Pastor Mary Haley

My father had many cute and rather humorous sayings—things he would say with just a bit of fun sarcasm. For example, whenever he was waiting to make a turn and the cars were endlessly streaming by without giving him a break, he struggled to remain patient.

So, while he waited for an opening, he would tap the steering wheel and say, “Well… ya’ll come!” Typically, that Southern phrase is used with a welcoming and hospitable tone. But when my dad said it, it was ironic humor—words spoken in contrast to what he actually meant.

In Scripture, Jesus uses a similar phrase—but when He says, “Come…all you,” He truly means it. “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Jesus extends an open invitation for salvation to all humanity. In other words, heaven’s porch light is on. The door is open. “Ya’ll come!” Everyone.

The Garden of Eden was a perfect paradise—designed for a growing, unhindered relationship with God. Yet our first spiritual parents chose disobedience and were expelled from that perfect place. Since then, humanity has been trying to rediscover the rhythm of grace and return to the heart of God.

In the Garden, God sacrificed an animal to cover the sin of Adam and Eve. That first covering pointed forward to the greater sacrifice to come. For us, it is the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. He covers our sin with His righteousness. What we could never cleanse, He cleansed. What we could never cover, He covered.

The Book of Genesis tells the story of paradise lost. The Book of Revelation promises paradise regained. And the invitation still stands:
Not some.
Not the nearly perfect.
Not the ones who finally “get it together.”

John 6:37 VOICE 37 All that My Father gives to Me comes to Me. I will receive everyone; I will not send away anyone who comes to Me.

Everyone who comes. That’s not sarcasm. That’s grace.

Prayer: Lord, we have been learning about the power and necessity of repentance. Turning toward You and Your will is essential. We cannot spiritually cleanse ourselves or cover our own sin—only You can do that for us, Jesus. Thank You for shedding Your blood so that one day we may join You in the new paradise You have prepared. Thank You that when You say, “Come,” You truly mean it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

I am always inspired by the song, “How Great is our God!” Take time to listen to it. The lyrics minister to me. Reflect on God’s greatness for a moment—the Father, Spirit, Son—the Godhead Three in One who brings humanity salvation and personally leads each believer back home to our loving Creator.

The Eternal Father wanted to rescue his lost human family. The Spirit of Truth became the powerful Voice to reveal the testimony of God’s existence. The Son—Logos/Word—humbled himself and came to save us from sin and death by sacrificing his life for us. Jesus is our conquering King [powerful Lion] and living Example [humble Lamb]. Jesus had to come to us, because we tend to pridefully live by our thoughts and wills—which cannot encompass God or comprehend His pure self-emptying love. Oh, that we would obediently follow our King.

Our heavenly Father fulfilled His Word by sending his Son—he humbled himself to meet us, because we had no way to connect to God. The Lord came for us, gave believers his great name, and now calls us sons and daughters. Grace guides us toward the Truth and genuine freedom.

So, if you need pure love and a sense of belonging that is eternal, just know how much God cares. He came for you!

John 14:18 NLT  No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for humbling yourself to find us, and positioning yourself so we could know you and be loved by you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

In my quiet reflection today, I started by thinking about my time with our granddaughter, Amana, yesterday. The two of us were leaving the church; we paused to ensure the door locked behind us. Before we began our walk to the parking area, Amana paused and reached up to grab my hand. Once she had my hand, she started walking with me toward the car.
Honestly, I always ask her to take my hand when we need to cross a parking area or road—anything that could pose danger—but I did not even have time to ask her, yesterday. She was already reaching to take my hand. Taking my hand had become a habit.

Wouldn’t it be amazing if, as adults, we paused each day before heading into the world of spiritual dangers, to [by the weight of our surrendered will] take the Hand of our Lord? Of course, that would require us to humbly understand our need for God’s goodness to lead us along the safe paths of righteousness (1 Peter 5:6). Truly, if we are seeking, we will find God’s goodness leading us along a grace-lined path. So, today, let’s reach for the Hand of Jesus and let him guide us away from sin and into his grace, because no one can snatch us from the Father’s Hand (John 10:29).

