Sonsofthesea.org

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

Tag: God (Page 2 of 17)

He Didn’t Stay In The Manger…

December 13, 2025 /

MaryEllen Montville

Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.” –Revelation 5:5

In The Chronicles of Narnia, there is a brief conversation between Mr. Beaver and Susan regarding Aslan. Quite matter-of-factly, Mr. Beaver states, “Aslan is a lion: the Lion, the great Lion.’ Ooh,’ said Susan. ‘I’d thought he was a man. Is he quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion.’

‘Safe?’ said Mr. Beaver, ‘Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.”

Like Susan, many today don’t know King Jesus.

Susan, a fictional character who traversed the made-up land of Narnia and questioned who Aslan was, is not unlike the very real people alive today in our real world, so-called. Those who question who Jesus really is still surprise me. Now, I don’t mean questioning in a sincere, searching-for-Truth way, to know Him or learn more about Him, we’ve all done that. No, I’m talking about those who flat out question anything and everything even remotely related to Jesus, just because it’s Jesus. I know, it shouldn’t bother me, I’ve read the Scriptures, about hearts that will be hardened toward Him, those who will literally shake their fist in His face! It all just hurts my heart. That’s my Husband, they’re belittling!

Is it because they can’t see past Him as a newborn, wrapped up and helpless—a baby like all the other babies they’ve seen in countless manger scenes, no different. “How could such a wee helpless thing possibly save me?” they think.

Some of these same souls point out that Mouhammad was a baby once, too, as were Buddha and Krishna—and each of them grew up and claimed to offer the same path to eternal life as Jesus. “Why does it have to be Jesus?” they think. “Maybe one of them will save me, why not?”

 No, blind soul! They cannot! They were counterfeits—all of them—mere men, all dead and buried now. There is but One True and Living King, Jesus, the Christ. He alone is eternal. He alone is the only Way to the Father. “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

Many have heard of Jesus, of course. In fact, they’ve used His name rather loosely after stubbing their toe or after experiencing some sudden fright. They don’t cry out, “Oh, Mouhammad!” Heartbreaking, really, that so holy a name as Jesus is so often used in the most unholy of ways. But I digress…

Even those who act deaf, deny Jesus’ existence, run from Him out of fear of letting go of the sins that so easily beset them, have all heard of Jesus. Of this, He’s made sure. Creation testifies to Him, His Majesty, Power, and nature, day after day. “For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.” –Romans 1:20

Aside from hearing of Jesus, like Susan, most have heard stories about Him, especially at Christmastime.

Stories of a baby born in a manger to a young virgin girl named Mary. They’ve heard the story about the angel announcing His birth to the shepherds in the field. They’ve heard of the star and the wise men. Some have even heard the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ miracles, His healings, and of Him raising some guy named Lazarus from the dead.

Maybe these same souls who cannot reconcile Jesus within themselves have only heard Jesus’ tiny cry—spiritually speaking. A babe’s voice, making no demand on their lives, unlike the voice of the King we serve, the King who commands us, “Follow Me.”

There was a cry let loose from untried lungs, sending unformed Words out into that night long ago, a proclamation to all who had ears to hear. “The Savior of the world has been born.”  

That same cry echoes around the planet, still.

I pray, somewhere in the depths of their fleshly hearts, His Divine call will not, can not, go unheeded, and ears once able to hear only the sound of a wee babe in a manger will now hear the roar of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah calling out to them, “You are Mine!” “But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” –Isaiah 43:1-2

There have always been voices.

Announcing. Proclaiming! Whispering. Rebuking. Judging. Thundering. Roaring voices that spoke and speak still, of the failures of God’s people, yet of hope and restoration, too.

The world was created by voices; Words spoken over the face of the deep by our Triune God, unheard by men, they roar still. God will have the final Word, and it will not return to Him void. It cannot. “Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him—even those who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. So shall it be! Amen.” –Revelation 1:7

Do you know Jesus? Or, like Susan in C.S. Lewis’ story, have you only heard tell of Him, unsure exactly who He is? Maybe you wonder if He is who He claims to be? Should you ever read his book, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”, you’ll find that Susan not only comes to know Aslan (Jesus) for herself, but she serves Him all the days of her life. How wise she was. How I pray in all your wondering you’ll follow Susan’s example, and follow Jesus all the days of your life.

There have and will always be voices, dear friend.

The decision you’re faced with is the same all men have faced since that night in Bethlehem when Jesus’ untried lungs bellowed His unformed Words into the night sky, announcing what can never be unheard: “The Savior of the world has been born.”  

And having lived and died and conquered death and the grave, having resurrected, He’s coming back again. But not as a wee babe this time.

Jesus didn’t stay in the manger…“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among people by which we must be saved [for God has provided the world no alternative for salvation].” –Acts 4:12

Rest, For A Weary Soul.

December 6, 2025 /

Matthew Botelho

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills—from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”—Psalm 121:1-2

There are times when I get weary, I admit it. After working long hours at a physically demanding job, I am surprised I have enough left in the tank some days to keep pushing forward when I come home.

Ever have those days or even weeks where all you want to do is just shut the world off and stay in?

If the answer is yes, you are not alone, my friend; we have all experienced that type of fatigue in one way or another.

So when I thought about the verse in the above Psalm, I imagined how the writer must have felt. How his eyes must have been focused elsewhere, on the problem burdening him, maybe, rather than focusing on the solution. How his spirit seems heavy, burdened by sadness. It reads like he was questioning what, if anything, could be done. Yet, instead of continuing to focus on what was bringing him down, he eventually decided to look up and see the solution. But God!

Let’s reread it:

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills—from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.”

You might be weary, exhausted, physically and spiritually, but don’t give up.

There may be days when you don’t want to leave your house, but keep pushing forward, despite that feeling. We need to be looking up,  my brothers and sisters. Whatever problem we’re facing may “feel” big, but God Almighty is bigger.

