Pastor Mary Haley

During this Advent season, we have explored in greater detail some beautiful Gifts that have been deposited within us because of the incarnation, death, and resurrection of the Christ. We have Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love when we connect to Christ. According to Scripture, the greatest Gift given to humanity is God’s LOVE.

Salvation is a Gift that comes by the grace of God, but we must believe in Christ’s abundant and perfect Love to rescue us (Eph 2:8). God is Love and his Love is central to the work of salvation—the Good News or Gospel. Believers are those who have received Love’s rescue of eternal life. Christ delivered us from sin and death and now we live by faith in that pure Love to help us become like Jesus.

Becoming can be tough. The challenges before us are always an attack on faith and our choice to Love God through “the difficulties,” as well as Love those who are “the difficult.” But, fear not, because God makes his Love possible. Our part is to make the choice. It is God’s Love that energizes our faith and gives us direction and patient endurance for living in the likeness of Jesus.

In the New Testament, God’s Love in Greek is agapao: unconditional and preferential Love that is activated by a choice of the will. It is not based on natural emotion or given to the deserving. We are to be filled with agape for everyone; it is the mark of the Spirit on the physical temple of genuine believers. Agape is Love that seeks the good and well-being of others; a Love we have chosen to receive and share. Jesus is our example of agape and everyone born of God allows his Love to fill and flow by FAITH.

We are rapidly heading toward the celebration of Christmas and Hanukah. Christ is the Light of God’s Love who shines the Truth of God in the darkness of the world and reveals the way to his heart and presence. Let God’s agape for you fill and overwhelm you with his goodness and grace. Receive the Spirit of Christ as you think about Christmas and choose to walk in God’s Love each day. You will be making a journey of Hope, Peace, and Joy in the Love of God for YOU!

1 John 3:16-18 NLT 16 We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?
18 Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the Gift of Love to fill our hearts. We confess our barrenness and brokenness to reveal agape apart from you. Our hearts are open to the ways you desire to rescue us and we rejoice in the fulness of your Loving Presence. May you be glorified in our understanding and in our obedience. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Worship that leads us into missional service is the goal for believers. Worship is really coming into oneness in Christ through adoration and devotion; yet, worship alone is only part of our purpose while on earth. If believers are reborn and renewed by the Spirit in the image of Christ, we are going to need to understand the essential connection between the two. Mission is the believer’s action of helping others see and experience the love, compassion, and rescue of Jesus for the world. Christians [Christ-followers] are known by their holy love for God and neighbor [everyone else].

In our passage today, Dr. Luke wants us to understand our worship must come from a pure heart filled with love for God and others. Christ offered himself to God as a sacrifice for the world. In Christ, God has rescued us from an empty self-serving life. We are now invited to love God wholeheartedly and love our neighbors as we love ourselves; this demonstrates our desire to embrace holy works that brings salvation to the world and glory to our Lord. In this way we are being made holy and set apart for God’s purposes.

In his epistles, the Apostle Paul teaches those who are becoming holy have become “living sacrifices” (Ro 12:1). So, remember today you are called to be a “living sacrifice” for Jesus the Living Lord! Your will in exchange for God’s will; love calls for a sacrifice. Grace and blessings for your journey in Christ’s love, today!

Luke 10:10-18 NLT
10 For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time.
11 Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. 12 But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 13 There he waits until his enemies are humbled and made a footstool under his feet. 14 For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy.

15 And the Holy Spirit also testifies that this is so. For he says,
16 
“This is the new covenant I will make
    with my people on that day, says the Lord:
I will put my laws in their hearts,
    and I will write them on their minds.”

17 Then he says,
“I will never again remember
    their sins and lawless deeds.”

18 And when sins have been forgiven, there is no need to offer any more sacrifices.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the new covenant that no longer requires animal sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin. You became the only blood sacrifice needed; now we simply sacrifice our wills, so we can live for you and your purpose to save the world. We offer ourselves to you and the work of grace. Please continue to make us a holy people motivated by pure love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The world is confused and sometimes I am startled by the folks who buy into the deception. God’s children are called to live in Christ’s wisdom; and we know true wisdom when we hear it. That means believers also know foolishness when it travels past our discerning ears.

In our passage today, Jesus is speaking to the crowds. The Pharisees are also listening. He wants to hear them answer his questions about John the Baptist. Will the Lord hear wisdom or foolishness? One thing the crowd could all agree upon was the righteous ways of God. 

