in our lives or the world around us. A Rhema Word is the Holy Spirit drawing our attention to or confirming something of importance. In every case, God’s Rhema Word must align with His written Word—His Logos. Holy Spirit is a God of order, not confusion. He will not “share” something with any of His children that does not align with what He has already spoken in His inerrant Scriptures.

“When, Lord? “When will the fullness of the Gentiles be complete?”

“When will You rapture Your Church?”

Those questions were burning in my heart as I read today’s Scripture. Like many brothers and sisters, I, too, am “watching and waiting” for our Lord’s return.

A greater sense of expectation has gripped me lately—an even deeper longing has been awakened.

Today, that growing expectation made me ask: “When will You call us Home, Lord?”

This world is not our home, and it’s undoubtedly nearing its saturation point. How much further will You allow things to deteriorate before You say, “Come on Home?

Abba, I’m not questioning You. I’m asking You a question, putting to words the recurring thoughts in so many of Your children’s hearts, Lord. “Are we one drop, five, ten drops even from this world having reached its absolute ability to contain the sin, hatred, hardheartedness, rebellion and rejection of You and most anything to do with You?

Will my brothers, sisters, and I live to be raptured?”

Mind you, either way, we won’t stand idly by, just watching the sky or the news for signs—concerning the rapture, they’ve been fulfilled. Still, while we watch, wait, trust, and pray to the Lord of the harvest, we’ll fish for men.

Yet I’m hoping that today, no, before this sentence is finished…

“It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed.” –1 Corinthians 15:52.

Still, I wanted to know more about those nine words Holy Spirit brought to life to answer my question.

I’ll pause here to clarify that Scripture clearly states no man knows the day or hour the rapture will occur, so, straightaway, what this teaching is not, is a false prophetic word concerning the Church being raptured. Given today’s climate, I choose to leave nothing open for interpretation.

As I said, I wanted to know the meaning behind today’s Scripture, so I went digging.

I read more concerning the historical background of Jerusalem and the Jewish people. That led me back to the Bible, to Jesus and today’s verse, then to the Apostle Paul and his teaching on the meaning of the fullness of the Gentiles. “I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, and in this way all Israel will be saved.” –Romans 11:25-26.

At the end of the day, Jesus and the Apostle Paul confirm that a divinely set number of Gentile believers must first accept Jesus as Lord and Savior before every living Jew will be saved, having finally accepted the Truth that Jesus is the Messiah.

In roughly A.D. 70, Jerusalem received its fatal blow at the hands of Rome, its oppressor, where, it’s said, some 1.1 million Jews had been murdered and where approximately 100,000 others were enslaved, used to feed Rome’s insatiable appetite for dominance. Of this horrific atrocity, Johannes Norval Geldenhuys, a South African minister and Bible Commentator, writes: From the commencement of the history of the Jewish nation, God, through His servants, warned them clearly that if they behaved unfaithfully and wickedly, they would reap disastrous retribution. Especially the striking words of Deuteronomy 28:15-68. There is almost no form of calamity that visited the Jews during the Roman-Jewish war, not mentioned here in Deuteronomy.

I strongly recommend you pick up your Bible and read what the Lord warned would happen to His chosen people should they disobey Him. And then, ask yourself, if God did not allow His firstborn to escape the consequences of their deliberate sin and rebellion, what makes anyone today think that they will escape God’s judgement if they refuse to repent of their intentional, flagrant sins?

I share this Truth in love, not to frighten you but to remind us all, starting with myself, that we serve a God who is the same yesterday, today and forever. Full of mercy, longsuffering, and whose heart it is certainly, that not one should perish, yet He’s also a just God who will not allow his creations to reject Him forever. “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” –2 Peter 3:9.

God’s heart is that no one tastes destruction—that which was created for Satan and his followers.

Some commentators say that when Rome had sated its savage appetite, having devoured Jerusalem and its people, not one Jew was left alive. In addition, no Jew was allowed to enter Jerusalem save one day a year—when they were allowed to enter and mourn the ravaging of their people, Jerusalem’s utter destruction, and its renaming at the hand of its Roman conquerors.

Even then, to ensure nothing of the Jews remained, Rome renamed and rebuilt a city atop Jerusalem’s ruins, calling it Aelia Capitolina.

Antisemitism is nothing new.

Knowing that He had forewarned His people of the inescapable destruction to come upon them and their land should they choose not to obey Him, is it any wonder that as Jesus drew near Jerusalem and, seeing into its near future, the utter pain and destruction yet to come, He wept? “Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, “If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things [that make] for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. “For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, “and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation.” –Luke 19:41-44.

In 1948, a Jewish state was established by what can only be described as the Sovereign Hand of God after thousands of years of its people having been scattered, existing in exile. Yet it wasn’t until 1967 that Israel took control of the Old City in the Six-Day War with Egypt, Syria, and Jordan. And yet, even to this very day, Arab Gentiles continue to reign over the most contested site in all of Jerusalem – the Temple Mount.

And so, we wait and watch while we continue to work—knowing that, at least for today, the fullness of the Gentiles has yet to occur.

