Pastor Mary Haley

In our Wednesday Bible Study—The Inner Struggle for Holiness—we explored the scriptures to better understand the spiritual fruit of kindness. We must always remember kindness is produced from God’s pure nature. Loving-kindness [Hebrew: hesed] is based on honoring God’s faithfulness for his covenant people. It is a supernatural characteristic of God that is produced in believers by the Holy Spirit.

In our passage from the psalter today, it becomes clear that to dwell in God’s presence is to live a life of kindness. We know genuine kindness has been imparted and is growing in our hearts by our desire to treat others with kindness. Grace directs kindness. When we know kindness, we treat others the way we would want them to treat us (Luke 6:31). As well, when we put on kindness, we are quick to forgive and never stoop to retaliation. Remember, kindness is often the door through which God enters a person’s heart—the kindness of the Savior.

Worthy of Further Thought: Kindness sees the good and addresses what will destroy the good if not corrected.

Psalm 15 NLT A psalm of David.
1 
Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord?
    Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?
2 
Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right,
    speaking the truth from sincere hearts.
3 
Those who refuse to gossip
    or harm their neighbors
    or speak evil of their friends.
4 
Those who despise flagrant sinners,
    and honor the faithful followers of the Lord,
    and keep their promises even when it hurts.
5 
Those who lend money without charging interest,
    and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent.
Such people will stand firm forever.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your kindness that woos us into repentance and delivers us into new life. Shape our hearts by your Spirit, help us clothe ourselves with kindness daily, and use our lives to reflect your love to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Yesterday, we looked at a passage from the Book of Psalms [Ps 34:12-16]. Today, we see that passage used by Peter in his exhortation to the Christian community. He wants them to work for peace; to actively seek and maintain peace as an ongoing effort, because we cannot be divisive and receive the blessing of God at the same time. Seeking peace is simply remaining in the supernatural peace and presence of our Lord!

So, let’s talk for a minute about retaliation, because Peter lets us know there is no room for it in the believers. We cannot repay evil with evil or even insult with insult. Everything in us may scream for revenge, but that is not an option for our lives as God’s children. We are bearers of God’s grace, so walking in humility, extending mercy and seeking to maintain peace leads to the blessing. We must trust God to make things right in his time.

Sometimes it just has to be enough that God sees our hearts and knows the truth. We cannot aggressively take matters into our hands, because we do not see the whole picture. Instead, we are to speak the truth in love, seek to bring peace, and run from the temptation of evil to vindicate ourselves. It’s a hard lesson, but it teaches us to trust God’s loving care. The truth always comes to the surface in time.

1 Peter 3:8-12 NLT All Christians
8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. 10 For the Scriptures say,
“If you want to enjoy life
    and see many happy days,
keep your tongue from speaking evil
    and your lips from telling lies.
11 
Turn away from evil and do good.
    Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
12 
The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right,
    and his ears are open to their prayers.
But the Lord turns his face
    against those who do evil.”[Psalm 34:12-16]

Prayer: Lord, thank you for this lesson today from Peter and David. We do want to enjoy life; so, help us stay in your presence and enjoy your peace. Let it guard our hearts and minds. We surrender our rights to get even, because we are clinging to the hem of your garment instead. Life is not fair, but you have saved us by grace and now we must live in it. We live for a greater purpose. Thank you for the power and the ability to practice what you require. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

I have never connected a psalter passage with a television character before, but I did, today. Of course, as a child I watched my share of Star Trek. lol! Leonard Nimoy—Mr. Spock—used a line from the psalter in his Vulcan blessing, “Live long and prosper” (Ps. 34:12). Only recently did I realize this gesture is adapted from a Jewish priestly blessing. [note: just a little trivia for you]

The psalter readings consist of a collection of songs, poems, and prayers focused on leading God’s people into a posture of praise. We learn to praise God in the midst of every emotion and experience as we bow in prayer. The passages in the Book of Psalms are a guide that helps us bring everything to God. We may be filled with joy, sorrow, or struggling with the issues of life; but, in prayer our sovereign God will meet us there and minister grace to us.

David wrote our passage this morning and it is rich in wisdom to teach us the power of the fear of the Lord, how to use our words, and most importantly the necessity of turning from evil and living in the shalom of God. If we want the righteous life God offers, then there is a blessing connected with it. God watches his children, listens to our prayers, and desires to lead each one of us into peace. When we seek the peace of God to restore our spiritual, mental, and/or physical sense of well-being, we must also be willing to humbly review our actions and words before God because these things are connected to his shalom.

Where do you need God to meet you on your search for peace, today?

