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

Tag: humility (Page 1 of 4)

Skandalon.

August 9, 2025 /

MaryEllen Montville

“And he added, “God blesses those who do not fall away because of me.” –Luke 7:23

Oh! It is a great blessing to be put through the fire, if you come out purified. It is a sweet mercy to have to go through the floods, if some filthiness may thereby be removed. The children of Israel went down to Egypt to sojourn there, but after hard servitude and cruel oppression, they came up out of it with silver and gold, much enriched by their bondage. –Charles H. Spurgeon (MTP 15:657).

Skandalon: A Greek word meaning stumble, trapped, enticed to sin, or be caused to fall away.

In today’s verse, skandalon is used to mean: to be discouraged or put off. In modern speak, then, Jesus might say something to this effect, “God blesses those who don’t walk away from Me because they’re put off, discouraged, or disappointed by something I have or have not done or allowed to touch their life.”

I believe my liberty in paraphrasing to be biblically sound because it echoes back to how Jesus answered those disciples John the Baptist had sent to ask Him this question: “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?” –Luke 7:19

A bit of context: John was locked away in Herod’s prison; this much we know for sure.

But based on the question he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, we can only speculate that he may have been feeling discouraged or disheartened momentarily by the weight of the looming knowledge that he’d likely never see the outside of his prison cell again. Wondering maybe if this was the end of his days of “crying out” in the wilderness?

Perhaps, in succumbing transiently to his frail humanity, John might have started to wonder if someone other than Jesus would come and do even greater works?

John believed Jesus to be the Messiah. Knew He was. He’d confessed Jesus to be the Savior and had told others as much. Telling them that he wasn’t even worthy to untie Jesus’ sandal strap! “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! He is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘A man is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’ I did not recognize him as the Messiah, but I have been baptizing with water so that he might be revealed to Israel.” –John 1:29-31

John’s miraculous conception, his life and future calling, had been marked by God; from the womb, John had been anointed and called to prepare the way of the Lord. Listen to what John’s Father, Zechariah, a priest of God, a descendant of Aaron, prophesied over his son on his day of dedication: “And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God…” –Luke 1:76-78.

And so this prophecy happened, as all true prophecy will…

“In the time of the high priest Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness. And he went into all the surrounding region of the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight! Every valley will be filled, and every mountain and hill will be leveled, and the crooked will become straight, and the rough road will become smooth, and all flesh will see the salvation of God.'” –Luke 3:2-6

Yet now, having been locked up in his prison cell, as the days turned into weeks, perhaps John’s mind got the better of him and he began to wonder…

Could someone else be coming? One who looks more like how most think, expect, the Messiah to look, a Warrior King, more like King David before Him? Perhaps he’ll set me free from Herod’s prison? Free me to go back to preparing the way?

Was John’s discouragement, disheartenment, or possible disillusionment the reason Jesus responded to John’s disciples in the way that He did? Being Sovereign, surely Jesus knew John may have dropped a ball or two as he juggled his faith, his knowledge of Jesus, and his faulty, unfulfilled expectations. Hence, Jesus’ Words: “God blesses those who do not fall away because of me.”

In our quest for Truth—for Jesus, to know Him, we must humble ourselves and accept that Jesus may come looking, answering our prayers, or displaying His Sovereignty, differently than how we expect—He is, after all, God and can and often will do or show up—or not, however, whenever, and wherever He so pleases. More, who are we, to expect anything from God at all!

So it is not for God to explain Himself to us; rather, it is up to us to subject our faulty, fear-filled, pride-filled thoughts, feelings, or momentary weakness to Jesus’s Lordship. “I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church.” –Ephesians 1:19-22.

Beloved of the Father, let us not fall away, then, due to our immeritorious notions, our brazen expectations of how Jesus ought to show up, do, or not do something, concerning our life or world at large.

Let us take heed instead to what Jesus had to say to another of His servants who came with very human yet faulty questions of his own: read Job, Chapters 38-40, and, as you do, ask God, His Holy Spirit, to bring any correction needed to your heart: “The Lord said to Job: “Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who accuses God answer him! “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much. Who determined its dimensions and stretched out the surveying line? What supports its foundations, and who laid its cornerstone as the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?” –Job 40:1-2; 38:4-7.

Now listen to Job’s response to his Lord’s questioning. “I am unworthy—how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth. I spoke once, but I have no answer—twice, but I will say no more.” –Job 40:4-5. Though Scripture gives us no such exchange ever taking place between John the Baptist and Jesus, I have to wonder if an inner heartfelt confession similar to Job’s bubbled up within John. Surely, as the days clicked past and the oppressive weight of his dank, dark prison cell pressed in on him, because of God’s tender mercy, this crushing produced a precious oil that eased John’s burden and washed away all his questioning.

