Pastor Mary Haley

2 Peter 1:16-19 (TPT)

On Sunday, we listened as the Word taught us more about the Transfiguration of Jesus. In our passage today, we see how Peter continues to witness to that powerful spiritual experience with God. Peter wouldn’t quickly forget that encounter because as he was speaking God overshadowed or subdued him with the powerful brightness of his glory and the authority of his Voice. Peter was talking and God interrupted him. What was Peter’s response? He fell down to the ground; Peter’s heart was subdued and he bowed.

From that moment on Peter had a story; he would tell what his eyes had seen, his ears had heard, and his soul had experienced. He would never look at Jesus the same way. Now, he understood the holiness of Messiah and the oneness of authority the Lord shared with the Father. Sometimes things in our lives may look dark, but when Jesus enters into the darkness everything is subdued by his holiness. He subdues the human heart and he will one day subdue the whole world. “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God’” (Rom. 14:11). Let his love captive and subdue you, today.

2 Peter 1:16-19 Jesus’ Transfiguration
16 We were not retelling some masterfully crafted legend when we informed you of the power and appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, for we saw his magnificence and splendor unveiled before our very eyes. 17 Yes, Father God lavished upon him radiant glory and honor when his distinct voice spoke out of the realm of majestic glory, endorsing him with these words: This is my cherished Son, marked by my love. All my delight is found in him! [Aramaic: in whom I am fufilled] 18 And we ourselves heard that voice resound from the heavens while we were with him on the holy mountain.

Prophecy
19 And so we have been given the prophetic word—the written message of the prophets, made more reliable and fully validated by the confirming voice of God on the Mount of Transfiguration. And you will continue to do well if you stay focused on it. For this prophetic message is like a piercing light shining in a gloomy place[world or human heart] until the dawning of a new day, when the Morning Star rises in your hearts.[subduing all our hearts]

Prayer: Lord, every day is a new day, because you are always teaching me and transforming me. Thank you for captivating and subduing my heart! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Acts 7:30-34 The Passion Translation (TPT)

Earthy matters relentlessly try to capture our full attention; leaving little room for spiritual realities. That is why we need to fight the good fight of faith (1 Tim. 6:12). Our flesh can try to hinder our hearts and minds from applying the Word to our lives. We may need to endure for a season, so we can receive the blessings God has in store for us. We are human beings and we need the work of the Spirit to clear the way for our spiritual maturity. Otherwise, we can find ourselves living by our flesh and in our own strength; rather, then rising in the glory of God.

In our passage today, Luke has us listening to a speech Stephen issues to the Sanhedrin—religious counsel—about the blessing of Messiah. Stephen shares about Israel’s strained relationship with God, but how God chose to remain faithful to love his people, anyway. Stephen retells the history of Moses and how God’s glory is seen in the burning bush; God mercifully hears the cries of his people and sets Moses aside to deliver them. God instructs Moses to take off his sandals; a symbol of removing earthly matters from his mind and heart in readiness to accept spiritual realities. As Moses removes his sandals, may we remove ours, as well. Prepare to receive the blessing in Messiah.

Acts 7:30-34
30 After forty years had passed, while he was in the desert near Mount Sinai, the Messenger of Yahweh appeared to him in the midst of a flaming thorn bush.

31 Moses was astonished and stunned by what he was seeing, so he drew closer to observe this marvel. Then the Lord Yahweh spoke to him out of the flames:

32 
‘I am the living God, the God of your ancestors.
    I am the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.’
“Trembling in God’s presence and overwhelmed with awe, Moses didn’t even dare to look into the fire.

33 “Out of the flames the Lord Yahweh said to him:
‘Take the sandals off your feet,[sign of respect]
    for you are standing in the realm of holiness.

34 
I have watched and seen how my people
    have been mistreated [tormented] in Egypt.
    I have heard their painful groaning,
    and now I have come down to set them free.
    So come to me, Moses,
    for I am sending you to Egypt to represent me.’

Prayer: Lord, may I place earthly matters under your spiritual realities; may you receive the respect and honor you are due. Rise up and be glorified in my life. In Jesus’ name Amen.

Psalm 2:1-5 The Voice (VOICE)

Truth is revealed by the will and purpose of God. He uses many unusual unveiling methods in unlikely people to display his wisdom and the reality of his righteous Kingdom. ”God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful” (1 Cor. 1:27). God calls his children to assume a humble posture before his holy throne. He is Lord of all and we are wise to exalt him and bow to his rule of love.