Romans 2:4 NLT  Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being so patient and kind to us. Truly, your goodness chases after us all the time. Today, Lord, we reach for your righteous Hand and ask for you to guide us away from every spiritual danger and onto the narrow path that leads to abundant life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The will of unbelieving humanity is constrained by this fallen world and enslaved by sin. Scripture teaches Adam and Eve chose disobedience to God’s will and Word (Gen 2:16-17, 3:1-19). Human beings became bound by that one disobedient choice—sin. Yet, in God’s mercy and goodness, he used the disobedience of Adam and Eve to teach us the way to salvation and the righteous life. The truth of God’s will is found in Jesus, our Savior and Lord. Jesus modeled the will of the Father for human life. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (Jo 14:6).

Our lives will always reflect what is in our hearts, because every action originates from the heart (Pro 4:23). If we are a positive or negative person, it is reflective of what is in our hearts—good or evil. The will of the heart really drives our lives; therefore, it must be transformed by the Lord.

We have beautiful freedom in this country; we are free to make choices for our lives. However, because of our spiritual condition of sin, we cannot make pure or righteous choices apart from the redeeming work of the Holy Spirit. When we live our lives in [following] Christ, God’s peace guards our hearts and minds (Phil 4:7).

In our verse for today, David prays, yields, and asks God to invade the will of his heart and take captive anything hidden—thoughts, motives, evil—that needs purification. Today, let’s remember we cannot just blindly ‘follow our hearts.’ We must ask God to sit on the throne of our hearts, direct, and lead us in the will of the Father. Every choice must go through our Lord Jesus, because our goal is transformation.

Psalm 139:23-24 NLT 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for this further understanding of my heart. I am born again, but I can still be tempted by a fallen and wayward will. I want to do the will of the Father and become more like Jesus. Please help me through the work of the Word and Spirit to discern what is righteous and wisely choose to follow. Point out, in me, what is corrupt to your heart and help me surrender to your will. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

We shared a sweet time in the Spirit last night during our Ash Wednesday service. Jen and I talked and shared about the work of the Spirit to convict our hearts of sin. This conviction is a gift, because it allows us to repent and draw closer to God. Sin separates us, so we need to humbly repent and seek God’s strength and power to lead us beyond the things that try to rob us of our intimate fellowship with God.

So, today, our word is repentance. People seem to struggle with the need for repentance, but every Old Testament prophet, as well as Jesus and the apostles called for it. The Kingdom of God awaits our repentance. So, we will begin our Lenten journey with the need to repent from sin—unbelief.

Regret or remorse is not repentance. Of course, we should regret leaving God’s presence to demand our own way. However, repentance is really about transformation—a change in thinking that will lead to a change in our will for living. We are to have the attitude of Christ regarding sin (Phil 2:5). Christ went to the cross for our sins, so sin can seriously destroy our lives. Turning toward Jesus is the only way to salvation.

In our verse today, Peter is in Jerusalem and he is talking to a crowd of people about the power of God by pointing to the miraculous healing of a lame man. He then invites those listening to embrace a change in attitude and action—to respond to Christ and his power—because it leads to freedom from sin and restoration with God.

Today, let us think clearly about the gift of repentance, because the proof that we have truly repented is revealed when we see a change in our allegiance, direction, and actions.
Acts 3:19 NLT
19 Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped [erased] away.

Prayer: Lord, please help me think seriously about sin and how it has the power to affect my relationship with you. Every sin flows from unbelief and a turning away from Christ as my standard. Please convict me of hidden sin and help me repent. I want to devote myself to the work of your grace, so I call for mercy and freedom in Jesus’ name.

Today, begins the “Lenten” Season—starting on Ash Wednesday and ending with a celebration on Easter Sunday. Now, the word ‘Lent’ is never used in Scripture; however, Jesus demonstrated and taught the need for the principles of Lent all the time. In fact, Jesus’ time in the wilderness is helpful for our understanding.

