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Tag: hope (Page 1 of 12)

I Am, Life.

April 4, 2026 / / 0 Comments

MaryEllen Montville

“Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?” –John 11:25-26

There are times Martha gets a bad rap.

But not today!

Martha has become known for her busyness—always doing something while her sister, Mary, was commended by Jesus, for choosing what is best—stillness at His feet; drinking in every Word that spills from His lips.“But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” –Luke 10:41-43

Today, Jesus makes clear, however, despite Martha’s busy schedule and diligent attention to her everyday chores, she has not neglected to hold fast to what He has shared with her.

I pray Jesus’ acknowledgment of Martha’s heart, love, and belief in Him, in the midst of her busy life, despite all that still needed to get done, encourages that busy mom or pastor’s wife, Jesus knows your heart as well. He sees that sister, brother, mother, or daughter who stretches themself daily in service to others, desiring to meet their needs, all the while praying silently to their Lord for just five minutes of quiet so they too might pour their full attention at Jesus’ feet.

Now, before running to get her sister, Mary, Martha ended her conversation with Jesus by assuring Him of her faith in Him. That she knew—despite her pain, even in the midst of her chore-filled, others need me, every day life—that she could never forget Jesus is who He claimed to be, and that He could and would do all He had promised. “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” –John 11:27

So on this Resurrection Eve, I felt led to spotlight what Martha knew rather than her busyness. Martha knew her Lord. “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”

Dear ones, you may be in the midst of a “Martha” season, still, hold tight to your “Mary” heart…

It’s Resurrection Sunday, tomorrow! Hallelujah!

For the Christian, it’s a day like no other; not even Christmas, as glorious, celebratory, and meaningful to us as it is. Why? Resurrection Sunday reminds Christians of the living hope we possess because Jesus defeated death and the grave—once, for all. And that all who believe on God’s Son, have life eternal in Him. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” –1 Peter 1:3.

No other god, so-called, has defeated death and the grave, having been raised from the dead. Buddha, Muhammad, even Krishna, to name but three; their remains, still in their graves—but not Jesus’! Jesus’ resurrection from the grave assures the believer that where He is, we will be—He has promised us: “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” –John 14:3.

 With this eternal Truth in mind, please pause here a moment to ask and answer that same question Jesus once asked of Martha: “Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?

 Everyone alive must answer, friend.

If not now, a day is coming, soon and very soon, when each man will.

God’s Word assures of this—believe it, or not.

“For this reason also [because He obeyed and so completely humbled Himself], God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow [in submission], of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess and openly acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord (sovereign God), to the glory of God the Father.” –Philippians 2:9-11

Now I didn’t ask you to answer Jesus’ question to scare or intimidate you, quite the opposite. I asked it out of love. Hopeful that Jesus is your Lord and Savior—that you do have a loving, intimate, Life-giving relationship with Him, and have, with a pure heart, said, as Martha did, “Yes, Lord,” she told him. “I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God.” –John 11:27

I ask those also, who have yet to decide their answer, to search their hearts now and ask themselves, “Who is Jesus to me?” As you do, please use God’s beautiful Truth below to help guide your decision. Understanding what Jesus did for you, specifically, is deeply personal, and your answer will inevitably determine your eternal destiny.

“When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.” –Romans 5:6-11

Because Jesus was Martha’s Lord and Savior, she had a deeply personal relationship with Him and understood this Truth.

I pray you do, or will, before this day draws to a close…

God sent Jesus into this world to pay your sin debt—and mine—a debt we could never pay—Jesus didn’t come to condemn you, friend, but to save you! The guiltless sacrificed in place of the guilty. Jesus took your place on that Cross He was savagely nailed to and died on. All that you might have eternal life. “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” –John 3:17.

Put simply, Jesus came into this world to ensure you be given the opportunity—along with every man—to answer for yourself the question He once posed to Martha. “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?

Martha believed, and she is with Jesus today, where she’ll be for eternity.

How about you?

Do you believe?

You must choose, friends, because not choosing is a choice.

Heaven or hell—that’s all there is.

I’m praying you choose heaven.

God’s Word promises you can and will have eternal life with Christ if, like Martha, you genuinely believe that Jesus is who He has claimed to be and will do all He promised to do. Read His promise for yourself. “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

It’s Resurrection Sunday, tomorrow, Hallelujah!

I pray you experience a true Resurrection miracle: being set free from the grip from the kingdom of darkness, sin, and death; being born again into new Life with Jesus; and getting to meet Martha!

It Was Never In the Water…

March 28, 2026 / / 0 Comments

MaryEllen Montville

“Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda, with five covered porches.  Crowds of sick people—blind, lame, or paralyzed—lay on the porches. 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!” –John 5:2-8

Jesus asking a man if he wanted to get well may, at first glance, seem odd to you; doesn’t everyone who’s been sick desire to get well? Scripture tells us the man had been paralyzed for some thirty-eight years, so the answer to Jesus’ question seems obvious, right? “Yes! “You, betcha I do!”

So, why didn’t the man just come straight out and say so?

Why the excuses?

You’d think after having been paralyzed for so long, when someone stood in front of you asking if you’d like to get well, you’d immediately answer, “Heck yes,” not give them a mouthful of excuses as to why you can’t. “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.” –John 5:7

Still, before we judge this man too harshly for making excuses, let’s examine some possible reasons as to why he made them instead of simply saying “yes, please!”

Look, just there, in the shadow of Jesus’ innocuous question, a veiled clue.

Something more was happening with this man than first meets the eye —the reason or reasons behind what held him prisoner to that pool for so long ran much deeper than the inability to use his legs; something had crippled that man’s heart, as well. “The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” –1 Samuel 16:7

When Jesus looked at that man, He saw beyond his physical paralysis and straight into his heart.

So let’s turn to the Scriptures to learn some of what Jesus may have seen there…

It’s clear that for years, this man had been paralyzed. But Scripture doesn’t give us details. We don’t know exactly what happened to him, or when. We’re left to speculate: was he a boy or young man when he lost the use of his legs? Did he fall? Was his paralysis the result of a childhood illness? Polio perhaps?

Whatever happened and when, we meet him as a man Jesus singled out among all the others at that pool to receive healing. “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.” –John 5:5

Apart from the obvious, his physical malady, or perhaps as a result of it, lay another, less obvious disease which had gripped this man’s heart and mind: hopelessness. Despair, coupled with misguided hope in external forces at work around him, had this man bound to something that could never free him; so, day after day, year after unchanging year, he sat there, waiting.

