Sonsofthesea.org

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

Tag: Integrity (Page 1 of 2)

Coming Clean…

October 25, 2025 /

MaryEllen Montville

“Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.” –Psalm 139:7-8.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As if!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Correct!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don’t miss those last few Life-giving Words, friends: “but also for [the sins of all believers throughout] the whole world.” To be forgiven of the sins Jesus foreknew you’d commit, Scripture says this: “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” Romans 10:9-10.

So, have you come clean with God?

If not, what are you waiting for?

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

Lay Down Your Stones.

August 2, 2025 /

Matthew Botelho

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” –Ephesians 2:8-9.

My friends, if you are a believer in Christ, I caution you to remember where we came from. Remember when you were lost, blind, and deaf to the Word of God. Having no direction except to follow what everyone else was saying and doing, whatever was acceptable to the world. We can easily forget where God has brought us from, that we are spiritual beings, yes, living in a vessel of fallen flesh, often far too quick to judge others’ sin.

Have we forgotten where we were when Christ Jesus came and pulled us out of our pit? Forgotten how others may have pointed fingers at us and said, “Well, you messed up again! Let judgment and the casting of stones begin!”

Have we forgotten somehow the very same grace we ought to be extending to others in the Body who are struggling or being accused is the same grace that was once, and is still, extended to us by Jesus Christ? The apostle Paul tells the church in Rome, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” –Romans 8:1

There is an example of this very thing in the Gospel of John. The scribes and Pharisees brought to Jesus a woman caught in adultery. This scripture highlights how quickly we can be to bring accusations against someone who has sinned. “Now early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came to Him; and He sat down and taught them. Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do you say?” –John 8:2-5

Here is Jesus at the temple. He came to worship God and teach the people, when the Scribes and Pharisees, those who know the law, dragged a woman caught “in the very act of adultery” before Him.

When we are at our places of worship, ought we not be there for God and Him alone? Have we made God’s House a place of sin sniffing? It ought not become a place of backbiting or to gossip about so and so; our purpose in being there is to draw closer to Jesus, closer to the Father, and to learn how to love like Jesus loves us. Jesus says, “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

There is not one person in your church or mine, except for Jesus, who is a perfect person.

How disgusting of those scribes and Pharisees to spy on this woman, all in the hopes that they would catch her in her sin and make a public spectacle of her. Their actions reveal where their hearts truly lie. Jesus said, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving others undone.” –Matthew 23:23

How does the attack on this woman caught in adultery end? As these Scribes and Pharisees are asking Jesus what should be done to the woman, “Jesus stoops down and starts writing on the ground with His finger as though He did not hear them”. –John 8:6 Scripture doesn’t tell us what was written. Still, some theologians think that Jesus was writing the sins of all the Pharisees and scribes. Jesus says to the mob that’s gathered, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.” –John 8:7-9

What happens after they all walk away is a beautiful exchange in which Jesus asks the woman, “Where are your accusers? Has no one condemned you?” She says, “no one my Lord.” And Jesus says to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” –John 8:10-11

We ought not be self-righteous and think ourselves better or holier than others.

It wasn’t anything that we did, but only Jesus’ death on the Cross, His Blood shed for our sin, which freed us and washed us clean, making a way for us to be restored into a right relationship with God the Father. Jesus said to His disciples, “For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” –Matthew 26:28

Without Jesus’ atoning work, His perfect sacrifice, brother, and sisters, you and I would still be found “guilty” of our sins. But Jesus says to us the same thing He once told the woman caught in adultery, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” Follow Jesus’s example when confronting a brother or sister caught in their sin. Go speak to them in private, pray for them, and cry with them. “If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.” —Matthew 18:15.

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.

Wear Your Armor

August 24, 2024 /

Matthew Botelho

“So Saul clothed David with his armor, and he put a bronze helmet on his head; he also clothed him with a coat of mail. David fastened his sword to his armor and tried to walk, for he had not tested them. And David said to Saul, ” I cannot walk with these, for I have not tested them.” So David took them off.” –1 Samuel 17:38-39.

Have you ever tried to wear something that did not fit? Let’s say a pair of jeans that look good on the rack at your favorite department store (yep, I have gone and aged myself). Sure, they’re not your size, but that doesn’t stop you. You grab them and go to the dressing room. And if you’re a guy, or me, you skip the dressing room altogether, purchase them, and walk out the door. You take them home, try them on, and, sure enough, they don’t fit. So, what to do? Suck in your gut. Jump up and down, yelling, “Come ooonn! Fit!” But after panting and sweating because you’re trying to jam yourself into jeans that have now cut off circulation to your lower extremities, finally, you admit you cannot wear something that simply wasn’t made for you.

