Pastor Mary Haley

2 Corinthians 4:7-12 (TPT)

Life can bring many pressures that are difficult to bear even for the strongest. Life is going to happen; not everything in life is pleasant or comfortable. Jesus told us about such trials and sorrows (John 16:33). Life can squeeze us spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Sometimes we may entertain the thoughts of quitting; yet, we cannot always be relieved of responsibility or the sorrows of human life. Let’s never forget the encouraging words of Christ, “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill (sacrifice) and destroy. My purpose is to give them (believers) a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10).
The Apostle Paul wants us to know it is during those pressures, we have the greatest opportunity to shine forth the glory of God; for the life of Christ to be revealed from the core of our being. Is life bringing you pressures that are difficult? If so, may God bring you eternal strength and grace. Invite Jesus into those pressures and ask him to give you the strength you need from his Kingdom resources, so you may shine with his glory in the midst of life.

2 Corinthians 4:7-12 Treasure in Clay Jars
7 We are like common clay jars that carry this glorious treasure within, so that the extraordinary overflow of power will be seen as God’s, not ours.[h] 8 Though we experience every kind of pressure, we’re not crushed. At times we don’t know what to do, but quitting is not an option. 9 We are persecuted by others, but God has not forsaken us. We may be knocked down, but not out. 10 We continually share in the death of Jesus in our own bodies[j] so that the resurrection life of Jesus will be revealed through our humanity. 11 We consider living to mean that we are constantly being handed over to death for Jesus’ sake so that the life of Jesus will be revealed through our humanity. 12 So, then, death is at work in us but it releases life in you.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being at the core of this clay jar named Mary. I know you are always there for me and you will make sure my life is sustained and satisfied by your grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 119:105-108, 112 The Passion Translation (TPT)

Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth…you are the light of the world…don’t hide your light…let it shine brightly for others” (Matt. 5:13-16). When we are committed to living with the Word of God shining through our actions, we can truly represent the heart of God for his creation and experience the divine perspective. Our lives can take on the flavor of God’s righteous love, because Jesus makes righteousness available to us.

In our passage today, the psalmist reminds us to remain faithful to the Word—the Truth. If we are willing to embrace the Truth and allow the Spirit to bring the necessary adjustments to the way we live, we will grow in our faith and understanding of the ways of God. However, we must remain teachable or willing to receive ongoing instruction. Are you teachable? If so, the life of the Spirit will continuously manifest through you, because you have pleased the heart of God with your spiritual hunger and obedience.

Truth’s Shining Light
105 
Truth’s shining light guides me in my choices and decisions;
the revelation of your word makes my pathway clear.
106 
To live my life by your righteous rules
has been my holy and lifelong commitment.
107 
I’m bruised and broken, overwhelmed by it all;
breathe life into me again by your living word.
108 
Lord, receive my grateful thanks
and teach me more of how to please you.
112 
I have determined in my heart to obey whatever you say,
fully and forever!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for inviting me to abide with your Spirit and enjoy the divine perspective as you release it. May my obedience bless and please you Father. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

James 3:13-18 New Life Version (NLV)

How would you define wisdom? A biblical definition is the ability to tell right from wrong; the ability to make good use of knowledge. I’ve always thought of wisdom as “applied Truth.” In other words, the Word of God is Truth and when we apply it to our lives, we can operate in godly wisdom.

In our passage today, James teaches wisdom from above is dependent upon the level of commitment a person makes to Christ, as well as the depth of a person’s character forged by the Spirit. Jesus has been made wisdom for us (1 Cor. 1:30). Therefore, wisdom from above is given to those living in Christ—the perfect Peacemaker.

James 3:13-18 Wisdom from Above
13 Who among you is wise and understands? Let that one show from a good life by the things he does that he is wise and gentle. 14 If you have jealousy in your heart and fight to have many things, do not be proud of it. Do not lie against the truth. 15 This is not the kind of wisdom that comes from God. But this wisdom comes from the world and from that which is not Christian and from the devil. 16 Wherever you find jealousy and fighting, there will be trouble and every other kind of wrong-doing. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure. Then it gives peace. It is gentle and willing to obey. It is full of loving-kindness and of doing good. It has no doubts and does not pretend to be something it is not. 18 Those who plant seeds of peace will gather what is right and good.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for making Jesus to be wisdom for me. I will allow the Word to be living in my life. Help me to be a peacemaking spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

1 John 5:1-5 The Passion Translation (TPT)

In a culture that seems to have lost a grip on demonstrating genuine kindness, how strongly do you feel your life reflects the kindness of God? Kindness and integrity cannot be separated; they begin as seeds that grow together and flourish in the hand of God. Kindness is a fruit produced by the Holy Spirit that meets the needs of people, operating in God’s way of doing good, while avoiding harshness (or cruelty). Kindness makes us useful in the hand of Almighty God and Christ brings us the wisdom to understand where to apply it. Our duty is to obey the Word; faith expresses itself in the lovingkindness of the Lord (Gal. 5:6).