Outwardly, he relied on others and “external circumstances” to change his inner life and fortune, all the while growing increasingly emotionally defeated. “This is my life now, what’s the hope in hoping?” “Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life.” –Proverbs 4:23

He’d grown resigned to his life. Bitterness had paralyzed his heart.

He’d become so intrenched in a particular way of thinking, so blinded to hope or any real possibility that something other than the rinse-repeat hopelessness of his daily routine could be possible, that even when Jesus, His Creator, Healer, Savior, stood right in front of him and asked if he wanted to be free. Able not only to use his legs, but, bonus, use them to walk into a new life and hope, washed clean by the only water able to truly free him and make him whole, the Water of the Living Word, Jesus—his response revealed what Jesus saw when He looked into that man’s heart. “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.” –John 5:6-7

Maybe you can relate to that man or his default rinse-repeat excuses?

Perhaps you’ve made a few yourself?

I know I have.

I can’t because: “I’m not talented, smart, wealthy, connected, gifted,” you fill it in, enough…

I was raped. I’ve been in prison. I was abused as a child, in my marriage. I’m too old, too scared, too far gone. It’s too late for me. I smoke, watch porn, and drink. I do drugs, daily…

Here me now, the man at the pool sat there for thirty-eight years. He was lost, beaten down, hope-less. Feeling, I’m maybe, like you may be at this moment. “I’m too far gone.” “It’s too late.” “Nothing will ever change!”  But look, nowhere in his story do we read that Jesus condemned this man. Nowhere!

Neither does Jesus condemn you.

He’s come to your “pool” today, asking, “Would you like to get well?”

Perhaps, like that man, you’ve been struggling with something for years?

Sure, your legs are working just fine, but your heart is sick.

You’ve been living addicted, depressed, locked in a lifestyle choice, or relationship you can’t seem to make your way out of—even though you want to. Hear me now, friend. As surely as Jesus stood before the man at the pool, oozing love, and a desire for him to accept Jesus’ free gift of forgiveness and healing, Jesus is doing the same right now, for you.

You’re not here by accident.

There are no coincidences. Your being here was purposed by God because He loves you, and died that you might have a new life in Him—with Him—be made clean, get a fresh start!

Jesus asked the man at the pool if he wanted to be healed, and now He’s asking you. If you do, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!” You’ve been given all you need for that to happen. Like the man at the pool, you had it the very instant you heard Jesus ask if you wanted it—it’s His will that you be made well.

But afterward Jesus found him in the Temple and told him, “Now you are well; so stop sinning, or something even worse may happen to you.” —John 5:14.

The something “even worse” Jesus is referring to is not another physical sickness—though, because we live in a fallen world, that’s possible—nor is it Jesus saying He’ll take away the physical healing he’d freely given him, no. Believe it or not, that man’s legs being restored was not the greatest gift he’d received from Jesus that day…

The greatest gift he received from Jesus—that you and I can receive—is being given new life in Him, our being born again.

The man at the pool walked into his new life on his own two legs because Jesus loved him far too much to leave him sitting at that pool in his sin. “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” –1 John 4:10

Friend, Jesus is standing beside you right now. He’s sought you out today beside whatever pool you’ve been hanging out at. Know this: healing, wholeness, peace, new life, and redemption can never be found in the water of this world. Why would you keep looking for something to happen on the outside of you that needs to be happening inside of you? You need Jesus, friend, living inside you. And He’s right here, right now, asking: “Would you like to get well?”

Please, say “Yes!” “You betcha I do!”  Jesus will take it from there…

Take A Stand.

March 21, 2026 /

Elda Othello-Wrightington

Life can feel like we are in the midst of a war—sometimes a battlefield—and we often don’t even know what we are fighting or how to fight it. Sometimes the fight is within us; other times, it’s outside ourselves. Outside of our control. I find that war from within can be one of the hardest to fight at times. Especially the war that happens in the mind. But the bible tells us to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.

In 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, it reads, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.”

In this season, the word “stronghold” has stood out as I navigate life and pray for others.

So, what are strongholds? This AI definition struck me. It reads: “In the Bible, a stronghold refers to deeply ingrained, deceptive thought patterns, lies, or sinful habits that hold a person captive and oppose God’s truth, often built from past experiences like trauma or rejection, acting as mental fortresses that block spiritual growth and obedience to Christ.”

When something is ingrained, it has deep roots.

And guess what: a person is held captive by these roots and sometimes doesn’t even realize it. I’ve learned over the years that only God’s Truth can untangle the lies one finds themselves in. As a counselor, the bigger question I find myself asking God is, “Then how do I help others break free from strongholds if they can’t see them and are so entangled in them?”

Wrestling with this question has been such a challenge for me, as one of my own loved ones is stuck in their own mental fortress as a result of past traumas and feelings of rejection. Dealing with that can feel debilitating at times because I all I want to do is help them, but I know I am not God (neither do I want to be God), and I know that they also must want to be helped!

They have to submit themselves, wanting to be free, via surrender to God, but what if they can’t see?

So I went back to the bible…

How do we help them break such strongholds?

Well, because they’re supernatural, helping break them must be done through the Holy Spirit.

You cannot fight supernatural strongholds in the flesh.

As Ephesians 6 says, we do not war according to the flesh, but through the weapons the Lord has given us. Those supernatural weapons are found in Ephesians 6:10-18: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.”

We need to STAND for that person via intercession.

I recently learned that intercession is likened to travail or labor. It has a feminine bent in that women push during labor, not that men can’t or don’t experience such; they do.

During labor, women push not just with their own strength, but with some form of supernatural strength. I have no children, but I do know what it means to labor. It’s hard work standing in the gap for someone else’s breakthrough. What is essential to stand is how the Word of God tells us to do it: But Stand in “His strength” and not in your own. Stand with God’s armor, and His armor entails: TRUTH, knowing what God says, it’s His Truth that will set the person free, and you too, in whatever situation you are in.

Standing in Truth means declaring the Word of God in prayer.

Stand in righteousness, which means being in right standing with God; possessing Godly character, not perfection, but His character, because feeling frustrated is a very real thing, and those feelings of frustration will try to bubble up.

But the next verse tells us to stand in peace, knowing the Lord will fight this battle. And that He’s ready to pour out His peace on the one struggling with the stronghold, even when it feels hard for them to receive it.

“We walk by faith and not by sight” – 2 Corinthians 5:7.

