Pastor Mary Haley

Acts 7:44-51 Contemporary English Version (CEV)

The Truth is always going to be released in some way or another; the Lord who is Truth cannot be silenced. The Word of Truth will always demand a response. We can either take the Truth in or resist it. If we are full of ourselves and sow into a selfish perspective—narcissistic by sin—then we will hate the Truth if it disagrees with our inclinations or agendas. Human flesh fights to dominate the Spirit; always a power struggle. In our passage today, we will see the division the Truth can create when human flesh and the Spirit clash.

Originally, Stephen was chosen by the apostles to feed the needy. Yet, this prophet did so much more than that because he was full of the Spirit. Steven performed many miracles and signs of God among the people. By doing so, he made the narcissistic religious leaders extremely angry. Stephen had power they did not possess. The Counsel falsely accused Stephen of blaspheming against the will of Creator God and the Law of Moses—the Torah. Stephen presented his case, against these accusations, by recounting the Truth of God’s provision for the salvation of Israel through Abraham, Moses, Joshua, and all the way up to and including Jesus. Stephen explained that the Tabernacle was a temporary vessel to house the Spirit until Jesus was sent to make a way for the indwelling of the Spirit in human hearts. Obedient lives would be the outward sign of true inward worship of God; power and blessing would be released through these lives willing to live guided by the Hand of God. Yet, these religious leaders could not bear to hear the Truth; they preferred Temple worship and animal sacrifice over the sacrifice of their flesh. So, they stoned Stephen to silence him in order to preserve their power.

Acts 7:44-51

44 The tent where our ancestors worshiped God was with them in the desert. This was the same tent that God had commanded Moses to make. And it was made like the model that Moses had seen. 45 Later it was given to our ancestors, and they took it with them when they went with Joshua. They carried the tent along as they took over the land from those people that God had chased out for them. Our ancestors used this tent until the time of King David. 46 He pleased God and asked him if he could build a house of worship for the people of Israel. 47 And it was finally King Solomon who built a house for God.

48 But the Most High God doesn’t live in houses made by humans. It is just as the prophet said, when he spoke for the Lord,

49

“Heaven is my throne,

and the earth

is my footstool.

What kind of house

will you build for me?

In what place will I rest?

50

I have made everything.”

51 You stubborn and hardheaded people! You are always fighting against the Holy Spirit, just as your ancestors did.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for this lesson today from the life of Stephen. I, too, must speak the Truth and be willing to accept the possibility that flesh-driven people may hate me for it. Nonetheless, salvation is about exalting Truth. So lead on Holy Spirit in my life and in the lives of all your children. Help us to use our faith when fear rises within us. May we take our places as sons and daughters to obey your Word and passionately speak your heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 32 Contemporary English Version (CEV)

God desires to bless you; to bless all of his children with his love. Blessings are God’s reward for living in honesty and integrity before him. When we live honestly, we recognize the truth about our hearts and actions. We do not resist God’s hand of guidance. We know when we have sinned against the Word and we do not try to hide our sin from the Lord. He loves us and wants to help us, but we must confess and turn from our sin in order to taste the joy of forgiveness. Truly, as we follow Christ, blessings abound!

Psalm 32 The Joy of Forgiveness

1

Our God, you bless everyone

whose sins you forgive

and wipe away.

2

You bless them by saying,

“You told me your sins,

without trying to hide them,

and now I forgive you.”

3

Before I confessed my sins,

my bones felt limp,

and I groaned all day long.

4

Night and day your hand

weighed heavily on me,

and my strength was gone

as in the summer heat.

5

So I confessed my sins

and told them all to you.

I said, “I’ll tell the Lord

each one of my sins.”

Then you forgave me

and took away my guilt.

6

We worship you, Lord,

and we should always pray

whenever we find out

that we have sinned.

Then we won’t be swept away

by a raging flood.

7

You are my hiding place!

You protect me from trouble,

and you put songs in my heart

because you have saved me.

8

You said to me,

“I will point out the road

that you should follow.

I will be your teacher

and watch over you.

9

Don’t be stupid

like horses and mules

that must be led with ropes

to make them obey.”

10

All kinds of troubles

will strike the wicked,

but your kindness shields those

who trust you, Lord.

11

And so your good people

should celebrate and shout.

Prayer: Father, I understand the heart of David in our reading today. When I am honest with you about my thought life and actions, you are right there to encourage me to rise in your power toward a greater level of maturity. All I have to do, is be honest and repent. I praise you for your goodness and mercy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Hebrews 10:26-31 Living Bible (TLB)

Rejection is a painful experience. Anyone who has experienced rejection knows it leaves scars and memories that are difficult to work through. If you have felt the sting of rejection, there is Someone who knows exactly how you felt inside. No one has experienced rejection more than Jesus. Seriously, I want you to think about Jesus—the Son of God—for a minute. Jesus experienced rejection from his biological family, friends, religious leaders, as well as his spiritual family. Scripture teaches Jesus was rejected by an entire generation (Luke 17:25). And, here is the cherry on the top of that rejection sundae, every time people reject the Word of God as Truth even today, they are rejecting Jesus the very One who can save them (Acts 4:12).