Unless, suddenly…

Friends, the fullness of the Gentiles is about God not wanting any man—Jew or Gentile, to perish. So, if you have yet to accept Jesus into your heart as Lord and Savior, please do it today. Listen to Jesus’ Words concerning the hour we find ourselves: “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” Matthew 24: 36-37; 42:44.

A Servant’s Heart

December 2, 2023 /

Matthew Botelho

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” –Mark 10:45.

One of the greatest honors of being a part of the Body of Christ is servanthood. There is no greater love than to lay down your life for another brother or sister. I am not speaking of literally dying or sacrificing yourself for someone, but of taking time out of your life and committing to serve a fellow church member or neighbor.

Each of us plays a unique role in the Kingdom of God.We were not born without purpose. YOU, FRIEND, HAVE PURPOSE!

If we are members of the Body of Christ, then today’s Scripture verse is a model of how we all ought to participate in service to each other. It may be a short Scripture; however, it is weighty.

Jesus is the King of kings and the Lord of lords, the Living Word of God.

Scripture tells us the Word became flesh and dwelt with man for a time. Here on earth, Jesus took on the role of a servant rather than a King. And instead of lording His Majesty over us, He chose to have a relationship with us. Jesus went to the Cross, knowing that all the Father had sent Him to do had been accomplished. He stepped down from heaven and took on the form of a man, knowing what He would endure would result in the salvation of many. Jesus endured the Cross, taking on our punishment. He who knew no sin freely took your sin upon Himself, a divine exchange.

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it to be robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the Cross.” –Philippians 6:5-8.

Jesus did not consider Himself equal to God the Father, and He did not act on His own behalf.

Jesus saw Himself as a reflection of the Creator of heaven and earth, and in John 5:19, He says as much: “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.”

Jesus constantly communicated with His Father, demonstrating true communion and relationship. From the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, the Father was always with Him. Scripture tells us Jesus came out of the water of His baptism, and the heavens opened, and in that moment, we get to witness the relationship between God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. “When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” – Matthew 3:16-17.

We see the love of the Father physically expressed when the heavens opened, and immediately, God stated how pleased He was with his Son.

A genuine relationship with God starts when we say yes to our Lord Jesus and surrender all to Him—denying our flesh daily. Ridding ourselves of a “me first” mindset means looking to God in every circumstance and humbling ourselves as servants. “Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his Cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” –Matthew 16:24-25.

We deny ourselves for the sake of the Kingdom that God may get the glory, not us. I am not sure about you, but that can be a humbling undertaking for me. One I cannot do in my own power or will.

Our shoulders are too small to carry such a load. But with Jesus and the Holy Spirit at work in us, our work gets lighter and is not burdensome. In John 11:28-30, Jesus says, “Come to Me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, for you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” 

Now, some people hear the word yoke and instantly think of the yellow of the egg, but Jesus is talking about a heavy piece of wood or leather placed on an ox team to plow the fields in preparation for seeding. The hard ground must be broken up so that the Sower can sow his seed—so, too, in a man’s heart.

When we go out to do Kingdom work wearing the yoke of “self,” whatever we put our hand to will become an incredible burden. Often, we will end up burning out and eventually giving up. This happens to so many brothers and sisters. They become weary in well-doing, forgetting the true purpose of service. We must focus on Christ when doing anything for our church, community, or brothers and sisters. Our hearts must be aligned with His heart. His yoke, strength, and Spirit at work in us are more than enough to finish whatever good works He had us begin.

Are you at peace when serving where God has planted you, or are you serving to be seen by those in leadership? Remember, dear friend, even those in leadership are accountable to Christ. In John 15:5, Jesus says, “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.” Your leaders may possess their roles, yet even they must remember from Whom their authority comes. 

Jesus continues in John 15:6, saying, “If anyone does not abide in Me, he will be cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.”

Are you feeling a bit dry and withered? My friend, if you continue trying to serve in your own strength, you will get sick in your mind and heart. Your feeling burned out is a red flag. Holy Spirit is saying, “Come back to Me and be filled; you are tired and dry.”

Run to the Word of God, sit at Jesus’ feet, and be replenished.

As for me, I do not want to serve as dry as a stick, and I pray that you do not either. 

My friends, I pray this has edified and stirred up something inside you. Know that Jesus can bring you the peace and strength you need to endure in every storm and every circumstance. Know that you are made for a purpose. To serve with joy!

Heavenly Father, I believe anyone reading this who has yet to know You as Savior feels You tugging on their heart and enters into a relationship with You. I pray they invite Jesus into their hearts and confess their sins before You. I pray that Your Holy Spirit brings peace to their minds as they confess Jesus as Lord over their lives because the Blood of Jesus is enough to wash away their sins. In Jesus’ mighty name, I pray, Amen.

Choosing Sides.

November 18, 2023 /

MaryEllen Montville

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” –Philippians 4:4.

While in prison, Paul wrote to the church in Phillipi. Within His letter, he reminds them—and us—to rejoice. Did you catch that? While in prison himself, Paul reminds his brothers and sisters to rejoice.While in prison? Yes.