If we are not willing to produce the fruit of kindness, then we can easily get off the righteous path seeking to fulfill our own agendas at any cost. We must treat people the way we would want to be treated if we were standing in his or her shoes. Never forget the Word teaches unkindness is also a seed that grows in human flesh and it doesn’t end well, “Your boast becomes a prophecy of a future failure. The higher you lift up yourself in pride, the harder you’ll fall in disgrace (Proverbs 16:18). True love lives out the commands of God to genuinely love one another. Kindness is the love of Christ in action.

1 John 5:1-5 The Proof of Love and the Victory of Faith
5 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Messiah is God’s spiritual child and has been fathered by God himself. And everyone who loves Father God loves his children as well. 2 This is how we can be sure that we love the children of God: by having a passionate love for God and by obedience to his commands. 3 True love for God means obeying his commands, and his commands don’t weigh us down as heavy burdens [grace is made available]. 4 You see, every child of God overcomes the world [conquers the world’s system], for our faith is the victorious power that triumphs over the world. 5 So who are the world conquerors, defeating its power? Those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your lovingkindness found in the Son that is extended to all your children. Holy Spirit please continue to produce the fruit of kindness in me, so I may remain useful in your hands to bring you glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Luke 6:20-23 (TPT)

Last Sunday, the Spirit led me to teach from Matthew’s gospel chapter 5:1-12. Today, we will read a parallel passage from Luke’s gospel regarding Jesus’ Sermon on the Mt. of Beatitudes (6:20-23). Jesus reaches out to teach those who will listen about what matters most in his Kingdom message; come to the Kingdom and be “blessed.”

The word “blessed” is a more common translation; however, in Aramaic, the word “blessed” does not do the text justice. In fact, please note in our passage the many words that are used as part of the translation “blessed.” Toowayhon [blessed] is Aramaic and it means to have the capacity to enjoy union and communion with God. It is why those poor in spirit wisely acknowledge their inadequacy or weakness and turn to God for strength—finding themselves blessed. If you are covered by the blood of Jesus, you have been given the capacity to enjoy communion with God. Today, please turn to God and be “blessed.”

Luke 6:20-23 Jesus Taught Them What Matters Most
20 Looking intently at his followers, Jesus began his sermon. “How enriched [blessed] you become when you are poor,[suffer spiritual poverty] for you will experience the reality of God’s kingdom realm.

21 “How filled [blessed] you become when you are consumed with hunger and desire, for you will be completely satisfied.

“How content [blessed] you become when you weep with complete brokenness, for you will laugh with unrestrained joy.

22 “How favored [blessed] you become when you are hated, excommunicated, or slandered, or when your name is spoken of as evil because of your love for me, the Son of Man.

23 “I promise you that as you experience these things, you will celebrate and dance with overflowing joy. And the heavenly reward of your faith will be abundant, because you are being treated the same way as your forefathers the prophets.

Prayer: Lord, you have extended abundant blessings to me; may I be filled to overflowing, today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mark 7:5-7
God has instructed humanity to obey his commands; loving God and loving others. According to Jesus—the Living Word of God— we can be successful in meeting these requirements. Jesus taught, “Simply join your life with mine. Learn my ways and you’ll discover that I’m gentle, humble, easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in me” (Matthew 11:29). Where the practice of religious rituals fail to renew us or bring lasting change into our lives, Jesus actually offers training opportunities, brings us power as we practice, and keeps us company on the journey. What a Savior!

In our passage today, Jesus has an encounter with the religious leaders. Jesus is not criticizing good hygiene practice. Instead, he is shining the light of Truth on the fact that these leaders have exalted the writings and traditions of the religious elders above the actual commands of God. They hold fast to what is not working in their lives while rejecting Jesus who came to bring victory.

Mark 7:5-7
5 So the Pharisees and religious scholars asked Jesus, “Why don’t your disciples live according to the age-old traditions passed down by our elders? They should first ceremonially wash their hands before eating.”

6 Jesus replied, “You are frauds and hypocrites! How accurately did Isaiah prophesy about you phonies when he said:
‘These people honor me with their words
    while their hearts run far away from me!
7 
Their worship is nothing more than a charade!
    For they continue to insist
    that their man-made traditions
    are equal to the instructions of God.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the change you have brought to my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Philemon:4-7(TPT)

Faith is a wonderful gift from God. It is by faith we are saved; faith in Jesus Christ. It is also by faith in Christ that we reveal our salvation by deeply and sincerely loving other believers. It is our love for one another that marks us as Christ’s disciples (John 13:35). God knows life comes with many challenges, so he has given us the ability to commune in his loving springs of living water, receive his love, and then turn to share his abundant love with others who need refreshing. In Christ, you can be someone’s refreshment, today.

Philemon 4-7Philemon’s Faith and Love
4 I am always thankful to my God as I remember you in my prayers 5 because I’m hearing reports about your faith in the Lord Jesus and how much love you have for all his holy followers. 6 I pray for you that the faith we share may effectively deepen your understanding of every good thing that belongs to you in Christ. 7 Your love has impacted me and brings me great joy and encouragement, for the hearts of the believers have been greatly refreshed through you, dear brother.