Be reminded today that the One true God, who created heaven and earth, also made you in His image. There is no mistake why you are here, now. God has a purpose for you, and what God started in you, He will finish, rest assured. “Being confident of this that He who begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” –Philippians 1:6

We all go through those valley seasons; they’re where God is refining and pruning us—discipling us even.

God loves you so much that He will not leave you where you are right now, no matter your condition.

Maybe it’s the habits or the people in your life that need to be removed for you to grow.

Some habits need to die, and some “friends” need to be cut away. Pruning is a requirement in the life of the one who has put their faith in Jesus. One scripture that God keeps hammering at in this season is John 15:1. “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away, and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”

Relationships need maintenance and building upon, especially your relationship with Jesus.

If you are feeling tired and distant from God, ask yourself this question: “What have I been doing that is draining me? Am I attached to the Vine or have I allowed myself to become attached to something else?”

Many times, throughout this season, I’ve heard the Holy Spirit say, “It is time for my children to wake up.”

It could be your job keeping you up at night, or social media posts and reels that have no purpose except to lure you away from time with God. If you have those things at the forefront of your life, you will indeed burn out. Instead, decide to turn away from them and back toward God. “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.” –1 Peter 5:6-7

It is a choice only you can make.

You may be surprised when the Holy Spirit hits you with the truth, so prepare yourself for what He might reveal. Jesus said, “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.” –John 16:13

What is it that has been robbing you of your time with Jesus?

Truth hurts, especially when it comes from our loving God. But when you are in Christ, remember you are His child, and He loves you. “If you endure chastening, God deals with you as sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?” –Hebrews 12:7

It takes more effort to walk up a rushing river than to walk with its flow.

Don’t walk against God’s leading, walk with Him, in whatever Way He is guiding you. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand.” –Psalm 37:23-24

You may fall down a few times in your Christian walk, but remember: this is a marathon, not a sprint.

When you keep an even pace with Christ, you will feel less winded when troubles come. “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it “ –1 Corinthians 9:24

Your prize is eternal life, genuine salvation from God through His Son, Jesus.

Run this race with the strength God has given you and do not rely on yourself. The Holy Spirit has been freely given to you to empower you; He is your Helper, and He is with you always. You are sealed in Him. “In Him you also trusted after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also; having believed, you are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.” –Ephesians 1:13-14

Jesus promised, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” –Matthew 28:20

Jesus said that, and I believe it!

Trust God to help you walk when you are feeling tired and unsure. Stay as close to Jesus as you can during moments of weariness. Stop focusing on the problem, or anything else that robs you of your time with Jesus. Run from what steals your time and run to Jesus!

He said, “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.” –John 15:5

I pray that as you read this teaching, you have a stirring in your heart to know Jesus more intimately. I invite you today to receive the true gift of salvation that is found only in Jesus Christ. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” –Acts 16:31

If you are His and are weary, weighed down by your sins, ask for Jesus’ forgiveness and repent.

Do not let this moment pass you by. I’ll leave you with this reminder: Many times throughout this season, I’ve heard the Holy Spirit say, “It is time for my children to wake up.”

Amen.

He Is For You.

November 22, 2025 /

MaryEllen Montville

“[What, what would have become of me] had I not believed that I would see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living! “Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord.” –Psalm 27:13-14

From Genesis through Revelation, we see Jesus—God’s Love for you and me. Having once wrapped Himself in human flesh, out of obedience and love for the Father, Jesus chose to leave behind the fullness of His Deity —to understand, empirically, our plight and pain; to partake in our elementary human experiences, and, ultimately, to fulfill the Father’s plan for our redemption. “For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin.” –Hebrews 4:15

Have you ever faced a test or trial, a loss so devastating it left you feeling dismantled? Hollow? Cavernous or afraid perhaps, to move too quickly, lest you collapse in on yourself? Have you ever felt as though just one slight misstep could cause the proverbial dominoes that have suddenly become your life to fall, ushering in the end of things? What things, you weren’t quite sure of—but of their end, you were certain.

I have.

After having walked through the back-to-back deaths of four inimitable people in my life in just a few short years: husband, mother, brother, and my “other” mother, I felt gutted, hollow, a mere shell of myself; utterly alone in my pain. Able to relate, in some watered-down way, to my Savior who had also cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” –Matthew 27:46.

I had temporarily forgotten that none of those who passed away, loved as they were, was my Due North, my Guide or moral compass. Still, I felt as though I no longer knew which way was up or what I was doing.

For a long period of time, of which I’d lost complete track, my life consisted of tiny breaths and even smaller steps—feeling as though the mere weight of a feather landing on me would, without exaggeration, topple me.

There were moments when it felt as though my toes had touched the line of “If just one more thing happens, my cheese is going to slip right off my cracker.” Looking back on those days today, I, too, sometimes wonder: “What, what would have become of me had I not believed that I would see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living!”

How I thank God that not one more thing did happen.

Equally, I thank Him that I didn’t have to bear any of what had happened, on my own, alone. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me. Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” –Psalm 23:4

How I thanked Him then and still today, for hemming me in. “You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.” –Psalm 139:5

For binding up my gaping wounds, ensuring I would not ever, even on the worst of days and those dark, long nights, be left alone to collapse in on myself. “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds [healing their pain and comforting their sorrow]”. –Psalm 147:3

So to answer the question David poses to us, flesh and blood men, we bruised and life-battered reeds: “Surely, minus the God who never left nor forsook me, the God who came and sat and held and strengthened and brought to my remembrance every Word of His I’d ever read; His every promise to me, a life line throw at just the right time. I would have sunk into dark despair.”

“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. I’ve promised it once, and I’ll promise it again: I will obey your righteous regulations. I have suffered much, O Lord; restore my life again as you promised.” –Psalm 119:105-107

How I thank God for Jesus, who would not let me slip away into the deep abyss of sorrow and despair that threatened to pull me under. Without Jesus and His Holy Spirit at work in me, I would have wished for death to release me from so much life-exacting pain. Truth be told, even with Him, and, like Him, there were moments when I cried out, “Take this from me, Lord! It’s too much! It’s killing me!” “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death” –Matthew 26:38.