While going through our own trials? Yes. Every Blood-bought believer will one day face having to choose sides. Faith or fear?

Even at the bedside of your ailing child? When you lose your job, husband, wife, or home? When the doctor’s report is less than favorable? Yes, yes, emphatically, yes! As Christians, we can rejoice always, and, like Paul, we can do it despite the circumstances we find ourselves.

How?

Let’s start with the Truth—it’s not easy. We must be determined. But it is possible because God’s Holy Spirit at work in us affords us the ability to choose rejoicing over sadness or despair, allowing God to dress us in garments of praise rather than our walking alone, clothed in rags of sorrow. Contrary to how we may feel, choosing to rejoice at all times, in every circumstance, will anchor us to God and bolster our trust in Him as we walk by faith. “For everyone born of God is victorious and overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has conquered and overcome the world—our [continuing, persistent] faith [in Jesus the Son of God].” –1 John 5:4.

1 John 5:4 and Philippians 4:4, along with countless other scriptures found throughout the Bible, point us to the Source of our ability to “rejoice in the Lord always.” As with anything of eternal value, Jesus, by the power of His Holy Spirit at work in us, gives us the ability we do not possess apart from Him to overcome, to choose to rise above our trials.

Like love and forgiveness—right and wrong, following the narrow or wide paths, character over comfort—we must intentionally choose to rejoice. Each of the above is a by-product of our will, forged by our obedience to God, His will, and Word.

Do you remember pick-up? When you and your friends would choose teams to play some schoolyard game? Two captains would be selected while everyone else lined up and waited for their names to be called. “I choose John.” “I choose Sarah.” On and on it went until everyone had been picked. Regardless of the game, those chosen to play knew there’d only be one winner, yet that knowledge never stopped them from hoping they’d win and giving it their all.

Friends, we are both team captains and those waiting to be chosen. Each is afforded the free will to choose who and what we will serve daily. Fear or faith? The Spirit or the flesh? Like those waiting to be picked, we who stand in line know that one day, perhaps two, our names will be called. Eventually, we’ll hear:

“I’m so sorry to inform you that your mom, dad, husband, wife, childhood friend has just passed away.”

“I’m going to have to let you go. I’m so sorry this comes at such a bad time.”

“Your test results didn’t come back quite as we’d hoped.”

Jesus never promised our lives would be easy—free from heartache, loss, pain, or difficult choices—quite the opposite. He assures us that if we are His, if we smell like sheep, then, like our Shephard, our name will eventually be called to come pick up some cross whose weight we’d fall under, if not for the One helping us to shoulder it—the One, in Truth, who carries its weighty load for us. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” –2 Corinthians 12:9.

Notice how the above Scripture assures us of God’s help “each time” He chooses us to carry such a cross.

It reminds us, too, that we have a choice to make. We’re free to go it alone—kicking the dirt, head down, focusing on everything that’s gone awry—or we can look up! At any moment, we can decide to accept God’s Truth and the sure hope that weeping over our loss of anyone or anything—any circumstance or “suddenly” allowed to touch us, may endure for a night, but joy will come again.

In this knowledge, we take comfort in and are kept afloat by the fact that nothing can touch our lives without first having passed through the hand of our Sovereign God. “Then he broke through and transformed all my wailing into a whirling dance of ecstatic praise! He has torn the veil and lifted from me the sad heaviness of mourning. He wrapped me in the glory-garments of gladness.” –Psalm 30:11. This knowing—coupled with our understanding that our God is good, loving, kind, merciful, ever-present and will always bring good from even the darkest, most difficult of days, weeks, months, out of every trail, whose intended end is to refine us—causing us to look more like Jesus.

Still, Jesus will not allow evil, injustice, or any trial we might face—those He sends or allows to strengthen and refine us—to overcome us. “As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign LORD. I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice.” –Ezekiel 34:13;16-17.

As captains, or those waiting to be chosen, we must decide how we’ll respond one day when our “suddenly” shows up. Will we walk in the flesh—kicking the dirt, looking ever downward? Or look up by faith, daring to believe God. Daring to be transparent and with a trembling humble, voice cry aloud, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief,”

So here it is, friends, the how-to and the why of it. “Let joy be your continual feast. Make your life a prayer. And in the midst of everything be always giving thanks, for this is God’s perfect plan for you in Christ Jesus.” –1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

Dear friend, if you’re here today, doing your best to keep your head above water without Jesus, I would encourage you to invite Him into your heart and circumstances. Even if you need to be sure He’s listening or cares. He is, and He does. Jesus is big enough to handle your doubts and fears. Just pray, “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief.” If you sincerely seek Him, I assure you He will answer you. “Ask, and you will receive. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened for you.” –Matthew 7:7.

Life, Relationship, Authority.

November 4, 2023 /

Matthew Botelho

In John 6:37, Jesus assures us: “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.”

We were created to be social beings, to be in relationships with one another. We possess a desire to share, laugh, cry, and learn from one another. We all seek acceptance in some way or another. We feel that tug on our hearts for acceptance because God created you and me to be in a relationship with Him. We are spirit beings living in a physical world, meaning God knew all of us before we were formed in your mother’s womb. “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.” –Psalm 139:13-14.

