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Tag: Holy Spirit (Page 1 of 16)

Home Renovations…

October 10, 2026 / / 0 Comments

MaryEllen Montville

“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” –Psalm 127:1

I was awakened to this one Word in my Spirit: Renovations, plural.

Now, I love a good home renovation episode as much as the next guy: replacing outdated countertops and hardware, giving aesthetically unpleasing or ill-functioning cabinetry a fresh, latest look. Updating what is outdated and ineffective, watching it transform into something that changes the home’s function and atmosphere, and breathing new life into what no longer worked is fulfilling to watch unfold. And not only for the owner, but for everyone who gets to experience that transformation.

But the Holy Spirit didn’t show me an aesthetically pleasing renovation.

The houses He renovates often involve a far more labor-intensive, “deconstruct-to-reconstruct” process, spiritually speaking. The Lord Jesus often reconstructs, “a job at a time,” lest the homeowner grow faint under the meticulous work of the Master Builders.

Holy Spirit’s renovation work focuses on the building’s structure—what upholds, supports, and covers the home—not simply upgrading its cosmetic flaws. His deconstruct-to-reconstruct renovation process made sense to me, as I understand God is far more concerned with our character, our “support beams, roof, our pilings and the footings of our foundations” than He is with how aesthetically pleasing to the eye, if you will, our “house” is.

God’s heart, His desire from eternity past, is that His children walk uprightly in obedience and fellowship with Him, that He might bless those who do. “For the Lord God is a Sun and Shield; the Lord bestows [present] grace and favor and [future] glory (honor, splendor, and heavenly bliss)! No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” –Psalm 84:11. What earthly parent doesn’t want their child to grow up strong, confident in their parents’ love, living a good life built on an unshakable, righteous character—how much more than does God desire this for His children—and those He is calling to become His own even now.

God desires our proverbial house to reflect the righteous character of His Master Builder, Jesus, character placed in it the moment He took possession of it: Love, joy, kindness, goodness, self-control, patience, peace, faithfulness, and gentleness. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” –Galatians 5:22-23.

God made it possible for our homes to be “constructed” with these incalculable materials through Jesus’ sacrificial life, death, and resurrection—summed up aptly in Jesus’ final words: tetelestai, “It is finished.” The deed to your house, paid in full. Man’s sinful debt satisfied by Jesus’ sinless death.

Each man’s proverbial house is his soul, and only God can reconstruct a soul, returning it to its intended condition. “He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” –Psalm 23:3

Future homes will continue to be renovated: “deconstructed-to-be-reconstructed” until Jesus calls us all home. “For just as through one man’s disobedience [his failure to hear, his carelessness] the many were made sinners, so through the obedience of the one Man the many will be made righteous and acceptable to God and brought into right standing with Him.” –Romans 5:19

For our houses to be brought into right standing with God, some of His children will endure a far more intensive renovation process than others.

Because God loves them less?

Not possible!

No. It’s because of Jesus’ great love that some of His children will experience the more intensive renovation needed to keep their proverbial house standing, ready to pass inspection by its Omniscient, Omnipotent, Omnificent Owner.

New girders will need to replace unstable main beams, and new floor joists will need to be laid to help carry weight straight to its foundation. Why? God knows the weight this house will carry—and how it must be built to withstand the storms of life, year after year…

Other homes may need new shingles to replace leaky patches on their roofs, keeping the elements out and protecting the work He’s already completed within. If the roof is faulty or leaky, it will eventually damage what lies beneath it—the walls, beams, and wiring—things essential for a safe, solid, well-built home. Additionally, mold and mildew can grow quickly in such conditions, causing this house quite literally to make its owner sick.

Thus, God repairs what’s faulty to make this house safe not only for its owner, but for all who enter…

In other homes, God sees the need to dig out the foundation and pour a deeper, far more stable footing that will undergird what He is constructing for years to come; God will use this major delay in the home’s construction to teach its owner patience and endurance.

Other homes still need to learn to rely on the Master Builder’s plans and materials rather than employing outside builders or employing inferior “do-it-yourself” materials in their own handy work, so-called. God will allow fiery trials to burn away the faulty tools and materials of self-reliance and put a stop to such building practices entirely.

Others have been built to face the vicious storms of adversity head-on; God has fortified their structures with indefatigable materials to withstand the warring storms that will rage against them and protect those God has called to enter them. “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” –Matthew 7:24–25

And then there is the home of the prodigal.

Faulty materials were used when its owner cut corners and squandered the precious resources the Master Builder provided during its construction. Instead, they rejected the Master Builder’s offer of supplies, relied on their scant building knowledge, or hired less trustworthy builders who used shoddy materials to build their house. “But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its collapse!” – Matthew 7:26-27

As a result, they may taste the Master Builder’s severe mercy. His rigorous gutting of whole sections of their house, rebuilding them afresh, and shoring up their foundation, enabling them finally to withstand the Master Builder’s future additions. The Patriarch Jacob could easily attest to this Truth…

Beloved, only God Himself, the Good, Loving, Master Builder of the house, knows why He’s chosen and appointed some houses and not others for such rigorous deconstruct-to-reconstruct renovations.

The following Scriptures, however, point us, in part, towards an answer. “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” –Romans 5:1-5

Be sure of this, dear homeowner: whatever the trial Jesus allows to touch your house is for your good, to strengthen, purify, fortify, or refine your house and its reliance on Him, and it will result in your good and God’s glory. “These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” —1 Peter 1:7

Who has built your house, friend? Was it the Master Builder, or have you taken matters into your own hands and built it yourself? Before you answer, consider the weight of today’s verse. “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” –Psalm 127:1

Friend, it is never too late to invite the Master Builder to renovate anything that needs updating in your house…

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Faith…

October 3, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Wesley Mendes

I’ve been thinking a lot about faith lately.

Jesus said in John 20:29, “Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”

And that really speaks to me because faith is easy to talk about when you can see the outcome. But what happens when you can’t see it?

What happens when you don’t know how it’ll work out?

When you don’t have the answers?

When you’ve done everything you know how to do, and you still don’t know what comes next?

That’s where faith becomes real.

Because without faith, we naturally fall back on ourselves. We rely on our strength, our understanding, our experience, our plans, and what we know.

And when we do that, we can accidentally put the entire weight of life on ourselves.

“I have to figure this out.”

“I have to fix this.”

“I have to make this happen.”

“I need to know how this is going to work.”

But we were never designed to carry everything on our own.

We were designed to depend on God.

Look at how many times Jesus connected faith to what God was doing.