Just as you cannot walk in jeans that don’t fit, you also cannot walk in an anointing that is not yours.

Like buying jeans we know won’t fit, many of us have tried
to walk into something not meant for us. Only then do we realize that this
“armor,” this mantle of authority, doesn’t fit. It wasn’t made for us.
It’s a waste of our time, like those too-tight jeans we tried to squeeze into.
There’s no room for us to grow into what God has ordained for us. In all
things, physical and spiritual, Wisdom must be applied, my friends.
“A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.” – Proverbs 16:9

Saul had given David his armor to wear, but it did not fit David, so wisely, he took it off.

David knew what was meant for Saul would not fit him.

David had never tested it, never tried it on for size. In fact, David had never worn armor. He was the shepherd of his father’s sheep. His armor was his staff and sling. David had faced lions and bears in the field defending the sheep, alone and without armor. God had protected and delivered David from every trial that came at him. David knew his armor was the Lord and that everything he needed was already in his hands to defeat the giant, Goliath. “The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” – 1 Samuel 17:37

Scripture tells us that after David took off Saul’s armor, he went to the wadi. “Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.” –1 Samuel 17:40.

By this time, the Prophet Samuel had anointed David. David would one day replace Saul. So David was walking in his God-given authority. He was no counterfeit. But here’s the thing: it wasn’t David’s time yet. And in the Kingdom of God, timing is everything. Get it too soon; you may lose it. Try to walk in what is meant for someone else; you’ll never fulfill all God has for you. You must pay attention to what you’re trying to grab off the rack. Take a lesson from the too-tight, wrong-sized jeans.

What has God put in your hands? What ministry or gift has God connected you to, giving you the privilege of serving? Ask yourself: “Am I flowing and growing in what God has called me to do?”  Wear whatever you’ve been given well and with pride. “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…” –Zechariah 4:10.

Don’t be hasty to throw away something that seems insignificant in your eyes.

You can’t see what is ahead of you. God has precisely placed whatever anointing, gift, or talent He’s given you inside you for such a time as this. Rather than tossing it aside, embrace it. Grow in it. Here is an example: I serve in the cleaning ministry at my home church and am charged with keeping the temple of God neat and tidy. What an incredible responsibility this is. God’s house is no ordinary. The house of God is the place where people come to have an encounter with God and start a relationship with Him.

Can you imagine if there was garbage on the floor or stains on the wall and the carpets? People will notice and see there is no regard for God in this house. “So we must not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, we must work for the good of all, especially for those who belong in the household of faith.” –Galatians 6:9-10

There is always a beginning of a story, and there is an end. But what happens in the middle is where the growth happens.

David started as a lowly shepherd boy tending sheep. Years later, he became king of all Israel. What has been placed inside of you is specific, and it will bring glory to God because if it is from God. “Do not neglect the gift that is in you; it was given to you through prophecy, with the laying on of hands by the council of elders.” –1 Timothy 4:14

Lastly, my friends, discern the Lord’s timing.

Do not let anyone tell you that you must put on someone else’s armor or try to operate in an anointing not your own. And, if you’re asked to serve outside of where God has planted you, remember to first be obedient to what and where God has called you. Remember, too, that God will exalt you at the proper time. Serve with all humility and remember that though the Holy Spirit directs you, God, who is always first, has also placed Shepherds over you as guardrails to help guide, correct, and encourage you. “As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.” –1 John 2:27.

My brothers and sisters, the day Jesus knocked on the door of your heart and you let Him in is undoubtedly the best day any one of us will ever have.

Nothing will ever “fit” like that again.

That day was perfect.

No marriage, promotion, or anything else this world has to offer will ever come close to what Jesus has done for us. We were brought from death into life; no longer in darkness, now we see and walk in the Light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.” –Ephesians 5:8-10.

Having read this, I invite you to give up your plans. All of your, “this is how I want it to be” to Jesus, and let God take over. But first, I invite you to know Jesus and His perfect plan for you. Repent of your sins this day and ask Him for His forgiveness. Be washed in His Blood, made clean of your every sin. Amen.

Beauty From Ashes

February 10, 2024 /

Pastor Maria Braga

“Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valor, and he was the son of a harlot: and Gilead begat Jephthah. And Gilead’s wife bares him sons; and his wife’s sons grew up, and they thrust out Jephthah, and said unto him, thou shalt not inherit in our father’s house; for thou art the son of a strange woman. Then Jephthah fled from his brethren and dwelt in the land of Tob: and there were gathered vain men to Jephthah and went out with him.” –Judges 11:1-3.