Our soul knows that the One true God created us!

When He breathed life into you, He breathed in all you will ever be. Your giftings, personality, intelligence, all you are today, were brought into existence in that one breath. Such giftings are an amazing picture of intimacy between you and your Creator. “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.” –Genesis 2:7. No other creature in creation was afforded this relationship with God.Your Creator made you fearfully and wonderfully. “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” –Psalm 139:14.

Your being alive now is no accident. And there is no other like you. There is no confusion or doubt in God. God formed you uniquely and perfectly. You are created in His image. “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” –Genesis 1:27.

Unlike you, God did not breathe life into a dog or koala bear. God created them, and they became living creatures.

We see in Genesis 2:18-20 that God did not want man to be alone, so He created every living creature and presented them to Adam. God could have named every animal and bird, but He gave Adam the authority to name them instead, and whatever Adam called them, that is their name.

Every animal was created in pairs, male and female.

Yet no animal created was a suitable mate for Adam. And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air and brought them to Adam to see what he would name them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name. So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him.” –Genesis 2:18-20.

God is the Giver of life, and He is the Giver of all authority. God could have named every animal and bird, but He gave Adam the authority to name all the animals because He loved Adam and had close fellowship with him. God loved walking with Adam and Eve in the cool of the day.

Remember, God created us to be in a loving relationship with Him. Still, man is man, and God is God. Man will never be God’s equal. When the fall of man happened, when Adam and Eve sinned against God, our relationship with Him was broken.

We will never be able to mend this relationship on our own merits.

No amount of good deeds will ever make what we did wrong right again. Jesus is the only way to restore man to God in a right relationship, and we are made to live in relationship with God. He loves His creation. Why else would He have set His plan for redemption into motion?

God knew we would mess up—sin, yet that did not stop Him from loving us. God looks at man and sees the apple of His eye. Meaning there is nothing that He will not do for you. In John 3:16-17, God’s Word is clear: “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.”

This unchanging Truth clearly states that when we believe in the Son of God, placing our faith in Him as Lord as Savior, the key word being “believe,” we will not perish but have eternal life because we believe—putting our faith in Jesus alone. Christ stepped down from heaven to earth so you might have a relationship with God. There is no other way to be saved. God did not say for you to believe in any other person. Jesus stated that we must believe in Him to receive salvation. In John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” 

God’s saving mercy is poured out on us through His Son, Jesus, then His Holy Spirit comes and lives in us, empowering us. Without accepting Jesus as Lord of your life, His Holy Spirit cannot live in you. In John 16:7-8, speaking of the Holy Spirit, Jesus says, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.”

We are powerless to fight the battles of sin and temptation alone. I cannot speak for you, but without Our Lord Jesus, I would never have been able to break the chains of addiction in my own life. I praise Jesus every day that He alone set me free! 

My dear friends, the answer to becoming free is to abide in Christ Jesus, staying connected to Him. Because when we feel weak, our Lord’s strength is perfected in us. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, the Apostle Paul writes about having “a thorn in his flesh.” And Jesus addresses this weakness in him, saying, “My Grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in your weakness.”.

I do not know what Paul’s thorn was, but I do know that God helped him, and the Holy Spirit’s strength enabled Paul to endure.

What God did for Paul, He will do for all those who cry out to Him in times of distress. 

John 16:13-14 “However, when He, the spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.”

Outside of Christ, we are all under the curse of sin and death and the distortion sin brings to each one of our lives. Sin is the enemy’s plan to keep you far away from God by deceiving and lying to you, presenting you with distractions and idols that only suck your life from you. In John 10:10, Jesus says of your enemy, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly.”

Jesus says In John 15:5, “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.” In Christ, there is life, relationship, and authority. You are one breath away from making Lord Jesus your Savior.

Lord, I pray the ones reading this will ask Jesus to come into their lives and repent of their sins. I pray that they ask, in faith believing, to be washed clean by the Blood that you, Jesus, shed for them on the Cross. May they walk in a new life given by you, Lord. Amen

Child of God

October 28, 2023 /

Pastor Maria Braga

“For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” –Jeremiah 29:11.

Jeremiah is a man who suffered profoundly and who speaks from his own experience. He is a man who had a calling from God to reach a rebellious people, his own people. He was ridiculed by the people he was assigned to lead and encouraged to return to their God. Jeremiah’s heart was broken over and over again by his own people. Sometimes, he wished he had never been born; Jeremiah wanted to escape, isolate himself in the desert, and, at times, he even questioned God and himself. In Jeremiah 2: 13:1-2, He speaks of two specific evils done. “They have forsaken me, the fountain of living water, and They dug cisterns for themselves, cracked cisterns that can hold no water.”

The big question Jeremiah asked then is the same one many ask today: “Why is bad stuff happening to me?”

Naturally speaking, this question makes sense and has value. However, looking at it from a biblical/spiritual perspective, we understand it differently as a child of God. Every Blood-bought believer is a child of God, carrying God’s very nature in them, so it is up to each child “how” they’ll answer the question: “Why did God allow bad things happen to such a good man of God?”