And He did.

In His unplumbed, unfathomable, undeserved mercy—He did. Knowing firsthand the exacting weight of crosses, Jesus lifted the weight of my cross from my weak-as-water shoulder.

Oh, how I bless Him. I bow before Him in complete acknowledgement of my absolute need for Him, my utter dependence on Him. His strength and kindness. His full awareness of my weakness, of this dirt and molecules form. Because of Jesus’ strength in my hour of weakness, I learned this Life-affirming Truth, yet again. is strength in my eweakness, I learned, theHIs”So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” –Isaiah 41:10

This same Jesus had me pour out my heart here, to you. Sharing some small slice of my testimony just for you, beloved of God. Because He knew you’d need to hear these words right now. To be reminded of His faithfulness and promises to you. To remind you, you are no more alone than I was—and you will, you will, because He lives, you will come through your storm. “And they overcame and conquered him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, for they did not love their life and renounce their faith even when faced with death.” –Revelation 12:11.

Hear me now. You won’t come out of such a storm the same, so don’t expect that; it’s okay, you weren’t supposed to.

Such powerful winds are meant to uproot and carry some things away. What God will do and bring next will be far greater, stronger, and better than you can hope for. “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials / so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” –1 Peter 1:6-7

But, if you’ll just trust Him, His plan, trust that, contrary to how it may feel right now, God is not trying to kill you but to refine, strengthen, and build you into something so deeply rooted in Him you’re unshakable, then I promise, you will come out the other side of your trial or loss better, stronger, made more perfect, more like Jesus. As one who survived the storm, I can attest to the validity of this Truth. “Now this expression, “Yet once more,” indicates the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.” –Hebrews 12:27

He is for you, Beloved of the Lord. Hang on, not in your strength, that’s impossible, but in His. Knowing that your roots are growing deeper as a result of the storm. “God, your God, will restore everything you lost; he’ll have compassion on you”. –Deuteronomy 30:3

Friend, times of trial, loss, and testing fall upon us all, the saved and yet saved alike. You must decide for yourself how you will endure such testing: in your own strength, or will you rely on the strength of the One who created you? Jesus, the One who knows your end from your beginning. He is for you, friend. The question is: will you give yourself to Him? “Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. / You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” –Jeremiah 29:12-13.

Heeding the Shepherds Voice.

November 15, 2025 /

Matthew Botelho

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” –John 10:27

I watched this amazing video of a shepherd giving a tour of his land to some tourists, and in the distance, you could see his sheep grazing. He told the tourists it was time for his sheep to come home and asked one of them to call them in. He told them that his sheep responded to the word “come”. A young woman stepped out and yelled the word “come,” but not one sheep showed up.

The shepherd looked at her with a smile, then asked the gentleman next to her if he would try to call his sheep in. The shepherd told the man to really yell this time, and as the young man stepped up, he called loudly, “COME!!” “Surely, all those sheep must have heard me,” he thought. “I’m certain they’ll come running now.” Yet not one came.

“Why did they not come when we called them?” they asked.

You said to yell “come,” and we both did, “but not one of them came to either of us,” the young man said.

The shepherd answered by smiling, looking towards his flock, and yelling, “Come.”

No sooner did the shepherd call than the first few sheep came, baahing and making happy sheep noises. Then the rest of the flock followed. All in attendance were amazed and excited to see the sheep come to their shepherd. He looks at the crowd of people with a smile and says jokingly, “I guess they know me.”

From an early age, the shepherd is with his sheep.

He tends to them, paying special attention and care to the rejected baby lambs, known as bummer lambs. After a while, these sheep learn their shepherd’s voice, and, when hearing the voice of the one who cares for them, they answer only to his call. Jesus says, “And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.” –John 10:4

It was so beautiful to see how the sheep responded to their shepherd in that video, how they recognized his voice—the one who protects and cares for them —and how they ran to him when he called them to himself.

This is what Jesus did for all of His lambs: He died so we can live for all eternity with the Good Shepherd.

Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door to the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” –John 10:7-9

What I found interesting was that when the first two people tried to call the sheep in but weren’t able to, not one sheep responded. It reminded me of the people who claim that all religions lead to God when Jesus clearly declares, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” –John 14:6

The sheep trust the shepherd to bring them to safe places to graze and to keep them out of harm’s way; there are many dangers out in the pastures.

There are wild animals, like wolves, who try —notice I said try —to come and snatch any sheep that has strayed, is alone, exposed. Others, known as thieves, try to steal a few sheep away for themselves. “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.” –John 10:29

Jesus warns us to be careful of false teachers and false prophets.

When you are rooted in Christ and know His word, listening only to your Shepherd’s voice, nothing can snatch you out of His hand. Your salvation is secure in Christ Jesus. In Psalm 23, the psalmist writes, “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness For His name sake.” –Psalm 23:1-3

Brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, be careful about what you watch on television and scroll through on social media. With the introduction of AI, many false teachers have been set loose, and deception is running rampant. Jesus said, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, inwardly are ravenous wolves.” –Matthew 7:15

They may look like shepherds, but when they speak, they only mimic what they’ve heard their father speak: lies and deception. “Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you are unable to accept My message. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies.” –John 8:43-44.

The same kind of lies the serpent in the Garden of Eden told Adam and Eve: “You will not surely die.” –Genesis 3:4.

That one lie led to the fall of all mankind.

All those who follow wolves-in-sheep’s-clothing —those who claim their path is the right way —will sadly find out in the end that what they were told, believed, and followed was a lie. There is salvation in none other than Jesus Christ, not Buddha nor Mohammad, or Allah—only Jesus. “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among people by which we must be saved [for God has provided the world no alternative for salvation].” –Acts 4:12.

