Pastor Mary Haley

Our faith is built on Christ’s resurrection that brings new life; this is our spiritual hope. It is Christ who gives our spiritually dry and lifeless ‘bones’ [life without hope and help] the vitality of Almighty God. God uses the life of the Spirit to transform us and make us a brand new creation. Christ transforms us so we can move in synchronicity with the Spirit as we serve our new Master in powerful ways.

In our passage today, the Apostle Paul reminds the church at Colossus, as well as all believers, that Christ disarmed the devil at the cross of Christ. Yet, what does that really mean? Jesus himself said Satan seeks to steal, kill, and destroy, so he does have the power to attack (John 10:10). We know Satan looks for every opportunity to remove believers from God’s mission by hindering Kingdom work; because Christ’s followers are a threat to Satan’s purposes. Therefore, we must resist the work of Satan, pray for deliverance, and put on the armor of God to shield ourselves from the fiery darts of Satan (Eph 6:10-20).

Christ’s power is much greater than Satan’s power, so we do not need to live afraid. We do need to allow the Spirit to separate us from the world’s ways (imagery of circumcision), because Satan leads people toward destruction by causing them to self-slaughter one choice at a time. Satan really doesn’t have power unless we give him our power; so, pay attention to your choices carefully. Every decision and choice is either righteous [honoring to God and his principles] or unrighteous [dishonoring to God and permeated with the aroma of evil]. There is no middle ground; we are at a crossroad. Praise God, one day we will not have to deal with Satan at all; Christ will defeat him once and for all.

Colossians 2:6-15 NLT Freedom from Rules and New Life in Christ
6 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.

8 Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. 9 For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. 10 So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.

11 When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature.[c] 12 For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.

13 You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. 14 He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. 15 In this way, he disarmed [stripped off] the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving us your sinless nature in exchange for our sinful one. Holy Spirit, we need your help to strip the world off from us, so we can live for your honor and glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Instability is the result of a fallen world. We cannot expect stability from the world, because it has rejected the Creator. We cannot expect stability from human beings if they, too, have rejected their Lord. It would be a challenge to be confident in our present world, but believers are not of this world; we are citizens of heaven, working for our Lord, while awaiting our journey home.

Biblical confidence is something that is not shaken by inner instability or external instability, it is the result of a fallen world. We cannot expect stability from the world, because it has rejected the Creator. We cannot expect stability from human beings if they, too, have rejected their Lord. It would be a challenge to be confident in our present world, but believers are not of this world; we are citizens of heaven, working for our Lord, while awaiting our journey home.

Biblical confidence is something that is not shaken by inner instability or external variability for that matter. It is a decision and mindset to trust and get our security from Christ. This kind of trust leads to confident Kingdom living; so, we find our security in the proper Source. This connection is one of victory, because God always fulfills his promise to bring good things into our lives. He wants us to taste his goodness!

In our passage today, David reminds us we are safe in the care of God; only the Lord can make us feel secure. As we cling to the Word of God and apply it to our lives, our confidence grows and the root of God’s love connects us firmly to the Truth of his goodness. Nothing can come between God and his beloved, unless we allow it. Nothing can come between you and God, unless you place your greatest confidence in someone or something else. Stay focused on Jesus, because he is the only One who has promised to bring us redemption from sin and death. Jesus will show you the true way of life, bring you joy, and live with you for eternity. His plan for you is not of this world!