Psalm 34:12-16 NLT
12
Does anyone want to live a life
    that is long and prosperous?
13 
Then keep your tongue from speaking evil
    and your lips from telling lies!
14 
Turn away from evil and do good.
    Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
15 
The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right;
    his ears are open to their cries for help.
16 
But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil;
    he will erase their memory from the earth.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for placing a desire in the hearts of your children to search for your perfect peace. That search always leads us to your heart where we can find the wisdom to live spiritually prosperous in your care. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Last week in our LIFE Lessons Bible Study, I asked the question, “Do you believe God intervenes in human lives when we pray and ask for his help?” Everyone present that evening affirmed the belief that God has the power and many times turns challenging situations around to fulfill his purpose. Our sovereign Lord has promised to guide and protect us as we obediently journey into his will. However, we must never forget God uses challenges and even suffering to draw us into a deeper, more obedient, and trusting walk with him. So, not intervening, is still the spilling of God’s love for us as his children. We learn both ways. Free-will is our gift from God, but we must use it wisely.

In our ongoing passage from the Book of Judges, Gideon has been called by God to lead Israel out of Midianite oppression and into deliverance. The Israelites find themselves in this oppressive situation, because they have chosen to do what God defines as “evil;” and therefore, God chooses to turn them over to the Midianites in order to teach them to walk in his ways (Judges 6:1). In our reading, it is time for Israel to freely choose to obey God.

God always seems to do the unpredictable and we see his intervention is strategically unusual. Gideon starts out with 32,000 Israelite warriors; but God tells Gideon to let 22,000 fearful and timid men go home (Judges 7:3). Still too many warriors, God trims off another group; leaving Gideon with 300 men and a battle against a huge Midianite army awaiting.

As we read our passage, it becomes clear God intends to intervene. Gideon needs reassurance, so God sends him to eavesdrop near the Midianite camp. He overhears two Midianite men talking about an odd and symbolic dream one of them had that began stirring fear in the enemy. God can turn an evil tormenting spirit back on itself.
Immediately, Gideon knows he must trust God and do exactly as the Lord directs. What does Gideon do when he receives this revelation? He worships! Gideon now has confidence this battle is actually the Lord’s.

We face spiritual battles every day, but God is greater than the obstacles before us. As we walk in obedience, the power of God is with us; so, the fear of the Lord must navigate our daily walk. A spiritual battle is never won by human strength, but by free-will allegiance to God. The Lord’s enemies will always self-slaughter. Remember, we are those cracked clay jars who hold the Light of Truth.

Judges 7:12-22 NLT
12 The armies of Midian, Amalek, and the people of the east had settled in the valley like a swarm of locusts. Their camels were like grains of sand on the seashore—too many to count! 13 Gideon crept up just as a man was telling his companion about a dream. The man said, “I had this dream, and in my dream a loaf of barley bread came tumbling down into the Midianite camp. It hit a tent, turned it over, and knocked it flat!”

14 His companion answered, “Your dream can mean only one thing—God has given Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite, victory over Midian and all its allies!”

15 When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed in worship before the Lord. Then he returned to the Israelite camp and shouted, “Get up! For the Lord has given you victory over the Midianite hordes!” 16 He divided the 300 men into three groups and gave each man a ram’s horn and a clay jar with a torch in it.

17 Then he said to them, “Keep your eyes on me. When I come to the edge of the camp, do just as I do. 18 As soon as I and those with me blow the rams’ horns, blow your horns, too, all around the entire camp, and shout, ‘For the Lord and for Gideon!’”

19 It was just after midnight, after the changing of the guard, when Gideon and the 100 men with him reached the edge of the Midianite camp. Suddenly, they blew the rams’ horns and broke their clay jars. 20 Then all three groups blew their horns and broke their jars. They held the blazing torches in their left hands and the horns in their right hands, and they all shouted, “A sword for the Lord and for Gideon!”

21 Each man stood at his position around the camp and watched as all the Midianites rushed around in a panic, shouting as they ran to escape. 22 When the 300 Israelites blew their rams’ horns, the Lord caused the warriors in the camp to fight against each other with their swords. Those who were not killed fled to places as far away as Beth-shittah near Zererah and to the border of Abel-meholah near Tabbath.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for intervening in our lives to teach us more about your love, your power, and your will. This lesson about Gideon is a great reminder for us Lord. We cannot take credit for our victory over evil; you are the One who makes us more than conquerors. We are so grateful you are in control, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Whether or not we have reason, we can “feel” fearful about many things in life. Sometimes we fear the known, as well as the unknown. We can spiritually fear death, failure, loss of control, judgment, unworthiness, and the future. Such is the case with our spiritual brother of the faith, Gideon.