Follow the thief, that counterfeiter, and you will remain unsaved, in your sin, because he cannot lead you to only One who can redeem you. Jesus promised that you will live for all eternity with the Father if you follow Him, the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” –John 10:10-11

Stay in the Word of God, my dear brothers in Christ. Stay close to the Shepherd, stay alert, and by the power of His Spirit at work in you, you’ll be able to distinguish lies from His Truth.

God’s Holy Spirit will expose those who teach lies and deceit. Jesus declared, “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.” –John 16:13

Jesus has sealed all who believe in the same Holy Spirit, He promised us. “In Him, you also, when you heard the word of truth, the good news of your salvation, and [as a result] believed in Him, were stamped with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit [the One promised by Christ] as owned and protected [by God].” –Ephesians 1:13

My dear friends in Christ, I urge you to stay close to your Shepherd. I know I have said this many times in this teaching, but for your sake, I’ll repeat it: stay close to the shepherd.

It’s growing darker, brothers and sisters, and we need to be empowered by God’s Holy Spirit daily. But be encouraged: God is for you, my dear brothers, and as it says in scripture, “If God be for us then who can be against us?” –Romans 8:31

In closing, I’ll say we at Sons of the Sea are praying for each of you. So, to those of you who may be reading this blog for the very first time and want to know more about our Good Shepherd, Jesus, He desires to walk with you and so longs to have a relationship with you. Call on Jesus today and repent of your sins. Receive the free gift of salvation and believe that He is the only Way, the Truth, and the Life. “Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment. Indeed, he has crossed over from death to life.” –John 5:24

Amen.

Coming Clean…

October 25, 2025 /

MaryEllen Montville

“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.” –Psalm 139:7-8.

This isn’t my original message. While searching for the page in my devotional where the inspiration for my original message came from, the above verses caught my eye, and the Holy Spirit began speaking. He wants to use what He has chosen to set us free, if we’re willing to come clean with Him. To stop hiding our sins. Stop lying to Him, playing the blame game, and fess up!

The first 18 verses of Psalm 139 leave no doubt about how intimately God knows each of us. Verses like: “My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.” Or “you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”

Long before our earthly parents had a clue as to who we’d become, God knew.

He knew the day you’d come into the world, and God knows the day you’ll depart: “all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

God knows how you think. “You perceive my thoughts from afar.” 

And He knows what you’ll say—before you do. “Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.”

So what makes any of us think we can hide anything from the God who knows us far better than our earthly parents? Better even than we know ourselves. And yet, that’s what we try to do. Hide. Cover up.

As if!

We think God doesn’t know what we’re hiding, yet His Word makes it clear as water that long before it ever happened, God knew we’d try to hide it from Him!

This tendency to try to hide things from Jesus isn’t new, beloved.

Our impulse to hide from an Omniscient (All-Knowing) God was inherited from our original parents, Adam and Eve, after they ate what God told them would kill them—ending their face-to-face communion with Jesus and ushering in the physical death of the body. “It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore.” –Isiah 59:2. Created in the image of God and brought into a perfect world, these two got to commune with Him, face-to-face, physically. “And they heard the sound the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.” –Genesis 3:8.

Some scholars believe it was Jesus, Christ’s pre-incarnate appearance to men, whom Adam and Eve saw in the Garden, not God the Father.

They came to this conclusion by comparing numerous verses of Scripture, such as John 6:46: “Not that anyone has seen the Father except the One who is from God; only He has seen the Father.”  And Exodus 33:20, where, while speaking to Moses, God the Father said: “You cannot see My face, for no man can see Me and live!” These, coupled with numerous other Scriptures and the fact that Jesus is referred to as the Father’s physical representative on earth, all point to Jesus being the One Adam and Eve walked with in the Garden. “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being”. –Hebrews 1:3.

Now, Adam and Eve may have been the first to see Jesus face-to-face, but they weren’t the last. So did Father Abraham, Jacob & Moses, and others; each experienced a pre-incarnate visitation from Jesus. Read about these for yourself. (Genesis 18; 32:30 & Exodus 24).

Based on the certitude of Hebrews 1:3, and a variety of Scriptures, we know and believe Jesus, being fully God yet fully man, did walk this earth in physical form, and was seen by His disciples and many witnesses both before and after His Resurrection: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” –John 1:1

The Apostle Paul, referencing Jesus’ resurrection, tells us this: 1 Corinthians 15:6: “After that, Jesus was seen by more than five hundred of the believers at the same time. Most of them are still living today, but some have died.”

Okay. Got it! But wait. Isn’t Jesus God?

Correct!

How then could Jesus appear to both Adam and Eve, His disciples, and a multitude of others, and they all not drop dead before Him, “if no man can see God and live” – Exodus 33:20?

This answer leads us to our final theological term of the day, Kenosis. Defined as “emptying,” the giving up of divine glory by the eternal Son of God when he became incarnate. And what better way than Scripture to answer “how” anyone could stand before Jesus and not be consumed: “Who, being in very nature God did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.r” Philippians 2:6-7.

So, now that we’ve tried to wrap our heads around God, unintelligible, so unsearchable as to be Triune in nature, and yet One, a mystery so great that not even the likes of Solomon could fully understand Him. So Mighty, He spoke, and a whole universe, with everything from unplumed galaxies to amoebas, appeared. How then can we think, after reading about God in Psalm 139 and every other Scripture offered up today, that we might conceivably hide anything from this Jesus, who, not even the darkest of nights can conceal anything from: “If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day for darkness is as light to you.” –Psalm 139:11-12

Yet, though Mighty, holding the power of Life and death in His hand, God is full of tender mercy, long-suffering, and Love. “The Lord does not delay [as though He were unable to act] and is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is [extraordinarily] patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” –2 Peter 3:9

 We need only go back to Genesis, to the Garden, to catch our first glimpse of this Truth.

There, we’ll read about the innocent blood of animals God shed to cover the sins of His guilty children, Adam and Eve, and, by the revelation of the Holy Spirit, recognize His act for what it truly was: the foreshadowing of the innocent Blood Jesus, having been born in the flesh, would one day shed for the sins of every soul who’ll cry out to Him for forgiveness. “God presented Him as an atoning sacrifice in His blood through faith, in order to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand.” –Romans 3:25.

