Pastor Imelda "Melly" Maronde

06/18/2026

God created human beings with the ability to make choices. Free will is one of the greatest gifts He has given us because it allows us to choose whether we will love, trust, and follow Him. True love cannot be forced; it must be freely given. Every day, we are presented with opportunities to choose faith over fear, forgiveness over bitterness, and obedience over rebellion. While God guides us through His Word and the Holy Spirit, He does not force our decisions. Instead, He invites us to walk in His ways and experience the blessings that come from choosing Him. Free will reminds us that our choices matter and that we are responsible for the direction we take in life.

Free will carries responsibility. Our choices have consequences. We cannot always choose our circumstances, but we can choose how we respond to them. The Bible repeatedly teaches that people are accountable for their actions because they have the ability to choose between obedience and disobedience.

“I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;”
— Deuteronomy 30:19 (NKJV)

This verse beautifully illustrates God’s heart: He presents the choice, encourages us toward life, but ultimately allows us the freedom to choose.

06/15/2026

Sometimes we forget that simply walking in the calling God has given us can encourage others more than we realize.

Recently, someone was surprised to learn that I am a female pastor. After I shared a little about my journey, their response was, “That’s so freaking cool.” It reminded me that God often uses our lives to challenge assumptions, open hearts, and inspire people in unexpected ways.

I didn’t set out to prove anything to anyone. I simply answered God’s call. Whether you are called to ministry, service, leadership, caregiving, or encouragement, be faithful to what God has placed before you. Your obedience may become someone else’s inspiration.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16

06/11/2026

The battle is real, but so is God's protection. Put on the whole Armor of God and stand firm.

06/10/2026

Manipulation is the act of influencing or controlling others through deception, guilt, fear, pressure, or hidden motives rather than through honesty and respect. It often seeks to benefit one person at the expense of another and can damage trust, relationships, and emotional well-being. As believers, we are called to walk in truth, love, and integrity, communicating openly rather than using tactics that coerce or control others. God desires that our words and actions reflect sincerity and righteousness, building others up rather than taking advantage of them.

Manipulation thrives in darkness, secrecy, and confusion, but truth flourishes in the light. As Christians, we are called not only to avoid manipulating others but also to discern when manipulation is being used against us. Through prayer, wisdom, and God’s Word, we can establish healthy boundaries while continuing to walk in grace, love, and truth. When our hearts are surrendered to Christ, we no longer need to control others because we trust God to work in His timing and according to His will.

“He who walks with integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will become known.”

— Proverbs 10:9

06/06/2026

A very interesting read!
Unfortunately it is all true.

Not every person who walks through your church doors is looking for a home. These 5 visitor profiles show up in nearly every congregation, and wise pastors know how to spot them early. https://churchleaders.com/outreach-missions/outreach-missions-articles/330099-church-attendance.html

06/03/2026

God’s timing is one of the greatest lessons of faith for believers. We often want answers, healing, provision, or direction according to our own schedules, yet God sees the entire picture while we only see a small part of the journey. In seasons of waiting, it can be difficult to understand why prayers seem unanswered or why doors remain closed. However, God uses these moments to deepen our trust, strengthen our character, and prepare us for what lies ahead. His delays are not denials; they are often divine preparations. Throughout Scripture, we see that God fulfilled His promises to Abraham, Joseph, David, and many others at just the right time. When we trust in God’s timing, we learn to walk by faith rather than by sight, believing that He is working behind the scenes for our good and His glory. As Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV) says, “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.” Even when the path is unclear, we can rest in the confidence that God’s timing is always perfect, and His plans for us are worth the wait.

05/27/2026

Setting healthy boundaries is an important part of living and serving well. Boundaries help us recognize our limits, protect our emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being, and ensure that we can care for others without neglecting ourselves. Healthy boundaries are not barriers that push people away; rather, they create clear expectations that foster respect, trust, and healthy relationships. In ministry, chaplaincy, and everyday life, setting boundaries allows us to offer compassionate support while maintaining balance, integrity, and self-care, enabling us to serve others with wisdom and sustainability.

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” — Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)

Handling people who are rude can be challenging, but it provides an opportunity to respond with grace, patience, and self-control. Rather than reacting in anger or taking every hurtful word personally, it is often wise to remain calm, listen carefully, and respond respectfully. Kindness does not mean accepting mistreatment; healthy boundaries may still be necessary. By choosing wisdom over retaliation, we protect our peace, maintain our integrity, and reflect Christ’s example of love and patience even in difficult interactions. Sometimes the most powerful response is a calm spirit, a gentle word, or simply refusing to let another person’s behavior determine our own.

“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” — Proverbs 15:1 (NKJV)

05/25/2026

Today we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. Their sacrifice purchased freedoms that we often enjoy without thought, and their courage continues to inspire generations. As we gather with family and friends, let us also take time to reflect with gratitude on those who laid down their lives for others. May we honor their memory not only with words, but by living with integrity, compassion, and a commitment to the values they defended. May God comfort the families of the fallen, bless our veterans and active service members, and grant us hearts that never forget the cost of freedom.

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” — John 15:13 (NKJV)

05/24/2026

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

05/19/2026

BETRAYAL

The blindness that lets others betray you can sting as sharply as a scorpion’s bite.

Forgive yourself for the moments you feel foolish for not seeing it coming.

Sometimes a good heart doesn’t see the bad, because it often overlooks what a guarded heart will instantly detect.

Even betrayal has purpose; those who wound you still play a part in your becoming.

One day, every tear and twist will make sense.

Until then, laugh at the confusion, smile through the pain, and remember— everything happens for a Godly reason.

“Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted,
Who ate my bread,
Has lifted up his heel against me.”
— Psalm 41:9 (NKJV)