Every person has moments of questioning, but from Jeremiah’s perspective, we see that he stood firm on the path God had called him, while these moments appeared eager to steal his calling.

Jerimiah’s example of steadfastness shows us, centuries later, how to handle tough times of discouragement and testing!

Jeremiah felt passionately about Jerusalem’s destruction and his people’s affliction.

In those moments, what do we see him do?

Jeremiah chose to seek God and pray for the people of Judah that they might turn back to their God. Deep in Jeremiah’s being was a knowledge far greater than his own. It spoke to him of God’s heart. What He wanted, what God was like—his Character.

After years of preaching and suffering, even his family turned against him and plotted to kill him. “I will deliver you out of the hand of the wicked, and redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless.” Yes, I will certainly keep you safe from these wicked men. I will rescue you from their cruel hands.” –Jeremiah 15:21. Over the years, Jeremiah was whipped and put in the stocks. He was attacked by mobs and threatened by the king. He was ridiculed in many ways, even thrown into cisterns where he sunk into the mud – yet regardless of what tried to come against him, Jeremiah stood firm!

Jeremiah knew deep within himself that God equipped him for these difficult situations, and he didn’t give up or stop whenever he was faced with one. He remained steadfast. Such deep knowledge of who God is, this supernatural knowing, fortifies the soul and body amidst the most difficult of trials a person can encounter.

 In His Sovereignty, our never-changing God is still calling us today—counting on us to stay steadfast to our calling! The question is, will we?

Jeremiah is just one example of how to walk out our faith and walk in the calling God has assigned each of His children.

Looking at Jeremiah’s life, we could reason and say that we don’t measure up or possess what he had, but the Truth is we do. It’s different, yet the same.

God puts inside each of us the calling He wants us to fulfill through us, just like He did with Jeremiah. Our calling is unique and personal. Spend time with the One who prepared your calling before you were born. Hear what He is saying to you specifically through His Word. “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; before you were born, I sanctified you; and I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” –Jeremiah 1:5.

Jeremiah understood the weight of his call, and we must also understand the weightiness of our own. God Himself prepares us for our calling; we’re simply vessels in His Hands. Yet, we tend to shrink back and give up when things get tough. Yet God expects us to persevere daily, even when that call isn’t exactly how “we” want it to be or how we planned.

We must surrender to the Truth that our calling is being executed God’s Way, according to His plan. We must align with His strategy, not Him with ours.

Our faulty expectations often produce disappointment because we expect things in the natural, but we are Spirit beings and should handle our calling in the Spirit. We are to know that He is God, and we are not. We must accept whichever way God works in and through us to complete this calling; His will not ours be done, just like He did with Jeremiah.

God will also do with us; we must trust Him as Jeremiah did. In Mark 12:30-31, Jesus reminds us: “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength.”

This steadfastness is how Jerimiah demonstrated his faithfulness to God. Let’s be wise and follow Jeremiah’s steadfast obedience to the Lord in our unique callings and faith walk. Just like the men and women of God before us. “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” –1 Corinthians 11:1.

Father, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, I pray every person reading this word is encouraged and renewed of their faith. Bless each, bless their calling, and launch them to the next level in their faith, amen! And those that have yet to know You as we do, I believe You’re calling them here, now. If this is you, please, like Jeremiah, obey God’s calling you into a relationship with Himself. Just say yes and mean it, like Jeremiah did. Then trust God to do what only He can. “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” –Psalm 51:10.

Fight The Good Fight!

September 30, 2023 /

Adam Nichols

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the Faith.” –2 Timothy 4:7.

Throughout the life of a believer, there will be hardships, struggles and pain. As Christians, we are called to persevere—keep moving forward. As difficult as that may be at times, we must remember we fight and push on from a place of Victory—through Jesus Christ.

The battles we face, we do not face alone.

Our Lord promises “…never to leave us nor forsake us.”—Deuteronomy 31:6.

We are called to fight the good fight and run our race in the power of the Greatest, most victorious Warrior ever, Jesus! God’s plans for us through these battles, their purpose often, is to strengthen us and our faith.

Last year, I stepped out in faith and bought my first truck. As a truck driver, I wanted to be more independent and create greater financial freedom for my family. But my business has experienced more valleys than mountain tops over the past year. It has been quite a fight and a long, gruelling race. Yet the Lord has been my Rock, the One holding it together. My faith has been shaken and tested at times. And many times, I’ve wondered if I would make it. If I could keep fighting? If I can continue the race?

In James 1:2-4 He writes, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, and sisters. Whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Through these trials and my various fights, I realized the Lord was doing a work in me.

God is stretching me and strengthening my resolve to keep the faith. To become more mature and complete, to serve Him better. So, today, I can testify because of my own perseverance, encouraging you to keep fighting and running your race. To tell you God is with you, He is for you, and He is doing mighty work in you in every season of your life.

My friends, be thankful on the mountain and in the valley. To God be the glory, Amen!

