Pastor Mary Haley, Author at C2Cchurch.com

Daily Devotional from Pastor Mary 08-03-22

August 3, 2022 by Pastor Mary Haley

Intro: Are you tempted to be a worrier—tempted by anxious or disturbing thoughts? What kinds of thoughts capture and drag you into the den of worry? Many people exhaust themselves worrying about money or never having enough to live. Certainly, we should take responsibility for our lives by working and making wise decisions, but it will always be necessary for us to trust the love of God with our lives. That is why Jesus commands us not to worry. Worry causes stress; stress causes poor health and prompts disease. God does not want any of that for us. So, instead of falling into worry, the Lord instructs us to use our faith by praying, seeking God’s Kingdom of unlimited supply, and asking for what we need (Mat 7:7).

When we seek salvation in Christ, we become God’s children. The Creator of all things in heaven and on earth becomes our Father. He is ready to care for us and provide for us. Everything belongs to God and when we seek His Kingdom and His way of being righteous, God provides the things we need. We may not have all the things we want, but that doesn’t justify worry either, because let’s be honest, that is an attitude of greed. If we truly believe God loves us enough to die for us, why would we worry about even our necessities?

Holocaust survivor, Corrie Ten Boom, once said, “Worrying is carrying tomorrow’s load with today’s strength—carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying doesn’t empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.” The Bible is described as God’s Testimony; therefore, the great task before us each day is to believe the Word of God is true when the Lord testifies how much He loves us. Jesus knows we can get weary and burdened, but He promises rest for our souls (Mat 11:28). We need to take God at His Word. When we trust God with our lives, we are acting by faith and living our worship.
Luke 12:22-31 Teaching about Money and Possessions

22 Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. 23 For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. 24 Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! 25 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? 26 And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?

27 “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 28 And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
29 “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. 30 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. 31 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for promising to care and provide for us as Your children. As we seek Your Kingdom supply, we place our faith in Your Word knowing You cannot lie. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Daily Devotional from Pastor Mary 08-02-22

August 2, 2022 by Pastor Mary Haley

Intro: Making connections is a part of life. God formed His human creation for relationships. We pray to make great spiritual connections with people, but we need wisdom from God in how we influence those relationships. We pray to connect to righteous mindsets and actions, but we need discernment and power from God to live them out in our relationships. We pray for God to bring us opportunities to be connectors—connecting unbelievers to Christ—but we need the mercy of God to view people the way He sees them as we evangelize. Prayer empowers us to connect in righteous ways as we walk out Christ’s call for fruitful evangelistic living.

The Book of Colossians is about making a connection to Christ—as Lord—so we can make righteous connections with others for the purpose of sharing the true gospel in words and actions. In our passage today, the Apostle Paul is a prisoner in Rome. He writes to the church in Colosse to encourage them to pray for him; Paul wants to be effective in evangelism while he is incarcerated. As well, he encourages the Colosse believers to pray and ask Christ to give them all the resources they need for sharing the gospel in their city. False teaching had been luring people away from evangelistic living and Paul was determined to call them back to the Truth.

There are many ways God may use us to proclaim Christ. We can evangelize as we connect through conversations that leave people focused on Christ. We can evangelize through our life-styles that reveal Christ’s character. We can evangelize while we share meals with others as we thank Christ for his provision. The key will always be to share truth in a way that keep people thirsty for more of Christ; to share conversations and moments that are tasty or “seasoned with salt.”

Colossians 4:2-6: An Encouragement for Prayer
2 Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. 3 Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. 4 Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.

5 Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive [seasoned with salt] so that you will have the right response for everyone.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the power of prayer for salvation. Help all of your children to pray for opportunities to share the gospel in gracious words and actions. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Daily Devotional from Curtis Tumicki 07-29-22

July 29, 2022 by Pastor Mary Haley

Although there are many things that I don’t like in this life, but one of those things is being alone in the dark. Just the thought of being in the dark scares me. You’re all alone and there’s no one there with you except you and your thoughts. What’s interesting to see is when you light a candle or light up a small flashlight in the midst of the dark, the small room isn’t dark anymore. That small amount of light is able to cast away the darkness. That’s how powerful light is. A small amount of light is so powerful that it can light up the entire room. Let me explain about how powerful God’s light is. God’s light is so powerful that it will cast away or remove the darkness from not only within our lives but also within the world. What we need to do is to be a vessel for the light of Christ to be shown through us. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus goes on to say, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (NASB95 Translation). In Ephesians 5:1, Paul reminds us to be “imitators of God.” In other words, we need to be Christ-like because we are His children.

