Pastor Mary Haley

April 12, 2019

Hebrews 2:10-18 The Passion Translation (TPT)

Today is the thirty-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. Did you know the heart of God is to walk with you through all the ordeals of your life?  The ordeals of life are tests and tribulations we all must face; they come to every human being and child of God.  But you and I do not have to face these spiritual battles alone. Battles are opportunities to bring attention to the Lord’s excellence. Our Lord is Excellent in battle!  Christ wants to fight our battles; the battle actually belongs to the Lord because we belong to the Father. Therefore, the Lord has the final word over our lives.  We stand by faith on the Word of God calling for our Excellent Lord to show us a way to escape our temptations (1 For 10:13). Obedience to God’s direction is key; trust in and obedience to God is our part in every battle.  As we submit and humble ourselves before God and resist the devil, he will flee (James 4:7). You and I are from God, we are over-comers because “greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). God has provided armor for our spiritual battles and we must put it on or apply it.  The Apostle Paul teaches us, “Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare” (Ephesians 6:13-18).  A Kingdom heart knows the Lord of every battle.  Are you trusting the Lord with all the ordeals of your life?

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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April 11, 2018

Hebrews 2:1-9 New Living Translation (NLT)

Today is the thirty-second 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.  If we are going to identify with the heart of God, we must learn to recognize the Truth from false teaching.  Since the arrival of Christ, Satan has been manipulating and lying to people in order to get them away from the Truth. We must learn to listen carefully to God’s Word in order to know we are in the Truth; otherwise, we will be led astray.  Because God gave us the Word, we must base our faith on it and rest in the eye witness accounts of Christ’s disciples and the miracles of which they wrote. Jesus blesses us for this kind of faith.  In fact he told his disciples, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen me and yet have believed” (John 20:29). False teaching rejects the authority and supremacy of Jesus as the Messiah.  Yet, the Word teaches God placed Jesus the Messiah in charge of everything and gave him absolute authority before he ascended to heaven (Mat 28:18). We must connect to Christ, because he promised, “I will be with you always even unto the end of the world” (Mat 28:20).  He is our Lord of Lords and King of Kings.  When you find yourself troubled by current events and worried about the future, do you turn to the Truth of Christ’s authority over all things and praise him because you are in his care? Do you know the power of praying in his name and remaining in a lifestyle of worship?

The author of Hebrews called his readers to listen carefully to the Truth that is written about Messiah, so they would not be deceived by false teachings.  It would be easy to believe since God is love, there is nothing else required for humanity to do; however, there is the matter of believing in the work of Christ as our sin sacrifice. As well, there is the matter of listening to the Spirit of Truth for the purpose of making us holy.  We live in a fallen world that rejects Christ.  Scripture identifies the rising of the evil Anti-Christ in end times who deceive the very elect of God. Jesus prayed to the Father for his disciples, “Father, I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth” (John 17:15-19).

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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April 10, 2019

Luke 18:31-34 The Message (MSG)

Today is the thirty-first 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 must want to be taken deeper into God’s thoughts in order to better understand his heart and plan for us.  Understanding God’s ways can sometimes be a challenge; our minds are not conditioned to think the way our Heavenly Father thinks. God’s Word is given to challenge and guide our thinking, so we can gain a bigger picture of our God.  “What is impossible with people is possible with God” (Luke 18:27).  This is a Truth we must never forget.  The disciples were always struggling to understand the literal words of Messiah.  He had to speak to them again and again and again.  Christ was trying to reveal to them something prophetic and spiritual and they were stuck trying to process information in their souls—minds, wills, emotions. Sometimes Christ had to take them away from the crowds; take them aside for the purpose of bringing clarity.  Even then, the disciples did not always get the message until it manifest later in the natural realm. I am so grateful Father God is patient with his children; with me!  Learning the ways of faith in God is hard work that requires our devotion to understand and apply Truth.  The Good News is God never gives up on getting Truth to us.  Are you sometimes tempted to give up the quest for more of God, because you feel uncertain in your thinking when reading the Word?  

In our passage today, Jesus is trying to tell the disciples about his upcoming death.  They could not grasp how what Jesus was saying to them could be even possible.  Just like the disciples, we need the work of the Spirit to help us understand the depths of God’s love and the work of Truth in our lives.  We will never allow ourselves to be taken to the deep places, until we are willing to trust the Lord with our whole lives.  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take” (Prov 3:5-6). Keep reading the Word of God and ask the Spirit to impart Truth to your heart. God wants to get it to you.