In our passage today, the psalmist writes to national leaders who think they are wise. However, instead of walking in wisdom these leaders are going to find themselves at odds with God. Actually, it reminds me of our present political realities.

Psalm 2:1-5
1
You are wondering: What has provoked the nations to embrace anger and chaos?[rage]
Why are the people making plans to pursue their own vacant and empty greatness?
2
Leaders of nations stand united;
rulers put their heads together,
plotting against the Eternal One and His Anointed King, trying to figure out
3
How they can throw off the gentle reign of God’s love,
step out from under the restrictions of His claims to advance their own schemes.
4
At first, the Power of heaven laughs at their silliness.
The Eternal mocks their ignorant selfishness.
5
But His laughter turns to rage, and He rebukes them.
As God displays His righteous anger, they begin to know the meaning of fear.

Prayer: Lord, may I never diminish your rule and reign in my life by seeking to advance my own selfish agendas. I want you to be my first Love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Hebrews 8:1-7 New Living Translation (NLT)

As believers, we are blessed beyond our ability to comprehend, because God, in Christ, cut a new covenant to fulfill the old covenant made with Israel—the people of God. It was God’s intention for earthly things to be an expression of heavenly realities, but the old covenant was only a shadow of the promise God was actually making to those who would turn to worship Him.

The sacrificial system performed by the high priest under the old covenant required a blood sacrifice to be offered for the sins of the people—the Day of Atonement. Under the new covenant, Christ offered himself for our sins once and for all. Think about it; Christ died to make atonement for our sins. He is our Anointed High Priest. Now, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we practice self-sacrifice revealing Christ as the Lord of our lives. This is the reality of heavenly worship. As we bow in this place of self-sacrifice, the riches of heaven are made available to us—we may apprehend limitless promises in Christ. As we soon approach our spiritual season of Lenten reflection, let us remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us and be willing to engage in self-sacrifice in order to enjoy a whole new level of his holiness. This is our call to worship.

Hebrews 8:1-7 Christ Is Our High Priest
1 Here is the main point: We have a High Priest who sat down in the place of honor beside the throne of the majestic God in heaven. 2 There he ministers in the heavenly Tabernacle,[tent] the true place of worship that was built by the Lord and not by human hands.
3 And since every high priest is required to offer gifts and sacrifices, our High Priest must make an offering, too. 4 If he were here on earth, he would not even be a priest, since there already are priests who offer the gifts required by the law. 5 They serve in a system of worship that is only a copy, a shadow of the real one in heaven. For when Moses was getting ready to build the Tabernacle, God gave him this warning: “Be sure that you make everything according to the pattern I have shown you here on the mountain.”
6 But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises.
7 If the first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need for a second covenant to replace it.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for interceding for me and covering my sin each day. Please continue to provide me the power to practice self-sacrifice, so you may be lifted and exalted in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Proverbs 2:1-5 The Passion Translation (TPT)

Yesterday, I made a decision to really break-in my new bicycle—my birthday present from John. So, my house was the starting point and from there I traveled a total of fifteen strenuous miles. During my trip, I experienced frustrating road construction with disconnected cross walk signs, detours, and lots of traffic, but I also experienced the companionship of a great friend, the beauty of God’s creation, and the quietness of less travels roads as Laura and I peddled throughout Millennial Park. The entire experience in the park was a treasure and respite for my soul, but it was a challenge getting there.

In our passage today, we experience the wisdom writings of Solomon who reminds us to travel the pathway of wisdom. Keep in mind wisdom’s pathway is strenuous and littered with challenges. True wisdom is from God, so the Lord is our starting point as seen in his revealed Word. God has extended humanity an amazing gift; a relationship with a flawlessly faithful Friend who never leaves us or forsakes us. Because God’s wisdom is hidden from the foolish, we must be willing to press beyond the obvious things that try to drive our emotions. As we stay on wisdom’s path, we discover more about life with God. In time, we see beyond the frustration and the difficulties, because we are seeking God’s advice and willing to listen. We know he is guiding our path, because like a precious gem, God brings beautiful rewards for those who diligently seek him. We all need divine wisdom, so ask God to generously give you wisdom and then get on your spiritual bike and ride. God has good things in store for you.