I can only imagine this man of God began to encourage himself in the Lord, as King David once did, by reminding himself of all he knew, had seen, heard and experienced, of Jesus, the One He once said of: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.” –John 1: 32–34.

I have no doubt we, too, must humbly and sincerely confess the same statement in our hearts when, in our weak as water flesh, we become disappointed or disillusioned with what Jesus is or is not doing in our lives.

Friend, if you don’t know Jesus as John did and I do, you can. I encourage you to ask Jesus to reveal Himself to you today, believing that He will. “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” –Acts 4:12.

Upsets To Setups.

June 7, 2025 /

Matthew Botelho

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet our inward man is being renewed day by day.” –2 Corinthians 4:16

Paul reminds the church at Corinth not to lose heart when the “troubles of this world” arise. What our outward man, our fleshly self, sees may look overwhelming to us, but it may in no way be how our inner man, our spirit, sees things. Today’s Scripture reminds us that our inner man is renewed day by day, meaning that if you are in Christ, you are daily gaining more and more spiritual strength and insight. In verse 17, Paul continues by saying, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”

What lies ahead of the believer in Jesus Christ is the exceeding and eternal weight of being in the Presence of Almighty God forever.

This means no more pain, no more suffering, no more sadness —all the physical pain and illness we experience in this world, all the emotional pain and abuse the world throws at us, will be gone forever. “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” –Revelation 21:4

Whatever you are going through at this moment, God is working it out in your favor, so be encouraged! “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” –Romans 8:28.

That job you lost, or the relationship that ended, may look like a huge upset. But let me remind you today that God uses upsets for setups!

God used a devastating upset as a setup with Joseph when his brothers sold him into slavery.

Joseph endured it. He walked with God even when his immediate circumstances seemed hopeless and working against him. Joseph had this hope, a key in his heart, which would be taught a thousand years later to people listening to Jesus giving His sermon on the Mount. What is the key that gave Joseph and gives us hope? “But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” –Matthew 6:33

Through everything Joseph went through, the favor of God was with him. “The Lord was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did as he served in the home of his Egyptian master.” –Genesis 39:2

Now, slaves did not stay in their master’s house; they had their own accommodations. They lived separately, but not Joseph. Joseph remained in his master’s home. How was this possible? “And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all he did prosper in his hand.” –Genesis 39:3

The favor of God far surpassed anything the world could throw at Joseph. Why? Above all, God had chosen Joseph and enabled him to do what was right in His sight. Joseph set his mind on obeying not only his earthly master but, more importantly, God, the One who had shown him such favor.

Just as Joseph had an enemy out to destroy him, we do too.

Satan wants nothing more than to derail your faith. He will always try to throw a wrench into the good works God has for you to do. He knows how to distract you and sidetrack you because he studies you. He patiently waits for the moment to strike you when you’re at your weakest, perhaps when you’re paying more attention to the “light affliction” happening around or to you instead of keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus despite it.

Peter warns us about Satan’s stealthy attacks in his letter, saying, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” —1 Peter 5:6-8

In Joseph’s life, Satan used the wife of his master, Potiphar, to try and seduce him not once but twice. The Bible says, “That it came to pass after these things that his master’s wife cast longing eyes on Joseph, and she said, “Lie with Me.” But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “Look my master does not know what is with me in the house, and has committed all that he has to my hand.” –Genesis 39:7-8

Joseph, a God-fearing man, being sober-minded, saw that it was not right even to consider such a wicked thing. He had dedicated himself to Potiphar as a servant, knowing that his position was granted to him by God. Knowing his great position and privilege, look what else Joseph says to his seductress, “There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? So it was, as she spoke to Joseph day by day, that he did not heed her, to lie with her or to be with her.” –Genesis 39:9-10.

Joseph acknowledged that all favor had been given to him from God.

He makes that plain when he says, “How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”

When you are tempted or at a low point, remember God’s promise found in 1 Corinthians 10:13 to provide a way of escape from the temptation or affliction you are facing. “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

Jesus had been led into the wilderness by God’s Holy Spirit, where he fasted and prayed and was tempted by Satan for 40 days and nights. “Again the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “all these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ –Matthew 4:8-10

Whoever Jesus spoke to, He pointed them back to the word of God, giving glory to the Father, even Satan himself. Jesus openly acknowledged all authority, and honor is due God the Father alone.

As believers in Christ Jesus, like Joseph, we are to seek the kingdom of God first.

How do we do this?