Psalms 16:1-11 NLT
1
Keep me safe, O God,
    for I have come to you for refuge.
2 
I said to the Lord, “You are my Master!
    Every good thing I have comes from you.”
3 
The godly people in the land
    are my true heroes!
    I take pleasure in them!
4 
Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods.
    I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood
    or even speak the names of their gods.
5 
Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing.
    You guard all that is mine.
6 
The land you have given me is a pleasant land.
    What a wonderful inheritance!
7 
I will bless the Lord who guides me;
    even at night my heart instructs me.
8 
I know the Lord is always with me.
    I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
9 
No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice.[praise]
    My body rests in safety.
10 
For you will not leave my soul among the dead
    or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.
11 
You will show me the way of life,
    granting me the joy of your presence
    and the pleasures of living with you forever.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for guiding our lives and bringing us into a place of divine stability in your love. We do not need to be tossed to and fro, we can be fixed and unshakable in your presence, so we can eat from the table of your grace. Grant us today, the joy of your presence, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Scripture is full of so many things God has promised through the Messiah. Is it wrong to expect God to do BIG things since he has told us to ask? After all, we serve a BIG God who delights when we take him at his Word. What do you expect from Jesus?
Lately, I have had one expectation; that he be with me every single day and, through the Spirit, help me to discern and accomplish the things that are necessary before me. The Good News of the Gospel is “God with Us!” I desperately need God—my Helper—and to fellowship in his love.

In our passage today, Jesus goes to the synagogue—one that he grew up attending and he is handed a scroll of Scripture to read. He reads with great authority and clarity which unsettles people, because he is reading about himself and his commission from the Father. He is filled with the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ ministry has begun: to set people free from addictions, cleansing them from sin, opening spiritual eyes to experience the Father, liberating people from their own self-restricting prisons, and providing doors of opportunities for people who cannot find their way.

The people listening know Jesus as Joseph and Mary’s son, but they know nothing about Jesus as Messiah and they are resistant to learn. They do not expect great things; just the usual readings and rituals. Jesus continues his conversation with the people, by reminding them about Elijah and the Woman of Zarephath—a Gentile who believed God and received abundance in the midst of unfathomable odds.

Jesus is God and he is passionate about saving his world. If we really know Jesus, we will understand how much he loves the world and does not want anyone to perish without receiving his salvation. In Christ’s words and actions we find the Truth that sets us free. So, when someone begins to tell you their problems, please tell them you serve a BIG God who can do all things and introduce them to Jesus!

Luke 4:16-30 NLT
16 When he came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures. 17 The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written:
18 
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
    for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released,
    that the blind will see,
that the oppressed will be set free,
19 
    and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.”

20 He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently. 21 Then he began to speak to them. “The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!”

22 Everyone spoke well of him and was amazed by the gracious words that came from his lips. “How can this be?” they asked. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?”

23 Then he said, “You will undoubtedly quote me this proverb: ‘Physician, heal yourself’—meaning, ‘Do miracles here in your hometown like those you did in Capernaum.’ 24 But I tell you the truth, no prophet is accepted in his own hometown.

25 “Certainly there were many needy widows in Israel in Elijah’s time, when the heavens were closed for three and a half years, and a severe famine devastated the land. 26 Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them. He was sent instead to a foreigner—a widow of Zarephath in the land of Sidon. 27 And many in Israel had leprosy in the time of the prophet Elisha, but the only one healed was Naaman, a Syrian.”

28 When they heard this, the people in the synagogue were furious. 29 Jumping up, they mobbed him and forced him to the edge of the hill on which the town was built. They intended to push him over the cliff, 30 but he passed right through the crowd and went on his way.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for always going above and beyond my expectations. You take such great care of your children; always ready to lend your strength and grace. Help us to abide and stay in a place of oneness with you, so we may enjoy the fellowship you desire with us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

We all love and welcome the Lord’s justice working in our behalf against evil. When we face injustice at the hands of others it is painful; because everyone suffers when we fall victim to the sinful works of evil. Wickedness has a ripple effect on the souls of people and we can find ourselves suffering in our relationship with God and/or others. Yet, we can never lose track of the goodness of God to keep us strong in the middle of our suffering and we must praise the Lord for the stability he alone can bring the lives of his worshipers. If you are suffering because of injustice, you do not suffer alone. Jesus is the Suffering Servant who is always with you; he will never leave or forsake you (Deut 31:6; Is 53:4-9).

Not only is our all-knowing God aware of the actions of the wicked against his people, he notices the very thoughts of those who give power to evil. His thoughts are high above human thoughts (Is 55:8-9). Therefore, the wicked may think they are getting away with deeds of injustice and evil, but our passage today reminds us otherwise. There is a time of judgment coming based on the motives of the heart (which includes the thought life), as well as the deeds of the flesh. What the wicked have sown against others will be what they one day reap themselves (Gal 6:7).