In our passage today, the writer of Hebrews shares about this rejection of Christ and the judgment people will face because of it. “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Heb 10:31).

Hebrews 10:26-31

26 If anyone sins deliberately by rejecting the Savior after knowing the truth of forgiveness, this sin is not covered by Christ’s death; there is no way to get rid of it. 27 There will be nothing to look forward to but the terrible punishment of God’s awful anger, which will consume all his enemies. 28 A man who refused to obey the laws given by Moses was killed without mercy if there were two or three witnesses to his sin. 29 Think how much more terrible the punishment will be for those who have trampled underfoot the Son of God and treated his cleansing blood as though it were common and unhallowed, and insulted and outraged the Holy Spirit who brings God’s mercy to his people.

30 For we know him who said, “Justice belongs to me; I will repay them”; who also said, “The Lord himself will handle these cases.” 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for blessing me with your grace and forgiveness through the blood of Jesus. Help me to honor the work of the Spirit who extends mercy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Luke 12:41-48 The Voice (VOICE)

On Sunday, the Word of God encouraged us to be spiritually dressed and ready for service. We are to keep our lamps burning (lives thriving in the Spirit) as we watch and wait for our Master to return. In other words, we are to live with an urgency about remaining in the anointing of God; remaining a soul on fire in the Hand of God. We are properly dressed when we seek to apply and live the Truth we have heard in the Word; the anointing is about the presence of God or a place of spiritual prosperity as God reveals His strength and power through us. Think about the anointing of Christ for a minute; Christ, the Anointed One, went about doing good being led by the Spirit for the mission of God. He brought healing and deliverance to those who knew they were poor in spirit apart from Him. The humble, seeking, and hungry servant always wins with God. Do those words describe you?

In our passage today, Peter wants to know if this spiritual fervor and urgency Jesus has been teaching about is for everyone or just for His leaders. Jesus tells a parable that reveals the answer to Peter’s question is actually ‘both.’ Christ’s leaders are responsible to pursue the anointing every day; to teach the Word of God by his or her lifestyle. As well, all Christ’s servants are responsible to do the same. If we know this is how the Kingdom works and simply don’t put the things we know into practice, we will find ourselves judged. However, if we live diligent in the anointing and live for the presence of God to be revealed, reward is awaiting us when Christ returns. So, live as a soul on fire!

Luke 12:41-48

Peter: 41 Lord, I’m not sure if this parable is intended only for us disciples or if this is for everyone else too.

Jesus: 42 Imagine the stories of two household managers, and decide for yourself which one is faithful and smart. Each household manager is told by his master to take good care of all his possessions and to oversee the other employees—the butlers, cooks, gardeners, and so on. 43 One servant immediately busies himself in doing just what he was told. His master eventually comes to check on him 44 and rewards him with a major promotion and with more responsibility and trust.

45 The other household manager thinks, “Look, my boss is going to be gone for a long time. I can be complacent; there’s no urgency here.” So he beats the other employees—the women as well as the men. He sits around like a slob, eating and getting drunk. 46 Then the boss comes home unexpectedly and catches him by surprise. One household manager will be fortunate indeed, and the other will be cut into pieces and thrown out.

47 Now if a servant who is given clear instructions by his master doesn’t follow those instructions but instead is complacent and apathetic, then he will be punished severely. 48 But if a servant doesn’t know what his master expects and behaves badly, then he will receive a lighter punishment. If you are given much, much will be required of you. If much is entrusted to you, much will be expected of you.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the anointing that breaks sin and spiritual apathy off from me. You bring the power to save me from sin, as well as from my own stubborn ways. I need you every day, so come Holy Spirit and work through me. I want to be a soul on fire for you! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Hebrews 11:17-28 The Message (MSG)

Every child of God will experience a divine time of testing; a life situation initiated by God to help us evaluate our spiritual temperature, as well as our vision of God. It is out of the goodness of God’s love that we face such times. Testing reveals our integrity, morality, compassion, devotion, etc. The test is to see if our lives are aligned with the Truth. While the testing of our faith is still in progress, we must be ready to obey whatever the Word of God brings to our understanding.

Think about the great biblical heroes of the faith. They all tasted life situations initiated by God that pushed them into a deep place in their faith; their faith empowered them to keep eternity in mind as they continued their journey with the Lord. We are wise if we allow any time of testing to make us stronger and more faithful to the mission of God and the work of the Spirit.