“And He [that same Jesus] is the propitiation for our sins [the atoning sacrifice that holds back the wrath of God that would otherwise be directed at us because of our sinful nature—our worldliness, our lifestyle]; and not for ours alone, but also for (the sins of all believers throughout) the whole world.”–1 John 2:2.

Don’t miss those last few Life-giving Words, friends: “but also for [the sins of all believers throughout] the whole world.” To be forgiven of the sins Jesus foreknew you’d commit, Scripture says this: “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.

So, have you come clean with God?

If not, what are you waiting for?

Have you declared, believed, and professed to the One from whom not one thing you do, say, or think is hidden? “You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.” –Psalm 139:5-6.

Season Of Salvation.

October 18, 2025 /

Matthew Botelho

“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” –Ecclesiastes 3:1

One thing I love about living in New England is the change of seasons. For me, there is no other area in the United States to experience these changes, quite like New England. A place where you can drink in the picture-perfect beauty God has prepared for all of us to enjoy. If you ever have a chance to visit here, I highly recommend it! Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter, God has truly blessed us with such a beautiful variety of seasons. God’s creation is an extraordinary gift we should never take for granted. “The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world.” –Psalm 91:1-4.

All of life is a glorious gift from God. “As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,” –2 Peter 1:3

Each season brings both something new to learn and overcome.

We, the believers in Jesus, are all in different seasons of our faith walk. Whether you are a new believer or have been walking with our Lord Jesus for many years, if you are walking in obedience to Him, you are in the place God wants you. King Solomon brings this to light in the book Ecclesiastes.

In Ecclesiastes 3, Solomon writes that there is a season for all things in life.

So for this teaching, I will focus on the first three verses of chapter 3 in Ecclesiastes, as they address not only the natural aspects of our lives but also the spiritual. For the believer in Christ, it begins with taking that first step of following Jesus—death to the old man and a spiritual rebirth to the new. “A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted; A time to kill, And a time to heal” —Ecclesiastes 3:2-3.

In the natural order of life, there is birth and death.

We are born knowing nothing, incapable of caring for ourselves. Without the care, love, and support of our parents, we would have died. We are born sinful and into a sinful world, we live by the desires of our flesh because, apart from a born-again life in the Spirit, without Jesus alive in us, there is only death—eternal separation from the Father. And we will remain spiritually dead until the day when your sinful ways bring us to the end of ourselves, that place of surrender, where we turn to no one but God. Spiritually speaking, we are quite literally the walking dead. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” –Romans 6:23.

If God is your Father, then you’ve had that Lifegiving encounter with Jesus that changed your forever. But if God is not your Father, then clearly you are not following Jesus. However, all that can change in an instant if you really want it to. How? Call out to Jesus. Ask Him into your heart and life. Starting now, you can begin to follow Jesus by faith. You may know little about Jesus or about a life of faith, but the one thing you do know is that you want to have a life-changing encounter with Him. That you’re ready and willing, just like His disciples were, to drop everything to follow Him, and said, “Yes, I’ll follow You, Jesus.”

Jesus will set you free from your sin by forgiving you when you receive Him into your heart.

You are now born again in the Spirit, saved from the deadly consequences of your sin nature. “Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.'” –John 3:6-7. According to God’s Word, being reborn happens: “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.

Eternal life with Jesus becomes ours the moment Jesus becomes our Lord and Savior.

Then, by the power of His Spirit at work in you, helping you to do what you cannot do by yourself, Jesus enables you to put to death your sin nature, so that you might live according to His Spirit at work in you. Jesus said, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words I speak to you are Spirit, and they are life.” –John 6:63

We crucify our flesh when we make that decision to follow Jesus. “A time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted” –Ecclesiastes 3:2

Just as there is a process involved in growing a garden, there is also a process of growing in the Spirit.

There is the spiritual tilling of the soil of our heart, then the seed of God’s Word being sown into it. God is the tiller of the soil, your heart, which consists of your mind, will, and emotions. The seed is the Word of God, planted in your heart. “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and Spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” –Hebrews 4:12.

In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us about this in the parable of the Sower. When the seed, God’s Word, is planted in good ground, that is, your heart hungry and ready to receive it, it grows and begins to produce good fruit. Jesus said, “But other seed fell on good ground and yielded a crop that sprang up, increased and produced: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.” –John 4:8

The seed that is planted in your heart is God’s Word, His promises, and it’s incorruptible.

This means that when you are genuinely saved, your salvation is eternally sealed in Christ Jesus. “Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory. You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart. For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God.” –1 Peter 1:23-25

And what is produced from a life truly transformed by God’s Spirit? The fruit of His Spirit. And what does this fruit look like? Scripture says this is how you’ll recognize it: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” –Galatians 5:22.

This fruit is often produced during moments of testing—of growth.

But once produced, it is evidence of the seed of salvation. Jesus told His disciples, and tells you, you’ve been chosen to yield this same fruit. You did not choose Me but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.” –John 15:16

Lastly, Ecclesiastes 3:3 says there is “A time to kill, And a time to heal.”

Now, I’m not talking about the murderous act of taking another life. Spiritually speaking, I’m talking about crucifying our fleshly desires. We live in a fleshly body, sure, but that does not mean we must give in to its desires. All that hate, wrath, jealousy, lust, drunkenness, whatever has held you captive, when you are born again, that old way of thinking and acting must and will be put to death. How? Only by the power of God’s Holy Spirit at work in you, that’s how. Jesus said, “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

 It’s in our abiding in, staying close to Christ, that we find our healing and enter into Jesus’ perfect love. And Jesus’ love for us is unmatched. “Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgement; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us.” –1 John 4:17-18

To you, my brothers and sisters reading this today, I pray, whatever season you might find yourself in, the Light of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you to guide you through.