In today’s passage from Ephesians 4:17-32, Paul reminds us how we need to be living as children of light. In other words, we need to be vessels of light so that the world will no longer be in the dark. We need to let people be in the know about Christ. I want to be in the know. I like what verses 21-24 says. The Bible reads: “21. Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22. throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24. Put on your new nature, created to be like God-truly righteous and holy.” This is very familiar to what Paul wrote to the church of Corinth in 2 Corinthians 5:17 where he says “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” Both of these passages are saying that we need to put away the old self because we are renewed by Jesus Christ. It’s so important for us, as students of the Bible, to have an understanding of what it means to put off the old self. When we are baptized into the possession of Christ, that means that the old self is no longer in effect and the new life is beginning. When it comes to baptism, there’s nothing significant about the water. It’s an act of obedience. As I have said before, something has happened within you that you want to publicly share with others. One pastor said it like this: It’s an outward expression of an inward experience. My two challenges to you is this: 1. Surrender yourself to the Lord. We have been pulled in multiple directions from the culture. Because we are being pulled, there’s the possibility of being conformed. Don’t let it happen. Romans 12:2 says to not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. 2. Take some time for self-examination. 2 Corinthians 13:5 says “Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith.” Take some time and see where you are at in your spiritual walk with the Lord.

Ephesians 4:17-24 (NLT)
Living as Children of Light

17 With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. 19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.

20 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Daily Devotional from Pastor Mary 07-28-22

July 28, 2022 by Pastor Mary Haley

Intro: We serve the God of the impossible who is the Creator and Ruler of all things in heaven and on earth. Everything in God’s plan for salvation will one day be fulfilled in the world. From the beginning of time, God has never stopped working to redeem this fallen creation and offer salvation to those willing to respond to Him in faith. This means the Lord continues to bring saving faith to both Jews and Gentiles—we must remember we are all in our redeeming God’s mission together. In fact, the prophet Isaiah shares about the future glory for Jerusalem when the Lord God becomes our everlasting light and glory (Isaiah 60). That being said, the sooner Jews and Gentiles come to the Lord—connect to Christ—the better off we will all be.

Believers know our God is sovereign and transcendent—he is both knowable and unknowable, yet He continues to reveal Himself in new and glorious ways to His children. We cannot process God by an act of our own will or as a sense of reasoning; we must seek him through a relationship with Jesus because this is how God desires to be known. The only way to grow in our knowledge of God is by absolute trust and dependence upon the work of the Savior on the cross (John 3:16). Through Christ, God draws near to humanity; he comes into the hearts and minds of believers through the Holy Spirit in order to reveal Truth—God exists and He is a Rewarder of those who seek him (Heb 11:6). Remember, every way God brings revelation should be consistent with the Testimony of His Word. What a miracle!

In our passage today, the Apostle Paul shares a doxology—prayer of praise—unto the Lord. Although we cannot always comprehend the ways of God, we can rest assure he will always interact in the lives of his children and govern heaven and earth with mercy, justice, and love. We exist to bring God glory, so may we do so, today!
Romans 11:33-36 (NLT)

33 Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!
34
For who can know the Lord’s thoughts?
Who knows enough to give him advice?
35
And who has given him so much
that he needs to pay it back?
36 For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.

Prayer: Lord, you are the Source of all things, so we place ourselves in your loving hands to be used for your glory, today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Daily Devotional from Curtis Tumicki 07-27-22

July 27, 2022 by Pastor Mary Haley

All of us on this journey through life have been hurt. I have learned that there are different kinds of pain. I believe that one of the worst kinds of pain is being hurt by a friend. Once you have been hurt by your friends, it changes the whole dynamic of the friendship, or it completely ends that friendship. There was a time in my life where I thought that I had a friend, but it turned out that it wasn’t the case. Unfortunately, that friendship had ceased, but it showed me how I need to forgive them. One of the hardest things that is hard for people to do is to forgive other people for their wrongdoings. Sometimes people would keep score and keep tabs of their wrongdoings. That’s not the kind of life that we are supposed to live. We shouldn’t keep score but instead we should forgive them. While it may be a hard thing to do, but it’s the right thing to do and it’s biblical. How do I know this? It’s in today’s passage.