Standing in faith can be hard sometimes, especially when it’s so much easier to see things with natural eyes than with supernatural eyes. Scripture encourages us, “I will lift my eyes to the Hills from where comes my help, my help comes from the lord” –Psalm 121:1-2.

We have to keep our eyes focused on God, not on how the person is presenting.

We have to keep our eyes on the Lord to “Stand still, and know that we will see His Salvation” – Exodus 14:13 – and that is often the hardest part. But stand, with the Sword of the Spirit in hand, which is the word of God. Hold on to His Word and His promises as you do.

And lastly, stand by praying always, whether you fully understand what’s happening or not.

Don’t give up on praying. God hears the cries of his saints. The Word of God says, “the effectual fervent prayers of the righteous shall avail; it shall come forth.” –James 5:16. The Lord is fighting your battle; you are not fighting alone.

All you need to do is take a STAND.

You may have read this teaching through, yet may never have given your heart to the Lord. Today is your day! John 3:16 says: “God so loved the world that whoever shall believe in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” Friend, make the decision today and by faith, take a stand; know and be assured that the Lord is in your midst. He will fight your battles.

You Give Them Something to Eat.

March 7, 2026 /

Pastor Samuel Cordeiro

Mark 6:30-44 30: “The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” “How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.” When they found out, they said, “Five—and two fish.” Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to Heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand.”

Jesus’ declaration to his disciples, “You give them something to eat,” comes from the familiar story of Jesus feeding the five thousand in Mark 6:30–44. But when we slow down and read it carefully, we realize something remarkable: this miracle is not just about multiplication—it’s about participation.

A Crowd Hungry for Hope

Jesus and His disciples were trying to get away for rest. Yet when the crowds heard where Jesus was headed, thousands ran to meet Him. These weren’t church people attending a conference. These were desperate people. Hungry people. Broken people. Sick people. People tired of religion and longing for real hope.

Does that sound familiar?

Our world today is filled with people just like that—hungry for truth, desperate for love, longing for something real. When Jesus saw them, Scripture says He was moved with compassion. The Greek word used there means His insides churned. His heart broke for them. Thank You, Jesus, for Your compassion toward us—when we were lost, lonely, and afraid like sheep without a shepherd.

The Disciples’ Logical Suggestion

As evening approached, the disciples came to Jesus with what sounded like a very reasonable idea: “Send the people away so they can go buy something to eat.”

Haven’t we all prayed prayers like that? Lord, send someone to help them. Lord, take care of that family. Lord, reach those people. Lord, heal that village. Well-meant prayers, but then Jesus responds in a way that must have shocked them:

“You give them something to eat.” In other words: You are My plan. You are My hands. You are My voice. You are My feet.

Point #1 — God Starts With What You Have

Jesus didn’t ask for what they didn’t possess. He asked: “How many loaves do you have?” The disciples responded as most of us would: “We don’t have enough.” It would cost too much. We’re not ready. Send them away. How often do we delay obedience while waiting for more money… more education…more influence… more confidence? But God says, “What’s in your hand?” God does not call the equipped—He equips the called.

In this story, the miracle didn’t begin when Jesus prayed. The miracle began when a boy let go.

Point #2 — Surrender Turns Scarcity into Supply

John’s Gospel tells us it was a young boy who surrendered his lunch of 5 loaves and 2 fish.

He didn’t know he was holding a miracle—he just knew he brought lunch.

Scripture is full of people like that: Moses said, “I’m not eloquent.” God asked, “What is that in your hand?” –Exodus4:2. The widow said in 2 Kings 4:1–7, “I only have a small jar of oil.” Yet God multiplies the oil in all her and her neighbors’ jars; she was able to collect. David said in 1 Samuel 17, “I only have a sling.” Yet God used it to defeat a giant. God never asks for what you wish you had. He asks for what you already have. Your testimony. Your voice. Your business idea. Your time. Your gifts. Your experiences. Your resources. In your hands, it may look small. BUT In God’s hands, it becomes seed.

Point #3 — God Breaks What He Is About to Multiply

Before Jesus multiplied the bread, He broke it.

The loaves were broken before they were multiplied. God will often break what He plans to bless and multiply. Not to destroy it — but to distribute it. Brokenness is not failure – Brokenness is surrender under pressure.

Brokenness is not punishment – Brokenness is preparation.

Oil only comes from olives when they are crushed. The aroma of perfume only fills the house when the alabaster jar is shattered. Gold becomes pure only when heated in the fire. Some of you may be walking through a breaking season right now. That doesn’t mean God has abandoned you. It might mean He is preparing you for something greater, for distribution in His Kingdom.

God is the Potter. We are the clay.

Point #4 — The Disciples Had to Distribute the Miracle

Jesus could have rained bread from Heaven like God did to Moses and the Israelites when they left Egypt in the wilderness. But He chose to put the miracle into the hands of his disciples. The disciples didn’t create the bread. They carried it. Paul writes: “We are co-workers in God’s service.” –1 Corinthians 3:9

That is the Church – the delivery system of God’s provision. Jesus is the Source – We are the delivery system. Every time you serve, every time you pray, every time you give, every time you share Jesus – You are handing out Heaven’s bread to a hungry world.

And here’s what’s powerful: The bread didn’t multiply in Jesus’ hands. It multiplied as the disciples gave it away. Kingdom overflow doesn’t happen through hoarding. It happens through release.

Point #5 — Faithful Servants Are Rewarded

After everyone ate, the disciples gathered twelve baskets—one for each of them. They went in empty and yet walked out carrying provision.

God never forgets faithfulness.

“God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped His people and continue to help them.” — Hebrews 6:10

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” — Matthew 6:33

God cannot multiply what we cling to. He multiplies what we surrender.

What’s in Your Hands?

The same Jesus who had compassion on the crowd has compassion on our cities, our families, and our hearts. He still looks at His disciples today and says, “You give them something to eat.”

We live in a desperate world searching for hope. And we are not the Source — But we carry the Source. Maybe you are reading this today thinking: “I don’t have much. I’m not enough.” But God says: “Bring your little. Put it in My hands. And watch Me feed a generation with it.”

God is not waiting for perfect people. He’s waiting for available people.

So let that be our prayer: “Lord, here is my little—make it much.” What are you holding back? What are your five loaves and two fish? What miracle is waiting on your obedience? Let’s give Him what we have—and let God do what only God can do.

A Final Invitation — Say Yes to Jesus Today

Before you close this page, I want to speak directly to you. If you’re honest, maybe you feel like one of the people in that crowd that day—hungry for hope… tired… overwhelmed… searching for something real. That wasn’t an accident. Jesus saw that crowd long before they ever saw Him.

