Reflection  ·  July 19, 2026

Sunday Service  ·  10:00 AM

Citizens of HEAVEN · Living on Earth

“GOD is looking for believers who walk in truth, serve faithfully, and reject selfish ambition.”

Pastor Boucet opened by reminding the congregation how easily we try to get ahead of GOD — second-guessing HIS timing, trying to anticipate HIS next move instead of simply trusting HIM. He is not impressed by our position, Pastor Boucet said; HE is looking at our character, and HE already knows what is in every heart. At The Gathering Church family in Hormigueros, that kind of trust is the starting point for everything that follows.

From there, Pastor Boucet turned to the smallest book in the Bible, Third John, just fourteen verses, to show that GOD’s Word does not need length to carry weight. Written by the Apostle John to his beloved friend Gaius, the letter is built around one theme: walking in the truth. “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth,” John writes in Third John 1:4.

3 John 1:4

John did not write, “I rejoice because you know the truth.” He wrote, “I rejoice because you walk in the truth.” Pastor Boucet was direct about the difference: many people know Bible verses, quote scripture, and attend church every Sunday, but walking in truth means allowing GOD’s Word to shape your decisions, your speech, and your priorities. It is a daily surrender, not a one-time event.

He shared that when you invite the HOLY SPIRIT into your life, HE does not shout you into change — HE shapes you gradually, the way HE has been shaping people in this very congregation. Read the full passage in Third John 1.

John 17:17

— Pastor Boucet

Pastor Boucet introduced Gaius, a man who was never famous and never preached, but who simply served people. He welcomed missionaries into his own home, gave generously, and expected nothing in return. “Sometimes we think only those behind a pulpit are serving GOD. It’s not about that,” Pastor Boucet said. “The kingdom is built by people who quietly serve without expecting anything.”

Matthew 20:26

The world says climb higher. JESUS says kneel lower. The world says promote yourself. The LORD says serve someone. GOD notices every unseen act of kindness — every prayer, every visit, every ride to the doctor, every encouraging phone call. Pastor Boucet warned the congregation about the opposite spirit, embodied by Diotrephes in Third John 1:9, “who loves to have the preeminence.” Pride, left unchecked, can create division throughout an entire church. Read more in Third John 1:9-11.

Pastor Boucet closed with Demetrius, a man remembered not for wealth or gifting but for a good testimony from everyone who knew him. “Your reputation is built one decision at a time,” he said. Before people ever read the Bible, they read our lives — our children, our neighbors, our co-workers are all watching. But the most important audience is GOD HIMSELF, who is always watching what we do. JESUS is the greatest example of all three portraits combined: HE walked in truth, HE served others, and HE humbled HIMSELF, becoming obedient even to death on a cross, as it says in Philippians 2. Because HE humbled HIMSELF, GOD highly exalted HIM.

Philippians 2:8-9

Pastor Boucet’s invitation was simple: open your heart and say, “LORD, I give up. I am not perfect, but I want YOU in my life.” Whichever of the three portraits describes you today, GOD is calling every believer at The Gathering Church to walk in truth, serve in love, and leave behind a testimony that points others to JESUS CHRIST.

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