Pastor Mary Haley

June 6, 2019

Galatians 5:16-25 The Passion Translation (TPT)

Yesterday, we explored the meaning of “Let go and let God.” If we are honest, every human being craves freedom, satisfaction, and power of some kind; we like to hold onto certain things that make us feel “good,” don’t we? Letting go may feel like we are sacrificing something good for us. Remember, the Lord has given us freedom, so how will we use it?  We like being able to stand in a place of independence, influence, or power and honestly, in Christ, we were created to do so. Yet, our will has to be supported by righteous attitudes in our minds, righteous motives in our hearts, and the power needs to be used to exalt Christ not our flesh. Sometimes believers experience an internal war, because our flesh craves something the Spirit is not free to give because the Anointed One says it is contrary to God’s will for our lives.  We cannot flow in the power of the Spirit and selfishness at the same time.

Today, the Apostle Paul teaches us about the benefit of letting go and embracing the realm and reign of God. Only when we flow in the Spirit will our lives produce an eternal and holy victory. The Spirit wants us to connect in power and oneness with God.  In fact, the Spirit craves that oneness in the holiness of God.  Not everything we may have a desire to say or do will bring a holy victory; not everything is good according to Christ the Anointed One.  In fact, we are free, yet that freedom misused can cause us to forfeit the Kingdom realm of God.

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June 5, 2019

Luke 9:23-27 The Voice

“Let go and let God” is a phrase I have frequently heard believers use when they are encouraging others to consciously surrender his or her free will, as a servant, for the will of God.  Sometimes people interpret that as just giving up, doing nothing, and thinking God is going to bring all things to pass with no effort, work, or change on our part.  This is not truth, but rather a fantasy.  If you and I are going to “Let go and let God,” we are going to make a continual effort to set down the agenda’s we may have for our lives and pick up God’s will.  That means I may need to allow Jesus to reposition me, transform me, and lead me into his will and quite honestly that is not an easy thing to endure.  Our flesh is at war with the Spirit, remember?  Letting go involves a cross, because it calls for sacrifice.  It may even test our faith, but it is biblical to pick up our cross and follow Jesus, anyway.  When we commit to “Let go and let God,” we are committing to follow the Word at all costs even when it feels risky, frightening, or goes counter cultural.  So, if you really want the will of God which heals and restores us in love, by all means “Let go!”

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June 4, 2019

Acts 26:19-23 The Passion Translation (TPT)

Jesus Messiah is a life-changer.  He brings new life to open hearts and calls us to follow him into abundant living.  When we are willing to surrender our stubborn wills and mindsets, he brings transformation to our attitudes, priorities, choices, etc.  Getting our attention is part of God’s work of salvation.  I imagine sometimes getting our attention is quite a task.

Jesus Messiah is the life-changer for Saul (Apostle Paul) who met Jesus on the Road to Damascus.  Saul was going to persecute Christians, but Jesus got his attention and sent him in a new direction.  From that day on, Saul would become Paul; a man with a life-changing story.  God sent him to the Gentile or non-Jewish nations to be a witness to the resurrection of Christ.  God’s directive and Paul’s obedience provided salvation for me and you. 

In our passage today, Paul is presenting his case in court; Paul has been put in prison for his witness of the Living Christ.  Our take away today comes as a reminder. We must receive the love and forgiveness of God through Jesus and demonstrate our connection to Christ with our changed lives. Behold old sinful ways of living are to pass away and we are to live each day in the righteousness of Jesus Christ.

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June 3, 2019

Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21

This last week’s violent mass shooting at Virginia Beach has reminded us again this world is ruled by Satan and evil is expanding its reach for more hearts.  If the heart of humanity is not sold out to Christ, anyone can be a pawn for Satan.  As we look at a world filled with issues, problems, evil, violence, persecution, lawlessness, and selfishness, we must endure in our faith, hang onto God’s love abiding in us, and patiently wait for our Messiah to return.  Our eyes must be fixed upon the promises of God; our hope resting on the Word of Truth.  One day Jesus will rule a new earth where sin and evil no longer exists. For now, the Lord’s grace is sufficient to keep us abiding in his love.  He is faithful and true and he will bring everything he has promised to pass.  May God cover us with his grace each day and may we live ready to meet him at any moment.  Come Lord Jesus and bring lasting peace.