By acknowledging Jesus as Lord over our lives. We do it in our worship, in prayer, and in our quiet time reading God’s Inerrant Word. Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” –John 14:6

If you are God’s child, when troubles come, remember that you have a God who truly cares for you. Jesus says, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him “—John 14:23

We at Sonsofthesea are praying for you. Take a moment today to thank God for everything He has done and continues to do in your life. And if you have not yet asked Jesus into your heart, I invite you to repent of your sins, confess to God that you are sorry and mean it, and receive Jesus as the Lord of your life. Jesus will wash away your EVERY sin by the power found in His Precious Blood, shed for you. Paul writes to the church in Corinth, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new.” –2 Corinthians 5:17 Amen.

Faith That Makes You Whole.

March 22, 2025 /

Pastor Samuel Cordeiro

“Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?  Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” [KJV says, “thy faith hath made thee whole.”] –Luke 17:11-19.

In Luke 17:11-19, we encounter a powerful story of ten lepers who cried out to Jesus for mercy. These men, outcasts of society, were desperate for healing. Yet, out of the ten who were miraculously healed, only one returned to give thanks—and Jesus declared that his faith had made him whole. This passage is more than a historical account; it is a call to deeper faith, obedience, gratitude, and worship.

1. The Power of Crying Out

“Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” –Luke 17:13.

The lepers knew they had no hope apart from Jesus. They cried out in desperation, recognizing Jesus’ power to heal. How often do we hesitate to cry out to Jesus in our struggles? Whether it’s physical illness, emotional pain, or spiritual bondage, our wholeness begins with acknowledging our need for Him. Jeremiah 32:27 reminds us, “I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?”

No matter what we face, no situation is beyond God’s reach. He desires for us to call upon Him in faith, trusting in His power and love.

Romans 10:13 says, “For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Have you cried out to Him today?

2. Obedience Precedes Breakthrough

“When He saw them, He said, ‘Go, show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went, they were cleansed.” –Luke 17:14.

Jesus told the lepers to act in faith before they saw their healing. They obeyed, and as they went, they were made clean. Many times, God calls us to step out in faith before we see the evidence of His work. Imagine their situation. They could have doubted, “What if we walk and nothing happens? What if this is just another disappointment?” instead, they chose faith over doubt. In the same way, our obedience often unlocks our miracle.

Is there something God is calling you to obey today?

Is He asking you to trust Him in a new way? Your obedience may be the key to unlocking your miracle.

3. The Heart of Gratitude

Only one of the ten lepers returned to thank Jesus. This act of gratitude set him apart. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?” –Luke 17:17-18.

How often do we receive blessings and forget to return thanks?

A heart of gratitude acknowledges God as the source of all blessings. It shifts our focus from what we lack to the abundance of His grace. Gratitude keeps our hearts aligned with God and guards us against complacency.

Many times, we become so focused on the next thing we want that we forget to appreciate what God has already done. But gratitude is more than a feeling—it’s a lifestyle. It shapes how we pray, how we worship, and how we live daily. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

4. Worship Leads to Wholeness

The one leper who returned didn’t just thank Jesus—he fell at His feet in worship. Jesus told

him, “Thy faith hath made thee whole” –Luke 17:19, KJV. Wholeness is more than physical healing; it is the restoration of the soul. Many seek miracles, but few seek the Miracle Worker.

 Are we pursuing Jesus only for what He can do, or are we seeking a relationship with Him?

True wholeness means more than just getting our prayers answered. It means being transformed from the inside out, having peace beyond understanding, and living a life surrendered to Christ. John 10:10 says, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

 True wholeness is found in surrendering to Christ completely. Worship is not just singing songs on Sunday. Worship is a posture of the heart—one that acknowledges God’s goodness, submits to His will, and delights in His presence. When we worship, we shift our focus from our problems to the One who holds all things in His hands.

Do You Want to Be Made Whole?

This passage challenges us to evaluate our own faith. Are we crying out to Jesus? Are we stepping out in obedience? Do we live with a heart of gratitude? Are we seeking Jesus for who He is, not just for what He can give?

Wholeness begins with a cry for mercy, moves through obedience, overflows in gratitude, and is sustained through worship. Will you be like the one who returned to Jesus? Will you seek not just the blessing but the Blesser? Today, Jesus offers more than a temporary fix—He offers complete restoration. The question is: will you receive it?

Let this be the day that you fully surrender. Let this be the day you choose wholeness over temporary relief. Let this be the day you stop chasing quick fixes and start pursuing the One who makes all things new. Perhaps you’ve been searching for healing, peace, or fulfillment, but nothing seems to satisfy you. The truth is true wholeness begins with Jesus. He didn’t just come to heal your body; He came to save your soul.

