Daily Reading: 9-27-16
Psalm 62:5-12 Contemporary English Version (CEV)
In a world where words and actions are frequently unkind, isn’t it wonderful to know that God is entirely kind? Our hearts are always safe with God. Always. He does not love us because we are respectful or kind to Him. He loves us because He is powerful and infinitely kind enough for all of us no matter what the state of our hearts. As humans, we can accept or reject God and He will still be kind. However, how sweet to enjoy fellowship with Him in Christ. Seek His kind heart!
Pastor Mary Haley
Daly Devotional from Pastor Mary 9-26-16
Daily Reading: 9-26-16
Revelation 3:14-22 The Voice (VOICE)
To be rich in God’s Kingdom is to share the robe of Grace with Christ and to allow the purification process of the Spirit to recreate us for passionate and abundant living. If we are not allowing the Spirit of Christ to bring that ongoing discipline and refining, we become dispassionate and ineffective for God. Jesus said it this way, “You have a form of religion, but you reject the power that could make you godly ” (2 Timothy 3:5).
In our passage from John’s Revelation, Jesus sends a message to the church at Laodicea. It is a word of correction and a warning for them to grow in godliness.
Daily Devotional from Pastor Mary 9-23-16
Daily Reading: 9-23-16
Ephesians 2:1-10 The Message (MSG)
God is a Father who desires to share his perfect love with all of his creation. It appears when we do not know how much God loves us we will expect humans to make us feel worthy and valuable. And, if humans don’t rise to the occasion the way we expect, then we generalize things and assume “no one” cares. It’s just not true. God cares and many people who have experienced God’s love also care.
The real issue is that we have sought to gain our worth and value out of human flesh that has its own war with sin. In time, people will let other people down. It may not be a deliberate thing; it’s simply a human thing. God, on the other hand, not only values us He has made a way to enjoy fellowship with us on a perfect performance level. He never disappoints. He takes our messed up thinking and living then guides us into a plan for us to prosper; a plan only we can fulfill. If people do not seek God, they will never know how special they are nor what amazing things they could do in the power of God’s grace.
Daily Devotional from Pastor Mary 9-22-16
Daily Reading: 9-22-16
Psalm 91:1-6 New Living Translation (NLT)
More and more I crave the reassurance of safety and security from my heavenly Father. He is the refuge and shelter for my soul and I never need to be afraid, because God will cover and protect me. Just knowing I can live in God’s shelter, causes me to breathe a sigh of relief, how about you?
Daily Devotional from Pastor Mary 9-21-16
Daily Reading: 9-21-16
Luke 20:45-21:4 Contemporary English Version (CEV)
Sometimes it appears that people get away with some pretty awful things; not all crimes are met with the proper justice in this world. But, Scripture teaches that God will punish people who use their positions of responsibility to cheat others while pretending to be sincere. God will deal with people who see themselves as superior to others. Superiority is a worldly and dark mindset that can happen in government, the workplace, home, religion; basically, anywhere a spirit of pride is welcomed and fed.
Daily Devotional from Pastor Mary 9-20-16
Daily Reading: 9-20-16
1 Corinthians 9:19-23 The Living Bible (TLB)
I truly love this reading, today. It reminds me of the importance of knowing who we are in Christ Jesus; to operate in a spirit of humility and acceptance of the person without necessarily agreeing with every choice a person makes with his or her life. Our goal as Christ’s followers is to allow God’s love and grace to so fill us that we are influential in revealing Christ operating in our lives. The world needs Jesus not our pompous opinions or religious judgment. We must seek to find what we share in common with others and then enjoy discussing areas of life from there while still holding onto our own convictions. Maybe we will be able to tell many about Jesus just by starting with respect and kindness.
Daily Devotional from Pastor Mary 9-19-16
Daily Reading: 9-19-16
Acts 4:1-12 The Living Bible (TLB)
The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection of the dead, so they were very upset with Peter and John’s message about Christ and how God raised him. These religious leaders set up a council to question John and Peter. Interestingly, Peter turns the table at the inquiry and he uses this session with the council as a way to share the gospel about the Messiah. Because of Jesus, all of humanity is offered a relationship with God.
Daily Devotional from Pastor Mary 9-16-16
Daily Reading: 9-16-16
Romans 8:31-39 The Message (MSG)
Have you ever had someone stick up for you while others condemn you? If you know Jesus and are seeking to make him the Lord of your life, you have enjoyed a divine mediator. It’s true, nothing can separate you from divine love, because Jesus makes sure of it. Jesus loves you and embraces you as his own. So, today, don’t allow anything to cause you to doubt God’s love. Be convinced; live convinced.
Daily Devotional from Pastor Mary 9-15-16
Daily Reading: 9-15-16
Romans 3:1-8 The Message (MSG)
Do you ever find yourself letting things get “under your skin?” Well, Scripture teaches for our faith to be powerful it must get under our skin. Otherwise, it is only hypocrisy and religious talk; we can easily become smug and self-satisfied. God’s teachings are to be believed and practiced in the deep places of the heart; nothing superficial will sustain our faith.
The Apostle Paul was teaching the Romans about the need for trusting God and practicing His Word. The work of Grace is to deliver us from evil and straighten us out. Then we reveal the truth that God’s Word has gotten under our skin.
Daily Devotional from Pastor Mary 9-14-16
Daily Reading: 9-14-16
John 3:13-18 The Message (MSG)
According to the Christian calendar, today is Holy Cross Day. It is a time to celebrate by focusing on the cross and how our Lord Jesus Christ atoned for the sins of the world, defeated death and the devil, reconciled the world to God, and obtained our salvation. Proclaim the cross today; Jesus won the victory and now he draws all people to himself. Hallelujah!