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May 31, 2019

John 1:16-18

The more I get to know some folks the better I like them and the more I value them.  It takes time to really get to know someone, doesn’t it?  When we invest time in people, we gain a truer picture of their character and know them at a deeper level.  Did you know Scripture tells us we need to spend time with Christ—the Living Word—in order to gain a proper understanding of the heart of the Father?   It is Jesus who really interprets God and makes him known to humanity.  If you want to know the loving-kindness and grace of God, spend time in the Word.

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May 30, 2019

Acts 1:6-11 Jesus Is Taken to Heaven

Today is called Ascension Day.  It is the day we celebrate Christ’s ascension into heaven; 40 days after his resurrection from the dead. In our passage, Jesus is sharing his goodbyes to the apostles. They want to know how everything affects Israel, but Jesus redirects their attention to the weightier things of the Kingdom.  Jesus instructs the apostles to focus on three things: 1) Wait and receive the Holy Spirit—don’t try to do things in your own strength; 2) Expect the Holy Spirit to bring the power of God—supernatural provision for every assignment; and 3) Bear witness to what God is doing everywhere you go—share every LIFE lesson.  As Christ’s disciple, these three things are for you, too!

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May 29, 2019

John 1:14 Living Bible (TLB)

How do you view forgiveness?  Is it hard for you to forgive others when they sin against you?  Even though many people struggle to do so, extending loving forgiveness to others is a very holy act. We are given the gift of forgiveness from God that we can actually give to others. When we forgive, we obey and reflect the Word or Voice of God.  Forgiveness is actually liberating for us; we do not have to carry around the weight of hurt and pain.  So, the next time you find yourself needing to forgive someone, please realize as you forgive that person you are actually being kind to yourself.

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May 28,, 2019

Psalm 93 Living Bible (TLB)

In our passage today, the psalmist shares some revealed Truth he has gained in his relationship with God.  This Truth is helpful and relevant for us. So think about it.  The Lord has established his throne over the world.  It may not look like it right now because evil is front and center, but the Lord rules and reigns and will forever.  We will all one day stand before the throne of God and give an account for how we lived our lives; whom did we serve?  Who’s on the throne of our lives?  Will the Lord see himself in us?  If we are wise, we will establish our lives under his rule right now.  To do so, we must respond to God with a desire for his holy character.  As we conform to the things of God, we are gathered into the will of God.  That’s why there is such a battle for your worship…your lifestyle.  Satan, does not want you to be devoted to God, because he knows it is a place of peace and blessing under God’s rule.

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May 27, 2019

John 15:13 Living Bible (TLB)

When I think about love the first thing that comes to my mind is the word, “commitment.”  I realize not everyone feels this way.  Our culture is inclined to see love as more about pleasure and less about a lasting commitment.  But, in everything that God’s Word teaches us about love, we find the evidence of commitment and sacrifice associated with it. “God so loved the world (was so committed to love his creation) that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him (John 3:16-17). Jesus laid down his life for the world.

Today, we remember those in our military who have served and loved their country to the extent that they laid down their lives to maintain our freedom.  Again, this is real love; real commitment. May we treasure this freedom by living under the authority of Almighty God; one nation under God is where true liberty is found.

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May 24, 2019

Proverbs 2:6-8 New Life Version (NLV)

Do you like idioms?  An idiom is a group of words that is given meaning, but really has nothing to do with the definition of each individual word. An example might be:  I’m all ears” which means I am  paying attention. Sometimes when I am reading things, idioms come to mind…such as today. 

In our passage, the author is still sharing about the benefits of wisdom.  The Lord imparts wisdom that can successfully navigate our lives toward the righteous path. The Lord covers us and keeps us on that narrow path, because we belong to him.  The Lord is our “safe-covering.” Bingo!  He covers us!  That reminds me of the idiom “I’ve got you covered.”  Just think about it, the Lord is wisdom and He covers us.  In other words, the Lord is with you, has got you, will back you up, and is providing for you through His amazing wisdom.  So when worry, stress, sickness, disappointment, sorrow, etc. tries to cover you, throw it off! Pray and give anything to God that should not cover you and get yourself back under His care. Let wisdom in the Lord cover you instead. Blessings for your weekend.

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