As believers, we must trust God when our faith, souls, and physical bodies are attacked, because the Lord has promised to be our vindicator and will bring justice in time. The wicked will give an account for their evil deeds and will pay the divine penalty for them. Justice will always overcome corruption and those who believe in Christ worship and serve the God of Justice!

Keep in mind the work of wickedness results in broken lives; the work of the righteous brings forth greater faith, reconciliation, growth, and blessing. The Lord uses all things—instruction and discipline—to bring us into a place of sustained well-being. However, these challenging times are certainly opportunities for believers to press into the Lord by faith to be covered by his righteous Right Hand.

Psalm 94:11 AMP 
11
The Lord knows the thoughts of man, that they are vain (meaning: empty and futile—only a breath).
12 Blessed (meaning: happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man whom You discipline and instruct, O Lord, and teach out of Your law,
13 That You may give him power to keep himself calm in the days of adversity, until the [inevitable] pit of corruption is dug for the wicked.
14 For the Lord will not cast off nor spurn His people, neither will He abandon His heritage.
15 For justice will return to the [uncompromisingly] righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it.
16 Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? Who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?
17 Unless the Lord had been my help, I would soon have dwelt in [the land where there is] silence.
18 When I said, My foot is slipping, Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, held me up.
19 In the multitude of my [anxious] thoughts within me, Your comforts cheer and delight my soul!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for this passage from the psalter, today. We praise you for never leaving us and knowing what we suffer in this fallen world. Thank you for keeping us strong and filled with joy even in the face of adversity. Thank you for keeping our footing on solid ground and surrounding us with your mercy and love. You, O Lord, are a delight for our souls during the good times and even in the challenging times. Our faith looks up to you! In Jesus’ name. Amen,

Do you ever just get tickled with the timing of things going on in your life and how it seems to align with Scripture as you read it? We shouldn’t be surprised by this, because the Word is alive and the Lord is always seeking to share life with us. But, the Word made me smile today, because John and I continue to move forward to rebuild/repair our home following the storm. Clearly, God is building John and Mary, as well as our home and I am so grateful!

Well, today the psalmist sings about the Lord building our houses…our lives! God must be in the center of our home. Now, before our home was flooded, we had a cross or Bible in every single room; however, this is not what the psalmist seeks to convey with his praise. Instead, this worshiper asks us if we consult the Lord with every detail of our lives; do we invite him to guide our decisions? To intervene in our conflicts in order to bring peace? To understand human effort is not enough all by itself. The Lord wants to be our first Love, an essential and active member of the Family, and the Overseer of every Home.

“Unless” is a very important word as part of verse 1 making it a conditional sentence. Essentially, unless we put God in his rightful place in our lives and home, our human efforts will be futile to bring lasting meaning or protection. God is the only one who can bless our lives and homes. We need to work smarter not harder by bringing everything to God and gain wisdom!

Psalm 127 NLT A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. A psalm of Solomon.
1 
Unless the Lord builds a house,
    the work of the builders is wasted.
Unless the Lord protects a city,
    guarding it with sentries will do no good.
2 
It is useless for you to work so hard
    from early morning until late at night,
anxiously working for food to eat;
    for God gives rest to his loved ones.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for building our lives and grooming us by your wisdom. We love you and want you to build us in your character; to be strengthened by your work. Thank you for your abundant grace and blessing. Continue to protect us and restore us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Over the past month, John and I have transferred our earthly belongings from one place to another; from our flooded home to the dry abode of family and friends. The transfer was exhausting and without all the loving support of friends, we would have felt helpless. So, we were filled with gratitude to have a secure place for them. It brought us a sense of peace as this transfer took place.

However, the peacefulness we experienced in the transfer of belongings cannot compare to the peace into which God transfers us. From the moment we accept Christ’s salvation, nothing can separate us from the loving presence of God (Ro 8:39). We have the Holy Spirit who fills our hearts with his peace-making and saving love (Acts 2:17-21). No weapon the enemy tries to use to destroy us will ever prosper, if we abide [dwell and remain] in Christ. We must choose to abide in the righteous realm with Christ.