“Because of your faith, it will happen.” — Matthew 9:29

“Because you believed, it has happened.” — Matthew 8:13

“Your faith has made you well. Go in peace.” — Mark 5:34

“Your faith is great. Your request is granted.” — Matthew 15:28

“Your faith has healed you.” — Luke 17:19

And then Ephesians 2:8–9 reminds us that even our salvation is a gift from God through faith—not something we can take credit for.

Faith reminds me that I am not God.

I don’t have to know everything.

I don’t have to control everything.

I don’t have to carry everything.

I have to trust the One who does.

And that doesn’t mean faith makes life easy. It means when life gets heavy, I don’t have to carry the weight alone.

My strength can’t accomplish everything.

There are situations my knowledge can’t solve.

There are doors I can’t open.

There are battles I can’t win by myself.

But faith says, “God, I trust You even when I can’t see what You’re doing.”

Sometimes faith means believing for the miracle.

Sometimes faith is believing while you’re waiting for the miracle.

And sometimes faith is simply getting up the next morning and saying, “God, I still trust You.”

Because faith isn’t about having everything figured out.

Faith is choosing dependence over self-reliance.

It’s saying, “God, I don’t know how, but You do. I don’t know when, but You do. I don’t see the way, but You do. And because I know who You are, I can keep moving forward.”

So if you’re in a season right now where you don’t see the answer, don’t let the absence of sight convince you that God is absent.

You may not see Jesus, but you can still trust Him.

You may not understand the process, but you can trust the Person leading you through it.

And when your strength runs out, remember: Maybe you’re not being asked to find more strength within yourself. Maybe you’re being invited to depend more deeply on God.

Because we were never created to carry life without Him.

Faith carries us in places our own strength never could.

Welcome Jesus into your Life today, and please, if you haven’t, say this prayer with me. “Jesus, you are my Lord, and you are my Savior. I believe that you died on the cross just for me, and that you rose from the grave on the third day. I believe in my heart that you are God, and I invite you into my life and into my heart today. In Jesus’ mighty name, I pray, amen.

“Pray [Call] to me, and I will answer you. I will tell you—important secrets [great and hidden things] you have never ·heard [ known] before.” –Jeremiah 33:3

That’s Not For You…

September 26, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Maria Braga

“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” –Mark 10:43

The less of Jesus this world has, the louder people cry out for personal recognition, status, power, and prestige. But throughout the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, we see patterns of generations marked by godlessness and evil, followed by later generations who are good—for instance, King Hezekiah, “who trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him” –2 Kings 18:5.

Then there is King Josiah, who became king at eight years old and reigned in Jerusalem for thirty-one years (2 Kings 22:1). Both of these kings were righteous. Yet their sons strayed into terribly ungodly behavior (2 Kings 23:32).

Eli was a priest whose sons were “worthless men.”

“Eli’s sons were scoundrels; they had no regard for the Lord.” –1 Samuel 2:12.

Similarly, Scripture accuses Samuel’s sons of corruption: “But his sons didn’t take after him; they were out for what they could get for themselves, selfishly taking bribes and corrupting justice.” –1 Sam 8:3. Not much has changed!

Many children today are still raised by Godly parents, raised in the ways of God, yet because of their free will, they choose their own path. It is not the parents’ fault, but the child’s free-will choice. Parents cry over their child’s unpredictable choices, but all they can do is pray.

In the opening Scripture, Mark, the Author of the Gospel, reveals an issue with the human heart: “pride and competition.”

Many today, consciously or unconsciously, cry out for power.

This longing can harm their spiritual well-being. Ungodly motives lead to pride, and, like the kings and priests of biblical history, some men begin to desire other people’s victories instead of pursuing their own. Man desires what he does not possess. They step out of their designated roles, mistakenly believing they can achieve greatness by doing someone else’s work, job, or ministry “better than” the one God has chosen. This principle is unchanged for the saved and the unsaved alike: John and James asked to sit next to Jesus on thrones, in places of honor. Danger lies in not fully understanding what we are asking for, and in operating out of our natural selves rather than as the spiritual beings we truly are.

When we read Mark 10 in context and consider the conversation in the verses before Mark 10:43, we learn that even John and James, the sons of Zebedee, Apostles of Jesus, had fleshly motives: a desire to sit on a glorious throne with Jesus. Jesus’ answer to them is astounding to me: “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink? Are you able to be baptized with the baptism of suffering I must be baptized with?” –Mark 10:38.

This is the same conversation Jesus would likely have with many today.

God is not looking for something new we can offer Him; rather, He wants us to use wisely what He has already bestowed upon us. We must grasp this fundamental Truth by accepting the fact that Creator God knew us before we were formed in our mothers’ wombs. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” –Jeremiah 1:5.

Jesus is seeking hearts willing to embrace the commands He gives and the destinies He has ordained. He desires a people with open hands, unafraid to cultivate the spiritual fields around them without expectation—obedient and ready to surrender all they possess, as Moses did in Exodus 4:2, when the Lord asked, “What is that in your hand?” Moses replied, “A rod.”

Today, God asks each of us the same question: “What is in your hand? What have I given you already? And are you willing to use it for My glory?

Like Moses, our answer matters.

From birth, some are told how beautiful they are, or how good they are—how much they deserve the best, to be first, to win. Often, by age ten, many children believe they have “arrived” and begin to demand things they have no right to because of words spoken over them. They, in turn, start speaking to their parents and teachers with a sense of entitlement, creating a culture where so many children and adults alike today feel like they’re owed something.

Society struggles to learn God’s valuable lessons because it often refuses to recognize or believe in Jesus’ existence.

Self-evaluation is a good spiritual practice to do from time to time, checking where we are spiritually. In our humanity, we are creatures of habit, and habits are sometimes hard to break. We must retrain our minds in the ways of the Lord. If we belong to Jesus, we must start new practices and habits, so we begin to live as the “new creation” we are.

This new life is a gift from God to us that the enemy often tries to snatch from us.

Beware of the thief!

Today, few want to be servants; the term has taken on negative connotations. Instead, many compete for power and position, as our opening text points out.

Yet God is still seeking those who will pick up the towel and basin. Despite being in proximity to the Source of Living Water, even Jesus’ disciples, who walked alongside Him, debated who would sit at His left or right hand in the Kingdom. They too longed for seats of power and recognition.

I find it interesting that, while they sought glory, Jesus offered them the path to servanthood.

The greatest test for every Christian is learning that true greatness is found in the humility to serve. In a kind yet firm way, Jesus tells His disciples that seeking to be served is not the path He has chosen for them: “Among you, it’s not so.”

We understand in this that Jesus measures a servant’s greatness by humility.