And He sees you right now.

The same compassion that moved His heart on that hillside is reaching toward you today. He isn’t asking you to fix yourself first. He isn’t waiting for you to become perfect. He is simply inviting you to come. The Bible tells us: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” — John 3:16.

Jesus gave His life on the cross for your sins. He rose again so that you could walk in freedom, forgiveness, and new life. And today, He stands at the door of your heart and knocks. If you’ve never surrendered your life to Jesus—or if you’ve drifted away and you’re ready to come home—this moment is for you. You don’t need special words. You just need a willing heart. “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. 10 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

If that’s you, pause right now and welcome Jesus into your heart with a simple prayer such as this one: “Lord Jesus, I come to You just as I am. I know that I have sinned and need Your forgiveness. Thank You for loving me and dying on the cross for me. I believe You rose again and defeated death. Today, I turn from my old life and place my trust in You. Forgive me. Cleanse me. Make me new. I surrender what I have into Your hands. Be my Savior. Be my Lord. From this day forward, I choose to follow You. In Jesus Name, Amen.”

Broken, For You…

February 21, 2026 /

MaryEllen Montville

“And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” —Luke 22:1

Did Jesus’ disciples realize they were witnessing the ushering in of the New Covenant? Had they connected the dots of John the Baptist’s words concerning Jesus to what was happening at their Passover table? “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” –John 1:29.

Had they fully grasped that Jesus is God’s Perfect, Sinless Lamb?

Did they have “ears to hear “Jesus when He’d told them that soon, and very soon, His own Body would be broken, much like the pieces of Bread He’d handed them? Or, that His Blood would be poured out as freely as the wine He poured into that cup of the New Covenant—for the forgiveness of their sins—and those of the whole world? “And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” –Luke 22:20.

Scripture indicates they did not fully understand—at least not that night.

The disciples’ truer understanding of Who Jesus was and why His Body had to be broken for them—and for you—would come later, in an upper room, after His death and resurrection, 10 days, in fact, after His ascension—and beyond.

Their understanding would come after Jesus’s Body had been broken for them at the hands of Roman soldiers—His Blood, shed for their sins.

In hindsight, the twelve men who loved Jesus, walked with Him daily, and willingly laid down their very lives for Him, began to understand fully, and that’s how it is for many of us today. Like them, we don’t always get all of what Jesus is doing right before our eyes until after. John 4:26 explains it to us this way: “But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you.”

God uses hindsight as a teacher…

Through the power of God’s Holy Spirit, time, experience, and reflection provide us, as they did Jesus’ earliest disciples, with gnōsis—knowledge of spiritual mysteries we often miss in the moment. John 4:26 explains it to us this way: “But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you.”

Long before Jesus and His disciples shared their final Passover night, the Prophets of old had foretold everything they would experience—at God’s hand. “Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore, I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.” –Isaiah 52:10-12.

Did you catch that?

The breaking of the Bread at their Passover table, the night Jesus, through His wholehearted obedience and submission to the Father’s will, ushered in the New Covenant—a foreshadowing of God’s intention. God predestined to bring about His perfect will through the breaking of the Body of His One and only Son. Jesus’ Body would be broken for you and me, for the remission of our sins—Jesus was born sinless.

God intended that Jesus’ Body be broken for you and me. And Jesus intended to surrender to His Father’s will fully. Being Emmanuel, God with us—Jesus knew He must be broken—must die. By His dying, a Kernel would fall to ground, and an eternal harvest of many brothers and sisters would spring forth, New Life—starting with eleven of the twelve who sat around Him at His Passover table. “But Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a seed; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” –John 12:23-24.

Eleven? I thought there were 12 disciples.

There were.

Yet not all of Jesus’ disciples could accept the hard Truths Jesus had shared with them; thus, one turned away. No, far worse: he didn’t just turn away after walking with Jesus, eating with Him, and drinking in everything He had taught the others. No, this one so wanted things his own way, his heart, so unyielding to God’s will and Truth, that He sold Jesus to His enemies even after having eaten the Bread that had been broken, Bread Jesus claimed was His very Body—broken for him…

Judas had religion, sure. He was, it appears, searching for something.

There may even have been a moment when Judas really wanted to believe in Jesus, so it surprised him when he started to feel some way toward Jesus. Maybe it was when Judas realized that Jesus wasn’t calling His disciples to a life of ease and comfort, but to sacrifice, humility, and to consider others above themselves that Judas’s heart became open to Satan?

Twelve sat as witnesses to the New Covenant. Twelve watched on as Jesus explained why He had wanted—needed—to be together with them this set-apart Passover night. Eleven of them, though they did not yet fully understand all that Jesus was sharing with them in real time, knew enough, had seen and heard enough from Jesus, they trusted Him enough, had tasted and seen enough to believe—without having to fully understand to take and eat what was being offered up for them. They trusted that in time, Jesus would make all these things clear to them—everyone except one, that is. He refused to believe. “Jesus answered, “[The one who will betray me] is the one to whom I give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot. After he received the piece of bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “Do quickly what you are going to do.” –John 13:26-27.

Jesus’ Body was broken for you. His sacrifice, being broken, once for all, is powerful enough to cover the sins of the whole world—but you must want what Jesus gave over His Body to be broken for: Jesus died and rose again to grant you access to His table—to partake of the New Covenant. Eleven accepted and ate unto eternal life. One would not. You have the same choice today as these twelve did on that final Passover night.

Will you accept New Life Jesus offers you through His Blood, shed for you, His Body, broken for you, or will you refuse Him, choosing empty religion or your own will instead? “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes has eternal life. Yes, I am the bread of life! Your ancestors ate manna in the wilderness, but they all died. Anyone who eats the bread from heaven, however, will never die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and this bread, which I will offer so the world may live, is my flesh.” –John 6:47-51

Broken Open. Part 2 of a series…

February 14, 2026 /

MaryEllen Montville

“Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure Nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” –John 12:1-3

Last week, I shared the first of a three-part series titled “Why God breaks us before using us.” Today, we’ll spend our time together diving into Broken Open, part two in this series: I’ll wrap things up next Saturday, February 21st.

To recap: Part One shone a light on snippets of Prophet Elijah’s life. I encourage you to go back and read it if you haven’t already; the Holy Spirit shared some deep Truths—He revealed the first reason God breaks us before using us: Preparation.

Next week, part 3 will find Jesus and His disciples at a table where bread was broken—so that Life-everlasting might be shared.

