Pastor Mary Haley

March 14, 2019

Philippians 3:7-12 Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Today is the eighth day of our 40-Day Lenten Series, “Praying for a Kingdom Heart.”  Lent should be a time of prayerful reflection, repentance, and restoration as we draw closer to the heart of God.  A Kingdom heart knows the only way to live is found in the resurrecting power of the LORD.  According to Scripture, daily God sets before us life and prosperity, as well as death and disaster. Then, he calls us to make a choice between the two.  If we choose life, he commands us to love the LORD our God, walk in his ways, keep his commandments, so we can increase and enjoy his blessings (Due 30:15-16). So, if we know the Lord is our resurrection and he brings a life with priceless spiritual blessings, why are we slow to choose real life over a lifeless existence pursuing worthless worldly pleasures and treasures?  I believe the answer lies in the struggle. 

The enemy of your soul is Satan and his spirit of sin that is found in the world and human flesh. Sin struggles against Christ’s righteousness. Sin leads a war that tries to keep you from the throne of God and the restoration Christ alone can bring. Jesus conquered sin, but now you and I need to overcome sin by surrendering to the work of the resurrected Christ. Many people exist, but how many are actually walking in the ways of God and enjoying the abundant life Christ offers? I don’t know about the hearts of others, but I am responsible for my heart and will answer for my choices about life.  Believers in Christ are destined for heaven, and resurrection power is given by the Holy Spirit so we can identify and face the struggle, throw off sin in Christ’s authority, and turn to wear the blessings of God that leads to love and Kingdom life.

In our passage today, the Apostle Paul teaches about this life Christ offers.  If you want a Kingdom heart, the love of Christ must take ahold of you and be the life you choose.  Don’t hate the struggle. Use your faith, run toward the goal, and make the choice, today.  

During Lent, we will be using the acronym P.R.A.Y. as we pray for a Kingdom Heart.  P=praise, R=repent, A=ask, and Y=yield.  May God bless you as you spend time in God’s Word and in prayer today.

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March 13, 2019

Luke 21:34-36 New Living Translation (NLT)

Today is the seventh day of our 40-Day Lenten Series, “Praying for a Kingdom Heart.”  Lent should be a time of prayerful reflection, repentance, and restoration as we draw closer to the heart of God. A Kingdom heart motivates us to focus on the authority of Christ; the One to whom we will one day give an account for how we have chosen to live our lives.

In our passage today, Jesus has been teaching the disciples about the future; what to look for and what will signal his Second Coming. He begins with a warning; they are to guard their hearts against apathy—lack of interest or concern for their spiritual state. They are not to allow their flesh to rule them. They must remain vibrant in their faith and loyal in their devotion to God if they are going to escape the events that precede Christ’s return. 

So here is the picture according to Luke 21: 25-28. Jesus tells his disciples to look for a future bringing strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. The tides will be affected. All of nature will be pulled into a place of turmoil. People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken. It is a sign the Kingdom of God is near. Then, everyone will look up and see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and glory; he is coming to take his place of authority over creation. For those who have lived carelessly and failed to prepare to meet Christ, they will see gloom and destruction. For God’s children who are watching and have allowed grace to cover them and the Spirit to prepare them, they will experience justice and restoration. Examine your heart today. Are you vibrant in faith and prepared to meet Christ? Have you allowed the Word to have authority over your life?  If you have questions about what the Word teaches on certain topics, then do some research.  Invest in your spiritual life; it is the real you.

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March 12, 2019

2 Peter 2:4-10, 19b-21 New Living Translation (NLT)

Today is the sixth day of our 40-Day Lenten Series, “Praying for a Kingdom Heart.”  Lent should be a time of prayerful reflection, repentance, and restoration as we draw closer to the heart of God.  A Kingdom heart develops and flourishes as we recognize any sin in our lives—which is rebellion against God’s loving character and authority—and invite the Lord to rescue us from it.

Sin is always present in this fallen world. We must live with an awareness of God’s presence with us and turn from those things God condemns.  Do you believe God condemns certain actions because he is trying to control you or keep you from enjoying life?  Or, do you believe God sees the power certain actions have to control or enslave you, so he is trying to help you maintain the freedom and loving fellowship in Christ he has provided?

Knowing God in fellowship brings amazing discernment and wisdom to each individual.  We can know the heart of God and discern when the enemy is trying to rob us.  Trials and temptations will come, but if we understand the heart of God behind his instructions, we can trust and obey him.  In our passage today, Peter teaches us about God’s consistent response when it comes to sin.

During Lent, we will be using the acronym P.R.A.Y. as we pray for a Kingdom Heart.  P=praise, R=repent, A=ask, and Y=yield.  May God bless you as you spend time in God’s Word and in prayer today.

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March 11, 2019

1 John 2:1-6 New Living Translation (NLT)

Today is the fifth day of our 40-Day Lenten Series, “Praying for a Kingdom Heart.”  Lent should be a time of prayerful reflection, repentance, and restoration as we draw closer to the heart of God.  A Kingdom heart grows through obedience to God’s Word and by following Christ’s way of living.  