Wisdom’s children are recognized when they seek to live in godliness and obedience to the instruction of God’s love commands. The Pharisees sought to separate themselves from sinners as a way to be righteous in the love of God. However, Jesus—who has been made wisdom for us—proclaims righteousness is revealed through loving acts of mercy and compassion. We cannot separate ourselves from the sin that permeates the world, but Jesus can separate us from the sin that tries to hide in our hearts. Praise God!

Luke 7:31-35 NLT 

31 “To what can I compare the people of this generation?” Jesus asked. “How can I describe them? 32 They are like children playing a game in the public square. They complain to their friends,

‘We played wedding songs,

    and you didn’t dance,

 so we played funeral songs,

    and you didn’t weep.’

33 For John the Baptist didn’t spend his time eating bread or drinking wine, and you say, ‘He’s possessed by a demon.’ 34 The Son of Man,[a] on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, ‘He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!’ 35 But wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being our Wisdom and helping us to recognize foolish living. We can grow in your character and nature, so we live in your Wisdom. Help us to live with mercy and be filled with compassion, because without you we would be living like the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Jesus calls us to be peacemakers; blessed is our future when we work for peace (Mat 5:9).  We need to study that word “peace” and the work of peacemaking in more detail, because people tend to have the wrong idea about it.  Sin disconnected us from God in whose image we were originally created.  Peace (wholeness) is what we experience when we enter back into a relationship with God; he begins to restore our broken images by his wholeness.  We work for peace as we help others find that same wholeness in God’s unfailing love.  

When we place our hope in becoming biblical peacemakers as God designed, we are purposefully revealing divine love so others can see how much God cares for the restoration of all his creation.  God’s love seeks to lead every human being to a place of wholeness in his presence.  This restoration in God’s love not only would affect people on a personal level, it would influence change in families, neighborhoods, communities, countries…the world.  This restoration is the work of King Jesus to build his Kingdom on earth.  

In our passage today from Isaiah, we must acknowledge Jesus is the God who deeply cares for people.  We can make gods [idols] of many things and try to worship them, but those gods will never be there for us or seek to draw us into a place of wholeness [hope, peace, joy, and love).  The false gods human beings make are dominating, demanding, demeaning, and very dangerous to those made in the image of the One True God; Satan is the author of each and every false god.  

Those beautiful gifts can only be found in the Savior who loves his creation.  God pursues people in order to love them into wholeness.  Therefore, the followers and believers of Creator God serve him by building others in his love and working to bring the wholeness of the Kingdom of heaven to earth.   

Isaiah 11:1-9 NLT  A Branch from David’s Line

1 

Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot—
    yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root.

2 

And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—
    the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and might,
    the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.

3 

He will delight in obeying the Lord.
    He will not judge by appearance
    nor make a decision based on hearsay.

4 

He will give justice to the poor
    and make fair decisions for the exploited.
The earth will shake at the force of his word,
    and one breath from his mouth will destroy the wicked.

5 

He will wear righteousness like a belt
    and truth like an undergarment.

6 

In that day the wolf and the lamb will live together;
    the leopard will lie down with the baby goat.
The calf and the yearling will be safe with the lion,
    and a little child will lead them all.

7 

The cow will graze near the bear.
    The cub and the calf will lie down together.
    The lion will eat hay like a cow.

8 

The baby will play safely near the hole of a cobra.
    Yes, a little child will put its hand in a nest of deadly snakes without harm.

9 

Nothing will hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain,
    for as the waters fill the sea,
    so the earth will be filled with people who know the Lord.

Prayer:  Lord, when human beings are being made whole in your perfect love, there is a greater measure of peace in the world. We are less selfish and more compassionate; we are more like you, Lord.  So, continue to draw us deeper into your shalom and help us to work for the peace of your Kingdom on earth.  One day your shalom—government of peace—will rule the world.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen. 

God is so good to give us “a second chance” with our acts of faith.  I often remind people, God just gives believers more tests, because complete failure is not an option.  He is our Champion and he just keeps spurring us on to victory. He wants glory for us.  God is with you; failure is not your image!  Do we fail at using our faith to live in righteousness?  Yes, sometimes we do, but we do not quit.  We press on to the high call of our Savior.

In our passage, today, Zechariah gets a second chance to be a champion of the faith. At first, Zechariah does not believe the angel Gabriel’s message about Elizabeth giving birth to a son, so he is struck mute.  When the baby is born, Zechariah has the opportunity to speak faith.  He makes a decision to be obedient and faithful; not to make the same mistake.  When Zechariah is asked to share the name of the child, he breaks tradition—instead of naming the child after himself—he writes on a tablet, “His name is John!”  Immediately, Zechariah can speak once again.  Joy erupts in the house, because God is pleased with his heart!