Scripture tells us Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit (Mat 4:1). What did he do for forty days in the wilderness? He prayed, fasted, and allow the Spirit to consecrate him for the mission of God. Jesus knew the enemy would come to stop him—an intense spiritual battle for Christ’s allegiance to God. The fight is real. Satan uses temptation, torment, and tiredness to stop our progress in God’s mission, too.

As I sit here this morning with a cup of coffee writing the devotional I am well acquainted with tiredness. I cling to the Apostle Paul’s exhortation, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up (Gal 6:9). In fact, I was too tired to get up early and get this lesson sent out at the usual time, but here it is in Jesus’ name! lol!

We are moving into our house after 1.5 years of being evacuated from our flood-damaged home. Last night, was our first time to stay in our restored house; but now it is time to make it a home once again. There is a difference.

A house is a physical dwelling place that serves as a residence. A home is filled with experiences, lessons, memories that draw us to know we belong and fill us with a sense of well-being. It will take discipline, work, and a willingness to create order in our house. Worth it all to make it a home. Nonetheless, it will be intense for a period of time and no one can make the journey for us.

As believers, physically we are the temple [house] of God and Jesus lives in us. He wants to clear, cleanse, and consecrate our house, to make it a holy home filled with his nature and character. We bear the name of Jesus; he is the name above the doorpost of our lives. We have been sealed by the Spirit and because of it, Satan will seek to rob, steal, and destroy our hope-driven vision, our energy for transformation, and our resolve to serve God’s purpose. We must pray, be willing to fast the things of this world, and live for eternity.

For the next forty days, we will be on a journey with Jesus. We must invite him to take us to a new level of making our hearts HIS home. We will be led into the deep places of our hearts through reflection, repentance, and renewal. He is the shalom—the complete wholeness and well-being—our lives required if we are going to rise in our discipleship and commission in God’s plan.

You are precious to God. He is not asking you to change yourself. He is asking for you to allow him to make your spiritual house alive with HIS supernatural Spirit of love and goodness. Oneness with God is the goal. Jesus was victorious in the wilderness and he can make us victorious, too. Therefore, he will sweep stuff away, but only the things that hinder our lives. New beginnings can be exciting even though a bit draining, right? He is getting us ready for Easter…resurrection living. Let’s take the journey with him.

Matthew 4:1-11 NTL Jesus Is Tested in the Wilderness
1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted [tested] by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’[b]”
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:
“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
    and they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’[c]”
7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’[d]”
8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”
10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’[e]”
11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

Prayer: Lord, we thank you for the many ways you love us. We are blessed that you would make our hearts your home. Over these next forty days, we invite you to bring the transformation you know we need in order to experience more oneness with you. Take us on the journey, but please hold us close. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

In our Wednesday Bible Study—The Inner Struggle for Holiness—we explored the scriptures to better understand the spiritual fruit of kindness. We must always remember kindness is produced from God’s pure nature. Loving-kindness [Hebrew: hesed] is based on honoring God’s faithfulness for his covenant people. It is a supernatural characteristic of God that is produced in believers by the Holy Spirit.

In our passage from the psalter today, it becomes clear that to dwell in God’s presence is to live a life of kindness. We know genuine kindness has been imparted and is growing in our hearts by our desire to treat others with kindness. Grace directs kindness. When we know kindness, we treat others the way we would want them to treat us (Luke 6:31). As well, when we put on kindness, we are quick to forgive and never stoop to retaliation. Remember, kindness is often the door through which God enters a person’s heart—the kindness of the Savior.

Worthy of Further Thought: Kindness sees the good and addresses what will destroy the good if not corrected.