Proverbs 2:1-5
2 My child, will you treasure my wisdom?
Then, and only then, will you acquire it.
And only if you accept my advice
and hide it within will you succeed.
2 
So train your heart to listen when I speak
and open your spirit wide to expand your discernment—
then pass it on to your sons and daughters.
3 
Yes, cry out for comprehension and intercede for insight.
4 
For if you keep seeking it like a man would seek for sterling silver,
searching in hidden places for cherished treasure,
5 
then you will discover the fear of the Lord
and find the true knowledge of God.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for providing divine wisdom for me and for rewarding me as I remain faithful to your leadership over my life. I love you! You are Good! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Deuteronomy 23:21-23 New Living Translation (NLT)
What is your first reaction when someone voluntarily tells you he or she will do something and then does not fulfill it? Is your first reaction to get angry? Is it to ask questions as to why he or she did not fulfill the commitment? Or, do you just simply give it to God without prompting further discussion? We may utilize any one of these responses based on how significantly the commitment failure impacted us, right? As children of God and followers of Christ, our word is a big deal. God listens and holds us accountable. So, be careful with what you promise to do.

In our passage today from the OT, the Lord reminds his children of the integrity that should occupy our commitments; every promise involves the Lord. We are to be reflections to the world of God’s integrity. In the NT, Jesus reminds those listening to be careful before making a promise or commitment, “Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t’” (Matt 3:37). Be honest and live in the integrity of the Lord.

Deuteronomy 23:21-23
21 “When you make a vow to the Lord your God, be prompt in fulfilling whatever you promised him. For the Lord your God demands that you promptly fulfill all your vows, or you will be guilty of sin. 22 However, it is not a sin to refrain from making a vow. 23 But once you have voluntarily made a vow, be careful to fulfill your promise to the Lord your God.

Prayer: Lord, I want to be a person of my word, so help me to weigh every commitment I make so I may honor your will with integrity. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

James 1:2-8 The Voice (VOICE)

If I have a difficult task ahead of me I always find comfort when I don’t have to go it alone. The spiritual life is like that for me. I may face some difficulties in life, but I do not have to endure them alone; I have a spiritual family who is always there for me. In fact, I don’t have to rely on my own wisdom to navigate through the difficult times. God has offered to give me his wisdom and strength so I can make it to the finish line; spiritual maturity. I just need to ask God for help and remain single-minded in my commitment to him. Are you going through some hardships? This passage is for you!

James 1:2-8
2-4 Don’t run from tests and hardships, brothers and sisters. As difficult as they are, you will ultimately find joy in them; if you embrace them, your faith will blossom under pressure and teach you true patience as you endure. And true patience brought on by endurance will equip you to complete the long journey and cross the finish line—mature, complete, and wanting nothing. 5 If you don’t have all the wisdom needed for this journey, then all you have to do is ask God for it; and God will grant all that you need. He gives lavishly and never scolds you for asking.

6 The key is that your request be anchored by your single-minded commitment to God. Those who depend only on their own judgment are like those lost on the seas, carried away by any wave or picked up by any wind. 7 Those adrift on their own wisdom shouldn’t assume the Lord will rescue them or bring them anything. 8 The splinter of divided loyalty shatters your compass and leaves you dizzy and confused.

Prayer: Lord, for everyone who is going through difficult times, may you use that pressure to make every person strong. Keep me patient as I ask for help with my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

1 John 2:7-17 The Passion Translation (TPT)

Today, many people will recognize Valentine’s Day; a day to celebrate love and romance. This is an old tradition and expression of love. Yesterday, two of my friends sent me a Happy Galentine’s Day message; evidently it is also a day to celebrate gal friends. This is a new expression for me. However, I do love my gal friends—all my sisters in Christ—a lot, so I may choose to observe this new expression of love. These may be human celebrations of love, but at the most pure level possible, real love is sacred and believers are carriers.

Scripture teaches God is love and nothing can separate believers from him. Humans were created to love God. We were also created to love one another—especially believers in Christ. In our passage today, the Apostle John reminds his readers that believers now embrace the values of the Kingdom of God; we love each other the way God loves us. We become a human expression of his love. Although the enemy is always trying to pervert love and get believers to turn on one another, we need to stay in the light of God’s pure agape (sacrificial) love. “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice, but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through ever circumstance” (1 Cor. 13:4-7). That is the way God loves us. That is how we are to love one another.

1 John 2:7-17
7 Beloved, I’m not writing a new commandment to you, but an old one that you had from the beginning, and you’ve already heard it. 8 Yet, in a sense, it is a new commandment, as its truth is made manifest both in Christ and in you, because the darkness is disappearing and the true light is already blazing.