If you are reading this and have not given your life to Christ, beginning a genuine relationship with Him, then do it today while there is time. In Revelation 3:20, God’s Word says: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” God will never force His way into your heart. So, will you open the door and welcome Him in today? If so, pray this simple but Life-changing prayer with me: Jesus, I ask You to come into my heart and change me from the inside out. I repent of my sins; make me into who You created me to be. I believe You are the Son of God, who died for me and rose again in victory, defeating death. Have Your way, Lord, in Jesus name. Amen.

Rebuild You Say?

September 9, 2023 /

MaryEllen Montville

In Loving memory of our Mother, Edna Dennis

“…Do they think they can build the wall in a single day by just offering a few sacrifices? Do they actually think they can make something of stones from a rubbish heap—and charred ones at that?” –Nehemiah 4:2

Rebuild? Move forward? How, Lord? My strength is gone. My thoughts are fractured and muddy. My heart is little more than rubble—pieces charred by this searing inferno of grief.

My mother is gone!

But You know that—You took her Home!

Yes, I know, in Your mercy, You answered my prayers—our prayers, that she might not suffer any longer, and I thank You for answering us, but if You will, answer me this as well:

What am I supposed to rebuild from this giant heap of pain? “Partner with Me,” You say. Give You my heart? Yes, that’s right! Rebuilding, reshaping, New Life, only You can do that. Only You breathe life into what’s dead—reviving it.

Only You know my end from my beginning.

But what can You build with charred rubble? “And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.” –Jeremiah 18:4.

These thoughts raced through my head as I read Nehemiah, Chapters Three and Four. I knew the Holy Spirit was telling me it was time to rebuild. After all, He was the One who had just spoken to my heart, nudging me to read His Words.

He said He would use all the broken pieces of the last season, things that appear defunct, to build a new foundation—start a new chapter, just as He did for those who have gone before me. Our Father is faithful like that. He doesn’t play favorites.

So what do you do when someone most dear to your heart is taken away?

When you feel feeble, raw, and exposed—at your most vulnerable?

When God takes back the very one He used to bring you into His world? To deliver you into the life He had mapped out for you from before the foundation of the world? When everything inside of you is silently screaming in pain so thick and exacting that breathing becomes a chore—as does everything else.

Like Job, you mourn, howl, question, sob, and then wait for God to rebuild: one trusting step at a time. “The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” –Job 1:21.

You do the next thing.

In your own power? Not a chance. You have nothing left.

You rebuild by grabbing hold of God’s outstretched Hand so tightly that fusion happens, complete Oneness—absolute surrender. Then, from the bond forged between you, welded together by love and trust, you allow His Holy Spirit to lead, as is your privilege. You let Him place one of your feet in front of the other—in His good time, inching you closer and closer to your life’s purpose—reflecting the image and likeness of His Son, our Lord, Jesus. “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” –2 Corinthians 3:18.

You allow God to use the rubble of your broken heart. Seared and scared by grief so deeply rooted in your bones, it feels as if any attempt at removing it might cause your foundation to collapse. And collapse it must—because God is doing a new thing. “That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.” –Romans 8:28.

Hear me, please. I do not profess to understand how God accomplishes all of this—that’s far beyond my ability to comprehend. Neither can I say that it feels good as He’s working things together for my good, but what I can say with absolute confidence is this: I serve a Good, Good Father whom I do not need to understand in full to know that He loves me—loves all those called by His Holy name. “So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing.” –1 Corinthians 9:26.

I trust Jesus.

I choose to place the total weight of my faith, every sliver of my now-broken heart, into His Omniscient, Omnipotent, nail-pierced Hands.

My faith in my Father, more, His overwhelming love for me demands that of me.“Have you ever come on anything quite like this extravagant generosity of God, this deep, deep wisdom? It’s way over our heads. We’ll never figure it out. Is there anyone around who can explain God? Anyone smart enough to tell him what to do? Anyone who has done him such a huge favor that God has to ask his advice? Everything comes from him; Everything happens through him; Everything ends up in him. Always glory! Always praise! Yes!” –Romans 11:33-36.

When will this fog lift? I cannot say. Only God knows.

When will I see this new thing, the new version of myself Jesus is bringing forth, the beauty springing up from the ashy cinders of my heart? I don’t know. Soon. Whatever that means.

In the meantime, I will do the next thing while God rebuilds using whatever remains.

I will worship, pray, and praise God’s precious Name; I’ll serve Him because these are the fruits of a new creation. Byproducts birthed in me by His Holy Spirit. Because He lived, died and rose again on the third day my old man has passed away; my new man knows only Jesus, His amazing grace and mercy-full love. “For I made the decision to know nothing [that is, to forego philosophical or theological discussions regarding inconsequential things and opinions while] among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified [and the meaning of His redemptive, substitutionary death and His resurrection].” –1 Corinthians 2:2.

Still, I’ll ask your forgiveness for any scrape or bruise I may cause as God’s Holy Spirit continues His work in me, repairing the charred rubble in this season of new beginnings, and I’ll turn to Jesus, in faith knowing, “As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength. You reach out your hand, and the power of your right hand saves me. The Lord will work out his plans for my life—for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me.” –Psalm 138:3;7-8.

