Pastor Mary Haley

“Then the Lord sent this message through the prophet Haggai:  “Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins?  This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says:  Look at what’s happening to you!  You have planted much but harvest little.  You eat but are not satisfied.  You drink but are still thirsy.  You put on clothes but cannot keep warm.  Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes.”  Haggai 1:1-8

Haggai talks about “Pockets with holes;” that provides a very good visual for us doesn’t it? 

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“If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth.  But I won’t do it, because I don’t want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message, even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God.  So, to keep me from being proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.” 2 Corinthians 6-12

The Apostle Paul knew all about issues and problems; yet, God trusted and empowered him to write a great portion of the New Testament.  Many Christians feel if they face intense problems, it is because God is displeased with them.  Punishment must be the reason; that’s a human perspective.  

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Have you ever been caught up in deep worship–true oneness with God that filled and overwhelmed you with awe, wonder, praise, and thanksgiving?  The Apostle John did.  His spirit was translated from a physical location (more than likely the Island of Patmos) to the throne room of heaven where he witnessed the glory of God’s presence (Revelation 4:1-11).

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“If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me.  For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me.  I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.”  John 12:44-47 

A picture is most beautiful when the lighting is just right.  The eyes of our understanding are beautifully lit when we are trusting Christ.  When it comes to “seeing things clearly” for what they are in this world and your life, has it ever dawned on you that you may not really have the “lighted” picture?  In other words, do you ever admit that you might not be seeing things from a “Lighted” perspective?  

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“When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy.  You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.”  Luke 1:44

I want to take you back, over 2000 years ago, to a small town with a teenage girl, Mary.  She is entrusted with a Promise that has been delivered by an angel.  God places that promise within Mary; she is to give birth to Christ. It defies all logic; all reason.  It seems out of context; it looks like she is dishonored.  She ponders the word given by the angel; the message that she is highly favored and loved by God. She chooses to believe.  No one really knows for awhile about the Promise in Mary.  The ones that do, find it impossible to believe.  It’s a huge gift, but carrying and explaining such a Gift is difficult.  Staying among the people who have known her and viewed her as a child with nothing significant yet to offer, makes it impossible for her to have the right perspective of herself–seeing herself from God’s horizon.  How will she gain that proper vantage point?

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“Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.  He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth.  He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see–such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world.  Everything was created through him and for him.  He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.”  Colossians 1:15-17

The beauty of that which only our Supreme Creator can achieve.  Did you catch the sunrise this morning? Through Christ and for Christ you have been welcomed into another beautiful day!  Enjoy it, because the Most High is the Host who holds it altogether.  Rest in God’s love for you!

Creativity is not simply an artistic piece; it sends an image or message to our brain.  The Most High God is the Source of all creativity–the Spirit gives life to it as seen in Creation (Genesis 1).  God called for creativity when He began to fashion his House (Exodus 31:1-6).  Certainly, we need to make sure our goal is to bring glory to God with the creative works of our hands.  Did you know that at different times the Church–the people of God–set a standard for creative expression?

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I had an amazing experience last week on my way to Orlando.  Driving along on Interstate 4 approaching the Apopka area, I looked up in the sky and saw an airplane doing skywriting. There it was in the sky; the letter “J.” It was clear as could be.  Now, that is something I do not see often, so I was wondering what letters would come next.  As I continued to watch I noticed an “E” and an “S.”  I thought to myself, I wonder… 

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What comes to your mind when you think about the word, Hospitality?  Jesus always seemed to know how to treat others by making them feel welcomed and valued.  He understood hospitality.  Let’s look at an example from Luke 19. 

Jesus is looking to teach more about the kingdom of God.  He runs into a man name, Zacchaeus, who has climbed up in a tree in order to get a glimpse of Jesus.  What is the first thing Jesus does upon seeing this man in the tree?  He calls the man by name.  Then, he says, “Zacchaeus…come down!  I must be a guest in your home today” (Luke 19:5).  Isn’t it just like the Savior to not only make us feel valued, but want to spend time with us?

The Master wants to spend time with you, too.  Take time, today, to enjoy the love of God found in Jesus Christ.  Find a quiet place and call the name of Jesus.

“Pray in the Spirit at all times with all kinds of prayers, asking for everything you need.”  Ephesians 6:18

How do I live in God’s presence?  How do I detect his unseen hand on my shoulder and his inaudible voice in my ear? …How can you and I grow familiar with the voice of God?  Here are a few ideas:

Give God your waking thoughts.  Before you face the day, face the Father.  Before you step out of bed, step into his presence.

Give God your waiting thoughts.  Spend time with him in silence.

Give God your whispering thoughts.  Imagine considering every moment as a potential time of communion with God.

Give God your waning thoughts.  At the end of the day, let your mind settle on him.  Conclude the day as you began it:  talking to God.

Reading from Just Like Jesus by Max Lucado