Pastor Mary Haley June 14, 2018
Hebrews 2:1-12 Living Bible (TLB)
Sometimes I am asked questions like, “Pastor Mary, do you think it is important for people to believe in the work of Jesus on the cross? Do you think he is really the way to salvation? Do you think Jesus is the only way to know the heart of God?” Based on the Word of God here is my answer to all three of those questions, “Yes.” Scripture teaches God put Jesus (Yeshua) in charge of all things.
June 13, 2018
Luke 11:14-28 New Living Translation (NLT)
We are tempted to fear many things in life, but Scripture teaches we are to, “Fear not.” In our passage today, Jesus is speaking to the scribes and religious teachers of the Law. They are accusing Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Satan. What is Christ’s response? He challenges his listeners to think about whether or not they are working with or against God.
Making sure we are working with God is a very big responsibility. If we know the Word, we know his heart. Then, Jesus reminds his listeners that only someone stronger than Satan could cast out his demons. Pause. Greater is he who is in us, than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). Never forget Christ lives in believers. So, let’s put on our spiritual armor and guard our lives by putting the Word of God into practice. We have no one to fear if we choose to live God’s Word in Christ.
June 12, 2018
1 Samuel 8:1-9 The Message
God made a covenant or promise with Israel to be their God if they would be his people. But instead of being excited about God as King, Israel wanted to be like other nations who had a human king. Can you imagine telling God “thanks for the offer…but, no thanks?”
In our reading today, please note how God responds when the people reject His offer to be the King of their lives. He lets them have their own way; they will taste the fruit of their demands and regret it later. If we are wise, we will give God his rightful place in our lives and not demand that he do things our way.
June 11, 2018
1 Samuel 16:14-23 The Message
The Lord rejected Saul as Israel’s king because he sought to please people more than God. Because of Saul’s choice to dishonor the Lord, God sent Samuel to anoint a new king from the sons of Jesse. The youngest son, David, was God’s choice as Israel’s new king. God looks at the heart to determine his leaders; David was a worshiper and a man after God’s heart. Samuel was instructed to anoint David as the new king; in the pouring of the oil the Holy Spirit came upon David in power.
The Holy Spirit then departed from Saul and left him struggling with a tormenting evil spirit. In our passage today, the Lord is starting to prepare David to be king. The Lord will allow David to witness leadership without the anointing of the Spirit. David would learn a lot during his time as a musician in Saul’s court. For our life lesson, we must never forget the work of the Spirit to bring peace and wholeness to our lives. Our dedication must be to live to please the Lord above all else.
June 8, 2018
Psalm 130 The Message
Long before Messiah came to earth the Holy Spirit prompted the psalmist to prophesy about the love and redemption God would one day send; first to Israel and then the nations. Because forgiveness is God’s habit, it was destiny for him to make a way to forgive the sins of the world. When God forgives our sin, he truly remembers them no more and keeps no record of having been wronged. We are free to live, move, and having our being in Christ’s love! Meditate on that Truth, today!
June 7, 2018
1 Peter 4:7-19 The Message (MSG)
It seems like everywhere I go there are always opportunities to wander from practicing the love of God. The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, thoughtfulness, faithfulness, and self-control—are being tugged on within me to be released so I may remain in the shalom (wholeness) of God. Love and self-control are like bookends that bind all the fruit together. I must reach for love and a greater portion of self-control with each trial or challenge. When someone is impatient with me, the Spirit tugs on me to release patient love in return. When someone is unkind to me, the Spirit tugs on me to release kind love in return. Every day I must choose whether or not I will retaliate. Can you relate?
In our lesson today, Peter speaks to my heart. I am reminded God’s family will taste judgment in such a manner. In order for a judgment to be made and test of character must be experienced. So whatever you may experience each day, choose to remain in the love of God and be prepared to exercise that spiritual fruit for his glory. God is watching; He knows what he is doing. It’s preparation.
June 6, 2018
John 5:1-18 The Voice (VOICE)
During the time of Jesus’ ministry, Bethesda was known as a place full of suffering, impurity, and darkness. Most people in the vicinity purposely avoided this place, but Jesus walks boldly into it in order to serve people. Among those plagued with disease and physical challenges, Jesus singles out a lame man who for 38 years has waited patiently for God to heal him. The man has been looking at his limitations and talking about needing people to help him, but the Lord is going to get him to look Higher for salvation in order to receive the wholeness found in the presence of God.
We are all tempted to focus on our limitations, but we must resist doing so because God is not limited by our weaknesses. For 38 years the “mat” has been this man’s resting place, but Jesus tells him to pick it up and carry it in new strength. Pick up your mat—that thing you have been resting on for comfort—ask and expect the Spirit to move you into wholeness leaving weakness behind. Be bold with your asking and avoid trying to figure out how God will touch you. Trust, because Jesus is the Healer and we all need him!
June 5, 2018
Psalm 78:1-4 New Living Translation (NLT)
God has been so very good to each of us; life in Christ is a beautiful gift. At Connect2Christ Church we are starting a new children’s music ministry, today. This will be a time of praise and creativity; a time to pass along to the next generation our stories about the love and goodness of God. Please be praying for Corbi, as well as the worship team as they bring leadership to this ministry. Our children are the future when it comes to the work of the Kingdom; we must groom them for the faith that will be required in their lifetime.
In our passage today, the Psalmist teaches about the importance of sharing spiritual truths and life lessons with the next generation. We are in agreement with the Word and looking for the work of the Spirit to multiply the seeds we are devoted to plant in the lives of those whom God brings.
June 4, 2018
Romans 9:19-29 New Living Translation (NLT)
Potter God fashioned you as a jar of clay to reflect His glory. He has done that with every child of Promise. Since He is the Potter and we are the clay, He can form our shape any way He chooses. You are a unique work of His hands; find joy in your differentness. Glorify God with your unique life.
June 1, 2018
Romans 8:31-39 The Message (MSG)
The love of God pursues all people, but swaddles those who by faith welcome Him. If you have accepted the work of Messiah on the cross for the forgiveness of your sins, you are swaddled in the pure love of God and nothing can penetrate or tear you away from Him. You are snug and secure in his loving care.
If we are honest, sometimes it does not feel like we are swaddled in God’s love, because we look at our circumstances to determine the love of God for us. That is a wrong way to view life in Messiah. We must “know” that nothing comes into our lives that hasn’t first gone through the cross of Jesus Christ. When you think of it, there is nothing more than the cross he could possibly do to demonstrate his perfect love…but he continues to love us and bless us anyway! Focus on this love of God for you, today. View your fleeting circumstances as you stand at the foot of the cross gazing on God’s love for you and don’t let life rob you of Truth. Messiah loves you; He embraces you so you can’t lose!