Salvation is for the world, but each individual must, by faith, accept the work of grace. The Father desires a relationship with every follower of Christ; he connects in order to have fellowship and bring salvation to human hearts.  In our passage, today, the Apostle John teaches who God is and how he expects his children to live.  He cautions those listening to run from anything that would break fellowship with God. The Apostle John speaks as a loving teacher to his disciples.  He encourages them not to sin. Truth:  We have a way to stay in right fellowship with the Father.

Christ calls us to live in the truth and be obedient to follow him, but sometimes our steps are wayward.  John comes along to tell these Christ followers they cannot lose their fellowship or salvation with God, because they have an Advocate who intercedes for them with the Father. Sin hinders us, but Jesus has made a way for us to regain that fellowship through repentance of sin.  As we are forgiven we must grow from that place to overcome the sin that previously so easily hindered us.  Mature love for God manifests in obedience. Obedience measures our faithfulness and the truly faithful bear the Kingdom fruit of righteousness.  The mature, obedient, and faithful to the will of God are the ones who “know” God.  If we are going to “know” God, it means we have to take up our cross and follow Jesus.  Truth:  We must reflect on and examine our level of obedience.  Love for God and his rule over our attitudes and actions, as well as love for others will mark our lives.

During Lent, we will be using the acronym P.R.A.Y. as we pray for a Kingdom Heart.  P=praise, R=repent, A=ask, and Y=yield.  May God bless you as you spend time in God’s Word and in prayer today.

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March 9, 2019

John 12:27-36 New Living Translation (NLT)

Today is the fourth day of our 40-Day Lenten Series, “Praying for a Kingdom Heart.”  Lent should be a time of prayerful reflection, repentance, and restoration as we draw closer to the heart of God.  A Kingdom heart is fashioned by a deep respect and gratitude for our Creator.  God is Light and in him is no darkness. Christ is the Light we all need to fulfill the Father’s purpose; so we must connect to Christ.  God has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the Kingdom of his Son (Colossians 1:13).  Therefore, we must also follow Christ.  Be aware, we do not habitually practice what the Word calls sin; otherwise, we are living in the dominion of darkness.

If we are truly following Christ, we are living a life of continual confession of sin; even as children of the Light we still sin and need forgiveness.  Selfishness and worldliness can gain the upper hand if we open the door with our flesh.  Walking in the Light is walking in fellowship with God and loving others especially fellow believers. The Spirit of Truth convicts us when we have failed to love as God requires and our response should be repentance.  If we confess our sin, God is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).  True Christianity is about partaking of the ongoing cleansing blood of Jesus, as we recenter our hearts before him according to his Word. 

In our passage, Jesus accepts the pain God allows to his flesh in order to fulfill the Father’s purpose.  Many days we just want to handle the next task, seek fleshly pleasure, and certainly avoid pain to our flesh at all costs.  When God cleanses us—does sin surgery—it is painful for a while, but it leaves room for Kingdom rewards.  Therefore, the question before us today in light of this Word… “Will we invite the Light of the World to shine Truth upon any sin in our flesh, repent, and allow God to cleanse us, so we can continue our journey to become authentic children of Light?  

During Lent, we will be using the acronym P.R.A.Y. as we pray for a Kingdom Heart.  P=praise, R=repent, A=ask, and Y=yield.  May God bless you as you spend time in God’s Word and in prayer today.

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March 8, 2019

Psalm 91:14-16 Contemporary English Version

Today is the third day of our 40 Day Lenten Series, “Praying for a Kingdom Heart.”  Lent should be a time of prayerful reflection, repentance, and restoration as we draw closer to the heart of God. We pursue God’s presence and enjoy time with him; we learn from his wisdom and gain valuable insights and revelations.  Having a Kingdom heart brings an attitude of surrender before the Lord.  So, today reflect on this question, “Do you perceive God as your Righteous Rescuer?”

Scripture teaches the Lord will deliver his children from every evil attack and will bring us safely into his heavenly Kingdom (2 Tim 4:18).  He is the Righteous Rescuer.  Our part is to stay close to him; to connect, attach, or bind ourselves to him.  In this connected place, we know the heart of God experientially. In other words, because of our connection in Christ we have heart knowledge of God.  This becomes a place of intimacy between God and each individual; a place of deep trust and devotion to the truth of God’s love for his creation. Has God ever pulled you from a difficult or even dangerous situation?  Or, maybe God has rescued you by providing the resources you needed to get beyond a difficult situation?  However he has chosen to rescue you in the past, it has been to reveal his unfailing love for you and to call you into a greater measure of trust and protection.

During Lent, we will be using the acronym P.R.A.Y. as we pray for a Kingdom Heart.  P=praise, R=repent, A=ask, and Y=yield.  May God bless you as you spend time in God’s Word and in prayer today.

