Pastor Mary Haley

December 30, 2019
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 The Passion Translation (TPT)

Life presents many challenges and some days we may feel like we are at the end of our so-called ‘rope.’ You know what I mean; we have no further patience, resources, abilities, or energy left to cope with a situation any longer. Yet, that is the very time we need to refocus our thinking; time to ask the Spirit to help us meet this life-challenge with eternal resources and abilities.

In our passage today, the Apostle Paul encourages us to know that when we find ourselves at the end of our rope, that is the very time the Holy Spirit wants to come and be the inner strength we need. We can deny we feel the way we do, but that is not faith nor will it bring supernatural help. Rather, we need to come boldly before God’s throne of Grace and ask for the Spirit to bring the inner strength we need to sustain us. That is faith…and faith stirs our hope and brings answers. Hang on!

2 Corinthians 4:16-18
16 So no wonder we don’t give up. For even though our outer person gradually wears out, our inner being is renewed every single day. 17 We view our slight, short-lived troubles in the light of eternity. We see our difficulties as the substance that produces for us an eternal, weighty glory far beyond all comparison, 18 because we don’t focus our attention on what is seen but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but the unseen realm is eternal.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the encouragement of your Word. Life can truly be challenging. I feel it all the time as I share in life with others. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for being my strength. Thank you for strengthening the people I love and keeping us all moving forward. I know an eternal reward awaits us so we hope on…In Jesus’ name. Amen.

December 27,2019
1 John 5:1-12 The Passion Translation (TPT)

Spiritual truths can be a challenge for people to understand, because the things of God are not innate to our minds. The wisdom that comes from God is spiritually discerned (1 Cor. 2:14). The only One who knows the mind of God is the Spirit of God (1 Cor 2:12). Therefore, God gave the Spirit of Truth to help us connect the “faith” dots. Our faith is what brings us into victory and we need help bringing things together—to gain understanding—within our natural minds. If we do not understand what God is saying in his Word, then we cannot “do” what we “hear.” We are called to be “doers” of the Word and not “hearers” only (James 1:22). The Word of God renews our minds; it is an ongoing process (Eph. 4:23). Obeying or “doing” the Word is how we plant Truth in our hearts and minds and it is the Word of Truth that saves our souls (mind/will/emotions) from sin and error (James 1:23).

In our passage today, the Apostle John teaches Truth about spiritual children and how they are identified. This Truth helps the children connect the “faith” dots. If we believe Jesus is the Son of God, then we have been spiritually “fathered” by Almighty God who is Love. We have been impregnated by the Spirit of Truth. Now, that Seed—Christ—is ready to grow spiritual Life within us which brings ongoing understanding. As we grow spiritually, we look more and more like Jesus—the firstborn Son of God.

1 John 5:1-2 The Proof of Love and the Victory of Faith
1 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.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for always having victory laid out before me. I know I can overcome the world as I feed on the Word and obey it. I want to live like Jesus, so I reflect your true character. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

December 26, 2019
Matthew 18:1-14 The Passion Translation (TPT)

Watching a child experience Christmas morning is captivating; they enjoy with great enthusiasm the wonder of giving and receiving. Less we forget, Father God is the ultimate Giver and we are to be the joyful receivers who learn from Him. In fact, when we are jubilant in our receiving from the Father, we have capture the heart of Kingdom living.

In our passage today, Jesus reminds the disciples of the importance of this child-like attitude of receiving from the Father. Note the posture of the receiver: accepting, teachable, and humble.

Matthew 18:1-14 Who Is the Greatest in the Kingdom Realm?
18 At that time the disciples came to ask Jesus, “Who is considered to be the greatest in heaven’s kingdom realm?”

2 Jesus called a little one to his side and said to them, 3 “Learn this well: Unless you dramatically change your way of thinking and become teachable, and learn about heaven’s kingdom realm with the wide-eyed wonder of a child, you will never be able to enter in. 4 Whoever continually humbles himself to become like this gentle child is the greatest one in heaven’s kingdom realm.

Prayer: Father, I open myself up to learn from you. Continue to teach me your Kingdom ways. You are my Lord and Master. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

December 25, 2019
Luke 2:14 The Voice (VOICE)

The Gift of the Christ—Messiah—is God’s greatest act of love for humanity. “For this is how much God loved the world—he gave his one and only, unique Son as a gift. So now everyone who believes in him will never perish but experience everlasting life (John 3:16). Take this Truth into your soul (mind, will, emotions); in Christ, God has brought redemption into the world! Christ—God wrapped in human flesh—is our Creator AND our Redeemer. Redemption is the promise of God to save and deliver us from the power and presence of sin. The redemption of humanity is what brings the glory that is truly due to God!

It is Christmas, and your Gift awaits your response. Think about each day as a way to open the Perfect Gift and share Him with others. Live your life as a way to radiate God’s glory! Join with the heavenly choir this morning as we sing, “Glory to God in the highest!”