For those who want to know Jesus personally, to be guided by Him, I invite you today to ask Him into your heart. Believe He is the Son of God, that Jesus is God, and that He paid the price required of Him to cleanse you of all your sins. Call on Jesus today, as your Lord and Savior. “For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” –Romans 10:13

Amen.

Put it In the Water…

August 23, 2025 /

MaryEllen Montville

“When she could hide him no longer, she made a papyrus basket, coated it with tar and pitch, placed the baby inside, and set it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile.” –Exodus 2:3.

There comes a time in every man’s life, many times, actually, where we have to put the basket in the water. We have to let go and trust the plan of the Father. –Elizabeth Elliott.

I pray God uses the above picture to remind us of two things: first, that what God placed on Amram and Jochebed’s hearts to entrust back into His Providential care was an actual baby, their precious, infant son.

God often asks His elect to do hard things—Father Abraham, Queen Esther, and each of Jesus’ Apostles would surely attest to this Truth.

Secondly, I pray God’s Holy Spirit reminds us that Jesus does not ask us to do something He has not already given us the grace, strength, and ability to accomplish. “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.” –2 Peter 1:3.

But back to Amram and Jochebed.

Think of the level of faith it took for Jochebed to obey God.

Moses is the child referred to in Exodus 1:1 as a “goodly baby.” The term “goodly” or tov in Hebrew is a throwback to Genesis, where we first hear it used by God on the 6th day of Creation to describe the perfection, functionality, and completeness of all of His works. “God saw everything that he had made, and indeed it was (Tov) very good…”

God was now asking Jochebed to take her hands off of the very “goodly child” He had given them, and to trust Him that He would protect and care for Moses. Today’s scripture assures us that Jochebed did just that. She trusted God, put Moses in the basket, and released him to the Nile’s watery embrace.

“About this time, a man and woman from the tribe of Levi got married. The woman became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She saw that he was a special baby and kept him hidden for three months. But when she could no longer hide him, she got a basket made of papyrus reeds and waterproofed it with tar and pitch. She put the baby in the basket and laid it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile River. The baby’s sister then stood at a distance, watching to see what would happen to him.” —Exodus 2:1-4.

That “goodly” babe would grow into a man God had foreordained to help deliver His chosen people, Israel, from Pharaoh’s cruel, oppressive grip. Though Jochebed knew her baby was tov, destined even, for something great perhaps, still, circumstances dictated she had no choice other than to leave Moses’ fate in God’s hands; a fate, mind you, the Providence of God Himself had orchestrated.

What’s in your basket, child of God?

What precious promise, hope, ministry, child, partner, possession, what future dream have you been doing your best to keep hold of, beloved?

What precious thing is God asking you to entrust to His Providential care as He calls you to follow Him to the watery edge of surrender?

It’s from God, that much you know.

You’ve held it close to your heart, fed it, nurtured it for a season, and the peace of God that only He can give assures you it came from Him.

And yet, despite all of this, God’s Providence is, dare I say, bearing down on you, pressing you to release it back into His care. To trust Him, despite your knowing.

You sense His Holy Spirit pressing upon you to move in a direction so diametrically opposed to your own desire. Yet, His pull is so powerful it feels like some super magnet you cannot resist, drawing you in the utter opposite direction from where or how you thought you’d go.

Now all you can do is put your basket in the water, stand back, keep watch, and wait on God.

What will you do, beloved, when you can no longer “hide away” what God has given you? When you come face to face with having to know for certain if you genuinely believe that God will provide you with the grace to surrender all into His providential care?

An aside here for anyone who has never encountered the term “Providence” associated with God. Scripture explains God’s Providence rather simply: “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” –Proverbs 16:33.

Or maybe you’d recognize God’s Providence explained this way: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” –Jeremiah 1:5.

As with Moses before him, God had predestined Jeremiah for the work and calling planned for him to do before the foundation of the world.  

So it is with you, too, beloved.

God has given you a “goodly promise,” and the peace that only He can provide a soul confirms it. And yet, if God is asking you to entrust what you “know that you know” He has given you, back into His Sovereign care, will you obey Him and put your basket in the water? Or do you want the gift God has given you more than you desire its Giver?

Each man must search his own heart; I pray that each of us follow Jochebed’s example.

I pray we’re all seeking to know and trust in the Giver far more than wanting to hold onto something we know He has given us.

Just as Jochebed could never lose Moses, regardless of God’s actions or how He might use him to accomplish His Kingdom purposes and plan, neither can you lose what God has entrusted to you.

“tov” doesn’t simply mean “good” as in God’s finished Creation, being perfect, functional, beautiful, and complete.

Tov also implies that something or someone fulfills the Divine purpose for which it was created.

With this in mind, I pray, like Amram, Jochebed, and Moses before you, that you might fulfill your true purpose in God: to trust Jesus, desiring Him and His Perfect, Providential will for your life more than anything else. Far above people, dreams, hopes, husbands, wives, children, relationships, even those heart’s desires, He’s entrusted into your care. “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” –Exodus 20:3.

Put it all in the water, beloved child of God, taking Him at His Word. Believing that you cannot lose what Christ has given you—even unto your very life if you’ll but trust Jesus enough to release it back into His care. “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” –Matthew 6:33.

In Romans 10:9-10, God has made a straightforward way for you to do just that: “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses resulting in salvation.”

Jireh Shalom; God of Peace.

August 16, 2025 /

Matthew Botelho

“And Abraham called the name of the place, The-Lord-Will-Provide, as it is said to this day, ‘In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided’ –Genesis 22:14

Jesus is Omnipresent. He’s in tomorrow, just as He is today. He is Alpha and Omega, the beginning, and the end. What comfort that brings as we go through different seasons throughout our lives, knowing God is always with us; in those seasons meant to grow us, times of refreshing, and our “be still and know” seasons.

During these times, if we find ourselves asking God, “I just need a Word from You,” that is when we need to open up our Bible more than ever. It is during those uncertain times that we need God to lead us and turn to Him. Jesus reminds us to, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these shall be added to you.” –Matthew 6:33.