We don’t hear much of this story, but for me, it is one of the Bible’s most intriguing stories, capturing 100% of my attention each time I read it. It is one of the most genuine pieces of a life lived in consecration to the plan of God—the life of Jephthah.

 In the 7th book of the Bible, the book of Judges, we learn the story of this man called Jephthah. A unique man, a leader a bit different than all the others Israel had. The son of a harlot who was thrown out of his family and home by his half-brothers. Jephthah came from this low position of being rejected by his own family to be used by God to deliver Israel from its enemies. Jephthah had great faith in God, and God credited him for his faith. The forsaking of idols is a big deal in God’s eyes, and Jephthah was the type of loyal servant who forsook idols to serve his God wholeheartedly.

Each lesson in this story points us to the understanding that when the Spirit of God is upon a person, that person might go through all kinds of troubles, but God will equip the saint to endure and come out shining in the end. Hardships never feel good, but when we persevere, God sustains us and allows us to one day feast in the presence of our enemies at a table He sets before us. “You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.” –Psalm 23:5.

The key for the believer is to trust that God is working all things together for His servant’s good. “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” –Romans 8:28.

Like Jephthah, many of us have experienced rejection and abandonment, but by faith, we believe these valleys before us are trials and circumstances meant to go through, not live in.

By faith, In the depths of our hearts, we must know that Jesus is carrying us through these pain-filled valleys to grow us.

I know when I lost my mother, I felt like the grief and sorrow were an unending valley of agony. The pain of going to visit my mom’s house and not seeing her there was so deep it caused a sense of sadness in me unlike any sadness I had ever experienced prior; amidst that intense emotion, all I could think was: “Why did my mother go home so early?” She was only 69!

The worst fear I ever had as a child was to lose my beloved best friend, my momma. The thoughts that would cross my mind were sombre. My mother’s death, in a sense, made me feel like an orphan and somewhat abandoned, too, because I could no longer see her or touch her, just as Jephthah could no longer see his stepbrothers and family. I was loved by my family and not abandoned like Jephthah, but pain is pain. And every person’s experience is different.

Yet despite this heartache, Jephthah was a brave warrior and an excellent God-appointed leader over Israel.

Jephthah’s father’s name was Gilead. It’s thought that after Gilead’s first son was born, he married and had other sons. Gilead’s other sons didn’t like the idea that Jephthah wasn’t born from their mother but, instead, from a prostitute. “Gilead’s wife also bore him sons, and when they were grown up, they drove Jephthah away. You are not going to get any inheritance in our family,” they said, “because you are the son of another woman.” –Judges 11: 2.

Jephthah comes from Joseph’s lineage and had one daughter, his only child.

In Judges 11:30-31,  Jephthah made a vow unto the Lord that cost him his daughter’s life. “And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord: “If you give the Ammonites into my hands, whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph from the Ammonites will be the Lord’s, and I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering.”

Many individuals have the warrior spirit within them, but for various reasons or life circumstances, they stop believing who they truly are. Often, words spoken over a person contradict God’s plan for them! In our humanity, we forget and must be reminded of what God says about us. The Word of God declares over us: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” –Jeremiah 29:11.

How beautiful and hopeful life is when our faith in God holds onto these promises!

However, to have such words declared over us, we must be surrounded by those who share our faith and are like-minded. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” –Ephesians 4:29.

Jephthah had this faith deep inside him, and even in discouraging times, he stood, fought, and believed the Word of His God without wavering.

Jephthah was so loyal to his God that he answered the call and fought as a warrior, regardless of his circumstances. He even offered as a sacrifice whatever came first out of his house upon his victorious return from this war. His only daughter walked out; now what?

Remaining faithful to his vow, Jephthah offered God his daughter as a sacrifice. “My father,” she replied, “you have given your word to the Lord. Do to me just as you promised, now that the Lord has avenged you of your enemies, the Ammonites. But grant me this one request,” she said. “Give me two months to roam the hills and weep with my friends, because I will never marry.” “You may go,” he said. And he let her go for two months. She and her friends went into the hills and wept because she would never marry. After the two months, she returned to her father, and he did to her as he had vowed.” –Judges 11:36-39.

Vows are powerful, and Jephthah stuck to his vow regardless of the outcome. This kind of courage is commendable in the life of the believer.

I encourage you today to stand firm and believe that your life is not by chance – but ordained by the Creator of the universe, who planned all your steps, regardless of who your parents are or your background. During our time here, we are to trust and obey the Lord, to have faith, and to know He is faithful to complete the work He starts in each of us.

God will raise you by His power to bring glory to His mighty name.