Love is expressed through service to others. The universal language of God’s Kingdom is that of service, a concept understood across every nation and tongue. Can serving with a pure servant’s heart bring us as close as we can come to living heaven on earth—giving without expecting anything in return?

A believer who reaches this point of selfless giving has achieved a great measure of maturity. Serving is often a quiet, unseen act that leads to our rejoicing when we see others flourish. It may mean washing the feet of someone undeserving or showing love through our actions rather than mere words. Serving is a spiritual, sacrificial act!

No position is more esteemed, no ministry purer, no calling higher or holier than when someone responds as Mary, Jesus’ mother once did: “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” –Luke 1:38.

To serve others is to die to self a little each day, so that Christlikeness can grow within us, allowing all who meet us to be touched by His greatness, not our own. Whoever wants to become great must first learn how to be a servant. Seek first God’s Kingdom, trusting in the promised result that everything else will come.

Here’s the principle: there is only One who is the Great I AM – Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omniscient. He is our Great Creator God, Son Jesus, and Holy Spirit. His position is taken; it is not for you.

Father, I pray that everyone reading this today finds fulfillment by accepting you as Lord and Savior of their lives. May anyone hungry or thirsty for you find comfort and peace through your Word. May your Spirit touch and save all who are seeking to find you today. Bring each person the satisfaction and fulfillment they need. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

You say, “Come to me, all who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest” –Matt 11:28.

Can I Die Twice?

August 29, 2026 /

MaryEllen Montville

“And I assure you that the time is coming, indeed it’s here now, when the dead will hear my voice—the voice of the Son of God. And those who listen will live.”

Today’s title posits a twofold assurance, which begs the question: Can a man die twice? The short answer is yes; he can. And yet, this same man may live twice. The choice for each rest in his hands—life now, and eternally, or death now—and eternally.

Each man must choose one or the other.

To not choose is, by default, that man’s choice.

In today’s verse, Jesus is refuting Jewish leaders who, being willfully blind, would not recognize Who stood before them—nor would they acquiesce to the miracle they’d witnessed nor to Jesus’ claim of Sonship with the Father—and so they did what they knew to do: rise up in unbelief and verbally assail Jesus. “So the Jewish leaders began harassing Jesus for breaking the Sabbath rules. But Jesus replied, “My Father is always working, and so am I.” So the Jewish leaders tried all the harder to find a way to kill him. For he not only broke the Sabbath, he called God his Father, thereby making himself equal with God.” –John 5:16-18

The miracle they refused to acknowledge. The healing of a man bound for thirty-eight years. Instead, they called it a complete disregard for a law they themselves had stretched far beyond God’s intended purpose. “One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?” “I can’t, sir,” the sick man said, “for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me.” Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!” Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking! But this miracle happened on the Sabbath, so the Jewish leaders objected. They said to the man who was cured, “You can’t work on the Sabbath! The law doesn’t allow you to carry that sleeping mat!” –John 5-10.

No one knows how old this man was, or at what age he first lay down beside this pool—Scripture doesn’t tell us. It’s likely, however, that in his mind, this place was his last hope, having exhausted all other options available to him. If he could get into these waters he’d heard had curative powers when stirred up—he’d be healed; his hope was all he had left. Had he been in his 20s, 30s, 40s, even when he’d come to this point of desperation?

Had this man who’d spent thirty-eight years of his life languishing beside a pool of water, due to his own spiritual blindness, convinced himself his healing would come through them only, or not at all? Scripture seems to nod in that direction; we just read his reply to Jesus when asked if he’d like to get well: “I can’t, sir,” the sick man said, “for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me.”

How many today have been languishing beside some pool for years upon years, as well?

Not due to a physical malady, perhaps, as with this man; rather, they’ve been bound by drugs, alcohol, porn, a lying tongue, fornication, or idol worship or witchcraft. Maybe their malady is rebellion and unbelief? “For rebellion is as [serious as] the sin of divination (fortune-telling), and disobedience is as [serious as] false religion and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you as king.” –1 Samuel 15:23

They’re bound by self-reliance or reliance on “other.” Parents, a spouse, some statue or medal, their own child, even—some “pool” that carries their answer; if they could get in when the waters are turning.

But alas, that never seems to pan out…

So they languish, then, having decided this “pool” is their only hope, and if it can’t help them, then neither can anyone else. They stay bound to it, day after day for years, growing more and more hopeless as they watch others get what they themselves so desperately need—healing, hope, restoration, a new beginning.

Failing to accept the Truth that hope and healing can be theirs, if they’d simply say yes and receive it…

This is the first death: spiritual death. It happens when men decide not to listen to or believe God’s Word, which can save them…

Instead, they make the choice, and it is their own to make, to put their faith in anyone or anything other than the One who gave them life through their natural birth, and Who offers them new life, life eternal, when they acknowledge Him as Lord and Savior. “Jesus answered him, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless a person is born again [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified], he cannot [ever] see and experience the kingdom of God.” –John 3:3

Jesus is man’s only hope—not some “pool” or person, not a priest or a religion—but the Person of Jesus Christ. “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.

Having seen the picture attached to today’s teaching, you may have noticed it’s of a branch snapped in two.

The result of its being broken is that this branch will not live; so too with every man. Sin snaps us in half, separating us from our Life Source, Jesus…

All men have been severed from Christ Jesus because of one man’s sin, so too have all men been afforded the Way to restoration and forgiveness of their sins. “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned. For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!” –Romans 5:12;17

Notice I didn’t say sin stopped anyone from knowing Jesus’ name, from going to church, from owning a Bible, or from knowing what Jesus has done for others…

But I am saying plainly that if you are not grafted into what gives your Life eternal, this will result in the second death, which Jesus makes plain a few verses later. Listen: “The Father has life in himself, and he has granted that same life-giving power to his Son. And he has given him authority to judge everyone because he is the Son of Man. Don’t be so surprised! Indeed, the time is coming when all the dead in their graves will hear the voice of God’s Son, and they will rise again. Those who have done good will rise to experience eternal life, and those who have continued in evil will rise to experience judgment.” –John 5:26-29

When Jesus sought out the man who’d been sitting by his “pool” for thirty-eight years, He did so to give him life now, in the form of hope, renewal, healing, and restoration, sure, but Jesus gave him so much more.

When that man jumped up after Jesus healed him, he didn’t do it in his own power. He did it by the power He’d just been given, the same resurrection power that raised Jesus from the dead. The power of God’s Holy Spirit had entered him, giving him the start of a new life then and the promise of Life eternal in the age to come.