Our obedience is the foundation of our joy; because joy is the fruit of the Spirit and the work of faith.  When we produce spiritual fruit, God is pleased and we sense him rejoicing and singing over us.  Our hearts overflow when God is pleased with us!

Luke 1:57-66 NLT  The Birth of John the Baptist

57 When it was time for Elizabeth’s baby to be born, she gave birth to a son. 58 And when her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had been very merciful to her, everyone rejoiced with her.

59 When the baby was eight days old, they all came for the circumcision ceremony. They wanted to name him Zechariah, after his father. 60 But Elizabeth said, “No! His name is John!”

61 “What?” they exclaimed. “There is no one in all your family by that name.” 62 So they used gestures to ask the baby’s father what he wanted to name him. 63 He motioned for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s surprise he wrote, “His name is John.” 64 Instantly Zechariah could speak again, and he began praising God.

65 Awe fell upon the whole neighborhood, and the news of what had happened spread throughout the Judean hills. 66 Everyone who heard about it reflected on these events and asked, “What will this child turn out to be?” For the hand of the Lord was surely upon him in a special way.

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for this lesson from the life of Zechariah.  Thank you for your mercy when we don’t rise to obey you; and thank you for helping us move beyond those momentary failures into victory.  Our faith is in you alone and we call for the work of the Helper to keep us obediently producing the fruit of joy.  We know the joy of the Lord is our strength!  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

As human beings, we like proof—evidence that something is true, but did you know the biblical definition of proof is trial, test, or to find by experience.  God’s promise to save us includes reconciliation, participation, cleansing, protection, peace, trust, and restoration and he proves himself honorable and trustworthy even when we are slow to trust him. He is always working salvation in us.  People are not always reliable or trustworthy, but when we place our trust in the Lord, we always come back with proof of his faithfulness to save. The Lord has a perfect reputation.

In our passage from Isaiah, today, we witness the prophet’s personal song filled with praise for the goodness of God to promise salvation. Now, Isaiah has already prophesied a child would be born, a Son would be given (9:6). Praise God, the gospels bring the proof of that prophecy being fulfilled (e.g. Luke 2).  

There are still other prophecies Isaiah gave that are waiting to be fulfilled: a change in the economy, change in physical existence, change in judicial life, and a change in the spiritual world.  According to Isaiah, all people will be evangelized; every tongue will sing praises to God. We have yet to see that one fulfilled.

When songs of praise fill our souls, joy always spills out because salvation is the Lord’s work; the joy of the Lord is our strength!  Join with my heart, today, and celebrate the Lord’s goodness and greatness.  My life and your life is the proof.

Isaiah 12:2-6 NLT

2

See, God has come to save me.
    I will trust in him and not be afraid.
The Lord God is my strength and my song;
    he has given me victory.”

3 

With joy you will drink deeply
    from the fountain of salvation!

4 

In that wonderful day you will sing:
    “Thank the Lord! Praise his name!
Tell the nations what he has done.
    Let them know how mighty he is!

5 

Sing to the Lord, for he has done wonderful things.
    Make known his praise around the world.

6 

Let all the people of Jerusalem [Zion] shout his praise with joy!
    For great is the Holy One of Israel who lives among you.”

Prayer:  Lord, today we want to drink deeply from your fountain of salvation.  We praise you for your trustworthiness and we want to make that clear to the people around us.  Holy Spirit, help us tell about the goodness of the Lord and that every promise is sure. In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Disappointment can certainly cause us to look at things improperly.  Our default response can become gloomy and our expectation and hope for things to change can be diminished by adversity that robs our gift of peace.  Yet, in the midst of great disappointment, we find Jesus ready to bring the miraculous to pass.  Our Lord is not troubled by a lack of faith and he can clearly see what needs to be accomplished in the “whole” picture.

In our passage today, John the baptist is disappointed with the way things have been going.  He has been imprisoned and things look drear.  John has been looking for the Messiah to usher in the Kingdom of God and it still looks like the Romans and corrupt Jews are in charge.  Nothing has changed; an abuse of power is still going on and injustice and oppression are on the rise.  

The prophet sends two of his disciples to bring him an update on Jesus, because he cannot go.  Obviously, John is blinded by disappointment and it is ironic, because Jesus has been going from place to place opening the eyes of the blind and the ears of the deaf, as well as many other miracles.

Disappointment can stop us, too, when we yield to thinking God must work in the way that makes sense to us.  When we stare at the status quo and nothing seems to change, our minds take on a life of their own. Sometimes the truth and reality of God’s best work can be in front of our eyes and we miss it.  In those times, we need the tender witness of those who can see what we cannot.  