But for today, we’ll follow the thread connecting Mary, the sister of Lazarus, Jesus, and the significance of their being together on Passover. We’ll witness what’s released when something—or Someone—is broken open.

The Passover table is set, everyone is present and seated—Jesus, in the seat of honor, then, in walks Mary. What is she carrying? It looks like a vase, no, it’s a jar. She bypasses the only vacant seat at the table and kneels, jar in hand, at Jesus’ feet. Breaking it open—the unmistakable scent of pure Nard instantly saturated every molecule of air in that room. All eyes were glued on Mary as she upended her vase, emptying the entirety of its contents onto Jesus’s feet. They watched, in stunned silence, as tears spilled from eyes locked on His, eyes that overflowed with love, and undeniable devotion—and something else, knowing, maybe? But what?

Whatever her knowing, it had driven her to this heaven-met-earth moment.

Yet how could Mary, an unmarried woman, afford such a superluxe purchase as pure Nard? I pose the following for your consideration: Mary used either her dowry to purchase the Nard, or the costly bottle of perfume was her dowry. Either way, Mary quite literally poured out her future security—a potential husband and children to care for her in her old age—onto Jesus’ feet. “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, wherever this gospel [of salvation] is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told in memory of her [for her act of love and devotion].” –Matthew 26:13

According to Jewish Scholar and teacher Hayyim Schauss, “As far back as early biblical times, it was customary for a good father to give the whole of the mohar (bride price or dowry) or at least a large part of it to his daughter.”A father who appropriated the whole mohar for himself was considered unkind and harsh. A rich father sometimes gave his daughter a field, or other landed property, as well as female slaves.

Any public knowledge of a woman of Mary’s time making such an uncharacteristic, audacious move as Mary did would have surely cost her far more than her dowry; it would have cost her reputation as well. Yet seemingly, Mary didn’t care. She had determined to pour out everything she had on the One she loved—Jesus. The One whom, in a display of unabashed love, Mary, had literally laid down her life. “But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.’ –Philippians 3:7-8

Mary couldn’t have known she’d laid down her life before feet that would soon be nailed to His Cross. That His Blood, priceless and eternal, would be poured out with a kind of love only a handful, like herself, understand. “I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him to death itself. If there was any way to get in on the resurrection from the dead, I wanted to do it.” –Philippians 3:10-11.

At Passover, the blood of goats or lambs was sacrificed; we see their blood first shed, then smeared on the doorposts and lintels of the Israelites’ homes that very first Passover night. This foreshadowed the day when Jesus’ Blood would be shed for the whole world. “While the Israelites were still in the land of Egypt, the Lord gave the following instructions to Moses and Aaron: “From now on, this month will be the first month of the year for you. Announce to the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each family must choose a lamb or a young goat for a sacrifice, one animal for each household. The animal you select must be a one-year-old male, either a sheep or a goat, with no defects. They are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs. –Exodus 12:1-3;5;7.

Concerning Jesus’ sacrifice, the Apostle Paul reminds us: “He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves, but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood.” –Hebrews 9:12.

There is nothing random with God. Nothing unplanned, unknown, or accidental.

His timing and ways are perfect—indisputable. So it was no accident that Jesus had to be sacrificed at Passover, nor was it an accident that Mary would break open her jar of costly Nard to unknowingly anoint Jesus for His burial. And concerning Mary’s actions, as if to defend and exalt her, Jesus said: “She has done what she could to anoint My body in advance of My burial. And truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached in all the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.” –Mark 14:8-9.

Again, there are no accidents with God.

Jesus’s sinless body was broken open for you.

His Blood, shed in accordance with the will and Law of God. “Even the first plan required a death to set it in motion. After Moses had read out all the terms of the plan of the law—God’s “will”—he took the blood of sacrificed animals and, in a solemn ritual, sprinkled the document and the people who were its beneficiaries. And then he attested its validity with the words, “This is the blood of the covenant commanded by God.” He did the same thing with the place of worship and its furniture. Moses said to the people, “This is the blood of the covenant God has established with you.” Practically everything in a will hinges on a death. That’s why blood, the evidence of death, is used so much in our tradition, especially regarding forgiveness of sins.” –Hebrews 9:22

Lambs and goats were prepared in advance to be Passover sacrifices; ultimately, their blood was spilled to atone for the people’s sins. So too, God’s spotless Lamb had been prepared to spill His Sin-less Blood. Mary saw to that when she anointed Him. God’s Perfect Lamb would be broken open, quite literally. Once, for all.

Mary’s jar, broken open. Jesus’ being anointed, His Body broken open by a Roman spear— was part of God’s plan—all of it. In His Providence, God will break or allow something or someone to be broken open, so that its precious content can be released for use: blessing those it touches by healing them, saving them, anointing them for future use, or whatever else God sees fit to do. In His Sovereignty, God ensures that what needs to be broken open will be, releasing what’s within to accomplish His predestined purpose fully.

Has God allowed you to be broken open?

If so, rejoice, beloved! God is releasing what He placed in you, precious and costly, to bless, help heal, save, or anoint His own—or those who will be. You being broken open released what God knew they needed. See, that’s the thing about being broken open, it’s seldom about us; it’s about what’s in us waiting on God’s perfect timing to be released, like with Mary’s jar of costly Nard broken open at the exact moment it needed to be used to anoint God’s Spotless Lamb for His death.

Crazy, right! To rejoice in your pain. Yet isn’t that what our Lord did? “…Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” –Hebrews 12:2-3

Do you know this Jesus who allowed Himself to be broken open for you? You can if you want to. Ask Jesus into your life, and mean it, if you will, and do—Jesus will do the rest. “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

Creeks Before Crowns. Part 1 of a series.

February 7, 2026 /

MaryEllen Montville

“Then the Lord said to Elijah, “Go to the east and hide by Kerith Brook, near where it enters the Jordan River. Drink from the brook and eat what the ravens bring you, for I have commanded them to bring you food.” –1 Kings 17:2-4

In the greatness of our troubles, there may often be space for the greater display of the goodness of God! –Charles H. Spurgeon

Seemingly, out of nowhere, no introduction or explanation for his explosive appearance on the scene, we meet Elijah, the Tishbite. No reason is given for Elijah’s blurting out a rather odd proclamation to King Ahab. We only get: “Now Elijah, who was from Tishbe in Gilead, told King Ahab, ‘As surely as the Lord, the God of Israel, lives—the God I serve—there will be no dew or rain during the next few years until I give the word.