If you’ve never given your life to Jesus or drifted away, He is waiting for you with open arms. Romans 3:23 tells us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” But the good news is, Romans 6:23 assures us, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Jesus died on the Cross for your sins and rose again so that you could have eternal life.

All you need to do is believe in Him, confess your sins, and invite Him into your life. Your journey to wholeness begins with a heart of surrender to Jesus Christ with a simple prayer like this: “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I am a sinner in need of Your grace. I believe You died for my sins and rose again to give me new life. I surrender my heart to You today. Forgive me, change me, and make me whole. I choose to follow You from this day forward. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

If you prayed that prayer, welcome to the family of God! I encourage you to get connected with a local church, read God’s Word daily, and seek Him in prayer. Your journey to wholeness has just begun!

Don’t Look Back!

November 30, 2024 /

Pastor Maria Braga

“But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.” –Gen 19:26.

The Lord often gets our attention through difficult situations. He uses them, usually, to deliver us from stuff we have yet to learn. Once out of trouble, we quickly need to remember what He’s delivered us from. God knows our nature and how quickly we forget. He instructed us in many parts of Scripture to remember what He has done for his people then and us now!

The Bible mentions 170 women by name, but there is only one Jesus tells us to remember. We find her in Luke 17:32. She’s Lot’s wife. Amidst a speech about the end times, Jesus tells us: “Remember Lot’s wife.” Remember what she did. She looked back, disobeying God’s instructions, and turned into a pillar of salt. Just as the angel of the Lord told her not to look back to what was burning behind her, God also reminds us not to look back to where we’ve come from and what is burning behind us.

God wants us to let go! He doesn’t want us to look back to the things He is freeing us from.

Look ahead because Lot’s wife disobediently looked back and she turned into a pillar of salt in the place where she was only supposed to be passing by, not get stuck in, never going ahead. Looking back implies missing something behind us and the desire /longing to return to it. Our connection to the past must be healed through the Blood of Jesus, the only Blood that covers us—the Blood of the One who sets us free.

When God calls us out of any thing, we must leave it behind without hesitation; if we don’t, our hearts will desire the familiar. We will long for what we know. Even the good moments in Sodom were not worth looking back to. They are often only suitable for that season rather than the seasons ahead. God’s plan for our lives may change just as seasons change, and we must be willing to change with them, not holding tightly onto what is behind us.

Today’s Scripture clearly shows us how important it is to obey such a calling and to not look back.

Genesis 19:27-29 depicts Abraham’s attitude towards what he saw happening as He stood looking out over Sodom and Gomorrah. As he witnessed the smoke of that furnace going up! God had remembered Abraham and saved Lot for Abraham’s sake. “Early the next morning Abraham got up and returned to the place where he had stood before the Lord. He looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah, toward all the land of the plain, and he saw dense smoke rising from the land, like smoke from a furnace. So when God destroyed the cities of the plain, he remembered Abraham, and he brought Lot out of the catastrophe that overthrew the cities where Lot had lived.”

These exemplary stories are a profound lesson in trusting God with all our hearts and leaning not on our understanding. Proverbs 3:5 advises us wisely to acknowledge God in all our ways. When we do this, we live in obedience, and we open ourselves to God’s divine guidance, direction, and longevity in the promise of our lives. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

Genesis 19 is a powerful chapter that serves as a cautionary story, urging us not to follow in the footsteps of Lot’s wife. It vividly illustrates how disobedience can lead to severe consequences. Despite the angel’s warning not to look back, her longing for the past outweighed God’s command. She was given the chance to abandon everything and save her life, to leave and never return. Her refusal to let go of her past is her legacy. A fitting memorial to a rebellious unbeliever for coming generations to sadly witness.

Looking at Jesus’s New Testament stories, we find times when He expresses similar sentiments.

In Luke 9:62, Jesus said, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”  What is Jesus talking about?

Many people want to follow Jesus but are hindered by their concern for what they must leave behind. Not only looking back but also having divided loyalties, like Lot’s wife.

In various verses throughout the Gospels, Jesus says, “Whoever wants to save his life shall lose it.” (Matt 10:39, 16:25; Mark 8:35, Luke 9:24, 17:33.) Although the contexts may vary, one thing remains the same. Following Jesus requires turning our backs on the “life” this world offers, the life we once knew, and fully embracing our new life in Christ. Our attempts at keeping our old life are the same as our “looking back.”

Lot’s wife is an illustration and example that we must remember. In Luke 17:32, Jesus Himself commands us to remember. “Remember Lot’s wife.”

But why?