In our Old Testament passage today from the Book of Judges, we meet Gideon. God is calling Gideon to lead Israel from oppression into deliverance. Yet, this man of God is fearful. In fact, he is hiding provision—secretly threshing wheat in a winepress—because he fears the Midianites will rob them and leave them in poverty. Where’s Gideon’s trust in God’s promise?

God knows how to get our attention and knows when we are spiritually struggling to live in this fallen world. At the appointed time, the angel of the Lord shows up and reminds Gideon who he is in God’s eyes; who he was created to be. Gideon does not know who he is, because fear has taken dominion of him. As well, Gideon doubts the sovereignty of God, because fear has blinded him. The angel of the Lord addresses Gideon, “Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!” Gideon needs to be reminded about his true identity.

Have you ever been hesitate to do what God says? Or, maybe you needed repeated reassurance that you were heading in the righteous direction with the Lord, but God was silent? If so, Gideon understands…we all understand, because fear will come to stop us from the progress we are making.

Satan is always behind the fear. He wants us to feel isolated and alone; abandoned by God. But, Satan is a liar, and our lesson today reminds us of the Truth.

As you read, please consider the mercy and goodness of God to see each of us in our weakness, but call us into the Truth of our identity empowered by the Lord! Do not be afraid…God is with you!

Judges 6:11-24 NLT
11 Then the angel of the Lord came and sat beneath the great tree at Ophrah, which belonged to Joash of the clan of Abiezer. Gideon son of Joash was threshing wheat at the bottom of a winepress to hide the grain from the Midianites. 12 The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, “Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!”

13 “Sir,” Gideon replied, “if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? And where are all the miracles our ancestors told us about? Didn’t they say, ‘The Lord brought us up out of Egypt’? But now the Lord has abandoned us and handed us over to the Midianites.”

14 Then the Lord turned to him and said, “Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you!”

15 “But Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!”

16 The Lord said to him, “I will be with you. And you will destroy the Midianites as if you were fighting against one man.”

17 Gideon replied, “If you are truly going to help me, show me a sign to prove that it is really the Lord speaking to me. 18 Don’t go away until I come back and bring my offering to you.”

He answered, “I will stay here until you return.”

19 Gideon hurried home. He cooked a young goat, and with a basket of flour he baked some bread without yeast. Then, carrying the meat in a basket and the broth in a pot, he brought them out and presented them to the angel, who was under the great tree.

20 The angel of God said to him, “Place the meat and the unleavened bread on this rock, and pour the broth over it.” And Gideon did as he was told. 21 Then the angel of the Lord touched the meat and bread with the tip of the staff in his hand, and fire flamed up from the rock and consumed all he had brought. And the angel of the Lord disappeared.

22 When Gideon realized that it was the angel of the Lord, he cried out, “Oh, Sovereign Lord, I’m doomed! I have seen the angel of the Lord face to face!”

23 “It is all right,” the Lord replied. “Do not be afraid. You will not die.” 24 And Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and named it Yahweh-Shalom (which means “the Lord is peace”). The altar remains in Ophrah in the land of the clan of Abiezer to this day.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for this wonderful lesson about Gideon. You demonstrated your love and faithfulness to reassure Gideon when he needed a sign confirming your will. Sometimes, Lord, we need a sign, too. Gideon was no coward, but he needed your strength to overcome fear and move forward in his call. You gave him your supernatural peace. Thank you that Jesus has done the same for us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Do you ever just sit and contemplate with wonder the overwhelming greatness of our God? Nothing can adequately describe him. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, and always present; all things are complete in God. That’s mind-blowing! Bigger yet, this God has chosen to love and care for us. So, if we know and believe this is Truth, why are we so unsettled and filled with fear when life brings intimidating challenges with it?

Jesus warned his early disciples [and us] there would be trials and tribulations for all of his children, because there is a battle raging in the heavenlies for human allegiance. Good and evil are real enemies; salvation is only for humans. That means we will need to persevere by grace through faith, walk in love, and stay the course with Jesus. He knows how to navigate us through the challenges and into the promises.

In our LIFE Lesson [Inner Struggle for Holiness] from Wednesday evening, we looked into this passage from David. We talked about how David, in his song, is having an inner struggle with fear and intimidation, because evil is tormenting him. David decides to speak Truth and faith over his life. He knows God is faithful and trustworthy. He knows strength comes from God. He knows good will overpower evil. He also knows it means waiting patiently for God to act. Waiting patiently is not passivity; it’s faithfully pressing on to live for Christ while we wait for God’s appointed time. Patience and faith come together to fulfill God’s promises—faith alone is not what God is looking for…he wants to see Christ in us in the midst of the wait. Show others Jesus!