That’s it.

Next thing we know, God tells Elijah to head to a brook to drink its water and be fed there by ravens.

What is happening here!

To explain this fully would take more time than we have. For the sake of time, then, I’ll share just two snippets of Elijah’s story—God’s calling on Elijah’s life and God’s hiding of this unusual character by a brook.

Spoiler alert: Today’s teaching is part one in a three-part series titled “Why God breaks us before using us.”

I’ll wrap up this series on Saturday, February 21st.

For today, parts of Elijah’s story will make up the crux of this teaching—a way for me to get us going in the direction God is calling us: into His “next,” but first—preparation.

In the following weeks, as we move through parts 2 and 3 of this series, we’ll meet others who share similar bits of Elijah’s story: a woman with an alabaster jar. Through her, we’ll learn our being broken is, at times, God’s best for us. Part 3 will bring us before Jesus, His disciples, and a King-sized crowd, which will teach us that there will be times when breaking is necessary to see multiplication, but I’m getting ahead of myself. Back to Elijah.

Elijah was audacious. A bold prophet, used by God to gather a nation back to Himself—much like God uses you and me, daily. Okay, maybe He doesn’t use us daily to draw a whole nation to Himself, we can only pray for such a privilege. Still, Jesus will use us to draw one soul to Himself, which, to God, is of extraordinary value.

Really? Just one soul, why? As my pastor so aptly put it: “Jesus paid for that one soul with His very life.”

Read Elijah’s full story for yourself in 1 Kings, chapters 17–19 & 21, and 2 Kings, chapters 1–2. These scriptures remind us that, though mighty indeed, hand-picked by God, Elijah, like you and me, was just a man, possessing a measure of faith given to him by God to accomplish His will. “Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years!” –James 5:17.

Elijah was a man who, on occasion, had a propensity for self-aggrandizement—a pitfall for some of God’s chosen vessels, for sure—this, taking oneself too seriously. Still, that didn’t prevent God from using Elijah to face off against and defeat 450 false prophets of Baal. Thankfully, our character flaws don’t prevent Jesus from using us.

Know this, however: as surely as God dealt with the unbecoming character flaws in Elijah, He’ll deal with us (1 Kings 19:10, 14). God has no problem putting those He loves, who are being shaped for greater use, into the smelter’s fire—it’s there where He removes our dross; the “yuck” of self that looks nothing like Jesus. “Those I love I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent.” –Revelation 3:19

“So Ahab sent to all the people of Israel and gathered the prophets together at Mount Carmel. And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word. Then Elijah said to the people, “I, even I only, am left a prophet of the Lord, but Baal’s prophets are 450 men. Let two bulls be given to us, and let them choose one bull for themselves and cut it in pieces and lay it on the wood, but put no fire to it. And I will prepare the other bull and lay it on the wood and put no fire to it. And you call upon the name of your God, and I will call upon the name of the Lord, and the God who answers by fire, he is God.” And all the people answered, “It is well spoken.” –1 Kings 18:20-24.

What’s my point in all of this?

To use snippets of Elijah’s life to help us gain insight into the necessity of God preparing us for future use.

Elijah means: “My God is Yahweh.” Elijah knew God. He trusted God.

Both His words and deeds affirm this, for the most part.

Remember, I said earlier that Elijah was a man just like us? Even the strongest of us — those with great faith, deeply rooted in a loving, intimate relationship with God — have these human moments of abject failure — Elijah was no different. I find this very comforting.

Seemingly, little time passed between Elijah’s bold proclamation to King Ahab and the Lord’s command for Elijah to go holed up beside the brook. What’s that all about?

Answer: preparation! A seeming anomaly, right? Why would a man with faith enough to make such a bold proclamation to a King on God’s behest need further preparation? This is a great enigma of our Christian faith: the more God entrusts to us, the deeper our relationship with God’s Holy Spirit becomes, the more preparation we’ll need—deeper pruning, greater obedience, ongoing refining, death to self/self-will—aka, preparation. Elijah was no different.

Some notable examples of the working of this mysterious Truth are the Twelve Disciples of Jesus: men hand-chosen by God who, like Elijah, needed refining and preparation both to continue and complete the work assigned to them—to build His Church. So if you say, as they did, as Samuel did: “Here I am, Lord, use me, send me,” then get ready. At some point, you too will be destined to enter the fiery furnace of affliction—and that, friend, is your safest place to be—yet another great, mysterious Truth! “Then David said to Gad, “I am in great distress. Let us fall into the hands of the Lord, for His mercies are great, but do not let me fall into the hands of man.” –2 Samuel 24:14

Preparing Elijah for greater use was only one reason God had him make such a bold statement to King Ahab; God’s desire to restore His people to Himself was the other. Thus, God hid Elijah in a place of isolation beside the Kerith brook, where he would have to rely solely on God for everything—preparation.

By the way, Kerith means “cutting,” “separation.”

At Kerith, God would remove what no longer served Elijah; for his own good, there were things God had to deal with in Elijah before He’d release him to step into his greatest assignment—Mount Carmel. Out of a deep love for Elijah, God would burn away vestiges of his independence and self-will, reshaping Elijah into a more God-reliant, faithful vessel, fit for future use. Fitting, right? Since “A little leaven leavens the whole lump.” –Galatians 5:9

Has God led you to Kerith?

If so, rejoice and be glad!

Creeks always precede crowns.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, be still and trust God in your season of preparation—of His breaking to remake you ready for your next. Receive with glad expectation the water and bread God will provide you—supernatural nourishment you’ll need to mount up renewed, refreshed, made ready to fulfill your next assignment. “But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” –Isaiah 40:31

Friends, you, too, can experience renewal and refreshment—being made ready for all God has destined for you to do—by accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior. If you humble yourself before Him, He will raise you up a new creation! Jesus Himself said: “I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.” –John 5:24

It Is Well, When We Dwell.

January 31, 2026 /

Elda Othello-Wrightington

“When peace like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll, whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say it is well, it is well, with my soul” –Horatio G. Spafford.

I’m reminded of this song as I share this word of encouragement with someone who may be in a season where things aren’t well. Or things haven’t been well for an exceptionally long time. The author of this song wrote it after losing just about everything in the span of 4 years! He lost his son to scarlet fever, and all of his real estate holdings went up in flames during the Chicago fire in 1871. To make matters worse, his 4 daughters died during a shipwreck in 1873.

It is essential I share this bit of Horatio’s story because, for some of you reading this, loss may be your current story as well.