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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April 9, 2019

Psalm 20 New Life Version (NLV)

Today is the thirtieth 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.  As we draw closer to God’s heart, we are able to rest in his power. Have you ever found yourself on the verge of a meltdown? You are overwhelmed.  This is when life leaves your faith stretched, emotions raveled, and an inner awareness that you have no ability to sustain yourself.  This is a time of change and you are too weak to embrace it.  My friends, God is our Strength.  During those times, we must trust God and resist acting in fear, because God has promised to be our wisdom, power, and strength (Isaiah 12:2).  If you know King Jesus, you never face a day alone.  The Kingdom is righteousness, peace, and joy; the King abides in the Kingdom that is within you.  Every day seems to bring some form of approaching change, so as the day plays out will you place your trust in God’s Strength?

David prayed for God to keep his people safe.  He knew the true strength of a nation was found not in military might, but in the worship of Yahweh who was their Strength.  We, too, must place our trust and confidence in God. We were created to be worshippers of Yahweh—the One True God.  He alone can honor the desire of our hearts and make our lives victorious. His strength never fails.

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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April 8, 2019

Hebrews 10:19-25 New Living Translation (NLT)

Today is the twenty-ninth 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.  Scripture teaches spiritual struggles will be a part of the Last Days before Christ comes for us. We face struggles now and we will face struggles in the future.  Therefore, we must persevere, because we cannot allow the enemy to rob us of our faithful walk with Christ. Do you know what helps Christ’s followers overcome the struggles?  Meeting together in worship, because there we grow in our relationship with God, we can share our faith, draw upon the faith of others, motivate one another, and receive help when we need it most.  Where two or more are gathered in his name, he is in our midst (Mat 18:20).  Jesus is our High Priest and he makes a way for us to connect and remain strong and vigilant.  Do you realize the great value of meeting with other believers in praise and worship? 

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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April 6, 2019

John 11:45-53 The Message (MSG)

Today is the twenty-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. People have the freedom to go in two entirely different spiritual directions each day. We can choose to look for God’s presence and grace guiding us along the paths of righteousness, or we can choose to guide our own self-serving paths. God allows us to make the choice. Now, when we choose to yield our lives to God, the Spirit reveals God-Signs to us along the way. It’s like being guided by little symbolic spiritual hugs of assurance for our faith. As we pray and ask for God’s grace, we may see details being brought together or connected to help us while facing challenges or concerns. These are moments of revelation that God is taking care of us. Every day as you pray and ask for a Kingdom heart, do you also expect the Spirit to reveal God-Signs that help you follow and grow in your belief and faith in the saving work of God’s Son? 

In our passage today, Jesus has just resurrected and restored Lazarus. As a result of this miracle, many people were turning to believe in Jesus as the Son of God—the Messiah. Talk about a huge God-Sign! You would think that would be a hard God-Sign to miss, right? It depends on the heart. The hearts of the Pharisees and chief priests were bent on self-serving power. They wanted power over the people; rather than to help God’s people yield and grow under the rule of God. Yet, God used even the hardness and the selfishness of their hearts to bring his will to pass. In fact, he even put the words he wanted spoken in Caiaphas’ mouth in order to save the world. Our lives will move in the direction of our hearts. Choose to believe in the Son of God as the greatest God-Sign of all times!

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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April 5, 2019

Psalm 126 The Message (MSG)

Today is the twenty-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.  God is always able to bring something good out of something difficult.  As believers pray and seek the heart of God, we know we are seeking the heart of the Healer.   How big is your God?   God restores and heals spiritual drought, wounded emotions, infirm physical bodies, fractured relationships, etc.; anything that can be injured God desires to restore and make whole once again. Restoration flows from God’s goodness; a goodness that is evident to believers, as well as non-believers. Grace and favor is a part of every believer’s spiritual garments. When God miraculously works in restorative and healing ways, people who were previously burdened and downcast are suddenly filled with great joy and hope. It is evident that something “suddenly” changed.  We sow our disappointments and look for God to use it for our good; as we yield to God’s plan for our lives he has promised to bring an abundant harvest of his goodness to the forefront of our lives. When our hearts are focused on the Kingdom, we guide others to experience the Healer during times of difficulty, too. Are you quick to pray with others and help them connect with the Healer?