Hebrews 11:17-28

17-19 By faith, Abraham, at the time of testing, offered Isaac back to God. Acting in faith, he was as ready to return the promised son, his only son, as he had been to receive him—and this after he had already been told, “Your descendants shall come from Isaac.” Abraham figured that if God wanted to, he could raise the dead. In a sense, that’s what happened when he received Isaac back, alive from off the altar.

20 By an act of faith, Isaac reached into the future as he blessed Jacob and Esau.

21 By an act of faith, Jacob on his deathbed blessed each of Joseph’s sons in turn, blessing them with God’s blessing, not his own—as he bowed worshipfully upon his staff.

22 By an act of faith, Joseph, while dying, prophesied the exodus of Israel, and made arrangements for his own burial.

23 By an act of faith, Moses’ parents hid him away for three months after his birth. They saw the child’s beauty, and they braved the king’s decree.

24-28 By faith, Moses, when grown, refused the privileges of the Egyptian royal house. He chose a hard life with God’s people rather than an opportunistic soft life of sin with the oppressors. He valued suffering in the Messiah’s camp far greater than Egyptian wealth because he was looking ahead, anticipating the payoff. By an act of faith, he turned his heel on Egypt, indifferent to the king’s blind rage. He had his eye on the One no eye can see, and kept right on going. By an act of faith, he kept the Passover Feast and sprinkled Passover blood on each house so that the destroyer of the firstborn wouldn’t touch them.

Prayer: Lord, you have brought me through many times of testing over the years, but you were always there faithful to help me choose wisely and gain valuable insight into your heart. As well, I have been able to humbly look at my own faith and invite you to increase that which is good in me. I remain focused on pleasing your heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Hebrews 11:1-7 The Message (MSG)

When I think of the word faith, I immediately think of believing God’s Promise to love us from the beginning of life until the end of life—oh, and trusting Him with every bit of the time in between. The foundation for our faith is the Love of God found in Jesus. In fact, Jesus makes it all possible, because we find our refuge in him. When I was a child, we used to sing a hymn in church, “How Firm a Foundation.” Below are three of the verses. Truly, the song speaks to the love and care God desires to extend to us; but we must believe in God’s goodness. If our faith is not built on the foundation and Cornerstone of Christ, we may know some things about God, but we have not tasted the true and thriving relationship God has for us. Throughout history, God has drawn a distinction between the believing world and the unbelieving world. Make sure your faith is in Christ’s righteousness; then you will please God. The enemy has no power to shake the Lord, so stay fixed on Jesus and he will hold you in His Hand, today.

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord

Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word

What more can He say than to you He hath said

To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled

Fear not, I am with thee; oh be not dismayed

For I am thy God and will still give thee aid

I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand

Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand

The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose

I will not, I will not desert to its foes

That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake

I’ll never, no never, no never forsake

Hebrews 11:1-7 Faith in What We Don’t See

11 1-2 The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd.

3 By faith, we see the world called into existence by God’s word, what we see created by what we don’t see.

4 By an act of faith, Abel brought a better sacrifice to God than Cain. It was what he believed, not what he brought, that made the difference. That’s what God noticed and approved as righteous. After all these centuries, that belief continues to catch our notice.

5-6 By an act of faith, Enoch skipped death completely. “They looked all over and couldn’t find him because God had taken him.” We know on the basis of reliable testimony that before he was taken “he pleased God.” It’s impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him.

7 By faith, Noah built a ship in the middle of dry land. He was warned about something he couldn’t see, and acted on what he was told. The result? His family was saved. His act of faith drew a sharp line between the evil of the unbelieving world and the rightness of the believing world. As a result, Noah became intimate with God.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the faith you have placed within me. You have sustained me through this faith in the past, but I know my faith needs to continue to grow. Thank you for being my foundation, Jesus, and by faith keeping me unshakable, today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Matthew 6:19-24 The Message (MSG)

Did you know wholehearted devotion to God provides us with spiritual vision? Spiritual eyes help us see what God wants us to do and to see the world from a righteous perspective. When we are less than devoted to God, our spiritual vision suffers and we struggle to understand life on God’s terms.

In our passage today, Jesus is sharing about worship. He encourages people to live for God by keeping heaven in mind. A true Christ follower has his or her eyes on heaven and makes behavioral decisions based on what effect it can influence for eternity. When we are generous, money is serving us; we are using money to love people and have heaven in mind. When all we care about is accumulating earthly treasures, we are serving money and loving self. Worship is oneness with God’s heart; it is living life in the Hand of God who loves through us.

Matthew 6:19-24 A Life of God-Worship

19-21 “Don’t hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or—worse!—stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it’s safe from moth and rust and burglars. It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.