Life can feel uncertain after tragedy.

You may not have experienced physical loss, maybe it’s other things you might be grieving: a relationship ending, strife with a loved one, or you may just be navigating a new season in life where feelings of loneliness present themselves. When feelings of loss, sorrow, or sadness arise, I encourage you to dwell in Him; Jesus is the secret place where peace, comfort, and healing can be found all at once! The psalmist writes, “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty” –Psalm 91:1.

The Hebrew word for ‘dwell’ is Yashab.

Translated, it means to sit, remain, abide, or inhabit.

Friends, Yashab is an invitation to dwell/abide/ in Jesus’ Presence.

Sitting with Him and simply being.

The Bible says in Psalms 16:11, “In His presence is the fullness of Joy,” even when sorrow presents itself.

Sitting is hard when your mind is racing. When you feel stuck and everything is out of your control. But Jesus invites us to do it anyway. Sit and Remain in Him. Throughout the Bible, we see the word “dwell.”

We see it as a promise. As a place where God’s people can come. In Exodus 25:8, God tells Moses, “Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them.” God longed to be with them then, and He longs to be with us now.

Jesus longs for us to dwell with Him.

Then, to dwell with God meant going to a specific location—the tent of meeting, then the Tabernacle. Today, we get to meet Jesus anywhere because He resides in us. “Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” –1 Corinthians 3:16. That means, as long as you are willing to engage with His Presence, you can meet God anywhere, at any time of day or night, when you pause and invite Him in.

Let’s pause for a moment… I encourage you to accept Jesus into your heart today if you have not already. Invite Him into your heart, your challenges, and your situation by acknowledging Him as Lord and confessing you need Him. “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. 10 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

Choose to stay and abide with Jesus all of your days and watch the Lord Almighty overshadow you with hope, love, peace, and rest in even the most daunting situations and moments in your life. John 15:4-9 says, “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.”

Jesus makes it clear we need to stay connected to Him.

One Sunday morning, I heard one of our pastors from Highland City Church share this illustration: a branch is just part of a tree. He said that if a branch is cut off, it may look healthy for a while, but eventually it withers and dies because it loses its source of water and nutrients. That’s like us: when we are going through something, if we don’t draw near to God and abide in Him, the pain we feel can become so unbearable that we feel like we are dying.

Our hearts may grow cold and hard because they are not connected to our Source, Jesus Christ.

However, when we do choose to call on Him, to dwell with Him in our difficulties, hardships, or loss, we find our souls find rest. We, too, can utter what our dear brother Horatio wrote: “It is well,” simply because we choose to dwell.

When God Says No…

January 24, 2026 /

MaryEllen Montville

“The king said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells in a tent.” And Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that is in your heart, for the Lord is with you.” –2 Samuel 7:2–3

If you have been a Christian for any length of time, you’ve likely read or heard that King David was known as a man after God’s own heart. For those new to the faith or those who have not read a Bible, this truth can be found in 1 Samuel 13:14. Here, too,  in Acts 13:22, where the Apostle Paul quotes God: “But God removed Saul and replaced him with David, a man about whom God said, ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do.”

I want us to focus on the last five words of this Scripture as they are central, the heart really, of this teaching: “I want him to do.” The idea being what God has determined versus our hearts’ plans and desires…

Though David was a man after God’s own heart, he belonged to God. He was God’s. Chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world, as Scripture reminds us, as surely as every other Blood-bought believer. “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 1:4

But wait, didn’t King David live and die long before Jesus stepped foot on the earth?

Then how can it be that he was chosen in Christ?

Indeed, David lived roughly 1000 years before Jesus. It had been longer still since Moses, Abraham, and Noah, chosen vessels all, went on to glory, again, long before Jesus’ finished work on the Cross; yet each of them is with Jesus this day.

How can this be?

Faith.

Salvation requires faith.

One must believe God is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” –Ephesians 2:8-9

“Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark to save his family. By faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.” Hebrews 11:6-7

Each of these men believed God is who He claims to be.

Each trusted in God, His promises, and Person, as King David did, and Christ’s Righteousness was credited to them. “For the Scriptures tell us, ‘Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” “When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned. But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. David also spoke of this when he described the happiness of those who are declared righteous without working for it: “Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight. Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of sin.” –Romans 4:3-8

Now that we’ve established how David and the others belong to Jesus, how it is every Blood-bought believer belongs to Him, let’s get back to those five Words spoken by God at the beginning of this teaching: “I want him to do.”

David, having had this extraordinary relationship with God, was, above all, God’s own. Meaning, God, not David, determined which doors would open in David’s life, and which doors would not. In 2 Samuel 7, you’ll discover that out of a deep and abiding love for God, David had determined in his own heart that he’d be the one to build God a house—a place of worship, and that the Prophet Nathan sanctioned it as a “good plan,” but it was not God’s plan for David.

Before I go further, beloved, a word of caution:

Use wisdom by taking every “thus says the Lord” spoken over you by any man, prophet, so-called, any intercessor, or beloved brother or sister in Christ, captive, bringing it before the Lord. God alone owns the final Word over your life, and if that Word was from Him, He’ll confirm it; otherwise, spit it out before it causes a bitter root to spring up within you because what was spoken over you has not come to pass.

With this in mind, read and discover how God responded both to His Prophet Nathan and His beloved David for their well-intended yet erroneous ways, listen to what God says about them thinking they were free to do or speak what was in their heart’s to do or say: “Nathan replied to the king, ‘Go ahead and do whatever you have in mind, for the Lord is with you.” But that same night the Lord said to Nathan, “Go and tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord has declared: Are you the one to build a house for me to live in?

“‘Furthermore, the Lord declares that he will make a house for you—a dynasty of kings! For when you die and are buried with your ancestors, I will raise up one of your descendants, your own offspring, and I will make his kingdom strong. He is the one who will build a house—a temple—for my name. And I will secure his royal throne forever. I will be his father, and he will be my son. If he sins, I will correct and discipline him with the rod, like any father would do. But my favor will not be taken from him as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from your sight. Your house and your kingdom will continue before me for all time, and your throne will be secure forever.’” So Nathan went back to David and told him everything the Lord had said in this vision.” –2 Samuel 7:3-5;11-17.

Though David loved the Lord and earnestly desired to do nothing more than build God the best, most beautiful home, fit for the God he adored and served with his whole heart and life, the Lord made it plain that it was not what “I want him to do.”

What do you do, child of God, when God says no?