For the believer, our new life now rules over our old one, and we must remember to obey what Christ tells us. “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” –John 8:36. This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” —2 Corinthians 5:17.

Jesus came to set you free. To make His children free indeed. To live in this freedom, we must detach from old memories, emotions, feelings, etc., and we must soar into the future fully sold out. Entirely believing in the commands of God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Father, in Jesus’ name, I pray for freedom over anyone reading these words. I pray your Holy Spirit loses, binds, and delivers every soul longing to get closer to you. Touch and heal the soul, body, and spirit. Enter in and make this person a new creation in Jesus’ name. “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.” –Romans 10:9.

Living Counter To The World’s Culture.

October 19, 2024 /

Matthew Botelho

“The gentle are blessed, for they will inherit the earth. Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are blessed, for they will be filled.” –Matthew 5:5-6.

Scripture does not say that the aggressive will inherit the earth, but the gentle will inherit the earth. God uses the meek things of the world to confuse those who are in offices of authority and power. “Brothers, consider your calling: not many are wise from human perspective, not many powerful, not many noble birth. Instead, God has chosen what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen what is weak in the world to shame the strong.”– 1 Corinthians 1:26-27

According to most world standards, people are to step over one another and do whatever it takes to reach the front of the line.

I like to call this a “me first mentality.”

“Worry only about yourself,” the world says. Some people have told me that it’s always been around and that there is nothing new under the sun. I say yes to that; however, it is more apparent now than it was four years ago.

We encounter it daily out in the world.

When we are in traffic or even walking in the grocery store. This “me first mentality” has taken over in the world. Lawlessness, people celebrating the sin of selfishness, is now considered a normal thing, and it’s the Word of God that says considering others as more important than ourselves, they say, is backward.

What was once considered evil is now good, and what was considered good is now evil. “Because lawlessness will multiply, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be delivered.” – Matthew 24:12-13.

Here is Biblical Truth, my friends. Jesus tells us that we will be delivered if we continue to endure these hard times. How? By abiding in Him. “Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me.” –John 15:4

My friends, Jesus is not addressing the people of the world in this scripture. He is addressing us—all who believe in Him.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we need to be aware and have our spiritual eyes opened to what is going on in our jobs, our children’s schools, within our families, and other matters that are going on in the world.

In Matthew 10, before Jesus sent out His disciples, He tells them this:

“Look, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as serpents and as harmless as doves.” –Matthew 10:16.

Just as sheep are gentle, we must be gentle as well.

Being shrewd like a serpent means being wise in our decisions, not doormats, so we must speak the Truth in love instead of remaining silent. In a world of ravaging wolves, we must go boldly into our jobs and schools, declaring that Jesus is Lord and that salvation is found no other!

Some we will encounter there are the very ones who once believed in Jesus Christ, yet somehow, Satan got a hold of them, and now they are out there wandering, living like the world. They have been blinded to the Truth. The sad part is that when they had heard the truth, they did not receive it in their hearts!

In 1 John 2:19, the Apostle John writes: “They went out from us, but they did not belong to us; for if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. However, they went out so that it might be made clear that none of them belong to us.”

Still, there is time for those who have turned away my brothers and sisters—unless they have committed the unpardonable sin of blasphemy against God’s Holy Spirit—continually rejecting His calling them to repentance and into a relationship with Himself.“Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven” –Matthew 12:31.

So it’s the repentant heart, fully surrendered, having come back to God, asking Him to forgive their sins who are those who, having turned away, might be restored. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.” –Luke 15:21-24.

It is not God’s will for anyone to miss out on His free gift of salvation, found only in His Son, Jesus. “The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.” –2 Peter 3:9.

My friends, we have been made righteous through Jesus Christ.

This means we can now stand in the presence of  God. The world may look dark and dry, but stay focused on the prize ahead: our eternal salvation with our Father in heaven. And if you have strayed from Him, return now. Don’t harden your heart; be gentle and submit to Him instead.

Believe in your heart, this day, that Jesus is the Son of God. Repent of your sins and be washed clean by Jesus’ Blood. “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.

Do you, brother or sister, thirst for more of Jesus?

In John 7:37,  Jesus reminds you, “If anyone is thirsty, he should come to Me and drink! The one who believes in Me, as the scripture has said, will have streams of living water flow from deep within him.”

Come and be filled afresh with the love of our Lord Jesus Christ!

We are truly a blessed people. Amen.

Who Is Worthy?

August 10, 2024 /

Matthew Botelho

“You did not choose Me, but I chose you. I appointed you that you should go out and produce fruit and that your fruit should remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, He will give you. This is what I command you: Love one another.” – John 15:16-17.