Jesus had sought him out to give him life and life abundant…

Today’s title poses a dual question: Can a man die twice? The short answer is yes; he can. And yet, this same man can also live twice. The choice for each rest in his hands—life now, and eternally, or death now—and eternally.

Being the same yesterday, today, and forever, Jesus has come today, now, as you read this, to ask you, friend, the same question He once asked that man by the pool; a question each man must answer for himself: “Would you like to get well?”  

I’m praying you’ll answer with a decisive, “Yes, Jesus, I do!” “For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.” —John 5:19

The Lord Is My Shepherd…

August 15, 2026 /

MaryEllen Montville

“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” –Psalm 23:4.

The Lord has led me to this Psalm, a personal favorite, in times of trials, loss, pain, fear, or need: for wisdom, comfort, provision, direction, and as a reminder that Jesus is the same God in this season as He was in seasons past. Faithful to meet my every need then, and equally able to meet it now. He’s God, forever meeting me in my place of need. My Shepherd, who will comfort me, give me the wisdom, direction, and discernment I need—not necessarily the answer I want or am praying for.

For that, though challenging to take in at times, I am grateful nonetheless.

Jesus’ calling me to more, the uncomfortable, unforeseeable more, that affords me the opportunity to grow in Him, become more like Him.

To put the full weight of my trust in Him, above everyone, especially myself; having done that more times than I’d care to admit, with what I can say were less favorable outcomes. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” –Proverbs 3:5-6

Jesus alone has seen my end from my beginning; He alone knows what’s best for me—on this one Truth I have bet my life…

Jesus is asking me to step out in faith for yet another Red Sea adventure with Him, to trust Him; maybe He’s asking the same of you in this season as well, beloved? Asking that we fix our eyes on Him. To encourage ourselves when what we see in front of us has yet to manifest into the fullness of what He has promised. To keep pressing into Him, moving forward by faith, trusting His leading by reminding ourselves of His unswerving faithfulness in every detail of our lives—how He’s met our every need—in times past. So let’s keep each other in prayer as we cast our nets out yet again, at our Master’s command.

Jesus alone has always been, and always will be, my Provider: I pray you can say the same. Jesus’ care of me—and you—is nothing if not personal. “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.” –Emphasis my own.

Child of God, perhaps you too need a reminder of who Jesus has been to you in seasons past, in order to mount up in the strength you need today, and to keep pressing into Him for your right-now needs. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.”

New friend, if you have yet to meet Jesus for yourself, if you don’t have a loving, committed one-on-one relationship with Him, today is the day Jesus has ordained for the two of you to have such a relationship. Despite your age, your health, your financial standing—whether single, married, or divorced, man, woman, gay, straight, or a transgender young adult, despite your past, no matter how messed up and sinful it may have been; God’s not finished with you yet. How can I say this with certainty?

You’re still here.

So long as there is breath in your lungs, Jesus is reaching out to you—still, or yet again. “Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life.”

Jesus is offering you all that you’ll ever need, in every season He’ll lead you through, and so much more—if you’ll let Him. How? It starts by inviting Him into your heart. Repenting of your sis and meaning it. Because at the end of the day, it’s your heart Jesus is after. A heart fully surrendered to Him—His will, into His care, and into His unfathomable love for you. Jesus desires your all-in trust. “My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes delight in my ways.” –Proverbs 23:26.

Is the Great Shepherd calling you into a new ministry, move, or a new position perhaps, in His Kingdom, child of God? Something that, in the natural, looks impossible. The finances don’t line up. You can’t see the end from the beginning—so you’re afraid to step or misstep, possibly?

Perhaps Jesus is asking you to let go completely of what you know is an answer to prayer, the very thing He alone is responsible for providing for you. That home, church family, that circle of brothers and sisters you’ve built bonds with—a rhythm that works and flows with ease, given to you for a season by God—but now, He’s asking you to release it, and to trust Him, sight unseen, for your next “God-thing.”

Or maybe you are walking through the valley of loss—the shadow of death has passed over you. Even now, darkening everything in front of you, making it impossible for you to see clearly. Are you mourning the passing of a loved one, a child you miscarried, or your closest friend—that one who was more of a brother or sister, really—and you’re feeling like the weight of such grief will surely crush you? Hold on! Run to Jesus. He is near, He is near! “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.”

Hold fast to the Good Shepherd as you walk through your Red Sea moment with Jesus by your side, reminding yourself: “I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.”

Beloved, if the Lord is asking you to take your hands off something He’s given you—entrusted to you for a time—even a long time, don’t hesitate—I know, easier said than done; I’ll remind you here, however, that everything and everyone you have or have had the privilege of “getting to” know—rightfully belongs to the Lord. Hard as it may be to see or understand right now—you must, must, walk by faith and not sight, lest you fall.

Asking “why” right now is asking the wrong question, beloved—even though you long for God to answer you, give you some reason to help make sense of things; still, Job taught us God owes us no such answers.

The correct question, in every season, loss or plenty, mountain or valley, is this: “What are you trying to teach me, Lord?” Because whatever you are experiencing had to first pass through God’s Sovereign hands; thus, He is using it to shape you into the image and likeness of His Son, Jesus. Whether that makes sense to you now or not.

Our Father always does what is best for us—not what we understand or feel comfortable with—and we do well to remember that by remembering He bought and paid for us with the spotless Blood of our Good Shepherd. “You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.”

Friends, I encourage you to read Psalm 23 in its entirety; regardless of the season you’re in, it will bless you. As you read it, do so remembering Who this Psalm is speaking of; then, posture your hearts with the respect, deference, openness to His will, and the righteous fear due the name of Jesus. “He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.”

Psalm 23 is all about Jesus, beloved: His heart toward you.

Line after line speaks to His very nature and Character. What He has done and is doing in your life and mine, every day, in every circumstance, because He first loved us. The Lord is our Shepherd; we shall not want, even when you and I walk through what can certainly feel in the moment like our darkest valley.

“The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” –John 10:3-5;10

As with the Master, so with His students: will you lay down your life for Him, child of God—when you hear His voice calling you into unfamiliar pastures?

You Have My Word On It…

August 8, 2026 /

MaryEllen Montville

“I bow before your holy Temple as I worship. I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness; for your promises are backed by all the honor of your name.” –Psalm 138:2

Today, we’re going to begin at the end—of this verse, that is. We’ll start with its result, the honor of God’s name, then we’ll move on to its effect, reverencing and worshiping of our Lord. Sometimes, to understand a thing better, you have to take a step back to see it more clearly. Today is one of those times. It was the final twelve Words of this psalm that caught my attention. “For your promises are backed by all the honor of your name.”  