Father, help us be humble and meek servants; help us always lift those suffering. Please help us come closer to you each day while here on earth. Let Your will be done in our life and strengthen our faith to stand firm in difficult times. In Jesus name, Amen. And to those who do not yet have a relationship with Jesus, I invite you to ask Him into your heart and life today. Allow His power and love to transform you, just as He did for Jephthah.

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.

Kingdom Builder.

September 16, 2023 /

Matthew Botelho

“For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it.” –1Corinthians 3:9-10.

One thing I love about our Lord Jesus is that first, He loves me and forgives me of all my sins! Secondly, I love how He speaks to one person in His Body and will confirm that Word through another within His Body.

A “rebuilding of hearts” and “reconciliation” is happening within the Body of Christ. Jesus is so powerful and awesome! Still, He does not favor one over the other. God looks at you in the pew with the same love as He looks at your pastor. The roles you each serve are different. Your assignment may not match what other brothers and sisters have been given, but God no less loves you. 

I pray that you will know how much our Lord Jesus loves you.

And I pray you know this also: God will not stop loving you when you fall. Because His Love enables us to pick up the broken pieces of our hearts and say, “Lord help me! Fix this heart that I am laying before You.” The Apostle Paul writes: “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” –Romans 8:37-39.

If you are Christ’s, then you are a conqueror in Christ Jesus. You are a coheir to the Kingdom of God and a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

As ministers of His Word, we build on good ground—a sure foundation.

Building upon God’s Word assures us that as we build, so long as our works align with His Word, His Word will support our good works. “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:11.

Every building needs a strong foundation. Without it, the structure will fall. Our sure foundation is built upon our faith in Christ and our time spent worshiping Christ Jesus. We will never be able to support the things of God and the works He has assigned us without first knowing and obeying Him and keeping Him first in all things. “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” –1 Corinthians 4: 12-14.

Everything man builds starts as a vision and is brought into existence.

As God spoke His vision, plan, and purpose for creation, they became manifest. God said, “Let there be,” and everything came into being. God creates. It is just one of His many Characteristics. He has also placed this ability to create—to partner with His will and plan into His children.

If you belong to Jesus, you have been given faith to speak life into that circumstance or over a family member. You can speak life into something you thought was dead, such as a dream or goal, mending relationships, and new beginnings. Whatever it is you declare, it will be done if it is according to the will of God within Christ Jesus. He is God. You are not. “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. If you love me, keep my commands.” –John 14:13-15.

The Holy Spirit that lives in you, child of God, will tell you how to pray when you are unsure what to speak. Romans 8:26 tells us this: “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses, For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”

When we lay the groundwork of worship and praise in Jesus Christ alone, we will see the vision of what God has for us come into focus.

Jesus is the Cornerstone the builders rejected. “Haven’t you read this passage of Scripture: “‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?” –Mark 12:10-11.

Yet, without a cornerstone, a structure will collapse. So, too, what we attempt to build without God.

The importance of a cornerstone is that it bears much of the weight of the building’s outer structure, and it connects and unites two of the walls. As a builder for God’s Kingdom, you need Jesus to be the Cornerstone of everything you build concerning life and ministry.

In other words, “Do not try to do what God must do first.” Put Jesus in the front of it. His name carries Authority. His Blood washes away our sins, and He sets the captive free!

Jesus teaches us about rock and sand, two very different types of foundations: It would be foolish on our part to dismiss God’s instructions for our lives.

“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock; and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that that house; and it did not fail, for it was founded on the rock.” –Matthew 7:24-25.

As we read and declare the words of Jesus, we must also apply them to our daily lives. Jesus says in the Scripture, “Whoever hears these sayings of Mine, AND DOES THEM, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Proverbs 1:7 reminds us: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Now, fear of the Lord is not fear, as we understand it, being terrified or scared of something or someone; instead, fear of the Lord is a reverence for a deep and abiding love, respect, and awe of God.

“But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand; and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell, And great was its fall.”

Jesus gave us the blueprint on how to walk out our faith, but if we choose not to adhere to the Word of God, the collapse, the storms of doubt and fear will rain on us and crush us just as they did the house built on sand. We who believe can and must rely on Truth: The Word of God is consistent and always will be. “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, says the Lord, Who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” –Revelation 1:8.

As I close, dear friends, I pray the Holy Spirit speaks to anyone needing a firm foundation to stand on. Assuring you that to receive salvation, you need only confess and wholeheartedly repent your sins to the Lord Jesus, asking that He come into your heart.” for, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved.” –Romans 10:9-10.

Will You Follow Me?