I am so blessed to be back with you, my Sonsofthesea family! I truly have missed doing what our Lord has called me to do and connecting with all of you. God is very merciful and, like a good father, will chasten those He loves. We serve a God that will never leave you in a pit of doubt, loneliness, and depression. So, I need to be very transparent with you, brothers and sisters; I have been wrestling with the above in my heart these past few weeks away.

These very thorns in my flesh were slowly digging into my heart.

I felt that I was drowning in a sea of self-pity. Jealousy and strife were not only in my heart; they were taking root. These horrible works of the flesh were becoming manifest. Then, one day, as I was feeling sorry for myself, the Holy Spirit directed me to this Scripture, a checklist of my heart. The apostle Paul writes to the church in Galatia:

“Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds,  strife,  jealousy,  outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar,  I tell you about these things in advance-as I told you before- that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” –Galatians 6:19-21

My heart sank as I read this, and I felt sick to my stomach.

As a Christian, having just one of these sinful works of the flesh at work in you is terrible, but I could check off at least seven of these sins in my spirit. I fell on my face with tears, “Lord, how can I worship You when I am such a mess right now? How could You ever see anything in me? How am I worthy to be called you child?”

As I write this, the question returns: who is worthy?

What human is worthy to be in the presence of the Holy and Righteous Sovereign God?

After reading those verses in Galatians 6, I thank God that scales fell from my eyes, and I saw no way any Christian could, I could, boldly stand in God’s presence with all of that junk in our hearts. No man can receive the Kingdom of God in such sinful flesh. They must be born again. They need the Spirit of the living God. Jesus makes this clear in John 3:3, “I assure you; unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

My brothers and sisters, we all need Jesus!

Please hear me, friends: if you think the enemy won’t fire his fiery arrows at you or that the dark night of the soul that overtook me could never overtake you, then you are truly letting your guard down. I once said the very same thing: “My eyes are always on Jesus. That won’t happen to me.” I’d forgotten the Truth I so love. “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” –Proverbs 16:18.

Friends, as long as we live in these earthly vessels, we are prime targets for Satan’s attacks.

In 1 Peter 5:8-9, the apostle Peter warns us of this: “Be serious! Be alert! Your adversary The devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him and be firm in the faith knowing that the same sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.”

Are we worthy to receive the forgiveness of God?

Humanly speaking, the answer is no if we look at it through the lens of the flesh or human ability.

We are not worthy to receive anything from a Holy and Pure God. Jesus alone is worthy! “The Lord is great and worthy of our praise; no one can understand how great he is.” –Psalm 145:3.

By nature, humans are selfish and self-centered.

We are always thinking about getting ahead or getting that next best thing, keeping up with the worldly standards of “success.” Such striving causes us to walk in fear and doubt, asking ourselves what the next day will bring before the day ever comes. Yet God still proves Himself to be a loving Father! “But God proves His love for using that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us!” –Romans 5:8.

God will never stop loving us, loving you, brothers and sisters. He cannot. God is Love. 1 John 4:16 reminds us of this. “We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.” He wants a relationship even with His most stubborn creations, you and me. “Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” –1 John 4:10.

In today’s verse, Jesus reminds us: “you did not choose Me, but I chose you.”

 Let that sink in for a moment. God chose you—in your imperfections, in your anxiety, in your mess.

But, Jesus also tells us to repent our sins and believe He is God’s Son.

We’re able to stand righteous before God only by Jesus’ finished work—His life, death, and resurrection.

It wasn’t Matthew Botelho who solved his mess. If anything, I was making things worse for myself and my family. Not to mention all those who stood beside me during this challenging time. Only the love of the Father set this servant free from all that bitterness and selfishness. And though I am not worthy of such forgiveness, Jesus said, “For God loved the world in this way; He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” –John 3:16.

I am an “everyone” who believes. I have been set free by the One who sets His children “free indeed!”

Brothers and sisters, If you are going through a trying season, please know you are not going through it alone. We at Sonsofthesea are praying for all of you. We all walk through the desert at some time or another, that dry place where our enemy can take us out if we’re not careful. But with Jesus beside you every step of the way, you will leave your valley., just as I did.

And friend, if you are reading this and you feel the pull of the Holy Spirit moving you closer to God, follow His leading. Do not harden your heart, but allow the Presence of God to saturate every part of you. Repent and believe that Jesus washed away your sins with His precious Blood. Ask Him into heart and life as Lord of all. Amen. “As it is said, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” –Hebrews 3:15.

Breath To Serve

April 6, 2024 /

Matthew Botelho

“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” –Colossians 3:17.