Prayer: Lord, I want my love to impact others in refreshing ways. Help me to see how I can be a blessing, today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

John 13:31-35 TPT

The Bible is God’s Testimony of Love; the Word teaches about the God kind of love. In the Old Testament, the Lord instructs his people to love God wholeheartedly and love their neighbors as they love themselves (Lev. 19:18). In the New Testament, Jesus—God’s Son—reveals the standard of love by his actions. Now, we are to love our neighbors the way Christ loves us (John 13:34). If we are going to love this way, we must first receive God’s love. As believers, we need grace to help us extend agape—sacrificial love—to love others. We may need to sacrifice being angry, holding a grudge, bearing false witness, or even seeking revenge because we are born from above and we now love like Jesus. Without a doubt, Christ holds a high standard for love, but grace and the work of the Spirit makes it possible. Will you walk in agape, today?

John 13:31-35
34 “So I give you now a new[e] commandment: Love each other just as much as I have loved you. 35 For when you demonstrate the same love I have for you by loving one another, everyone will know that you’re my true followers.”

Prayer: Lord, you have loved me with a sacrificial love; help me to love others as you have loved me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 15 The Passion Translation (TPT)

I have always loved the song, “Lord, Prepare Me to Be A Sanctuary.” The lyrics of the song are powerful about the work of the Spirit in our lives. Here are the lyrics: “Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary, pure and holy tried and true. And with thanksgiving I’ll be a living sanctuary for you.” The Word of God inspires and prepares us and the Spirit empowers us to submit to the holiness of Jesus Messiah who lives within the hearts of believers—we are God’s sanctuary.

In our passage today, King David sings about the presence of God and how only the Lord can make our hearts a holy dwelling place. Notice the emphasis that is placed on the integrity of words. If we desire to abide in the shining place of God’s glory, slanderous and insulting words cannot find life with our tongues. Listening to or perpetuating gossip and rumors is not the work of the Spirit; it is not the image of Christ. Believers must wholeheartedly speak Truth in love to live in the Shining Place. Do not allow yourself to speak slanderous or insulting words about others; kindly excuse yourself from the presence of those who do. Otherwise, you will grieve the Spirit and hinder your witness of Christ who lives within you.

Psalm 15 Living in the Shining Place
A poetic song, by King David
1 
Lord, who dares to dwell with you?
Who presumes the privilege of being close to you,
living next to you in your shining place of glory? [sanctuary]
Who are those who daily dwell in the life of the Holy Spirit?
2 
They are passionate and wholehearted,
always sincere and always speaking the truth—
for their hearts are trustworthy.
3 
They refuse to slander[speak evil] or insult others;
they’ll never listen to gossip or rumors,
nor would they ever harm another with their words.
4 
They will speak out passionately against evil and evil workers
while commending the faithful ones who follow after the truth.
They make firm commitments and follow through,
even at great cost.
5 
They never crush others with exploitation or abuse
and they would never be bought with a bribe
against the innocent.
They will never be shaken; they will stand firm forever.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for putting a watch over my mouth that I would not grieve your Spirit nor wander from your shining presence. Help me to submit to your holiness that is within me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Luke 1:67-75

God has promised to bring us the strength and power we need when we call on his name for salvation. It is the work of the Word and the inspiration of the Spirit to develop us in our character; we are to grow in the likeness of our Savior. Jesus causes us to defeat our spiritual enemies—anything that rebells against God’s rule in our lives. God is always going to fulfill his Word to his people; we can completely trust in God and his love for us. He is our Hero!

In our passage today, we witness the fulfillment of the prophecy given to Zechariah regarding the Messiah. Jesus—God’s Son—came to fulfill the promise God made to set us free. Now, we must let him renew our minds and refashion how we live as his holy priesthood.

Luke 1:67-75 Zechariah’s Prophecy
67 Then Zechariah was filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit and he prophesied, saying:
68 
“Praise be to the exalted Lord God of Israel,
    for he has seen us through eyes of grace,
    and he comes as our Hero-God to set us free!
69 
He appears to us as a mighty Savior,
    a trumpet of redemption [strength and fighting power] from the house of David, his servant,
70 
Just as he promised long ago
    by the words of his holy prophets.
71 
They prophesied he would come one day and save us
    from every one of our enemies
    and from the power of those who hate us.
72 
Now he has shown us the mercy promised to our ancestors,
    for he has remembered his holy covenant.
73–75 
He has rescued us from the power of our enemies!
    This fulfills the sacred oath he made with our father Abraham.
    Now we can boldly worship [serve] God with holy lives,
    living in purity as priests [holy priesthood] in his presence every day!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for fulfilling your promise to provide a mighty Savior. You help me overcome my spiritual enemies by providing me strength and fighting power. You help me to grow in godly character, so I better reflect your image. Thank you! You are my Hero-God. In Jesus’ name. Amen.