Psalm 271-6, 14 A psalm of David.
1 
The Lord is my light and my salvation—
    so why should I be afraid?
The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger,
    so why should I tremble?
2 
When evil people come to devour me,
    when my enemies and foes attack me,
    they will stumble and fall.
3 
Though a mighty army surrounds me,
    my heart will not be afraid.
Even if I am attacked,
    I will remain confident.
4 
The one thing I ask of the Lord—
    the thing I seek most—
is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
    delighting in the Lord’s perfections
    and meditating in his Temple.
5 
For he will conceal me there when troubles come;
    he will hide me in his sanctuary.
    He will place me out of reach on a high rock.
6 
Then I will hold my head high
    above my enemies who surround me.
At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy,
    singing and praising the Lord with music.

14 Wait patiently for the Lord.
    Be brave and courageous.
    Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, we want to live by faith and develop a heart of patience. Teach us to trust your perfect timing for all things. Help us wait patiently for you, so we do not become irritable or frustrated. We bow to you knowing evil cannot have the upper hand. Like David, bring to our remembrance your faithfulness and the victories of other biblical heroes who had to endure and persevere. Give us grace and help us love like you and reach for self-control to live in your righteousness. Amen.

New systems and new ways to connect. Sometimes we have to get used to the new. Yesterday, my phone experienced a new update and I am still trying to learn how to access certain areas, apps and ways to navigate the new format. Everything looks new and none of the old buttons are available. I like new when it comes to items and fun experiences; not so much this new phone update. I have a lot to learn. Do you like learning new ways of doing things?

In our passage today, Jesus is questioned about why his disciples are not honoring the old ritual of fasting as a sign of repentance to prepare for Messiah’s coming; why are they not honoring the establish system to connect with God? Jesus quickly answers the question by telling them fasting was not necessary in the moment, because the Messiah was with them bringing a new covenant. This new covenant will require a new way of living; embracing new practices. Then, Jesus goes on to explain the covenant by using two parables that reveal the need for expansion—identity, discipleship, and growth.

The old religious system was no longer the proper practice; the gospel would never be contained in the old fabric or wineskins of religious traditions. Jesus came to offer forgiveness of sin and reconciliation with God by grace, through faith, to provide eternal peace. The gospel was providing a new way for humanity to connect with God and enjoy life in his care—“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Cor. 2:9). All that wonderful love and power…would burst the seams of anything that tried to restrict it!

For this reasons, our love walk must grow so we can receive all the new gifts and experiences Jesus wants to bring into our lives. Your heart contains the living Lord. He wants to do amazing and extraordinary things without restrictions in all of our lives. As we allow the Spirit to grow us in Christ’s character, we can handle the powerful expansion of the new. If we stay in the comfortable shallow realm of human ability to restore ourselves, we will never grow and taste the best wine! So connect to Christ!

Matthew 9:14-17 NLT A Discussion about Fasting
14 One day the disciples of John the Baptist came to Jesus and asked him, “Why don’t your disciples fast like we do and the Pharisees do?”

15 Jesus replied, “Do wedding guests mourn while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.

16 “Besides, who would patch old clothing with new cloth? For the new patch would shrink and rip away from the old cloth, leaving an even bigger tear than before.

17 “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the old skins would burst from the pressure, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. New wine is stored in new wineskins so that both are preserved.”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for this wonderful and exciting message about the power of the gospel to expand our love walk and the rewards of tasting all that is good in Christ! We welcome your work, Holy Spirit. Help us to stay the course and drink in the best of your goodness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Our love for God is expressed through worship [our humble submission to his will for our lives], as well as mission [our deliberate choice to love others the way Christ loves us]. Yet, worship is not WHAT we do, it is WHO we are before God; we are submitted believers learning to be ambassadors on God’s rescue mission. We share with others the sacrifice of Christ for sin—which is something every human being wrestles. Humanity can know the cleansing power of Christ’s salvation and the power to testify to the story.

Many believers humbly gather together as a community or spiritual family weekly to worship [Heb. Shachah (שָׁחָה)] or sink into God’s presence, express respect, and to honor God for the sacrifice he made to save humanity. Gratitude and praise is on our lips and released through our songs. However, in our worship, we must also position ourselves before the Word to learn HOW to grow as grateful disciples, so we can live up to our heavenly calling. Jesus is the Perfect One and, although our spirits have been made perfect by his sacrifice and presence, our souls have a long way to go! It is a lifelong pursuit toward perfection [maturity] (Mat 5:48).