The answers you’re in search of will come as you seek God’s will.

It was this scripture that helped me and my family during our “season”. I pray that sharing a bit of my testimony will help edify and bring comfort to those going through a time of uncertainty.

Here’s what God has been doing in our lives:

In May of this year, I tore a tendon in my ankle outside of my workplace; it caused me a whole lot of pain and discomfort. So much so, I needed to take medical leave. The only problem was that the accident had happened outside of my workplace, so I wasn’t able to collect workers’ compensation. I had, however, accumulated vacation and sick time. After using up that option, I was able to take on subcontract work from home while waiting to hear from a doctor.

A few weeks later, I was scheduled for surgery to repair my tendon.

The doctor assured me that it would feel better in the end, but I would need to trust the healing process, which I am still going through. As of this writing, that subcontract work has dried up, but not my faith in God.

Why?

Because of God’s faithfulness.

You see, during all this time, my family and I lost nothing.

Our rent was paid, our bills were paid on time, and we had groceries in the fridge.

Nothing was lost. God has ensured ongoing provision for me and my family so that we have not lacked anything. “I have been young and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging for bread. He is merciful and lends; And his descendants are blessed “–Psalm 37:25-26

God alone sustains us, friends, not our jobs. Your career may be a vessel He uses, but He alone is your Supplier. There may well come a time when you’re laid off, fired, or retire from your job. The harsh reality is that someone else might, or one day will, take over where you left off.

The question then is, can you be at peace with this thought, or does losing your position, career identity, or salary stir up fear in you? In Ecclesiastes 2:18, King Solomon writes: “Then I hated all my labor which I had toiled under the sun, because I must leave it to the man who will come after me.”

In our humanity, we fear the unknown.

Our faith in Christ overcomes the unknown.

The word of God says, “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

Jobs will come and go.

Life will throw us curveballs.

It’s what we do in those moments that reveals our character.

My prayer today is that you will turn to the One who brings all peace and provision during times of uncertainty. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give you; Not as the world gives to do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” –John 14:27.

This same Jesus, the Giver of grace, peace, and mercy, announced to all, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” –Matthew 11:28.

And if you don’t know Jesus yet, turn to Him now, during these uncertain times, and allow Him to minister to you, restoring you to a renewed relationship with the Father. As I said at the beginning of this teaching, the greatest gift that we will ever receive is the salvation God has given us through His son, Christ Jesus. “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. For, There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone.” –1 Timothy 2:1;3-6.

Amen

Fan The Flame.

July 26, 2025 /

Pastor Maria Braga

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” –Hebrews 10:24-25

Often, when a storm passes through our neighborhoods, we experience a loss of electricity. If it’s dark, we are unable to do all the things we do when we have power. We, believers everywhere, share a similar experience in our faith walk. We love Jesus and do our best to stay connected to Him throughout our lives. However, sometimes we fall out of fellowship with our Lord and Savior, and this connection is severed, leaving us without power.

If we are secure in Jesus, have a strong walk with God, surround our lives with God, and have this inexplicable excitement about our faith, how can we fall out of fellowship with Jesus? Is that even possible?

Yes.

And it can happen quicker than we think!

Here’s how: We stop stirring ourselves and one another in our faith through God’s Word, prayer, serving, and fellowship, and we disconnect from our spiritual practices. As time goes by, we become increasingly parched. We begin to slip away and fall into old routines, which quickly take our joy and rob us of the new life Christ has given us. We start to feel like we’re back in the old life—the life we once desperately despised and were so tired of.

What are we to do at this point in our walk of faith?

Can we return to Jesus?

Of course!

By quickly repenting, turning, and renewing our focus. By stepping back into the Life Christ offers, and progressing in our spiritual growth. By deciding to return to our Spiritual practices, which we found in Christ, having tasted and seen how good they are.

Hebrews teaches us to stir one another up in our faith.

To stir means to provoke or promote with intention and purpose.

Proverbs 27:17 teaches us: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” The Scriptures encourage us to do this because it is essential to maintaining a vibrant faith and to keeping our walk with God as our top priority.

A continual stirring of our faith is necessary for our growth.

This “new life” we have been afforded is like a road leading us to a destiny. What destiny? Our ultimate destination, heaven. We are to be sure of who we are, believing the promises of God, and continually renewing our minds each day, to stay spiritually ablaze and unmovable.

A believer in Jesus Christ isn’t supposed to be an Island, alone, deserted. When we become isolated, it is like a coal that falls from a heap of burning coals. Left alone, it dies out. It needs the heat and flame generated by the other coals to continue burning hot.

John 15:1 tells us that Jesus is the true Vine and God is the gardener. “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.” When we come to this new life in Christ, we must connect to the Vine, continually bearing good fruit, and we must stay connected, thriving in the same faith.

As we read God’s Word, God speaks to us. As we pray, God sharpens us, and God quickens our spiritual understanding. As we serve, God strengthens our compassion for others. After all, God, being the Great Gardner, tills the soil of our hearts and produces a harvest as we avail ourselves of these faith principles. Whenever we position ourselves to connect with God in any of the above ways, He partners with us, filling us with all we need. Words are not enough to describe this at times; it truly is a heavenly experience.

Hebrews 10:14-16 says: “For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says: “This is the covenant I will make with them  after that time, says the Lord, I will put my laws in their hearts and I will write them on their minds.”

As believers, the sacrifice witnessed at the Cross is always before us. We know there is a God who sent His only beloved Son to die, so that God’s children don’t perish, but instead, when we depart this earth, we live in heaven with Him forevermore; this is no small matter. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” -2 Cor 5:17

How wonderful to know that we are made new.

How wonderful to enjoy lives that are purified, sanctified, and set apart, because the Holy Spirit is living inside of us. Our sins God sees no more. Psalm 103:12 reminds us, “He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.”

We are now living new lives; our old life is gone.