Luke 2:14
14 
Heavenly Choir: To the highest heights of the universe, glory to God!
    And on earth, peace among all people who bring pleasure to God!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the greatest Gift—Jesus—I could ever receive. May my life bring you the glory you are truly due. I can only live in a way that pleases you through Messiah, so I choose to follow my Redeemer. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Titus 3:4-7 Contemporary English Version (CEV)

I love the Christmas season; each year it captures my heart and takes me on a journey filled with joyful memories of worship celebrations and meaningful family get togethers. Our family gatherings have changed a great deal over the past ten years; many of our family members are already with Jesus. Others have moved away. Yet, Christmas remains my favorite holiday to celebrate. God’s gracious gifts of hope, peace, joy, and love still fill me with praise. The Christmas journey is a heart journey that is focused on the goodness of God and the Perfect Gift of his Son.

In our passage today, the Apostle Paul calls us to remember the goodness and kindness of Almighty God. Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of the Christ—the Messiah. It is also a time to celebrate the new birth—yours and mine—in the Spirit who invites us to grow into the likeness of Christ. We start as a spiritual babe and, as we trust the work of the Spirit, we mature in grace and wisdom. The gift and work of the Spirit is to prepare us for eternal life. Merry Christmas!

Titus 3:4-7

4

God our Savior showed us

how good and kind he is.

5

He saved us because

of his mercy,

and not because

of any good things

that we have done.

God washed us by the power

of the Holy Spirit.

He gave us new birth

and a fresh beginning.

6

God sent Jesus Christ

our Savior

to give us his Spirit.

7

Jesus treated us much better

than we deserve.

He made us acceptable to God

and gave us the hope

of eternal life.

Prayer: Lord, today is Christmas Eve. Thank you for making my heart the manger for the Savior—the Spirit of Christ. Please continue to help me mature in grace and wisdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

December 23, 2019
Luke 1:46-55 New Living Translation (NLT)

Every day I praise the Lord, because I see just how blessed I am by God. He is good and his favor rests upon me to keep me encouraged and fulfilled as I seek to lovingly lead his people. I am surrounded by devoted followers of Christ and I have the privilege of sharing life with them. My life is not always easy, but I am always blessed. Many people think about the word “blessed” and connect it to a life of comfort, but in our passage today, Mary calls herself blessed and nothing about her situation is comfortable.

Many times our blessings come in the shape of a cross; we must bear the burden in the strength of God. But in that connection with God, we can trust and know the divine presence and gain a greater understanding of his perspective of love and life. Wherever you find yourself this Christmas, please let Mary’s song of praise encourage you. Take time to look for the blessings in your life and praise God for them.

Luke 1:46-55The Magnificat: Mary’s Song of Praise
46 Mary responded,
“Oh, how my soul praises the Lord.
47 
    How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!
48 
For he took notice of his lowly servant girl,
    and from now on all generations will call me blessed.
49 
For the Mighty One is holy,
    and he has done great things for me.
50 
He shows mercy from generation to generation
    to all who fear him.
51 
His mighty arm has done tremendous things!
    He has scattered the proud and haughty ones.
52 
He has brought down princes from their thrones
    and exalted the humble.
53 
He has filled the hungry with good things
    and sent the rich away with empty hands.
54 
He has helped his servant Israel
    and remembered to be merciful.
55 
For he made this promise to our ancestors,
    to Abraham and his children forever.”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for taking notice of my heart and blessing me. I praise you for your goodness; I thank you for your mercy and strength. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Galatians 4:4-7 CEV

Today, I found the need to run errands and throughout my journey I spent quite a bit of time waiting. I waited to make left turns. I waited for appointments. I waited in lines to purchase supplies. Wait, wait, wait…it seems to go with the season.

Long ago, people walked in the darkness waiting for the Light of the world to arrive. At the appointed time—when the time was right—God sent his Son. Christmas is the perfect time to celebrate the arrival of Immanuel—God with us! Now, we no longer have to live in the darkness; we can live in the Light that leads to abundant Life with Father. Blessings for your weekend.

Galatians 4:4-7
4 But when the time was right, God sent his Son, and a woman gave birth to him. His Son obeyed the Law, 5 so he could set us free from the Law, and we could become God’s children. 6 Now that we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts. And his Spirit tells us that God is our Father. 7 You are no longer slaves. You are God’s children, and you will be given what he has promised.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the life you bring each day; a beautiful reminder of your perfect timing. Thank you for being with me, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Galatians 3:23-29 The Voice (VOICE)

Yesterday, we shared a mission outreach to the residents at Oak Tree ALF. It was such a special time. They were so very appreciative of the gifts we brought, the refreshments we served, and the songs we shared to celebrate Christmas with them. Our gifts were socks and slippers. We had to do a little shuffling with sizes, but eventually I think everyone received a pair of slippers and socks that fit him or her. Getting the right size is important; enclosed toe and heel slippers must fit each individual’s feet.

