Pastor Mary Haley

February 20, 2018

1 Peter 3:8-18 New Living Translation (NLT)

There are many, many wonderful lessons in our reading today.  We are brought to God through Christ and we are to have his mindset.  What is the mindset of Christ?  To see ourselves as one household connected to Christ.  That means we deeply appreciate and serve one another and keep a clear conscience of how we love each other.  There should be no relationships stronger on earth than our spiritual connections in Christ who is Love incarnate and the Head of the Church (believers).  We are his Body reaching out to others, moving in synchronicity with the Spirit, to serve in God’s mission of salvation.

Read more

February 19, 2018

Ephesians 2:1-10 New Living Translation (NLT)

In the days of Noah, God brought a flood.  Noah and his family were in the ark; they were both saved by the water and saved from the water.  They were saved by the Spirit from the flooding judgment of Almighty God.  And, that water of the Spirit is a picture of baptism that now saves us through a response to God from a clean conscience.  Baptism is effective because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 3:20-21).

Because of the Spirit, we are now made alive with the resurrected Christ.  We are baptized into the Spirit of Christ.  We can follow his lead for our lives and we can have his strength to live in the love and presence of God so we can do the good things he has planned for us.  There is no fear and no judgment; we are saved to Testify!

Read more

Daily Reading 11-3-17

Psalm 43:5 Good News Translation (GNT)

Human emotions are fickle; they can run high and then low without much warning.  As well, they can be difficult to tame and bring under the authority of the Lord.  When our emotions run low and we find ourselves sad or discouraged, we should not just “sit in our sadness.”  Instead, we need to open the Word of God and receive wisdom from the many heroes of the faith.  What did they do when they felt this way?  They meditated on the goodness of the Lord. 

Read more

Daily Reading 11-1-17

Matthew 5:1-12 Amplified Bible (AMP)

Over the past three days the Lord has been drawing my attention to the word, “Blessed or Blessing.”  In the Greek, the word “blessed” is translated using many different descriptive words that are all interconnected.  In today’s passage, I will use brackets to highlight a greater understanding of the word “blessed,” as well as the response of God on behalf of those pursuing the “blessing.”  Enjoy the teaching for today from the Word of God; you who are blessed of the Lord.

Read more

Daily Reading 10-30-17

James 2:8-13 Living Bible

Mercy is defined as not getting what you deserve; punishment is withheld.  We have all broken God’s Laws in some way; all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.  We deserve the punishment for sin; eternal separation from God.  But because of God’s mercy (loving kindness) and grace we are forgiven.  God withholds the punishment we deserve, because Jesus paid the price and died for our sin. He took our place.  Extravagant gratitude is the proper response for such a Gift.

Read more

Daily Reading 10-27-17

John 5:39-47 Living Bible

It is possible to read all of Scripture in order to seek God, but miss the evidence of the Anointed Lord—Messiah—within it’s pages.   In our passage today, the Lord rebukes the religious leaders for hanging their hopes for eternal life on the Laws of Moses; because Moses wrote about Love incarnate (Messiah) and they weren’t living it.  Only the Lord brings eternal life and causes us to honor the Father of Righteousness.  

In order to know the righteousness of God, we must know the correcting and sanctifying work of the Lord.  Jesus Messiah is the One who teaches Truth about what honors Father God.  So, please listen to the Word of the Lord and choose to grow in righteousness—the character of Messiah.  

Read more

Daily Reading 10-26-17

Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17 New Living Translation (NLT)

Any absence of godly leaders does not mean the absence of God or his love.  He alone is our dwelling place; our eternal Home and our Hope.  We must never forget it is by faith, as finite beings, we enjoy the eternal refuge of our Creator and Father.  We will go through times of pain and trouble, but God is still with us.  He is not bound by time for He is the Creator of time.  He does not lack power for He is sovereign and everlasting.  Even if all our circumstances aligned with our will, we would not be satisfied unless we were enjoying fellowship with the Lord.  It is the Lord who makes the difference in human existence.  

Read more

Daily Reading 10-25-17

Matthew 17:24-27 New Living Translation (NLT)

In our passage today, Jesus’s critics are once again criticizing Him to His disciples about taxes. The temple tax was prescribed in Exodus 30:13. This passage is not about paying taxes to the civil government, it is about fulfilling a worship obligation to God.  

The point Jesus makes is that the Christ and His disciples enjoy a relationship with God that frees them from the obligations imposed upon “others.”  Kings and their family did not pay taxes.  Jesus, the King, owed no taxes; however, He chose to comply with the Law’s requirements to avoid offending others.  

Read more

Daily Reading 10-24-17

Daniel 3:19-30 New Living Translation (NLT)

As followers of the Most High God, we are to have no other gods—nothing more important in our lives.  The world will always seek to woo us from our complete devotion to God; many false gods—idolatry—will seek to own us. The enemy knows if we remain committed to the abiding presence of God, we have power over the things of this world.  God is the creator of the heavens and the earth, so nothing is beyond His reach, love, or power.

Read more

Daily Reading 10-20-17

1 Peter 5:1-5 The Message (MSG)

I have the great privilege of working and serving with some amazing leaders; gifted people who love God and His family.  They volunteer their time and work for the advancement of the Kingdom.  The right motive must drive all leaders called of God.  Our main concern must be pleasing God; our focus should not be on ourselves.  We serve not for what we get out of it—what benefits us or even brings us personal satisfaction—but for the honor of bringing glory to the very holy substance of our love—Jesus Christ.    

Godly leaders model integrity.  One should extend respect to those older and shaped by Truth, listen to those younger who come with fresh ideas to reach others, and be willing to learn from both.  Peter shares this wisdom not just for people who work in church, but for all of God children who are led by integrity.   Do you respect those with greater experience than you?  Do you listen to those we see things differently?  Are you willing to learn from both? 

1 Peter 5:1-5

1-3 I have a special concern for you church leaders. I know what it’s like to be a leader, in on Christ’s sufferings as well as the coming glory. Here’s my concern: that you care for God’s flock with all the diligence of a shepherd. Not because you have to, but because you want to please God. Not calculating what you can get out of it, but acting spontaneously. Not bossily telling others what to do, but tenderly showing them the way.

4-5 When God, who is the best shepherd of all, comes out in the open with his rule, he’ll see that you’ve done it right and commend you lavishly. And you who are younger must follow your leaders. But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for—

God has had it with the proud,

But takes delight in just plain people.

Prayer:  Father, help me to lead and love your family in integrity and truth, because I want to please you.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.