I believe these times in “family” worship are very valuable to our goal for learning and growing in the image of Christ, because for the rest of the week we will need the wisdom we gain. God prepares us for the days ahead. He knows what Word we will need and the power it will take to live it out. Therefore, worship is really a lifestyle [style of life] we embrace, because Christ is making us obedient and holy. We practice the values, behaviors, and choices revealed by our Lord—we are putting on the character of Christ each day wherever we go. In this way, we begin to see life from God’s selfless perspective.
In our passage today, the writer reminds us the law of Moses was a shadow of things to come—because the law could never cleanse and forgive humanity. Only the new covenant with Christ can cleanse and make us whole [perfectly cleansed, forgiven and ready to mature]. While we are growing, we are accepted, forgiven, and cleansed by God, as well as invited into his holy presence. Thank you, Lord!

Hebrews 10:1-4 NLT Christ’s Sacrifice Once for All
1 The old system under the law of Moses was only a shadow, a dim preview of the good things to come, not the good things themselves. The sacrifices under that system were repeated again and again, year after year, but they were never able to provide perfect cleansing for those who came to worship. 2 If they could have provided perfect cleansing, the sacrifices would have stopped, for the worshipers would have been purified once for all time, and their feelings of guilt would have disappeared.

3 But instead, those sacrifices actually reminded them of their sins year after year. 4 For it is not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being the sacrifice we need to be cleansed and forgiven. Now, we can come boldly to your throne of grace, ask for mercy, and set before you our every need. You are there waiting to be with us. We are truly blessed by you, Lord. Thank you for setting us free from sin and death. We praise your holy name. Amen.

Evangelism can be difficult for people. Some folks see salvation as personal and; therefore, keep to themselves. Others may be bold, brassy, and a bit offensive; therefore, their manner of communication may push people away. Lastly, sometimes people are such concrete thinkers they make everything about God intellectual and void of the Spirit. None of these practices are the best for the gospel.

In our lesson today, we meet Philip. This is how we could describe the evangelist, Philip: a real Christ follower on fire for the Lord! Philip was sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit; he was bold, confident, and concise with how he shared the loving gospel of Christ.

Philip made himself available to God and the work of evangelism. Because God alone knows when a person is at his or her darkest moment or greatest need, we must listen and wait for God’s opportunity or appointed time to share Christ. Philip did not delay; when he felt the leading of the Spirit, Philip ran right up to start a conversation with a question. Yet, he waited for an invitation to explain things further—to share the story of Jesus.

You and I can do the same. Jesus wants to bring people into his family by testimony and acts of love. It is a great privilege to introduce a lost person to the Savior who sacrificially loves them. Ask God for your opportunity and get ready to be an evangelist!

Acts 8:26-40 NLT Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
26 As for Philip, an angel of the Lord said to him, “Go south down the desert road that runs from Jerusalem to Gaza.” 27 So he started out, and he met the treasurer of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under the Kandake, the queen of Ethiopia. The eunuch had gone to Jerusalem to worship, 28 and he was now returning. Seated in his carriage, he was reading aloud from the book of the prophet Isaiah.

29 The Holy Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and walk along beside the carriage.”
30 Philip ran over and heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. Philip asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?”

31 The man replied, “How can I, unless someone instructs me?” And he urged Philip to come up into the carriage and sit with him.

32 The passage of Scripture he had been reading was this:
“He was led like a sheep to the slaughter.
    And as a lamb is silent before the shearers,
    he did not open his mouth.
33 
He was humiliated and received no justice.
    Who can speak of his descendants?
    For his life was taken from the earth.”

34 The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, was the prophet talking about himself or someone else?” 35 So beginning with this same Scripture, Philip told him the Good News about Jesus.

36 As they rode along, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Look! There’s some water! Why can’t I be baptized?” 38 He ordered the carriage to stop, and they went down into the water, and Philip baptized him.
39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away. The eunuch never saw him again but went on his way rejoicing. 40 Meanwhile, Philip found himself farther north at the town of Azotus. He preached the Good News there and in every town along the way until he came to Caesarea.

Prayer: Lord, we thank you for this lesson from the Acts of the Apostles and how Philip quickly ran to your appointed time to bring salvation to the eunuch official. Like Philip, give us your wisdom and help us form wise questions so we are ready to share Christ’s story. Help us devise a plan to share salvation with others through our testimony, as well as our acts of service. We will be listening to the Spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.