Salvation is one gift that fits every believer; one size fits all hearts. To be saved means to be born from above—to make room in our hearts for the Anointed One. To be born from above is to be spiritually transformed and set apart for God’s purposes as his children. Therefore, we take on Christ’s characteristics and values with our lives. At Christmas, we tend to focus on tangible gifts, but the best gift you can give your friends and loved ones is Christ in you. Love them the way Christ loves you. Treat them with kindness and patience as you share time. Forgive others who have hurt you; honestly, forgiveness is a gift you give to yourself. Be subject to His power, because Christ wants to touch other lives through you and he values people and relationships.

Galatians 3:23-29

23 Before faith came on the scene, the law did its best to keep us in line, restraining us until the faith that was to come was fully revealed. 24 So then, the law was like a tutor, assigned to train us and point us to the Anointed, so that we will be acquitted of all wrong and made right by faith. 25 But now that true faith has come, we have no need for a tutor. 26 It is your faith in the Anointed Jesus that makes all of you children of God 27 because all of you who have been initiated into the Anointed One through the ceremonial washing of baptism have put Him on. 28 It makes no difference whether you are a Jew or a Greek, a slave or a freeman, a man or a woman, because in Jesus the Anointed, the Liberating King, you are all one. 29 Since you belong to Him and are now subject to His power, you are the descendant of Abraham and the heir of God’s glory according to the promise.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the generous love and kindness you always extend to me. In fact, the love and kindness you give me is always the perfect fit. Your saving care is the answer to my longing heart this Christmas. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Matthew 8:14-17 Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Touch is a powerful gift from God. We send and receive messages and meaning through touch; therefore, it is a form of language. God made us to respond to his powerful touch, as well as to respond to the emotional and physical touch of loved ones. I tend to be a hugging person, but I realize and respect the fact that some people might not feel the same way. Sometimes just taking a person’s hand and praying for them is the perfect message that initiates healing.

During his first advent—when Christ came and took on human flesh—he touched people and they received all kinds of messages and healing miracles during his ministry. In our passage today, Jesus takes Peter’s mother-in-law by the hand and instantly she is made well. If you need a touch from Jesus today, just ask him. Each week during prayer I ask Jesus to give me a hug. Touch speaks to my heart and gets me ready to reach out to touch the lives of others. Jesus is the Healer and he does that through touch. Let him touch you!

Matthew 8:14-17 Jesus Heals Many People

14 Jesus went to the home of Peter, where he found that Peter’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with fever. 15 He took her by the hand, and the fever left her. Then she got up and served Jesus a meal.

16 That evening many people with demons in them were brought to Jesus. And with only a word he forced out the evil spirits and healed everyone who was sick. 17 So God’s promise came true, just as the prophet Isaiah had said,

“He healed our diseases and made us well.”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the power of touch. Please continue to touch my soul and leave me well. May I experience the power of your loving hug and touch every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Jude 17-25 The Voice (VOICE)

Are you quick to protect that which you treasure most? As a Christ follower, I understand the opposition that will come into my life because I have chosen to live and teach God’s Word as the standard of Love and Truth. The Holy Spirit is my Protector; therefore, I seek to guard the work of the Spirit in me. The enemy does not want me to focus on the Spirit of Truth or the power that God has offered to deliver me from evil. If you are a follower, you understand that to be true of your life, as well. Therefore, we have to contend for the faith against the opposition of the darkness that tries to overtake the Light or Truth. We must live in harmony with God’s plan and obedience with how God has designed it to manifest in our lives. Protecting God’s Truth is our greatest act of obedience. What we value most, we guard, right?

In our passage today, we are encouraged by Jude—brother of Jesus and James—to remain vigilant in our faith; it is the Christian duty because we have committed our lives to the Son of God. In one short letter Jude exposes the work of false teachers trying to deceive people by telling them Christ’s followers can live any way they want in their flesh without fear of God’s punishment. Therefore, divisions start popping up all over the place. Jude stands to protect the Truth in that place. I encourage you to focus on the Truth, guard the work of the Spirit in you, and give no power to the darkness.

Jude 17-25

17 But you, friends, remember the words of the emissaries[a] of our Lord Jesus the Anointed, the Liberating King: 18 “At the end of time, some will ridicule the faithful and follow their lusts to the grave.” 19 These are the men among you—those who divide friends, those concerned ultimately with this world, those without the Spirit. 20-21 You, however, should stand firm in the love of God, constructing a life within the holy faith, praying the Spirit’s prayer, as you wait eagerly for the mercy of our Lord Jesus the Anointed, which leads to eternal life.

22 Keep being kind to those who waver in this faith. 23 Pursue those who are singed by the flames of God’s wrath, and bring them safely to Him. Show mercy to others with fear, despising every garment soiled by the weakness of human flesh.

24 Now to the One who can keep you upright and plant you firmly in His presence—clean, unmarked, and joyful in the light of His glory— 25 to the one and only God, our Savior, through Jesus the Anointed our Lord, be glory and greatness and might and authority; just as it has been since before He created time, may it continue now and into eternity. Amen.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for this wisdom from Jude, today. Help me to focus on and exalt the Truth of your Love you have placed around me each day. I want to starve the darkness that tries to consume my faith by remaining in your Joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.