9 Anyone who says, “I am in the light,” while holding hatred in his heart toward a fellow believer is still in the darkness. 10 But the one who truly loves a fellow believer lives in the light, and there is nothing in him that will cause someone else to stumble. 11 But whoever hates a fellow believer lives in the darkness—stumbling around in the dark with no clue where he is going, for he is blinded by the darkness.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for imparting to me your pure and sacred love; for loving me s perfectly. Help me to love as you love; to genuinely love my brothers and sisters in Christ as you have loved me. I pray for my heart to love even those who are difficult to love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

James 1:12-16 The Passion Translation (TPT)

Do you make decisions based on how you feel? People who are led by their feelings, tend to do so as the foundation for evaluation. In other words, “I feel this way; therefore, this is what I should do.” Psychologists remind us feelings and desires are closely linked; desires emerge from our feelings. What comes to your mind when you think about the word “desire?” Desires may cover a wide range of human wants, emotions, and cravings. It might be a desire for God, but it can also be a desire for lust, greed, or the fulfillment of our flesh. God created human beings and knows our desires, but does God generate all desires? Is it possible that some of our desires actually flow from our unredeemed flesh?

Our desires have to be wisely discerned, because we do not want to ascribe something to God that is far from His heart and plan for our lives. If we are honest, we must accept the fact that our desires are not all holy. In fact, that is the very reason we are not to be led by our feelings; instead, we are to walk by faith in the Word of God. We are to be led by the Holy Spirit who brings us into unity with God’s Word. As believers who walk by faith, therefore, we need to take a good look at our desires. If our desires are completely self-centered and opposed to God’s Word, chances are our flesh is generating that longing (1 Cor. 13:5). If our greatest desire is living in the will of God and standing on the foundation of God’s Word, then that is a desire that flows from the Spirit. Personal responsibility is a big deal with God; so, use the Word of God as your plumb line and honestly and wisely evaluate your feelings and desires.

James 1:12-16
12 If your faith remains strong, even while surrounded by life’s difficulties, you will continue to experience the untold blessings of God! True happiness comes as you pass the test with faith, and receive the victorious crown of life promised to every lover of God!

13 When you are tempted don’t ever say, “God is tempting me,” for God is incapable of being tempted by evil and he is never the source of temptation. 14 Instead it is each person’s own desires and thoughts that drag them into evil and lure [hooked by the bait of evil from their own desires] them away into darkness. 15 Evil desires give birth to evil actions. And when sin is fully mature it can murder you! 16 So my friends, don’t be fooled by your own desires!

Prayer: Father, thank you for knowing me and understanding my personality, desires, and feelings. I will remain faithful to your Word; help me to walk by faith in your ways. As I do so, please keep my relationships healthy and holy, because that is where most of my desires and feelings are expressed; the proving grounds of my faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Proverbs 6:16-21 Amplified Bible

Solomon was a young boy when he took over the throne of his father, King David. It was an overwhelming task for one so young. The Lord invited Solomon to ask for whatever he wanted and He would give it to him. So, Solomon prayed and asked God for wisdom—to discern and know right from wrong according to Almighty God. God was pleased with Solomon’s request, so God imparted to him divine wisdom. When you pray, what do you desire most? Is it your desire to discern God’s heart regarding right and wrong?

Solomon wrote in the wisdom book of Proverbs the life lessons God had revealed to him over the years; things that were important to God and represented him as a Light in the darkness. In our passage today, God continues to share wisdom—Truth in actions—with Solomon. There are things God hates; things he detests and are wrong in His sight. We need to ask ourselves, “What is my stand on these things God detests?” As believers, we are responsible to run from these foolish actions; learning to live in a way that pleases God must become our way of life. May we never practice or put a stamp of approval on the very actions God claims to hate.

Proverbs 6:16-21
16 These six things the Lord hates, indeed, seven are an abomination to Him:
17 A proud look [the spirit that makes one overestimate himself and underestimate others], a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

18 A heart that manufactures wicked thoughts and plans, feet that are swift in running to evil,

19 A false witness who breathes out lies [even under oath], and he who sows discord among his brethren.

20 My son, keep your father’s [God-given] commandment and forsake not the law of [God] your mother [taught you].

21 Bind them continually upon your heart and tie them about your neck.

22 When you go, they [the words of your parents’ God] shall lead you; when you sleep, they shall keep you; and when you waken, they shall talk with you.

23 For the commandment is a lamp, and the whole teaching [of the law] is light, and reproofs of discipline are the way of life…

Prayer: Lord, I want that which is right in your sight to become my way of living. Continue to teach me and help me to learn from your wisdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.