There is no greater assurance a man will ever be given in this life than God’s Word.

If God spoke it, promised it—it’s a done deal. “For when God made the promise to Abraham, He swore [an oath] by Himself, since He had no one greater by whom to swear, saying, “I will surely bless you and I will surely multiply you.” –Hebrews 6:13-14

I can personally attest to this biblical Truth. Never has there ever been an instance where God has spoken to me, called me to follow Him, assured me He’d lead me or provide for me, and then failed. Not once, ever, in my nearly twenty years of following Him.

Time will surely reveal what God’s Word accomplished in eternity past—regardless of how long it may take any of us to receive it and, if it be God’s will, witness its fruit. What more perfect example of this Truth is there than Jesus’ own final Words, this side of eternity: “It is finished.” –John 19:30.

God’s Living Word accomplishes everything God intended for Jesus to accomplish before Jesus ever left heaven for earth. Let that sink in…

King David understood this.

We witness this truth in the fruit produced throughout David’s life through God’s unwavering protection, provision, and guidance. And today, we’ll read how David white-knuckled clung to this truth in some of the final words he shared before he died.

David’s dynasty and life were ending.

Still, Scripture tells us of David’s indefatigable confidence, even as he faced death, that God would fulfill every Word and promise He had made David—though he himself would not be alive to witness their fulfillment. “Is it not my family God has chosen? Yes, he has made an everlasting covenant with me. His agreement is arranged and guaranteed in every detail. He will ensure my safety and success.” –2 Samuel 23:5

Daniel also understood this, Truth. “Then the king was greatly pleased and ordered that Daniel be taken out of the den. So Daniel was taken out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, because he believed in and relied on and trusted in his God.” –Daniel 6:23.

We’ll hear from Daniel again soon. He’ll teach us how God alone deserves all our praise, honor, all the glory and our worship…

But for now, let’s stay with David…

David had been chosen by God as the future King of Israel when he was still a young man. Some scholars suggest he was anywhere between 10 and 19 when Samuel chose him from among his brothers and anointed him as king, replacing the reigning king, Saul. At that time, men needed to be 20 years old or older to serve in the army; Samuel had found David tending his father’s sheep. “Thus Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel told him, ‘The LORD has not chosen any of these.'” And Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied, “but he is tending the sheep.” “Send for him,” Samuel replied. “For we will not sit down to eat until he arrives.” So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.” –1 Samuel 16:10-12

Now you might be saying, okay, but what does this have to do with David honoring God, like in the last twelve words from today’s verse?

Through faithfully tending his father’s sheep and faithfully serving his father and brothers both, God was shaping David’s heart to one day serve a nation. Through service and obedience, trials and testing, David would learn to trust and defend the Lord His God and His every Promise in all matters, great and small.

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…” –Zechariah 4:10

David did not despise his “small” beginnings, and God saw how humble and pliable, yet valiant and devout David’s heart was in His Hand. “As the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand” –Jeremiah 18:6

Throughout David’s life—every trial, test, every “giant” he’d face—David held fast to God: “David answered, ‘You come at me with sword and spear and battle-ax. I come at you in the name of God-of-the-Angel-Armies, the God of Israel’s troops, whom you curse and mock. This very day God is handing you over to me. I’m about to kill you, cut off your head, and serve up your body and the bodies of your Philistine buddies to the crows and coyotes. The whole earth will know that there’s an extraordinary God in Israel. And everyone gathered here will learn that God doesn’t save by means of sword or spear. The battle belongs to God—he’s handing you to us on a platter!” –1 Samuel 17:45

David, like Moses and Noah, Father Abraham, and God’s prophets, who foretold Christ’s coming, suffering, and salvation—never witnessed it for themselves —yet held fast to God’s leading and guiding. His every Word of hope. His every Promise. Hence, David could come to the end of his life like so many of God’s servants before Him, ready to face the One he had loved and served, fully confident that everything the Lord had promised him would come to pass—not because David would be blessed to see it all; he wouldn’t, he believed, because God said it.

” This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ’s suffering and his great glory afterward. They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven.” –1 Peter 10-12

What a blessed assurance for us all, beloved. “You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.” –1 Peter 10:8-9

I didn’t forget about Daniel.

He’s going to teach us about the first part of today’s verse: bringing us back to the beginning so that we might end up doing what David and Moses, Abraham, the prophets, and Daniel did. What we’re called to do until the Lord returns, or should He tarry, and call us Home. That is to worship Jesus! King of kings and Lord of lords.

To bow before Him in reverence and humility, acknowledging His Lordship over our lives always, in everything we do. “May the name of God be praised forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to him. He changes the times and seasons; he removes kings and establishes kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals the deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with him. I offer thanks and praise to you, God of my ancestors, because you have given me wisdom and power. And now you have let me know what we asked of you, for you have let us know the king’s mystery.” –Daniel 2:19-23.

Beloved of God, as surely as God has kept His promises to our brothers before us —be encouraged: He’ll do the very same for us—for you.

Hold tight to that Truth, as David and Daniel, Moses and the prophets of old did, as you pray for your prodigal, that parent or friend, yourself, or anyone you’re believing, interceding for. “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” –Numbers 23:19

This same Jesus, the God of David and Daniel, Moses, Abraham, and all the prophets, promises you today, new friend, that if you don’t know Him as Lord and Savior, you can: “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

Light Up The Darkness!

August 1, 2026 /

MaryEllen Montville

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.” –Matthew 5:14

Jesus did not spill His precious Blood, paying the ultimate ransom—His life—for you to live small, hidden, or fearful of the judgment of mere men, beloved. To blend into a world that is not your home. To “hide” your Light, Christ alive in you, out of fear of what men may say or think about you. I can almost hear the Apostle Paul shouting to you across the ages even now, “God forbid!” He is reminding you, through his writings, doing all he could to save you from committing such a sin. “As far as the Law is concerned I may consider that I died on the cross with Christ. And my present life is not that of the old “I,” but the living Christ within me.” –Galatians 2:20.