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March 7, 2019

Psalm 91:1-2 Contemporary English Version

Today is the second day of our 40 Day Lenten Series, “Praying for a Kingdom Heart.”  Remember, Lent is a time of prayerful reflection, repentance, and restoration as we draw closer to the heart of God.  Having a Kingdom heart is an attitude of surrender before our All-Powerful God. In our surrender, we seek the Kingdom of eternal life and fellowship with the loving Lord; we should wisely bring our lives under his care because nothing is impossible with God.

Whether we are aware of it or not, we all need a solid foundation for our lives.  Life brings along many unknowns which can threaten our faith, scatter our relationships, and unsettle our confident hope that we will find a place of safety for our hearts and lives again.  Many times our first response is to foolishly scurry and gain control of our unraveling circumstances, rather than seek the solid rock and fortress of the Lord to ask for help.  Nothing is too difficult for God; he is awesome in his love for his children.  From the beginning, humanity was created to live under the Lord’s care and protection; yet, thousands of years later humanity still chooses to exalt self-preservation and fail. 

Our God is All-Powerful (1 Cor 1:24).  There are two things to keep in mind when surrendering to the power of God and pressing in to ask for his will to manifest in our earthly lives.  First, God’s focus for us will be entirely consistent with his perfect character.  He will bring good things to pass and provide a righteous way for us to portray the attitude, wisdom, and heart of Christ, so we can live as Christ’s examples in a fallen world.  Second, as the All-Powerful, everything he desires to do in our lives can be carried out.  He will accomplish everything he sets out to do in our behalf.  As people watch our lives, they should be aware of the presence of the Lord with us.  

During Lent, we will be using the acronym P.R.A.Y. as we pray for a Kingdom Heart.  P=praise, R=repent, A=ask, and Y=yield.  May God bless you as you spend time in God’s Word and in prayer today.

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March 6, 2019

Joel 2:12-17 Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Today is the first day of our 40 Day Lenten Series, “Praying for a Kingdom Heart.”  Lent is a perfect time for prayerful reflection, repentance, and restoration.  Authentic reflection calls for a shift in our perspective; to honestly evaluate how near we are to God. He hasn’t moved away from us, but perhaps we have moved away from him. The Lord must always have first place in our hearts; we are to have no other gods before him. Every day the enemy distracts us with “other gods” seeking to move God out of his rightful place in our lives. As well, we can bring along a stubborn will and flesh filled with lousy priorities, careless choices, and unbiblical lifestyles that try to usurp God’s authority to direct our paths. We must draw near to God in prayer and seek him with all of our hearts. No half-hearted measures will do. God desires to pour himself entirely into a relationship with us; so our response should be to give ourselves entirely to him in return.

Our passage today is from the Old Testament book of Joel; he served as a prophet of the Lord following the Babylonian captivity around 538BC. God’s people had allowed things to enter their lives; things that separated them from God.  The all-knowing God was waiting for his people to return.  Now, to avoid judgment, the people needed to embrace change. Prayer would bring that change. Joel told the people to place their hope for restoration in the Lord. Hope was possible because of God’s steadfast love and generous mercy. Joel called people to repent and encouraged them to ask the Lord for relief.  

As Joel called God’s people to pay attention to their lives; today, I call us to do the same. During Lent, we will be using the acronym P.R.A.Y. as we pray for a Kingdom Heart. P=praise, R=repent, A=ask, and Y=yield. May God bless you as you spend time in God’s Word and in prayer today.  

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March 5, 2019

Acts 10:23-33 Good News Translation (GNT)

When it comes to our relationship with God, there is always going to be room to grow and receive more. God is limitless in supply and love. In our passage today, Cornelius is hungry for more of God, but he does not really understand the work of faith, the supply of grace, or how to be filled. Charity and giving to others has been Cornelius’ focus, but now God is directing his attention toward a personal relationship of power from the inside out. Peter has a personal relationship with Christ and God is setting him up to share about it with hungry souls. The connection between Peter and Cornelius all began with prayer.

People around you need to know a personal and loving God; the God you serve and love. If people do not know Christ, nor have received him into their hearts, they are hungry for something they have not identified. So, pray and make yourself available to God then turn and help others put the pieces together and make the connection.

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March 4, 2019

Acts 10:9-23 Good News Translation (GNT)

The longer I walk through life with Jesus, the more aware I am that his plan for me—and all the connections with others he has for me to make while in this world—comes together precisely at his appointed time. It is really quite exciting; only God could line everything up so perfectly.  Of course, individually and collectively we must be in step with the Spirit.

Peter is filled with the Spirit, but he drags along some religious misconceptions.  God has a plan to change Peter, so he can embrace a Kingdom mindset.  Peter goes to a high place—the rooftop—to pray.  God uses Peter’s hunger to teach him something about his present level of spiritual understanding, as well as God’s heart and plan for salvation.  While Peter is praying, the Lord releases a vision.  Much of that vision doesn’t make sense to Peter until the Lord brings in the next step…a connection to Captain Cornelius.  Peter is a Jew and he truly believes the gentiles are unclean, but God instructs Peter to the contrary.  Like Peter, we must embrace God’s Word as Truth and adjust our lives accordingly.  God wants to redeem the whole world; he is ready to make any willing heart clean.

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