Beloved of God, I know sharing the news of my mom’s passing with you is personal. But you’re family. You are my brothers and sisters in Christ. And so I trust because of this, you will pray for me and my family as we walk through this valley of the shadow of death—and we will. I, for one, have staked my life on this Truth.

And please say yes, you whom God is wooing, calling to Himself—to become His child—my new brother or sister. I need you; we, the Body of Christ, need you. We need what only you have to offer us all. “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.” –1 Corinthians 12:12;18-20.

“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved.” –Romans 10:9-10.

A Living Fountain

September 2, 2023 /

Matthew Botelho

On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” –John 7:37-38.

One of my many joys is camping with my family, which goes back to when I was growing up in New Hampshire, and my dad would take us camping in the White Mountains. Sometimes, the days were bright and sunny without a cloud in the sky. But then there were days when dark clouds would form in the distance and roll in on us. This meant it was about to rain, and we needed to take cover in our tents and wait for the storm to pass. 

Waiting was never my strong suit when I was a kid, and I may struggle occasionally still as an adult. So, I would leave the tent with my sister and go out and play in the rain, jumping in puddles and getting all muddy, and my mom would tell my dad to get us back in the tent. But he would just let us run around and get wet and muddy. It was all about the experience and the memories we were making.

Why am I sharing this time with you? Because now I’m the dad. And I just took my family on a camping trip. And while I was there, the Lord shared a revelation.

I usually like to camp in a tent, but we decided to rent a little cabin on a hill this time. While camping, a huge rainstorm came over us, complete with winds. It stormed until the next day. When morning came, I walked out of the cabin and looked around. As we were on a hill, I could see some cranberry bogs about a mile away from the cabin. They were filled with the rain from the night before. 

Cranberry bogs are made to grow cranberries; some bogs are designed to collect and hold water. When the time comes to harvest the cranberries, the farmer will open the channels and let loose the water from one bog to flood the other, making it easier to gather the cranberries.

As I looked out over the bog, the revelation came to me: “Imagine if there was no rain.” Imagine if water never touched the surrounding land. What if the ground was dry and barren, and nothing would grow? That is when I heard God speak this clearly in my Spirit, “What if My Spirit was never poured out on you?”

Can you think of a time when you did not have the Holy Spirit with you?

Throughout the Bible, we read of droughts and famines. In 2 Kings 17:1, we read where the prophet Elijah says: “….As the Lord God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew or rain these years, except at my word.” Scripture tells us King Ahab was married to Jezebel, A very evil priestess of the Baals. The land was in sin, and the prophet Elijah declared God’s hand; His presence over this land would be removed. God was not worshiped and loved there. The land was dry and barren as a result of God’s judgement upon it; the wages of sin is death. 

We can see in this what Jesus meant, beloved, “What if My Spirit was never poured out on you?”

This is the revelation the Holy Spirit shared concerning those who run to Jesus.

No longer are they dry and barren, but like that bog, they are full to overflowing with God’s Holy Spirit. Those who repent of their sins and declare that Jesus is Lord will no longer walk in the ways of the Baals but run to the only One that will give them eternal life. The only One who can bring them into right standing with the Father, the only One who died and rose again for the sins of all humanity. Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords!

At one point in our lives, we were all dry. We were living a life full of sin and fleshly desires. We were empty, cracked vessels, unable to hold or let anything Godly grow inside us. The water we drank could only quench our fleshly thirst. We were just like the woman at the well.

Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst, But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” –John 4:13-14:

Water helps things grow. When we sow a seed in the ground, we do not just plant it and leave. Seeds need to be watered as well.

And how do we water a spiritual seed? Through praise and worship, my dear friends. The Holy Spirit comes in power and will help you grow your relationship with God the Father. Knowing God’s Son, Jesus, is the only way for the Holy Spirit to live in you. “All things have been delivered to Me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.” –Matthew 11:27

My dear brothers and sisters, If you have a relationship with Jesus, have repented of your sins and confessed Him as your Lord and Savior, then His Holy Spirit is living inside you.

Jesus is the Living Water who springs forth within you.

He is not still and stagnant. He is a Living, rushing, mighty river of Water bursting forth within you.

Think back to when the farmer opened the water channel to fill that bog I spoke of earlier. That water rushed throughout the bog, saturating it so the ripened fruit could be harvested. So, too, the Holy Spirit rushes in and helps harvest the fruit you will bear.

What fruit?   The fruit of the Spirit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” –Galatians 5:22-23. A follower of Christ will display at least one, hopefully a few, of these fruits.

Do not worry if you still need to get all of them. Sometimes, it takes longer for some to grow than others. And if you feel you are not bearing fruit in your life, ask the Holy Spirit to help you. But remember as you do this that you are the branch, Jesus is the vine, and God the Father is the Vinedresser. So you may be pruned to see that fruit come forth. Pruning is a necessary process. It rids us of dead things that are stopping our growth. Pruning is painful, but its harvest will be beautiful. 

As we end here, know that if Christ is in you, you are an overcomer. “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” –1 John 4:4.

If you are a child of God, Christ in you is a river of everlasting Life. The Potter Himself has changed you. The Fountain of Living Water has filled you with Himself.