Christ in you is your identity now; in case you’ve momentarily forgotten…

You are no longer your own, beloved. You no longer “get to” live hidden away; if indeed you belong to Jesus, that’s impossible. “You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit.” –Matthew 7:16-17

Hear me now: I haven’t come to condemn you, rather to remind you, and myself, of who we are and of the unfathomable cost our Lord and Savior paid, that we be afforded such a privilege as to be His Light-bearers in this ever-darkening world. “He alone possesses immortality [absolute exemption from death] and lives in unapproachable Light, whom no man has ever seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal power and dominion! Amen.” –1 Timothy 6:16

Being offshoots of Jesus’ unapproachable Light, we “get to” shine for all to see, directing men then toward our Father; by following Jesus’ example, who lived His life on earth to draw all men to the Father. “In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” –Matthew 5:16

Those who belong to this world, are and will continue to, demand you dim your Light, Christ in you, insisting even that a single Source of Light doesn’t exist, instead, that, there are multiple light sources at work in the world; they do their level best to extinguish the One True Light of Christ altogether—as if they held such power—not wanting their sin or rebellion against the One True God revealed. Like their father, they prefer to hide in the shadows, far from the Light of Christ. “You are of your father the devil, and it is your will to practice the desires [which are characteristic] of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks what is natural to him, for he is a liar and the father of lies and half-truths.” –John 8:44

But you, child of God, and you whose heart God is tugging on even now, you are, or are being called to carry a Light so Pure, so Holy and alive, it cannot be hidden; you cannot stay hidden.

I believe the Lord sent me to you today to remind you to Whom you belong—and that’s not yourself. You belong to Jesus, and He expects you to do what you were created, in part, to do. And that is to shine His Light into the utter darkness so that in seeing your Light, those in the world will be without excuse, having witnessed its Source. “For ever since the creation of the world His invisible nature and attributes, that is, His eternal power and divinity, have been made intelligible and clearly discernible in and through the things that have been made (His handiworks). So [men] are without excuse [altogether without any defense or justification].” –Romans 1:20

“For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us.” –2 Corinthians 4:6-7

Whatever has been holding you back from letting the Light of Christ in you burn ablaze, or from carrying the Light of Christ within you, I came to encourage you today to turn to, or return to, Christ.

Ask Jesus for the strength to push past the voices of those who call you a Jesus freak.

Those who reject you or who have abandoned you completely because of your devotion to Jesus. That husband, wife, or child, mother or father who has grown cold towards you. The boss who says he’ll fire you if you don’t stop talking to your coworkers about this Jesus, enough already! Stop it! We don’t want to hear about Jesus any more! Don’t you get it! Just go away already…

Take heart, beloved, keep pressing into Christ. He will strengthen you to finish the good works He has called you to do. “We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.” –2 Corinthians 4:8-10

Weary soldier, fearful new friend, ask God’s Holy Spirit to fill you, or fill you afresh, if you’ve never asked, with the same fiery Light and power He freely gave those who first prayed in faith believing He would. “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like a mighty rushing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.” –Acts 2: 1-3

Then, let Jesus’ Light, this same Magnificent, Pure, Holy Light that has been piercing the darkness of men’s hearts for millennia, burst forth out of you, like a bridegroom from his bedchamber, unashamed and undeniable. You are God’s messenger: A Light carrier for the King of Kings. You are partnering with heaven when your Light burns brightly and unashamedly before all men—especially those who reject you for His name’s sake. “I tell you, everyone who confesses Me before men, the Son of Man will also confess him before the angels of God. / But whoever denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God.” –Luke 12:8-9

Blaze on, beloved! In the power of His Might! “Then the wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever.” –Daniel 12:3

Friends, you can carry this Magnificent, saving Light of Christ Jesus in you, but first, you must ask Jesus to be Lord and Savior of your life. Won’t you do that right now? Be freed from the darkness and walk in Pure Light… “because if you acknowledge and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord [recognizing His power, authority, and majesty as God], and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart a person believes [in Christ as Savior] resulting in his justification [that is, being made righteous—being freed of the guilt of sin and made acceptable to God]; and with the mouth he acknowledges and confesses [his faith openly], resulting in and confirming [his] salvation.” –Romans 10:9-10

What’s In Your Heart?

July 25, 2026 /

MaryEllen Montville

‘But Moses objected. “What will the Egyptians think when they hear about it?” he asked the Lord. “They know full well the power you displayed in rescuing your people from Egypt.’ –Numbers 14:13

The world asks, “What’s in your wallet?” But the Lord asks, “What’s in your heart?”

Character isn’t revealed in times of comfort and ease; instead, it’s revealed in times of trials, testing, persecution, or betrayal. “Even a young man is known by his actions, whether his conduct is pure and right.” –Proverbs 20:11

Once again, the people of God have rebelled against Moses. They’ve hardened their hearts against God’s chosen leader; worse, they’d hardened their hearts against God Himself—even after having been warned by Moses and Aaron not to commit such a sin against the Lord. “That night all the members of the community raised their voices and wept aloud. All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, “If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this wilderness! Why is the Lord bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?” And they said to each other, “We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt. Then Moses and Aaron fell facedown in front of the whole Israelite assembly gathered there. Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes.” –Numbers 14:1-6.

We could talk about the people’s hardheartedness and rebellion today—they’ve given us much to talk about. We could also talk about how these same people God had entrusted to Moses’ care turned on him multiple times—including those of his own household. But we won’t be looking at any of that today because the Lord caused something else to stand out instead, as I read Numbers 14. “Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses because of his Cushite wife, for he had married a Cushite. “Has the Lord spoken only through Moses?” they asked. “Hasn’t he also spoken through us?” And the Lord heard this.” –Numbers 12:1-2

It wasn’t other people’s actions God was highlighting, however; instead, it was the posture of Moses’ heart.

How Moses had responded to accusations and betrayal, and to the Lord telling him of His intent to destroy these unbelieving, contemptuous people and start afresh, building a new nation through Moses. “The Lord said to Moses, “How long will these people treat me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the signs I have performed among them? I will strike them down with a plague and destroy them, but I will make you into a nation greater and stronger than they.” –Numbers 14:11-12

If you listen closely to Moses’ plea, you can hear the far-off cry of Jesus’ own heart, interceding before the Father for the forgiveness of those who took part in His betrayal and crucifixion: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” –Luke 23:34

And later, still, as He intercedes for those who will yet repent and believe in Him. “I do not pray for these alone [it is not for their sake only that I make this request], but also for [all] those who [will ever] believe and trust in Me through their message. “ –John17:20

Moses was, after all, created in God’s image and, like Jesus, had, among his other gifts, a shepherd’s heart. Hear the heart of this humble, committed servant of God in Moses’ response to His Lord’s demand for atonement. Listen as he pleads for mercy and forgiveness, not punishment, revenge, or even vindication. Moses cares more for His Lord’s reputation and the lives of those who have betrayed him than he cares for his own.

