Devotional Reflection: The Sea Was Never Meant to Bury Us🌊

Reflection Theme: Formed by the Storm, Not Forgotten in It

"The sea was never meant to bury us—it was meant to build us." -Sea Story: ⚓ PVC “Sea Story”: From Tide to Trademark

From Genesis to Revelation, the imagery of water speaks to both judgment and renewal. The sea, often a symbol of chaos, finds itself stilled under the voice of Christ (Mark 4:39). And in this, we glimpse the truth: the sea doesn’t have the final word—God does.

This quote echoes from a theology of divine intention. When trials rise like waves and identity feels washed over by pressure, this reflection calls the believer to remember: God's purposes are never to destroy but to *develop*. Just as Noah’s ark floated not to sink but to safeguard; just as Jonah’s journey through the deep wasn’t punishment but propulsion—so too, our lives in Christ are not buried beneath the waves, but *built through them*.

To walk in this truth is to proclaim, like Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:8–9, that *“we are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed… struck down, but not destroyed.”* It is to live with the belief that our suffering is not a sentence of punishment but a sanctifying—shaping us into vessels of honor (2 Timothy 2:21), fit to carry the Gospel upstream in a downstream culture.  Awaiting the glory that is to become eternal life & reward (2 Co 3:18).

In the waters, we are not forgotten. We are being fortified (Ps. 84:7; 1 Pe 5:10).

Sink &/or Swim but never give in to the adversary.   Let us learn to walk on the water! (Mt 14:22-33)

Psalm 77:19: “Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen.” (NIV) Listen at BLB HERE

The accompanying song below is than background—it is a spiritual echo. Its lyrics mirror the truth of Psalm 77:19, reminding us that even when the sea rises and the path disappears beneath the waves, God’s presence remains steady. The melody carries the message deeper, inviting us to trust the unseen footprints and believe that the sea was never meant to bury us, but to reveal the way only He can make.

505,188 views Jan 1, 2017 and many more to come!

Voice That Stills The Raging Sea, from their 2014 album, All Things New. Available here: https://riversrobots.bandcamp.com/alb...

Lyrics:

Wake up, we’re only at the start of it 

We’re only at the edge of the ocean 

And there’s eternity to go 

And even in my searching 

I know I’m only ever really just beginning 

And even though your endless 

Lord, my joy is in the searching of Your heart 

Father, Your peace surpasses everything 

All thoughts and understanding 

As I trust upon Your name 

And even on this ocean 

With the waves all crashing over and around me 

I put my trust in Your love 

For Your voice has stilled the savagest of storms 

So let Your voice that stills the raging sea speak over me 

Speak “peace”.

Amen.

Victor out!

✝️ Devotional Reflection: "Faithful in the Shadow of the Throne" Thirsty Thursday's

 

"Faithful in the Shadow of the Throne" Revelation 2:17

Scripture Focus: Revelation 2:12–17 (BLB ESV) (The Message to Pergamum)

[12] And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; [13] I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, [even] where Satan's seat [is]: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas [was] my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. [14] But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. [15] So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. [16] Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. [17] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth [it]. [Rev 2:12-17 KJV]

📖 Reflect

Pergamum (Πέργαμος) was a city drenched in idol worship, power structures, and pressure to conform. Yet Jesus calls out a remnant who remained loyal—those who “hold fast my name” even “where Satan’s seat is.”

What does it mean to remain faithful in a culture of compromise?

How do we respond when the gospel is at odds with the norms around us?

🧠 Consider

Like the believers in Pergamum, we may find ourselves surrounded by voices that dilute truth or tolerate spiritual complacency.

The “doctrine of Balaam” and the “Nicolaitans” reveal two ancient patterns still alive today: compromise with culture and misuse of spiritual authority (Note 1).

Thought Prompt: In our ministry circles, are there teachings or tendencies that echo these dangers? What’s one area where we might need to realign with Christ’s truth?

✨ Promise

To those who overcome, Jesus offers hidden manna—a sign of spiritual sustenance and intimacy—and a white stone with a new name—identity transformed by grace.

What might it look like to walk in that identity now, even while we're still “in Pergamum”?

Notes

1. Note Verse :15 "doctrine of the Nicolaitans" for more about this See 📖 Devotional Reflection: A Solemn Warning and a Steadfast Call. Let this reflection serve as a gentle goad of digression for those who want to go deeper. It’s a solemn warning, yes—but also a call to courage. To meditate. To discern. To lead with integrity.

📖 Devotional Reflection: A Solemn Warning and a Steadfast Call

Shepherd's Goad

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night…” — Joshua 1:8

In the quiet moments of reflection, we’re reminded that spiritual growth is not just about inspiration—it’s about vigilance. Joshua 1:8 calls us to a life of continual meditation on God’s Word, not necessarily as a ritual, but as a safeguard. It is this very devotion that protects us from subtle distortions of truth.

One such distortion is found in the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, mentioned in Revelation 2:6 and 2:15. Jesus speaks of it with rare intensity: “which thing I hate.” The Nicolaitans, whose name may derive from nikos (to conquer) and laos (people), are believed to have promoted a form of spiritual elitism and moral compromise—encouraging believers to blur the lines between grace and permissiveness.

In Pergamum, their teaching is likened to that of Balaam, who led Israel into idolatry and immorality. In Ephesus, the church is praised for rejecting their deeds. The contrast is stark: one church resists, the other tolerates. And the difference lies in their devotion to truth.

As someone named Nicholas, this passage resonates deeply with me—not only because of the name, but because of the branding and mission I carry. It’s a reminder that names carry weight, and that spiritual leadership must be anchored in clarity, not compromise.

Let this reflection serve as a gentle goad for those who want to go deeper. It’s a solemn warning, yes—but also a call to courage. To meditate. To discern. To lead with integrity. 

Here’s a link to an annotated map of Asia Minor highlighting the Seven Churches of Revelation—Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea:

📍 You can view it on Bible History's Map of the 7 churches or explore a more detailed version from other open sources on the World Wide Web.

These maps visually trace the route of the messages in Revelation 2–3 and can be a powerful visual aid for Pergamum, in particular, stands out as the site where the doctrine of the Nicolaitans was tolerated—making it especially relevant to this reflection.  Asia Minor now Turkey and Pergamum near the southern shore of the Black Sea.

Rev. 2:16 Are you walking in repentance?  I believe this "change" is something that we must acquire sustainment in.  Sustain the repentance that you received by grace!

Victor out!