Believers are a part of a spiritual transfer; we are transferred from the realm of sin and death we inherited from Adam into the realm of life and peace we share with Christ. We changed sides and now live with allegiance to Christ! The blood of Jesus transfers us into a state of blessing and grace, my friends! He died for us, so he could live in us and we could know the Father and the Spirit. Now, our duty is to live in a state of surrender to the lordship of Christ and the power of the Godhead he alone can bring our lives. So rejoice!

Romans 5:6-11 NLT
6 When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. 7 Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. 8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. 9 And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. 10 For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. 11 So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for dying for us while we were still sinners and transferring us into your marvelous grace. We were helpless to bring salvation to our own lives, so you did it for us. Our gratitude abounds for your love. Thank you! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Although I love reading, understanding legal language or reading lawsuit grounds is definitely not my forte. I can quickly get lost in all the words; reading them over and over again to digest the content. I am more of a visionary, so imagery is helpful to my understanding.

In our passage today, the prophet Micah uses imagery to communicate to God’s people about their violations against the Lord. Essentially, Micah serves Israel a covenant lawsuit using the eternal mountains and the hills as witnesses to the people’s unfaithfulness toward God’s Law. Because the mountains have been around a long time, they “know” the Truth. As defendants, the people seek to regain God’s favor, but they have offended the Lord with their attitudes and actions and have NO desire to change.

From the beginning, God has clearly put forth his righteous standard to which humanity always tries to negotiate a new deal. Selfishly, we want our desires fulfilled; so, we choose to believe a God of love would want that, too. However, God’s first interest is not to fulfill our desires even though rewards are a part of his covenant promise. Rather, God’s greatest purpose is to save and redeem humanity, so we can enjoy a righteous relationship with him that will last throughout eternity. Redemption prepares us to proclaim the Truth to others as the Spirit bears witness. Without Jesus we are separated from God and the Lord wants a reunion with his people that is secure and eternal on the grounds of his knowledge as Creator.

It is fruitless to try and bargain with God, but like the Israelites we certainly try to do it, anyway. The Lord desires repentance and a people who remain faithful to the covenant agreement. Only Jesus—our holy Advocate—can help us with that litigation.

Micah 6:6-8 NLT
6
What can we bring to the Lord?
    Should we bring him burnt offerings?
Should we bow before God Most High
    with offerings of yearling calves?
7 
Should we offer him thousands of rams
    and ten thousand rivers of olive oil?
Should we sacrifice our firstborn children
    to pay for our sins?
8 
No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good,
    and this is what he requires of you:
to do what is right, to love mercy,
    and to walk humbly with your God.

Prayer: Lord, only you can make us righteous and help us bear the righteous fruit of the Spirit. Please forgive our prideful attitudes and ungrateful actions. We humble ourselves before you and trust your ways for our lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Today is Election Day; Americans will choose their next President/Vice President, vote on senators, representatives, and judges whose term will end 2025, as well as vote on several proposed amendments. It has been a very challenging journey due to all the political rhetoric and character smearing flowing from both parties, biased national leaders, and the media. Enough! Frankly, the candidates from both parties are flawed, but aren’t we all when compared with Jesus? Therefore, my quest over the past year has been to discern truth from lies and represent the heart of God with my vote.

Oh, how I long for the character of Jesus to transform human lives, so we can live in a way that honors and emulates our Creator. Yet, I know according to Scripture, the Lord uses believers and unbelievers to further his righteous plans for saving the world. No one stands in God’s way or forces his righteous Hand. His will be done!

So, even though I have voted for the policies, principles, and values that more closely align with God’s standards clearly revealed in Scripture, I pray for God’s will and choice to be served in whomever wins this election. My hope is not built on a human being or party platform; my hope is built on Jesus’ blood and righteousness. All other ground is sinking sand! I pray for you to join me in that prayer. So, let’s remember:

2 Chronicles 7:14 NLT “Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins
and restore their land.”

Prayer: Lord, we confess our failure to honor you by our actions as a
nation; forgive our sin against you and one another. Holy Spirit, turn us from wickedness and help us hunger for righteousness. Your children are to be salt and light and work for the salvation of this fallen world. America was to be an example of righteousness; ordered and ordained by you alone. So, Lord, we need to elect the leader you have chosen to use for your purposes.