In our passage today, the psalmist remembers God’s past healing work with faith and hope as he prays for God to heal Israel, again.  God brought restoration in the past when he brought his people back from the exodus and exile.  Biblical history demonstrates God’s desire to restore Israel time and time again.  He desires to restore every one of his children. It may seem hard to understand, but God wants great things for you and you must be whole to receive them!  Be healed in Jesus’ name!

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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April 4, 2019

Isaiah 43:1-7 The Message (MSG)

Today is the twenty-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.  When you and I pray, we should maintain an awareness of God’s great love for us. Despite our failures to love God the way he deserves, he has chosen to respond with love and mercy. God is our faithful God who extends forgiveness and grace.  Our lives are precious to him.  When you pray, do you realize you are sharing time with Someone who sees you as precious; Someone who would pay any price to be with you and take care of you?

In our passage today, Israel has spent five decades under Babylonian captivity; God allowed Babylon to overtake Israel because they were unfaithful to him. Isaiah kept trying to call them back into a posture of repentance, but they did not listen.  Therefore, Israel tasted exile and it was painful. During that time, they did a great deal of soul-searching and praying about their relationship with Yahweh.  They may have been wondering if Yahweh would be faithful to them in the future; after all, they rejected him, right?  Israel’s problem is our problem, too.  We forget God is perfect Love; we think about our human capacity for love and judge God accordingly.  Because Israel belongs to the Lord, God will be faithful.  You and I can count on God’s faithfulness to us. God is for us not against us. That does not mean the way will always be easy.  In fact, sometimes our paths lead to hard places.  But, God has promised to be with us.  As we pray and seek God, let us never forget he is faithful and we were created for his glory.  He is going to see us through.  Praise our Faithful God!

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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April 3, 2019

2 Kings 4:1-7 The Message (MSG)

Today is the twenty-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.  Today, we continue our prayers for a Kingdom heart as we look further into God’s plan to provide for us through righteous sowing and reaping.  He alone is the All-Sufficient One.  He is the Source of everything we need in life.  God resists the proud, but he gives Grace to the humble; he instigates supply when the humble cry out (1 Peter 5:5).  When we have problems, we need to get with people of deep faith to pray and gain wisdom. That level of transparency may be difficult for some of us; we might not want others to know where we find ourselves.  Yet, people of deep faith push our faith to produce big things in God’s Kingdom economy. We must sow a seed and activate our faith in order to reap divine supply.  Sometimes the Lord provides inspiration or places an idea on our hearts when we pray; then, he asks us to follow.  The idea may not always make sense to our natural mind; the idea is a seed that requires faith.  Have you found yourself praying for God to meet a need in your life only to find you have an idea as a seed? 

In our passage, we note a woman in need. Recently widowed, she approaches the prophet Elisha.  This woman’s husband was a godly man who served the Lord by serving others; he sowed seeds of goodness in his devotion to God. She tells of her husband’s faith, but never mentions her own.  Elisha sets her up to receive; he pushes her to use her faith.  He makes her identify a small seed of provision; oil is left in her house.  Elisha instructs her use her faith by collecting jugs.  I am sure she is thinking, “God, this is ridiculous! These empty jugs are not going to save my sons from becoming slaves!”  True enough, collecting jugs was a test of her faith.  How many jugs would she collect, because she believed God spoke through Elisha?   

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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April 2, 2019

Joshua 5:9-12 The Voice (VOICE)

Today is the twenty-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.  Our prayers connect our human lives with the loving provision of Creator God; it is a communication partnership to which God calls us. He loves working with us, as well as helping us see and enjoy his presence.  The Lord is our divine Provider and he is teaching us to be his sons and daughters of faith and love.  We are to be led by the Spirit to bear righteous fruit which brings forth more seeds. Therefore, we generously sow that which is good into the fertile ground of the Kingdom while we pray and wait; in so doing we are sowing to the work and will of our loving God.  While we are helping others, God multiplies that love seed to bring forth our harvest. “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary (Gal. 6:9).  Are you putting faith to your seed as you ask God to provide in your life?

In our passage today, Joshua has successfully led the Israelites into the Promised Land as directed by God. The wilderness wandering and God’s temporary provision of manna is history; the Jordan River has closed up behind them.  They must move forward if they are going to obey God.  It is time to grow up and put their hand to the plow.  Israel has been delivered into a land to call their own; they will now receive God’s provisions through sowing and reaping in obedience to God’s Word.

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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