To best experience this “new life,” the Apostle Paul instructs us, just as he did the 1st century church, on what steps to take: 1) As new creations, we must accept that our time zone has changed. We must understand the time in which we live: meaning, God’s timing is not the same as man’s time. So we learn to wait on God. 2) Being a new creation means living in a new community of Bible believing, with others who have been saved by grace and are now spiritually washed by the Blood of the Lamb. 3) As a new creation, we live in the freedom of the Spirit rather than by the laws of men. 4) As new creations, we live a transformed life. A life that reflects Christ. A life that has been changed by Love. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” -John 13:35

As we navigate these exciting changes and experiences, not only in our natural person but also in the Spirit, we must stir ourselves up in the most holy faith to continue marching forward, assured of our heavenly destination, loving one another. We must look at those coming up behind us and encourage them to join us. We are to care for their souls because we now understand the value of the human soul. We know the price Jesus paid to save their soul, His precious Blood. And, we share the Gospel, inviting everyone with ears to hear into the Kingdom of heaven with us for all eternity.

We don’t forget to encourage one another.

To stay the course of our calling by reminding each other of this journey we are on: one of the Word, prayer, fellowship, and service to Jesus, our Lord and Savior, until He calls us home. When it gets tough, we never quit, we never give up, and we never stop following the One who loves us unconditionally, because He holds us through our valleys and is beside us on our mountaintops.

We are never alone. We are walking in victory, even when we don’t feel like it.

Father, today, I pray You touch my heart in a new way. Please give me the courage to continue this walk of faith and give me the desires of your heart. I align my heart to yours and surrender my will to yours. Please remind me to stir myself spiritually and to encourage those around me to do the same. Let my heart reflect yours, my Lord and Savior, in Jesus’ name, amen.

“God again designated a certain day as ‘Today,’ when a long time later He spoke through David as was just stated: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” –Hebrews 3:15.

What Really Matters…

June 28, 2025 /

MaryEllen Montville

“For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return.” –Philippians 1:10.

Within one short verse, Paul uses “you” twice. He’s making it plain to each Philippian believer he’s addressing, and to us, that our relationship with Jesus is not only personal, more, that it matters to God how each of us walks out our faith. “I want you to understand.” Why? “So that you may live pure and blameless lives.”

Just because?

No!

Your Christian walk matters because you have been chosen in Christ, set apart, called to live a holy life, even as your Father is Holy. You are God’s Ambassador, beloved. You have been chosen both to carry and spread the Light of the World! “For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” –2 Corinthians 5:19-20.

God is using Paul’s voice to speak His Truth, to His people—the Church.

Jesus, the Living Word of God, points anyone with ears to hear toward the Father. Directing them to emulate His own walk by doing His Father’s will. “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.” –James 1:22-25.

Still, God knows that we, like our Philippian brothers to whom Paul was speaking, are incapable of living pure and righteous lives; that we, like they, cannot be filled with the fruit of the Spirit apart from the ongoing, sanctifying work of Jesus Christ. Apart from Him, you cannot talk, walk, think, or love like Jesus. “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” –Philippians 2:13. God’s Holy Spirit is at work in us to shape, mold, and remove the dross of your sin, shame, brokenness, and guilt, so that as we cling to Him, we might look, walk, talk, and think more and more, like His Son, Jesus. “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.

In Malachi 3:3, God makes it clear that He is a Refiner. “He will sit like a refiner of silver, burning away the dross. He will purify the Levites, refining them like gold and silver, so that they may once again offer acceptable sacrifices to the Lord.” As He was with Israel, His chosen people, so too with His Church—we’ve been grafted in after all, in Christ Jesus. “He redeemed us in order that the blessing promised to Abraham would come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.” –Galatians 3:14.

It is God’s Holy Spirit at work in us, smelting and purifying, forging, molding, and shaping.

In the fire of affliction, we’re made soft, pliable, usable—more Christ-like in our reliance on the Father. And so it’s there that God does His work of remaking us. In the Refiner’s fire, our lifelong journey of cycling through times of fire, forging, and water begins to burn off the dross of the world that has covered us over—encased us, really, like some molten shell—blinding us from seeing who we were created to be before time existed. Before, as His Word calls it, “The foundation of the earth,” hence, the need for our refining. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms. For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will.” –Ephesians 1:3-5.

God’s Word is Pure.

Thus, as we drink it in, it has the power to refine us—renewing our minds, imparting wisdom, depositing joy, and purifying our hearts. “The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living.” –Psalm 19:7-8.

Yet knowing holiness isn’t something we could ever achieve apart from Jesus, in one inconceivable act of love so pure and unfathomable, God sent His only Son into the world to die. Why? Because only a Holy, Perfect, Sinless God Himself could atone for your sins and mine. “For God made the only one who did not know sin to become sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God through our union with him.” –2 Corinthians 5:21.

Child of God, having sacrificed His only Son for you, remember, your salvation is personal. God wanted you to be restored into right relationship with Him through Jesus’s death and resurrection, able to receive New Life; is it any wonder then that God used Paul to remind you of ” what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return.“

Still, the very God who created you knows your frailty, beloved, your inability to “remain in Him” apart from Him. “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one abiding in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit. For apart from Me you are able to do nothing.” –John 15:5. Hence why, from that same pool of unplumbed love, God promised you this: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” –Isaiah 41:10.

If you have strayed from the narrow way, beloved, repent. Return to the Father who is waiting to receive you, arms wide open, eyes already watching the horizon to catch a first glimpse of you, and then. “…live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return.”

Jesus is the only One who can enable you and me to live that pure and blameless life He requires of His children. He’s a good Father who gives His children the supernatural ability to do all things through Christ. “I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]” –Philippians 4:13.

You dear friend, yes, you. The Lord has led you here today. It’s no accident that you’ve read this teaching all the way through. That stirring you feel in your belly, that’s God. It’s Him saying that He loves you and wants a relationship with you. Won’t you welcome Jesus into your life now by acknowledging your need for Him? Listen to what He promises if you do: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” –Matthew 7:7-8.

« Older posts Newer posts »

© 2026 Sonsofthesea.org

Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