By this election, please raise up the leader whom you intend to use to further righteousness in this nation. We have lost our way! Please exalt the leader who will bring the greatest support for godly principles and values, promote human responsibility for faith, country, family, and neighbors. Position a President who will proclaim your design for marriage and family, as well as protect the life of the unborn.

Lord, you have all authority in heaven and on earth. We love you, worship you, and cling to your promise to protect our religious freedom so we can fulfill your commission to go into all nations and make disciples. Use this President to open doors for us, Lord, to go into government, civic organizations, schools, and workplaces to share about your love and plan for redemption. We have been unrighteously limited and sometimes shut out of these places; forbidden to influence others in the Spirit of Truth. Please use this leader to open doors for the proclamation of your Word to permeate this world.

We pray for this new President to adhere faithfully to our alliance with Israel. May no work of evil sway or influence this nation to forsake our call to protect your people and pray for the peace of Jerusalem. As well, may this President demand respect for the Jews in this nation and be willing to take action against any threat.

We know evil will fight to the end, but please protect the children called by your name from the active work of evil to rob, steal, destroy. Protect and empower our law enforcement and military servants; strengthen our military and cause our Commander-in-Chief to demand and position godly leaders with integrity. Secure the borders of our land and place a boundary that is strictly enforced. Help this President enact penalties for lawlessness across our land.

Inspire our President to rebuild our economy and demand the government become fiscally responsible with the precious and sacrificial tax dollars of our citizens. For anyone living in this country, may they be held accountable to work for the well-being and welfare of the country rather than use it for corrupt and selfish practice. Restore our hearts in your love and restore this land by your Mighty Outstretched Hand in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Today, during my reflection and devotional time, I was singing a song made famous by gospel artist, Lynda Randle. For me, it fit so perfectly with where I find myself, as well as where David found himself when he wrote the song of melody for our passage, today. It is easy to belt out praises when we are enjoying the mountain top experiences with the Lord. But, what about the times when we are called to linger in the valley of uncertainty? I am learning [and it is a very good thing for me] we must form a habit of praising God’s goodness in the valley, because it prepares us for climbing the mountain where we experience glorious joy!

So, in case you haven’t heard the song, I am going to share the lyrics with you. They are so good; so filled with truth and love. Such a comfort for our souls! I just love how Jesus finds ways to bring joy to our hearts. This was mine, today.

David knew all about the valleys, because he wrote in one of his famous songs of praise, “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me!” (Psalm 23:4). Aren’t we blessed to have a Lord who loves us, never leaves us, or forsakes us? I am praising our Lord, today; I am radiant with JOY!

The God on the Mountain is still God in the Valley
[Verse 1]
Life is easy, when you’re up on the mountain
And you’ve got peace of mind, like you’ve never known
But when things change and you’re down in the valley
Don’t lose faith, for you’re never alone

[Verse 2]
We talk of faith when we’re up on the mountain
But talk comes so easy when life’s at its best
But in the valley of trials and temptations
That’s when faith is really put to the test

[Chorus]
And the God on the mountain is still God in the valley
When things go wrong, He’ll make them right
And the God of the good times is still God in the bad times
The God of the day is still God in the night
The God of the day, is still God in the night

Psalm 34:1-8 NLT A psalm of David
1
I will praise the Lord at all times.
I will constantly speak his praises.
2
I will boast only in the Lord;
let all who are helpless take heart.
3
Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness;
let us exalt his name together.
4
I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.
He freed me from all my fears.
5
Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy;
no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
6
In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened;
he saved me from all my troubles.
7
For the angel of the Lord is a guard;
he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
8
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being with us each moment and comforting us in times of trouble. Thank you for your angels who stand guard over believers as we pray and praise. You are good, Lord! We have tasted and we know! Blessings and honor to you our Holy One! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Last Sunday during our time of teaching, I briefly mentioned a very mysterious Old Testament king who rises up as a leader in early Jerusalem: Melchizedek, king of Salem as a form of Christ and a forerunner of our True High Priest—Jesus. Strangely, there is no real record of Melchizedek entering or existing his kingly office, but Scripture mentions his reign just the same. The message is clear; Melchizedek [image of righteousness] arrives from the supernatural eternal realm to connect with Abram.