Whether serving in ministry in your local church or serving others every day at your job, give thanks that you get to serve an amazing, loving God—no matter where you serve. I can certainly attest to having experienced some rough days at the office. I have had my share of being ignored by coworkers or even by my brothers and sisters, whom I serve alongside within the ministry. In our flesh, we can step on each other’s toes and say the wrong thing to one another, and if we’re not quick to forgive, soon enough, offense rears its ugly head and can cause division. Many of you know what I am talking about because this can and does happen when people of diverse backgrounds and personalities come together.

Jesus even witnessed it among His disciples.

After Jesus predicted His death and gave a warning in verses 44-45, the disciples started fighting. “Let these words sink down into your ears, for the Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men.” But they did not understand this saying, and it was hidden from them so that they did not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask Him about this saying.” Jesus had chosen twelve unqualified men to come alongside Him to spread the Good News. But look what happened in Luke 9:46: “Then a dispute arose among them as to which of them would be greatest.” J

It must have saddened Jesus how quickly they had turned against each other after He had spoken this. Yet, at the same time, it did not catch Him off guard because He knew what was in the hearts of men. Without Jesus, man lives a sinful, prideful life, which causes our inflated egos to get the best of us. We see this clearly in Luke 16:14-15. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees, those who followed the rules of the Law and considered themselves, above most others, holier, which is pride. In Luke 16:15, Jesus rebuked them, saying, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts, For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.” 

Man’s wicked, carnal ways are an abomination in the sight of God. “The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But He loves him who follows righteousness.” –Proverbs 15:9. Allowing pride, a sin of the flesh, to enter in when ministering to others, opens the door for God to bring a rebuke; however, if received, there is mercy and grace in the rebuke Jesus brings.

Remember that dispute between the disciples earlier? Jesus used it to show His mercy and grace during their prideful dispute. “And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a little child and set him by Him, and said to them, “Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be great.” –Luke 9:47-48.

Jesus wants you and I to be willing to accept and show hospitality to those who cannot repay us. We are to be humble, expecting nothing in return like children, with nothing of material value to offer anyone. Children are unaware that they ought to offer anything in exchange for love and acceptance until it is taught to them. A child’s pure love is all they have or know to offer others.

Jesus went to His Cross, knowing that we could never repay Him. He died a death that we deserved.

Jesus served man humbly. He offers us salvation so that you and I might be called children of God.

Yet, in our eagerness to serve Jesus, we must never forget to put on humility and love first.We who get to serve the Lord must do all we can to remove pride from our serving and stop comparing how we serve to others, treating it like a competition. For us to do anything of eternal value in ministry, we need Jesus to be our Guide.

We cannot do this work in our own strength. Yes, we have been given gifts and talents, but what good are the gifts without the Giver, Jesus?

Just like He did with His disciples, Jesus placed in you whatever gifts and talents you possess when He knit you together in your mother’s womb. Then, like them, you were born again from above, and your gifts were called to life.

Jesus breathed on his disciples and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” He breathed on them to bring New Life so they might be born again. Jesus had spoken of this to Nicodemus in John 3:3. “Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

And when we read further down, in verses 6-8, Jesus told him, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

All faithful ministry is born from intimacy with Jesus, from a relationship with Him.

We need Jesus’ Spirit in every part of our service to Him and to serve those He has given us.

We “get to” do this, my dear brothers, and sisters. We have been chosen. Serving the Body of Christ is our privilege and should never be taken lightly. Whether you are a pastor, worship leader, someone who cleans the church, gives out coffee and pastries or writes a blog, without Jesus, we can do nothing of eternal value.

As I end this teaching, I pray it somehow touched your heart. It stirs us to serve our Lord Jesus in humility, not for selfish gain or seeking popularity or position. Jesus came as a servant to all men. He carried the weight of His Cross and took all of our sins upon Himself. “And being found in appearance of man, he humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”

Jesus shed His Blood for each of us so that we might be forgiven for all of our sins. I pray we serve each other with that same humble spirit.

Today, I pray and invite you to cry out to Jesus, repent of your sins, and believe in Him. Romans 10:13 promises that: “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Amen.

The Hands and Feet of Jesus.

December 30, 2023 /

Pastor Samuel Cordeiro

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The very first step in surrendering to God is wholly surrendering our hearts and lives to Him. Above all else, God wants our hearts surrendered to Him. I encourage you today. To open up your hearts and welcome Him in. Jesus says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20

Abound In Generosity.

December 16, 2023 /

Matthew Botelho

“Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” –Luke 6:38.

The season of remembering the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is upon us. During this season of joy and hope, we laugh more, smile more, and give of more of ourselves. We are reminded of the extreme generosity of God the Father—how His loving kindness and mercy surpass anything we could ever give. God’s greatest Gift to us all was bringing His only begotten Son into this sinful world and offering us freedom from its darkness through His Everlasting Light.