Psalm 15 NLT A psalm of David.
1 
Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord?
    Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?
2 
Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right,
    speaking the truth from sincere hearts.
3 
Those who refuse to gossip
    or harm their neighbors
    or speak evil of their friends.
4 
Those who despise flagrant sinners,
    and honor the faithful followers of the Lord,
    and keep their promises even when it hurts.
5 
Those who lend money without charging interest,
    and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent.
Such people will stand firm forever.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your kindness that woos us into repentance and delivers us into new life. Shape our hearts by your Spirit, help us clothe ourselves with kindness daily, and use our lives to reflect your love to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Yesterday, we looked at a passage from the Book of Psalms [Ps 34:12-16]. Today, we see that passage used by Peter in his exhortation to the Christian community. He wants them to work for peace; to actively seek and maintain peace as an ongoing effort, because we cannot be divisive and receive the blessing of God at the same time. Seeking peace is simply remaining in the supernatural peace and presence of our Lord!

So, let’s talk for a minute about retaliation, because Peter lets us know there is no room for it in the believers. We cannot repay evil with evil or even insult with insult. Everything in us may scream for revenge, but that is not an option for our lives as God’s children. We are bearers of God’s grace, so walking in humility, extending mercy and seeking to maintain peace leads to the blessing. We must trust God to make things right in his time.

Sometimes it just has to be enough that God sees our hearts and knows the truth. We cannot aggressively take matters into our hands, because we do not see the whole picture. Instead, we are to speak the truth in love, seek to bring peace, and run from the temptation of evil to vindicate ourselves. It’s a hard lesson, but it teaches us to trust God’s loving care. The truth always comes to the surface in time.

1 Peter 3:8-12 NLT All Christians
8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. 10 For the Scriptures say,
“If you want to enjoy life
    and see many happy days,
keep your tongue from speaking evil
    and your lips from telling lies.
11 
Turn away from evil and do good.
    Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
12 
The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right,
    and his ears are open to their prayers.
But the Lord turns his face
    against those who do evil.”[Psalm 34:12-16]

Prayer: Lord, thank you for this lesson today from Peter and David. We do want to enjoy life; so, help us stay in your presence and enjoy your peace. Let it guard our hearts and minds. We surrender our rights to get even, because we are clinging to the hem of your garment instead. Life is not fair, but you have saved us by grace and now we must live in it. We live for a greater purpose. Thank you for the power and the ability to practice what you require. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

I have never connected a psalter passage with a television character before, but I did, today. Of course, as a child I watched my share of Star Trek. lol! Leonard Nimoy—Mr. Spock—used a line from the psalter in his Vulcan blessing, “Live long and prosper” (Ps. 34:12). Only recently did I realize this gesture is adapted from a Jewish priestly blessing. [note: just a little trivia for you]

The psalter readings consist of a collection of songs, poems, and prayers focused on leading God’s people into a posture of praise. We learn to praise God in the midst of every emotion and experience as we bow in prayer. The passages in the Book of Psalms are a guide that helps us bring everything to God. We may be filled with joy, sorrow, or struggling with the issues of life; but, in prayer our sovereign God will meet us there and minister grace to us.

David wrote our passage this morning and it is rich in wisdom to teach us the power of the fear of the Lord, how to use our words, and most importantly the necessity of turning from evil and living in the shalom of God. If we want the righteous life God offers, then there is a blessing connected with it. God watches his children, listens to our prayers, and desires to lead each one of us into peace. When we seek the peace of God to restore our spiritual, mental, and/or physical sense of well-being, we must also be willing to humbly review our actions and words before God because these things are connected to his shalom.

Where do you need God to meet you on your search for peace, today?