So he pleads for God to stay His hand of judgment against them, asking instead for mercy for these guilty, rebellious, sinful, lost people entrusted to his care. “If you put all these people to death, leaving none alive, the nations who have heard this report about you will say, ‘The Lord was not able to bring these people into the land he promised them on oath, so he slaughtered them in the wilderness.’” –Numbers 14:15

Like Moses, every Blood-bought believer is charged by our Lord to have this same heart of reverence for His Holy Name; and mercy, intercession, and forgiveness toward all those who have rebelled against, hurt, defamed, discouraged, lied about, or falsely accused us.

How can I say this with all certainty?

Because God’s Word gives me, gives us, that authority when addressing those who have professed Jesus as their Lord and Savior. “You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.” –Philippians 2:5-8

Moses valued those who persecuted, spitefully spoke against, and betrayed him as having no less value than himself, despite their cruel actions and intentions towards him. So did the Apostle Paul. And so must you and I, if we call Jesus not only Savior, but Lord. “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” –Mark 10:45

Still, neither Moses nor Paul nor John, nor any Old or New Testament servant ever accomplished such a Divine feat in their own strength. Impossible! “Whoever claims to abide in Him must walk as Jesus walked.” –1 John 3:16.

So how did these believers accomplish such a seemingly impossible feat? The very same Way you and I, and every other Blood-bought believer, will. “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.” –Zechariah 4:6

In closing, friends, the Lord saw Moses’ heart, John’s, and Paul’s as well. What’s in your heart? “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” –Psalm 139:23-24

I pray Jesus finds a heart sold-out to Him when He looks into your heart.

A heart willing to love as He loves—valuing others, their needs, before your own. “No one has greater love [nor stronger commitment] than to lay down his own life for his friends.” –John 15:13

No man, save Jesus, was, is, or ever will be, perfect, friend. Nor does Jesus expect you to be. Moses wasn’t. Neither was Paul nor John. But one thing Jesus saw in each of them was a heart fully surrendered to Him: willing to go anywhere, to do anything He asked of them—including to lay down their very lives, for Him.

I pray Jesus finds this heart in you and me. “Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus [look to Him as your example in selfless humility.” –Philippians 2:5

Are you willing to humble yourself before Him? Put others before self? Serve Jesus, whenever and wherever He calls you?

Are you willing to forgive more, plead for the forgiveness of those who have betrayed, despised, slandered, hurt, or tried to harm you?

Moses did. John did. Paul did.

How about you, friend? What’s in your heart?

So I pray that you do know Jesus, new friend, prodigal son; the same Jesus who gave His life in exchange for yours. The Innocent in place of the guilty—His heart is Love incomprehensible. I too pray, as Moses did: that God demonstrate this Love, forgiveness, and power in your life this very day. “Please, Lord, prove that your power is as great as you have claimed. For you said, ‘The Lord is slow to anger and filled with unfailing Love, forgiving every kind of sin and rebellion. But he does not excuse the guilty.” –Numbers 14:17-18

Condemnation vs. Conviction: Is the Cross Really Enough?

June 13, 2026 /

Wesley Mendes

“There is therefore now condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” — Romans 8:1

Many believers faithfully attend church, worship passionately, serve consistently, and genuinely love Jesus, yet still carry a weight Christ never intended them to bear; living under a cloud of guilt, shame, and condemnation. Every time they stumble, every time they battle the same temptation, every time they fall short, they begin to believe the lies of Satan:

“God must be disappointed in me.”

“I’m not good enough.”

“Maybe I’ve failed too many times.”

“Maybe I’m too broken for God to use.”

If we’re honest, most of us Christians have wrestled with these thoughts at some point in our walk. The problem is, these thoughts do not come from Jesus…

Jesus’ Gospel is not built upon your perfection. It is built upon His perfection.

The Cross is enough.

Jesus’ Blood is enough.

Jesus was and is more than enough.

This does not mean sin is acceptable. By no means!!! It does not mean we stop pursuing holiness, but it does mean that our failures do not have the final word because Jesus already has. One of the greatest tricks of the enemy is convincing believers that conviction and condemnation are the same thing. Which they are not. Condemnation says:

“You failed, so you are worthless.”

“God is finished with you.”

“Hide from God.”

“You’ll never change.”

“You are your sin.”

Condemnation drives people away from God. It produces shame, fear, and hopelessness.

Conviction, however, sounds different. Conviction says:

“This path is hurting you.”

“Come back to Me.”

“Repent because I love you.”

“You are called higher.”

“Your identity is still Mine.”

Conviction draws us closer to God. It reveals sin while simultaneously reminding us that God’s grace is available.

The enemy wants us trapped in shame. The Holy Spirit wants us restored in love. When Jesus went to the Cross, He didn’t partially forgive sin, leaving some for us to carry. He didn’t say, “I’ll cover everything except the mistakes you keep repeating.” Jesus forgave our every sin: past, present, and future. All of them. Scripture tells us in Colossians 2:14, “Christ canceled the record of debt that stood against us and nailed it to the cross.”

Think about that…

The accusations, failures, guilt, regrets, and shame that once stood against us were nailed to the Cross with Jesus. So why do so many believers continue carrying what Christ already carried?

Many Christians repent but continue punishing themselves. They ask God for forgiveness but continue living condemned. They worship on Sunday while secretly believing God is angry with them. But if the Blood of Jesus is powerful enough to save you, it is powerful enough to restore you.

Peter’s Failure Didn’t Disqualify Him

Peter provides one of the clearest examples of God’s restoring grace. Peter loved Jesus deeply. Yet he repeatedly struggled with fear and inconsistency. He stepped out of the boat in faith but, afraid, began to sink. He boldly declared that he would never abandon Jesus, only to deny Him three times before the crucifixion. Peter’s failure was public, painful, and undeniable.

Yet after the resurrection, Jesus did not condemn Peter.

Jesus didn’t ask him:

“Why did you fail Me?”

“How could you betray Me?”

“What makes you think I can trust you again?”

Instead, Jesus asked a different question:

“Do you love Me?” Jesus restored what shame tried to destroy.

Even before Peter failed, Jesus told him, in Luke 22:32, “When you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” Notice Jesus didn’t say “if.” He said, “When.” Jesus knew Peter would fail, yet He still chose him. That’s grace.

God’s pattern of patience:

Peter wasn’t the only person in Scripture who struggled repeatedly. Moses battled anger and frustration. Samson repeatedly compromised and gave in to temptation. Jonah continually resisted God’s calling. The Israelites complained, doubted, and rebelled, even after witnessing God’s miracles.

Yet throughout Scripture, we see the same pattern.

God corrected them.

God disciplined them.

God taught them.

But God did not abandon them!