Luke 7:18-30 NLT Jesus and John the Baptist

18 The disciples of John the Baptist told John about everything Jesus was doing. So John called for two of his disciples, 19 and he sent them to the Lord to ask him, “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?”

20 John’s two disciples found Jesus and said to him, “John the Baptist sent us to ask, ‘Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?’”

21 At that very time, Jesus cured many people of their diseases, illnesses, and evil spirits, and he restored sight to many who were blind. 22 Then he told John’s disciples, “Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard—the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.” 23 And he added, “God blesses those who do not fall away because of me.”

24 After John’s disciples left, Jesus began talking about him to the crowds. “What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see? Was he a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind? 25 Or were you expecting to see a man dressed in expensive clothes? No, people who wear beautiful clothes and live in luxury are found in palaces. 26 Were you looking for a prophet? Yes, and he is more than a prophet. 27 John is the man to whom the Scriptures refer when they say,

‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
    and he will prepare your way before you.’

28 I tell you, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of God is greater than he is!”

29 When they heard this, all the people—even the tax collectors—agreed that God’s way was right, for they had been baptized by John. 30 But the Pharisees and experts in religious law rejected God’s plan for them, for they had refused John’s baptism.

Prayer:  Lord, thank you sending witnesses to encourage us when we cannot see the evidence of change ourselves.  In those times, you may be changing our hearts before you bring the change we desire to see around us.  Help us to hang onto our expectations of your goodness and remain in peace.  As well, give us a keen awareness of when others may need us to come with a message of hope with the good things we see you doing.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Throughout my lifetime, God has mercifully and graciously brought me out of negative situations and self-centered emotions by translating me [moving my perspective from the natural to the spiritual realm] into faith-building situations and into the joy of my salvation.  Basically, God lifts me up so I can see.  I imagine the Lord has done the same for you, because he is no respecter of persons.  

As we move forward in peace toward this third Sunday of Advent, it only makes sense we should focus on how God stabilizes us and moves us from fear to faith, darkness to hope, brokenness to peace, and sorrow to joy. The Spirit reminds me the world is cursed and we were never promised a trouble-free life. The believer’s journey with God is about him meeting us in the present and helping us to yield to where he wants to take us in the future.  

In our passage today, the psalmist portrays this same movement with God and Israel. God is faithful to his people and the world notices.  Yet, Israel is no longer in the past [exile], they are still struggling to stay in peace in the present [journey], but they have a vision of restoration which fills them with joy for the future.  

The Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and the First Temple.  When the people returned to Israel, their homes were destroyed.  I’m sure they had to leave some of their family and friends in Babylon because not everyone wanted to (or could) make the journey.  Yet, God had Shalom for them in the present and they expected the Lord would fill them with joy for the future. They had a vision of God’s faithfulness.  So, they prayed and ask God to spill his goodness over them like he had in the past. 

This is a good lesson for us all…

Psalm 126 A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.

1 

When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem,
    it was like a dream!

2 

We were filled with laughter,
    and we sang for joy.
And the other nations said,
    “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”

3 

Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us!
    What joy!

4 

Restore our fortunes, Lord,
    as streams renew the desert.

5 

Those who plant in tears
    will harvest with shouts of joy.

6 

They weep as they go to plant their seed,
    but they sing as they return with the harvest.

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for your promise to restore us.  Even when we face very difficult times, we know you will remain faithful.  Thank you for understanding our temporary tears and moments of despair.  Continue to make us stronger and helping us to endure the present while we look forward with joy to the future.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

I always enjoy the seasonal musicals our amazing Music Director, Pete, chooses or puts together for us. Over the years, I have been inspired by each one, as well as having the privilege of being a part of all of them. Years ago, Pete led us in a Christmas Musical, “All Bow Down,” and the lead song that touched my heart was, “Because of Your Tender Mercy.” As I was reading today’s passage, the lyrics of the song came rising up in my spirit and I wanted to share them with you. These lyrics reveal the way to peace [wholeness] is through the mercy of God.

“Because of Your tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to shine…is about to shine.

Because of Your tender mercy, though we have walked in darkness You will end our night…You will end our night.

Because of Your tender mercy, to every generation You have shown Your love…You have shown Your love.

Because of Your tender mercy, You are forever faithful reaching down to us…reaching down to us!

Let the heavens rejoice. Let the angels sing. Let earth receive the King of kings. So holy, so worthy…You come to us!”