Psalm 34:12-16 NLT
12
Does anyone want to live a life
    that is long and prosperous?
13 
Then keep your tongue from speaking evil
    and your lips from telling lies!
14 
Turn away from evil and do good.
    Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
15 
The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right;
    his ears are open to their cries for help.
16 
But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil;
    he will erase their memory from the earth.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for placing a desire in the hearts of your children to search for your perfect peace. That search always leads us to your heart where we can find the wisdom to live spiritually prosperous in your care. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Last week in our LIFE Lessons Bible Study, I asked the question, “Do you believe God intervenes in human lives when we pray and ask for his help?” Everyone present that evening affirmed the belief that God has the power and many times turns challenging situations around to fulfill his purpose. Our sovereign Lord has promised to guide and protect us as we obediently journey into his will. However, we must never forget God uses challenges and even suffering to draw us into a deeper, more obedient, and trusting walk with him. So, not intervening, is still the spilling of God’s love for us as his children. We learn both ways. Free-will is our gift from God, but we must use it wisely.

In our ongoing passage from the Book of Judges, Gideon has been called by God to lead Israel out of Midianite oppression and into deliverance. The Israelites find themselves in this oppressive situation, because they have chosen to do what God defines as “evil;” and therefore, God chooses to turn them over to the Midianites in order to teach them to walk in his ways (Judges 6:1). In our reading, it is time for Israel to freely choose to obey God.

God always seems to do the unpredictable and we see his intervention is strategically unusual. Gideon starts out with 32,000 Israelite warriors; but God tells Gideon to let 22,000 fearful and timid men go home (Judges 7:3). Still too many warriors, God trims off another group; leaving Gideon with 300 men and a battle against a huge Midianite army awaiting.

As we read our passage, it becomes clear God intends to intervene. Gideon needs reassurance, so God sends him to eavesdrop near the Midianite camp. He overhears two Midianite men talking about an odd and symbolic dream one of them had that began stirring fear in the enemy. God can turn an evil tormenting spirit back on itself.
Immediately, Gideon knows he must trust God and do exactly as the Lord directs. What does Gideon do when he receives this revelation? He worships! Gideon now has confidence this battle is actually the Lord’s.

We face spiritual battles every day, but God is greater than the obstacles before us. As we walk in obedience, the power of God is with us; so, the fear of the Lord must navigate our daily walk. A spiritual battle is never won by human strength, but by free-will allegiance to God. The Lord’s enemies will always self-slaughter. Remember, we are those cracked clay jars who hold the Light of Truth.

Judges 7:12-22 NLT
12 The armies of Midian, Amalek, and the people of the east had settled in the valley like a swarm of locusts. Their camels were like grains of sand on the seashore—too many to count! 13 Gideon crept up just as a man was telling his companion about a dream. The man said, “I had this dream, and in my dream a loaf of barley bread came tumbling down into the Midianite camp. It hit a tent, turned it over, and knocked it flat!”

14 His companion answered, “Your dream can mean only one thing—God has given Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite, victory over Midian and all its allies!”

15 When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed in worship before the Lord. Then he returned to the Israelite camp and shouted, “Get up! For the Lord has given you victory over the Midianite hordes!” 16 He divided the 300 men into three groups and gave each man a ram’s horn and a clay jar with a torch in it.

17 Then he said to them, “Keep your eyes on me. When I come to the edge of the camp, do just as I do. 18 As soon as I and those with me blow the rams’ horns, blow your horns, too, all around the entire camp, and shout, ‘For the Lord and for Gideon!’”

19 It was just after midnight, after the changing of the guard, when Gideon and the 100 men with him reached the edge of the Midianite camp. Suddenly, they blew the rams’ horns and broke their clay jars. 20 Then all three groups blew their horns and broke their jars. They held the blazing torches in their left hands and the horns in their right hands, and they all shouted, “A sword for the Lord and for Gideon!”

21 Each man stood at his position around the camp and watched as all the Midianites rushed around in a panic, shouting as they ran to escape. 22 When the 300 Israelites blew their rams’ horns, the Lord caused the warriors in the camp to fight against each other with their swords. Those who were not killed fled to places as far away as Beth-shittah near Zererah and to the border of Abel-meholah near Tabbath.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for intervening in our lives to teach us more about your love, your power, and your will. This lesson about Gideon is a great reminder for us Lord. We cannot take credit for our victory over evil; you are the One who makes us more than conquerors. We are so grateful you are in control, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.