The King of Salem is sent by God for the purpose of bringing redemption and understanding to Abram. People who think human knowledge is the highest quest fail miserably, because human knowledge without spiritual understanding is a very small vision of reality. God is reality—the Creator of all things—and our tiny brains will never comprehend the limitless wisdom and power of God. God wants Abram to understand more about his power and plan.

So, here is a little more about Melchizedek. Abram comes to Salem [later called Jerusalem] after he conquers Kedorlaomer—king of Elam and his people [Iran]. Interestingly, the evil King of Sodom [seeking union with Abram to rescue the captured people of Sodom] and the righteous King of Salem [Melchizedek] meet Abram in the King’s Valley [Kidron Valley]. This is symbolic of that which is both spiritually godly and evil approaching Abram. Melchizedek brings Abram bread, wine, and a blessing; he tells Abram it was God Most High who had helped him gain the victory over his enemies (Gen 14:19). Abram responds in gratitude by giving a tenth of all the goods he had recovered to Melchizedek. As well, Abram told the King of Sodom he had no desire to keep the evil people or spoils of this battle.

To know God personally through Christ is a HUGE gift! An indestructible life is found only in Jesus Christ, our permanent and eternal High Priest. Knowing our High Priest through his redeeming relationship connects us with many amazing blessings. First, Jesus is the only One who can connect us with the Father, because they are One in righteous nature. Second, Jesus is the only One who can forgive our sins and cleanse us from human unrighteousness. Third, Jesus is the only One who can connect the earthly realm with the eternal realm and bring us understanding for life—revelation. So, connect to Christ!

Jesus has authority over heaven and earth; therefore, having him as a Bridge or High Priest brings us the ability to know and understand the plan and purpose of God and how we fit as transformed Kingdom citizens. Christ is our King and his Kingdom is one of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Spirit. We have the strength and power of God causing us to rise up in a fallen world as more than conquerors.

Hebrew 7:1-10 NLT Melchizedek Is Greater Than Abraham
1 This Melchizedek was king of the city of Salem and also a priest of God Most High. When Abraham was returning home after winning a great battle against the kings, Melchizedek met him and blessed him. 2 Then Abraham took a tenth of all he had captured in battle and gave it to Melchizedek. The name Melchizedek means “king of justice,” and king of Salem means “king of peace.” 3 There is no record of his father or mother or any of his ancestors—no beginning or end to his life. He remains a priest forever, resembling the Son of God.

4 Consider then how great this Melchizedek was. Even Abraham, the great patriarch of Israel, recognized this by giving him a tenth of what he had taken in battle. 5 Now the law of Moses required that the priests, who are descendants of Levi, must collect a tithe from the rest of the people of Israel,[a] who are also descendants of Abraham. 6 But Melchizedek, who was not a descendant of Levi, collected a tenth from Abraham. And Melchizedek placed a blessing upon Abraham, the one who had already received the promises of God. 7 And without question, the person who has the power to give a blessing is greater than the one who is blessed.

8 The priests who collect tithes are men who die, so Melchizedek is greater than they are, because we are told that he lives on. 9 In addition, we might even say that these Levites—the ones who collect the tithe—paid a tithe to Melchizedek when their ancestor Abraham paid a tithe to him. 10 For although Levi wasn’t born yet, the seed from which he came was in Abraham’s body when Melchizedek collected the tithe from him.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being our Strength and for making us eternally indestructible. Believers are your royal priesthood, so we are to be examples of your divine wisdom and spiritual power to overcome every attack of the enemy. We do not need to be lured toward destruction and we are never victims. Greater are you, Lord, and you live in us. Holy Spirit, help us to remember you travail to get us to the other side of every life issue that seeks to dominate us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.