In our passage today from Malachi, the prophet serves as a mouthpiece for God in response to Israel’s claim that God treats those who do evil better than he does those who seek to live in righteousness. Malachi reminds the people the Lord responds to righteous actions, but not always with material blessings. The people are encouraged, by the Lord, to remain honest and faithful in their worship, because God’s justice will prevail. Fear of the Lord is living in his wisdom; worshipers know this is the Truth. Spiritual blessings come as we grow in wisdom by our obedience; blessings are generously given to the righteous by our Savior all the time.

God’s word reminds us the unrepentant evil-doers will taste the fate of their sin when they are separated from the righteous by his judgment. Keep doing what is right before the Lord, because there is no better foundation on which to be standing. The obedient are spared judgment…praise His holy name!

Malachi 3:13-18 NLT
13 “You have said terrible things about me,” says the Lord.
“But you say, ‘What do you mean? What have we said against you?’
14 “You have said, ‘What’s the use of serving God? What have we gained by obeying his commands or by trying to show the Lord of Heaven’s Armies that we are sorry for our sins? 15 From now on we will call the arrogant blessed. For those who do evil get rich, and those who dare God to punish them suffer no harm.’”

The Lord’s Promise of Mercy
16 Then those who feared the Lord spoke with each other, and the Lord listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and always thought about the honor of his name.

17 “They will be my people,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “On the day when I act in judgment, they will be my own special treasure. I will spare them as a father spares an obedient child. 18 Then you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.”

Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your tender mercy, generous blessings, and the peace and wholeness that comes from obeying You. Holy Spirit, please move through us and help us stay honest and faithful when we gather to worship You. You are our King and we bow before You because You are the Righteous One we desire to serve. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

God continually inspires within my soul a larger perspective of the things around me. There’s a lot going on in the spiritual realm that influences the natural realm; sometimes we forget that reality. I am to expect God’s provisional hand guiding and orchestrating the things I need and pray to receive. To expect with hope is obedience and a proper response to God’s word brings peace. Remember, fear of the Lord [respect/awe] is the beginning of wisdom (Pro 9:10). It is not wise to doubt God’s ability to fulfill his word or promises. Our faith must rise and our biblical character this evening knows the consequences of doubt.

Just prior to our passage today, Zechariah has an encounter with the angel, Gabriel, and is told he and Elizabeth will have a son who will precede the Messiah [Christ] and prepare the way for salvation through repentance. Zechariah, struggles to receive this promise and is struck mute—by the angel—as a result of his lack of faith. When his son, John the Baptist is born, Zechariah miraculously receives his voice back and the first thing he does is lift praises to God.

Luke reminds his readers about the praises of Zechariah and the fact the Messiah is coming to bring spiritual peace and prosperity through deliverance from sin. Messiah will be the One to deliver Israel from her enemies—but he is not talking about the Romans. Instead, Jesus will deliver people from sin, Satan, and death, and to usher in peace as he rules and reigns from the throne of David [through David’s royal line]. All of this will happen according to God’s plan of making us right with himself. Salvation is about forming a relationship with the Christ, because God’s plan was always about sending the God-Man [Jesus] into the world as Redeemer—A Light shining in the darkness.

Luke 1:68-79 NLT
68
“Praise [Lt. benedictus] the Lord, the God of Israel,
    because he has visited and redeemed his people.
69 
He has sent us a mighty Savior
    from the royal line of his servant David,
70 
just as he promised
    through his holy prophets long ago.
71 
Now we will be saved from our enemies
    and from all who hate us.
72 
He has been merciful to our ancestors
    by remembering his sacred covenant—
73 
the covenant he swore with an oath
    to our ancestor Abraham.
74 
We have been rescued from our enemies
    so we can serve God without fear,
75 
in holiness and righteousness
    for as long as we live.
76 
“And you, my little son,
    will be called the prophet of the Most High,
    because you will prepare the way for the Lord.
77 
You will tell his people how to find salvation
    through forgiveness of their sins.
78 
Because of God’s tender mercy,
    the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us,
79 
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
    and to guide us to the path of peace.”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for sending John the Baptist into the world to help us understand the need for repentance and the forgiveness of sin. We have all sinned and deserve death and separation from your glorious presence, but a repentant heart is precious to you and your response is to extend us mercy. For this reason, Zechariah praises you with his first words after months of silence. Thank you for Jesus our Messiah who helps us win the victory over sin and the works of Satan, so we may live in your enteral life, peace, and care. Thank you for the Spirit who is our Helper who leads us into an ever-increasing perspective of the eternal Truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.