And if He has not filled you, will you allow Jesus to bring you to a place of overflowing joy today, knowing that if you do, your name will be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life? Jesus says in Matthew 7:28, “Come to Me, all you who labor and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Declare today, “I choose You, Lord Jesus, and come fill me with You, Living Water!” Amen.

Will You Follow Me?

August 19, 2023 /

Matthew Botelho

Sometimes situations at the workplace, within our family, school, or some “shift’ in our walk with Jesus will bring us to that next level in our faith walk. During these times, will you follow Christ? I entitled this teaching “Will you follow me” because God asks this question of all believers. He has a way of getting our attention regarding our walk with His son Jesus. He will use His Holy Spirit to guide us and direct our steps. That is why during such times, we must remember, dear brothers and sisters, that our walk with Jesus is by faith and not by sight. Many of us would stop dead in our tracks if it were by sight! “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” –Hebrews 11:1.

When I said “shift,” I meant things in your life may change suddenly. How will you operate your faith when a shift happens?

For example, driving a car. When driving down your local streets, you’re usually in a lower gear, basically a steady pace (I will assume I’m sharing with aw-abiding drivers here.) But when we are about to go on a highway, we must shift our car into high gear to go faster. Depending on where God wants you to go, you will need that measure of faith.

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” – Hebrews 11:6.

“Will you follow Me” when things start looking rough?

“Will you follow Me” when I take you out of your comfort zone?

“Will you follow Me?” Period.

Let’s look at Luke 5:1-11. Jesus meets Simon, who would soon be called Peter. Jesus is teaching a multitude of people, and He sees Simon and asks to use his boat. Jesus then asks Peter if he would put out a little from the land so he could teach and be heard (Luke 5:3). After Jesus is done speaking, He looks at Simon again and says, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” –Luke 5:4.

In the first instance, Simon seemed ok with allowing Jesus to use his boat to teach. It’s not like he had to do any work. It was a simple enough task to do. But then Jesus asks Simon to go out into the deep parts of the sea and let down his net for a catch. Well, have you ever been tired after a long day of work? Especially one when nothing went according to plan. Ever feel like “all I want to do is go home and plop on the couch and eat a whole bunch of cookies (Don’t judge me) and forget all that happened.” We can all relate to situations that make us feel like this.

Then, “Will you follow Me?” is the still, small voice rising in our hearts. How should we respond When God asks us to do something we don’t feel like doing? Should we react in our flesh? If so, we will likely miss the breakthrough or blessing God has for us. “But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” –1 Corinthians 2:14.

Listen to how Simon answers: “Simon then answers Jesus, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” –Luke 5:5. Simon answered in a natural voice, the voice of a man who was tired and looking for an excuse not to do what was being asked of him; yet he changes his mind and obeys Jesus.

Simon did not know who Jesus truly was. All he knew of Him was that a multitude of people listened to His every word. The scripture doesn’t say why Peter changed his mind, only that Simon dropped his net. “Nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.”  “And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.” –Luke 5:6-7.

Simon acted out of faith and let down the net. And what happened next was something not even Simon could explain.

By following Jesus’ instructions, he was blessed with an abundance of fish. So many fish another boat was needed to haul them all in.

When we go out deep for the things of God, we can expect His blessings.

Yet even if you have little faith, it matters to God. When you cast your net of” little faith” out into deep waters, expect God to be faithful. “So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief, for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, move from here to there, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” –Matthew 17:20-21.

As I end this teaching, I want us to head to John, Chapter 21.

After Jesus’ resurrection, He and Peter are walking together. And after restoring Peter, letting him know that he was forgiven and loved by Him (John 21:15-19), Jesus also shares insight with Peter concerning his future: specifically, how Peter would die. Just then, Peter turns around and sees John following them: “Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?” Peter seeing him said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?” –John 21:20-21.

My dear brothers and sisters, remember that your walk is unique.

Not everyone’s walk with Christ will look the same. The fact that you’ve been called to walk with Him that’s what matters. Our Christian walk may share some similarities but know that you are who God created you to be; your calling is all your own. Specific to you. I love how Jesus answers Peter in the following verse:  Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you. You follow Me.” –John 21:22.

It does not matter what Jesus does in the lives of others. You are not their Master. God is. All Jesus is asking you is, “Will you follow Me?”

Do not worry about your friend who got promoted when you didn’t. Instead, rejoice for them. Do not be jealous of the friend about to walk into their calling. Celebrate with them. Do not slander those that walk with Christ—nor anyone. You are brothers and sisters of the Lord Jesus. And if we are brothers and sisters, we are not each other’s enemy. There is only one enemy, the devil. And Christ has defeated him and has given you the power to stomp your heel on his neck. Walk victorious in Christ Jesus. He is the Way, the Truth and Life.

“Will you follow Me into the deep things I must show you? Will you Follow Me when the waters look unsure and you feel tired and drained? With the little you have, I will bless you with abundance, and your nets will not break. “Will you follow Me?”   

And if you hear Jesus calling today. Will you follow Him? “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” –Revelation 3:20.

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