John 3:16 describes the Father’s unimaginable love and generosity like this: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

Yet, according to this world’s standards, money is the first thing that comes to the minds of many when they think of generosity.

Does your mind wander towards money? Money may be the first place our minds go when considering generosity, but generosity doesn’t always involve money.

What about our time or our talents?

Generosity can most certainly be shown by our sharing either of these.

Generosity involves showing a readiness to give more of something, like money, time or the use of our gifts and talents, than is strictly necessary or expected.

Generosity can also involve showing compassion and kindness towards others. And kindness is a fruit of the Spirit, which God cultivates in us. The Apostle Paul spoke about this in Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” My friends, love is the most excellent fruit the Spirit produces in us. It is the first fruit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23, from which every other fruit is born.

Since God’s great love for His creation enables those who receive His Son, Jesus, as Lord and Savior,  shouldn’t we also give our best during this time, or better yet, throughout the year? Jesus is well worth it, my friends!

If you are a follower of our Lord Jesus, then you need to be the one to set the bar high, to be the example to all who know you of this Truth found in John 13:35. “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

My friends, be generous with your gifts, talents, and time. And what better way to show someone how much you love the Lord than by telling those needing to hear the Truth that Jesus loves them!

In your giving, give without thought of receiving, and share with the right motives—not to be seen or praised as generous or extravagant by others. “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others.” –Matthew 6:2.

Examine your heart, asking yourself: “Does my heart align with how Jesus has commanded us to love?

 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” –John 13:34-35.

When giving or sharing what we have with others, our hearts ought to align with God’s Word.”Love one another as I have loved you.” –John 13:34.

Do everything from a pure heart fixed on blessing others; don’t be self-seeking or looking out for some reward.

I say this because I watched a YouTube video recently where a person gave money to a homeless person. At first, I thought the gesture was beautiful until I saw that same person do it for another, then another, and another, all while being recorded. I asked myself, “Is this person doing this generous because they genuinely love these people and sincerely want to help them, or is he looking out for his interests?” Meaning, the number of followers he might get by publicizing his generosity? Watching this video begs the question, and I am sorry if this hits a nerve in anyone,

“Is it really necessary to video yourself doing good? Isn’t kindness its own reward?” 

To answer this, we’ll go to the Word of God, where Jesus says: “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men to be seen by them otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly I say to you they have their reward.” –Matthew 6:1-2.

To paraphrase what Jesus says in these two verses, “Don’t showboat!”

We should never use our generosity to say, “Hey, did you see what I did?” –blowing our own trumpet, just as the hypocrites do. We see that Jesus says there will be no reward in heaven for our doing this. Instead, the reward received is here on earth, the applause of men destined to disappear.

Let’s look at what else Jesus had to say about this matter in verses 3-4: “But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.”

God is always watching—nothing escapes Him. He is omnipresent and omnipotent. Meaning God is everywhere and knows every man’s intentions and actions. There is nothing new for Him and nothing hidden that will not be revealed. 1 Peter 3:12 reminds us: “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

In Hebrews 4:13, the Apostle Paul writes, “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”  

God knows the heart, my brothers and sisters, and its motives.

If your generosity is indeed genuine, God will honor it and openly reward you—this is God’s promise. And if your generosity is genuinely rooted in love, then the fruit of the Spirit: joy, peace, kindness, and goodness, for example, will spring forth and touch the hearts of those you bless.

This Christmas season, let your heart align with Jesus’, giving thanks to God the Father for the greatest Gift of all, His son. God so loves each of you that His everlasting generosity will come forth yet again this Christmas in the eternal Gift of His Son, Jesus. 

“Heavenly Father, I pray those reading this teaching have felt the stirring of the Holy Spirit. May the one who has yet to meet You receive the greatest Gift of all, Jesus. And in meeting Him, receive their salvation. I pray that every soul encounters Your Son Jesus this Christmas, and I pray they confess, in faith, believing that their sins will be forgiven and washed away by Your shed Blood. May this be a Christmas full of “New beginnings.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.

A Servant’s Heart

December 2, 2023 /

Matthew Botelho

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jesus saw Himself as a reflection of the Creator of heaven and earth, and in John 5:19, He says as much: “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Are you at peace when serving where God has planted you, or are you serving to be seen by those in leadership? Remember, dear friend, even those in leadership are accountable to Christ. In John 15:5, Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit, for without Me you can do nothing.” Your leaders may possess their roles, yet even they must remember from Whom their authority comes. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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