These stories do not excuse sin. They reveal the incredible patience and mercy of God. God does not say, “Keep sinning, it doesn’t matter.” But neither does He say, “One more failure and I’m done with you.” A loving Father convicts, corrects, restores, and continues calling His children forward. One of the greatest battles believers face is identity. Many people define themselves by their struggles. They say:

“I’m an addict.”

“I’m an angry person.”

“I’m a failure.”

“I’m damaged.”

“I’m too far gone.”

But Scripture says something different. Second Corinthians 5:17 declares, “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” Your struggle is not your identity. Your worst moment is not your identity. Your past is not your identity.

Your identity is found in Christ.

Our enemy constantly reminds us of who we were. God continually reminds you of whose you are. When you understand your identity as a redeemed child of God, you begin to fight from a place of victory rather than for acceptance. Some people become uncomfortable when grace is emphasized because they fear it will encourage people to sin.

But TRUE grace does just the opposite.

Grace does not say, “Sin doesn’t matter.” Grace says, “You no longer have to remain enslaved to sin.” Real grace changes the heart. Love transforms a person from the inside out. People who understand grace don’t want to run toward sin. They want to run toward Jesus.

The more we understand His mercy, the more we desire to honor Jesus with our lives.

Conviction changes behavior through our relationship with Jesus. Condemnation attempts to change behavior through fear. Only one leads to lasting transformation. When Jesus cried out, “It is finished,” He meant exactly what He said.

Your salvation was not left unfinished.

Your freedom was not left incomplete.

Your forgiveness was not left partial.

The Cross settled it.

You do not earn God’s love.

You do not earn grace.

You do not earn salvation.

You receive them by faith in Jesus Christ.

Because of the Cross:

You are loved.

Mercy is available.

Grace is greater.

Your failure is not final.

The enemy wants believers trapped in shame because shame keeps people hiding. But God calls His children into the light. There is a difference between conviction and condemnation. One brings you back to the Father. The other drives you away from Him. So if you belong to Christ, stop carrying what Jesus already carried. Stop living as though the Cross wasn’t enough. Stop allowing shame to speak louder than God’s promises. Romans 8:1 still stands today: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

Notice it doesn’t say there’s less condemnation; it says no condemnation.

If you’re struggling with feelings of condemnation, invite Jesus into your heart as your Savior. Jesus promises to take that burden from you. “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed.” –Luke 4:18

The Courage To Walk Away.

May 23, 2026 /

MaryEllen Montville

“How much better it is to get skillful and godly Wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.” –Proverbs 16:16

Wisdom will instruct us when to walk away, and from whom—if we avail ourselves of her wise counsel; we will flee, leaving behind us everything that is not God’s best. Even those “good things” we in fact know were God-given in seasons past. Those people, places, and abilities that served us well then. Still, they’re not God’s best for us now. They’re familiar, sure. Comfortable, you bet.

They’ve become so comfortable, in fact, that you’ve settled into them—moved in, lock, stock, and barrel, if you will, to a thing God intended to be temporary, a time of refreshing only. Or maybe it was intended as a time and place meant to build you up; that person or relationship meant only to bless you, then move on. The place you’re in now was hand-picked by God to settle you in for a season while you healed from the cutting away of those things He needed to remove from you. “In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.” –2 Timothy 2:21-22

So here’s the question: are you willing to walk away from whatever God is asking of you?

Will you freely let go of everything—anything, God is putting His finger on in this hour, or will you white-knuckle your way through, grabbing onto the familiar like a drowning man to a life -ring?  

Have you fallen for the enemy’s lie, beloved?

His deceptive whispers telling you what God has promised you —that seemingly impossible vision He’s given you, that dream or desire He’s placed in your heart and continues to confirm time and again, no matter how many fleece you keep throwing out—really isn’t possible, so how can it possibly be His right-now will for you?

Has what God promised you become just too impossible for you to hope for?

Did you fall for the lie of the enemy with his annihilative whispers, those same lies meant to challenge and thwart God’s Word, His promises? As if! Satan has been recycling his same trickery since his days in the Garden. “If you let go of what’s right in front of you now, you’ll surely risk going home empty-handed?

Hear me, friends: Those things, whatever they be: the best of people, that home, the city or State, that relationship, friendship or partnership may indeed have been God’s will for you in seasons past, but are no longer His Perfect will for you now. Recall Solomon’s sage words: “There is a season (a time appointed) for everything and a time for every delight and event or purpose under heaven—A time to throw away stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing.” –Ecclesiastes 3:1;5

Don’t mistake your right now for your forever, friends.

Seek God for His plan and purpose for your life, for how He would best use the gifts He has bestowed upon you for His glory—according to His will and plan for your life. “Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].” –Romans 12:2

How do you do that?

You do it by surrendering and by remembering this crucial Truth: You are no longer your own—you’ve been bought at an exceedingly high price.

If you belong to Jesus, then Christ now has the only say that matters in your life.

You choosing to white-knuckle it in an attempt to hang on to your will over Jesus’ Perfect will for you is to kick against God’s Perfect plan and Divine purpose. That’s not only foolish but selfish. Not everything that glitters is gold, beloved of God; fool’s gold still exists, and fools continue to mistake it for the real thing by choosing their own will over God’s.

Being the loving Father God is, wanting only to give His absolute best to His children, is it any wonder that Abba forewarned us to be on the lookout for said fool’s gold? “There is a way which seems right to a man and appears straight before him, But its end is the way of death.” –Proverbs 14:12

Friends, apart from my own, I don’t know whose heart God is knocking on today.

Who needed this Word of confirmation: it’s time to let go, finally; whose fear God wants to wash away—patient Father that He is, by Him using this one more reminder that: “the season is over. The time has passed. You’ve gleaned from it all I have willed. “It’s now time to move on, my child.”

I’m praying God gives you the courage and wisdom you need today to walk away when you hear Him say, “Go.”

Friend, if you don’t yet know this Loving, Kind, Patient, All-Knowing, Sovereign Jesus who, out of a love too big to wrap our heads around, gave His life for us, won’t you invite Him into your life today? “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” –Acts 4:12

This same Jesus wants nothing more than to love you and show you what He, the One who created you and knows you better than you know yourself, has for you—right now. “Cry out to me and I will answer you. I will reveal to you great things, guarded secrets that you never could have known.” –Jeremiah 33:3

Yesterday is done.

Tomorrow isn’t promised to us.

Jesus wants to do a new thing in you—a “right-now” renewing in your heart and life. Washing away completely all that was so that He’ll lead you into all that is and can be—if you’ll let Him. Hear Jesus’ heart and intentions toward you. Friend: “For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” –Jeremiah 29:11

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