No, to the position, the pulpit you seek, that missionary position, job, marriage, or ministry your heart is set on.

Do you trust that God’s plans are far greater than your own?

Greater still than you could even imagine—eternal in scope and purpose.

My prayer for you, for me, for everyone of God’s own, is that we are not so blinded by the manifest blessings our gracious, merciful, loving God lavishes upon us, that we lose sight of the fact, though Jesus calls us friend, He is no less God! El Elohim, Supreme over all. Creator of our very breath and bones—our whole lives—with all their wants and hopes are subject to Him; Jesus “gets to” direct our dreams of serving and blessing Him and others. I pray we remain humble, pliable vessels worthy of continued use to our Master. Surrendered to the will and shaping of our Sovereign, Majestic King, Jesus, out of love and reverent fear—just as David was.

The works David desired to do were destined for another to accomplish.

I encourage you to read 2 Samuel 7 for yourself. And as you do, pay attention to the importance God places on humility and submission to His will.

Discover there too, the undeserved blessings God poured out on David’s obedience; this servant whose whole heart sought to love, serve, and obey His Lord. And, lastly, trust, beloved, that as you surrender your hopes to God, that dream and desire that’s been bubbling in your belly since you can remember, that God has a far better plan for you than you could ever dream or desire for yourself.

In the midst of your heartache or struggle today, be encouraged.

Take a fresh grip on God’s promise and never let go of it. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” –Jeremiah 29:11

Do you know Jesus, Who, as Scripture tells us, opens doors no man can close and closes doors no man can open?

If not, won’t you receive His personal promise to you: “All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” –John 6:37

But Fear Not…

January 17, 2026 /

Matthew Botelho & MaryEllen Montville

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all evil against you falsely for My sake.” –Matthew 5:11-12.

Jesus assured us that in this life, we will have trouble. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” –John 16:33

 How we respond to that persecution is up to us.

We can let it hit us so hard that we fall and stay down, or we can persevere in the face of persecution and press forward, as King David and so many other brave soldiers in the faith have. Read Hebrews 11 for a full account of their faithfulness.

Jesus warned that there would come a time when His people would face intense persecution for their faith in Him. “A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you”. –John 15:20

Even as this is being written, God placed those facing such persecution right now on our hearts. Brothers and sisters in countries like Egypt, Iraq, Somalia, China, and N. Korea. Countries where people are thrown into jail, beaten, or even killed for demonstrating their faith. As Americans, we have no real idea how truly blessed we are to have the freedom to express our faith and to worship Jesus openly. 

Ecclesiastes reminds us, “That which has been is what will be, That which is done is what will be done, And there is nothing new under the sun” –Ecclesiastes 1:9

Life has always and always will bring with it issues beyond your control.

Whether it be war, famine, or the enemy stirring up chaos, hatred, or confusion, as we see happening today. The Good News is, God is with us through it all. David reminds us of this Truth in his Psalm, “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their cry. The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, To cut off the remembrance of them from the earth” –Psalm 34:15-16. And talk about persecution: David wrote this Psalm as King Saul pursued him, a brother and man of God he loved and had served faithfully, who turned on him suddenly, wanting David dead. So David went into hiding in Gath, enemy territory.

If we read 1 Samuel 21:10-15, we’ll see why.

David hid because he feared for his life, and it showed. He was worried and fearful to the point that he literally started to act as if he were a madman to fake out those around him who sought to kill him, and he succeeded. The Bible says those who knew David said this of him: “And the servants of Achish said to him, ‘Is this not David the king of the land? Did they not sing of him to one another in dances, saying: ‘Saul has slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands?” Now David took these words to heart, and was very much afraid of Achish the king of Gath.” –1 Samuel 21:11-12

Yet David was indeed fearful and saddened because he had served King Saul faithfully, with love and loyalty, and now, that same man he once served was hunting him down to kill him, and all because God’s hand of favor was upon David. See, God had told the Prophet Samuel to go and anoint David as Israel’s new King, replacing Saul. “The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.” –1 Samuel 16:1

The apostle Peter reminds us: “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which to try you, as though some strange things happened.” –1 Peter 4:12

Don’t be surprised when people recognize the call on your life, then try to kill your character by speaking against you. Sadly, a good portion of the time, it will come at the hands of someone close to you, someone you love, serve, or work with. “It is not an enemy who taunts me— I could bear that. It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me— I could have hidden from them. Instead, it is you—my equal, my companion and close friend. What good fellowship we once enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God.” –Psalm 55:12-14.

Don’t let jealousy or envy stop you from pressing forward.

Regardless of his circumstances, and yours, brothers and sisters in Christ, God’s anointing remained on David. “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable”—Romans 11:29

God called David for a purpose.

God did not leave him to face any trial or persecution alone; the same is true for you, friend.

If you belong to Jesus, God will never leave you nor forsake you, “even if” you face persecution for His name’s sake. “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.” –John 15:16

God will, however, allow you to experience things that feel uncomfortable to build our trust in Him and strengthen our faith, just as gold placed in fire melts, and its impurities float to the top. Be reminded, though, that your inheritance in the Kingdom of God outweighs any trouble or persecution you may face in this life.

The apostle Peter writes, “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” –1 Peter 1:6-7

As Jesus said, “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” –Matthew 6:1

Worry will never grow your faith, friends.

Worry is the total opposite of faith. Worry is the impure dross that gets burned off us by Holy Spirit in the fire of affliction and persecution—in all our “fiery” trials, so that our faith in Jesus can remain and be made pure.

God wants you to grow in your faith, not carry the worries of the world. Jesus reminds us that when we seek Him, we are seeking the fullness of the Kingdom of heaven. And that He, being the Mediator between man and God, has already filled us with everything we need to overcome whatever will come. “For His divine power has bestowed on us [absolutely] everything necessary for [a dynamic spiritual] life and godliness, through true and personal knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.” –2 Peter 1:3

When persecution comes, in any of its forms, I pray this single Truth rise in you and sustain you: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” –John 16:33.

Hey friends, Brother Matt speaking: I have dealt with fear and worry, as everyone has. But let me remind you, as I remind myself, to declare this Truth over worry: “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” –Psalm 118:6

I pray this teaching stirred something in you, as it did me.

Take heart, child of God. Jesus has overcome this world, and because He did, so will you!

Friends, if you do not know Jesus, call on Him right now, and repent of your sins today. Be washed by His redeeming blood that takes away your every sin. He is so faithful to forgive. “For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” –2 Corinthians 6:2

Amen

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