22-23 “Your eyes are windows into your body. If you open your eyes wide in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light. If you live squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is a dank cellar. If you pull the blinds on your windows, what a dark life you will have!

24 “You can’t worship two gods at once. Loving one god, you’ll end up hating the other. Adoration of one feeds contempt for the other. You can’t worship God and Money both.

Prayer: Lord, you are generous with me and I want to remain generous and influential for your Kingdom. Please keep my eyes focused on heaven. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 33:12-15, 18 Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Worshiping Creator God is an essential foundation upon which to build eternal blessings; worship places our lives in God’s Hands as our Maker. When we worship God we are bowing our lives in an act of respect to His sovereign rule of mercy, love, and kindness. We welcome God to shape our lives as we worship.

Scripture teaches, it is the heart of God that all nations would worship Him, so He could guide the world with His righteous, loving, and just Hand. One day He will have that place. Every day I pray for all people and all nations to worship God and give Him the honor He is due. In order for that to happen, people must embrace God’s love found in the saving work of Christ. Daily, do you pray diligently for our nation—all nations—to worship Almighty God?

Psalm 33:12-15, 18

12

The Lord blesses each nation

that worships only him.

He blesses his chosen ones.

13

The Lord looks at the world

14

from his throne in heaven,

and he watches us all.

15

The Lord gave us each a mind,

and nothing we do

can be hidden from him.

18

But the Lord watches over

all

who honor him

and trust his kindness.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for watching over your creation. May your love continue to call humanity to a posture of worship. May my life demonstrate the honor and trust I have in you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Luke 12:22-31 New Living Translation

As God’s ambassadors in this world, we are expected to be responsible Image-bearers with work and rest. According to the Word of God, work has been designed by God for people and we are to work as if we are working for God; this is righteous because it reveals a love and respect for God’s plan. Rest is also a part of God’s plan for people; God never designed us to be workaholics. In his teaching Jesus says, “Come to me those of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens and I will give you rest (Matt 11:28). When all we do is work and never rest, we are not trusting in God’s provision nor living dependent upon Christ. Actually, greed can motivate excessive work without rest.

In our passage today, the Lord has just finished teaching about the greedy fool (Luke 12:12-21). Now, the Lord turns to teach about how worry and anxiety can creep in and rob God’s people of trust. If we truly believe God is love and his unfailing love is directed toward us, then we must use our faith to believe God will provide the things we need. He may not provide all the things we want, but maybe the things we want sometimes is not going to be feeding good things in us. Things like greed. If we make Jesus the Lord of our lives, we have the perfect Source at the center of our beings. His focus is the eternal Kingdom and when we make our focus the Kingdom, he has promised to provide for us. So, I pray for you to put work and rest into a proper perspective as you look through the Kingdom lens of God’s love. He will always care for you.

Luke 12:22-31Teaching about Money and Possessions

22 Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. 23 For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. 24 Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! 25 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? 26 And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?

27 “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 28 And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

29 “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. 30 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. 31 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.

Prayer: Lord, both my work and rest need to bow to your Lordship. Continue to help me bring balance to my part and trust you for everything else. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Colossians 4:2-6 The Message

Yesterday, we shared about how seeking God everyday through prayer was essential if we are going to be effective for Kingdom work while on earth. God has a plan for our lives and He shapes us according to that plan. If we do not prayerfully place ourselves completely in His care, we will be headed off in a wrong direction missing ways to expand the Kingdom. Today, our passage is from a letter the Apostle Paul wrote to the early church in Colosse encouraging them to pray diligently. The word diligently is translated steady, earnestly, and energetically. Does the word diligently describe your prayer life?

The purpose of diligent prayer is to make Christ obvious; clearly seen and understood in our lives. What will make us effective is to pray for opportunities to reveal Christ in us to others through our loving words and actions. You can reveal the heart of Christ to your family, your neighbors, people at work or leisure, at the grocery, etc. It is not about location nor perfect Christian dialogue; it is about our willingness to follow the Holy Spirit and step through open doors. The Apostle Paul is in jail (in chains and behind locked doors) as he diligently prays to be effective in order to reveal Christ to others around him. What would happen in your life, if daily you prayed for the Lord to open a door of opportunity, so you could make Christ in your life plain as day to someone who has yet to meet him?

Colossians 4:2-6 Pray for Open Doors

2-4 Pray diligently. Stay alert, with your eyes wide open in gratitude. Don’t forget to pray for us, that God will open doors for telling the mystery of Christ, even while I’m locked up in this jail. Pray that every time I open my mouth I’ll be able to make Christ plain as day to them.

5-6 Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don’t miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.

Prayer: Lord, my life is yours, so please work through me. Today, please open a door of opportunity so I can make Christ plain as day to someone. In Jesus’ name. Amen.