August 19, 2023 /

Matthew Botelho

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Will you follow Me?” Period.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How To Respond to Adversity.

July 1, 2023 /

Kendra Santilli

““There was a man in the country of Uz named Job. He was a man of complete integrity, who feared God and turned away from evil. Job was the greatest man among all the people of the east.” — Job 1:1,3b

Job, who takes up an entire book in the Old Testament, can teach us so much when it comes to maintaining steadfastness in the face of adversity. As I was reading his story, I couldn’t help but think of a question posed by so many: if God is so good and He is sovereign, why do bad things happen to good people?

I don’t know that I have the answer to that difficult question, but I know that I have gleaned some fundamental truths about the nature of who God is and what a healthy human response should be through Job’s wisdom.

Our first impressions about Job are that he was a man of remarkable character, who feared God, was successful, and was wealthy, all of which marked him as the greatest man of his day. If you read his story, you will not just learn that his world fell apart in one moment but also gain insight into what happens in the supernatural realm when devastation originates in the pits of hell.

Before we begin, you must understand that according to the infallible Word of God, Satan is real, there is indeed a heavenly realm, and Satan cannot operate outside of God’s all-knowing nature.

Truth: Satan roams the earth, searching for whom he may devour. The Lord asked Satan, “Where have you come from?” “From roaming through the earth,” Satan answered him, “and walking around on it.” — Job 1:7. “Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.” —1 Peter 5:8.

Again, truth: God sets boundaries for what Satan can and cannot do. Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? No one else on earth is like him, a man of perfect integrity, who fears God and turns away from evil.” Satan answered the Lord, “Does Job fear God for nothing? Haven’t you placed a hedge around him, his household, and everything he owns? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand and strike everything he owns, and he will surely curse you to your face.” “Very well,” the Lord told Satan, “everything he owns is in your power. However, do not lay a hand on Job himself.” So Satan left the Lord’s presence. — Job 1:8-12.

God knew Job’s heart. He knew it was not in Job’s nature to curse Him. For whatever reason, God allowed Satan to take everything near and dear to Job, knowing that Job’s integrity was pure down to his core. He knew Job wouldn’t be swayed by circumstances, no matter how severe. I pray we can be a people whose nature is so pure that our natural response is that of Job.

As the story goes, Job lost his children, livestock, and servants in one day. One day was all it took for him to lose his beloved children and so much of what he worked for. But his response is remarkable: Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will leave this life. The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Throughout all this Job did not sin or blame God for anything. — Job 1:21-22.

Job blessed the Lord during his deepest pain.

How often, when one thing doesn’t go our way, are we quick to fall apart and blame God? Imagine what would happen if our response to difficulties was blessing the Lord instead of glorifying the terrible works of our adversary, Satan. The attacks of hell are Satan’s glory. When we choose to focus on the attack rather than the goodness of God, we are choosing to shift our praise away from God in all His beautiful glory to Satan and all his terrible glory.

There is a difference between acknowledging that we are being afflicted and obsessing over the affliction.

For the nonbeliever, there is deliverance, once and for all, from the strongholds of hell: anger, bitterness, lust, addiction, anxiety, depression, malice, greed, and the like. But there is freedom once we begin to walk in who God created us to be and believe in Jesus Christ. Hardships still happen, but we can navigate them in the freedom of Christ. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. — John 8:36.

Too many people, believers, and nonbelievers alike, dwell on the affliction, surrendering to the lie that God is no longer good because their situation is bad.

Instead, I challenge you to humble your heart and declare that God is good even when life is not. An attack from Satan does not mean that God is not good or no longer with you. It simply means that Satan is still evil.

Don’t allow Satan to manipulate you into believing that your situation determines the character of God.

Instead of obsessing over the trial and magnifying the enemy’s works, I challenge you to train your heart and mind like Job’s, blessing the Lord amid your deepest trial and pain. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:4-7.

Today, choose to magnify the Lord.

 Let His goodness and mercy be a mountain compared to the temporary trials that are as grains of sand. While your circumstances will change continuously, one constant in life is that God will never stop being good. Let us learn from Job how to respond to our adversity, whether in hardship or an attack from the enemy. Let our response be that of praise to God rather than addressing Satan. Job never once spoke to the enemy. He simply turned his gaze toward his God, who is far greater than the enemy (1 John 4:4) and allowed Him to fight his battles.

Yes, Job acknowledged his suffering but never cursed the Lord.

If you don’t yet know Jesus in such a way that His peace can supersede your current suffering, humbly ask Him into your heart that He may deliver you, grant you salvation and give you perfect peace.

« Older posts

© 2026 Sonsofthesea.org

Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