In today’s passage, Jesus talks about the idea of forgiveness, specifically in Matthew 5:43-48. I want to focus on verses 43-44. The Bible reads: “43. You have heard the law says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. 44. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!” The phrase: “love your neighbor” has been mentioned all throughout the Bible. It first came into play in Leviticus 19:18 where it says “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.” Did you see the phrase: “love your neighbor.” This is something that we all must do. In other words, we cannot show favoritism. Paul tells us this in Romans 2:11 where it states, “For God does not show favoritism.” God loves people and wants to be in relationship with us. Not only do we need to love one another, but we also need to forgive others as well. It may be a hard thing to do, but it’s something that we need to do. If God can forgive people, then so can we. My challenge to you is to think about the people that you have held a grudge for the longest time. When you have thought of those people or that one person, pray for them and surrender that grudge. James 5:16 says to not only confess but we need to pray for them as well. Life is not worthy living if we held grudges against other people.

Matthew 5:43-48 (NLT)
Teaching about Love for Enemies

43 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. 47 If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that.48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Daily Devotional from Pastor Mary 07-26-22

July 26, 2022 by Pastor Mary Haley

Intro: Expectations can be tough to balance in this uncertain world. Where is it safe to place our highest hopes? Sometimes when we have expectations for people, we find it necessary to lower our hopes a bit. Otherwise, we are constantly disappointed. We can certainly have high expectations for God, because He is all-powerful, all-knowing, always present, and totally trustworthy. God will never fail us. However, we must remember God’s thoughts about righteousness are not our thoughts and God’s righteous ways may or may not be our choice of acting righteous. Yet, it is always right to rest our faith in God’s work of salvation in Christ and live obediently to his Word. God is “able to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think” (Eph. 4:20). We may have to adjust our expectations of people, but faith in Christ is essential to please God—our Rewarder (Heb 11:6).

In our passage today, the Apostle Paul responds to Israel’s expectations. Many Jews rejected Jesus, because he did not meet their expectation of who and what the Messiah might be and do. Because God had given them the law, it was the Jew’s expectation that trying to obey the law in their human strength was the way to be right with God. Whereas, the Gentiles came to God believing the righteousness of Jesus alone made them right with God. This act of faith may not make sense to our natural minds, but Scripture reveals believing in Christ and asking for his righteousness to be manifest through our lives is the Truth.

It appears Jesus has not met the expectations of many in our present culture, either. Christ’s standard for righteous living is very different from the world’s standard of living. In fact, many people seem to be offended by the standard Jesus uses for his children. He calls his sons and daughters to a posture of humility and obedience to the Word while the world demands its own way. Christ fulfills the goal and purpose of the law—to show us our sinful natures, as well as bring us the power to follow his Word and example. This is the believer’s responsibility. The Holy Spirit is our Helper.

Romans 9:30-10:4 (NLT) Israel’s Unbelief
30 What does all this mean? Even though the Gentiles were not trying to follow God’s standards, they were made right with God. And it was by faith that this took place. 31 But the people of Israel, who tried so hard to get right with God by keeping the law, never succeeded. 32 Why not? Because they were trying to get right with God by keeping the law instead of by trusting in him. They stumbled over the great rock in their path. 33 God warned them of this in the Scriptures when he said,
“I am placing a stone in Jerusalem that makes people stumble, a rock that makes them fall.But anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.”

10 Dear brothers and sisters, the longing of my heart and my prayer to God is for the people of Israel to be saved. 2 I know what enthusiasm they have for God, but it is misdirected zeal. 3 For they don’t understand God’s way of making people right with himself. Refusing to accept God’s way, they cling to their own way of getting right with God by trying to keep the law. 4 For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given. As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God.

Prayer: Father, I pray for the people of Israel to be saved; to grow in their understanding of the truth and salvation that you make available in Messiah. As well, I pray for this sinful world to believe in Christ and be made righteous before it is too late. I place my trust in you and your plans for righteousness in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Daily Devotional from Curtis Tumicki 07-25-22

July 25, 2022 by Pastor Mary Haley

Over the course of time, people have turned different things or people as their “god.” This is what is known as paganism. We see this practice all throughout the Bible, especially in the Old Testament. We see it during the time of Elijah in the book of 1 Kings. One particular account is in 1 Kings 18 where Elijah and King Ahab had a little “competition” if you will about who “god” was the most powerful. In King Ahab’s corner, there were 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah who were supported by this wicked woman named Jezebel. In the other corner was Elijah and the Almighty God. There were different things that they had to do and none of the prophets for King Ahab were able to make their “god” do the things that they were supposed to do. For instance, they made an altar and they had put their sacrifice on it, and they called on the name of their god and he was supposed to set that altar on fire. Their god didn’t answer. What? How can this be? When they didn’t get their answer, the people began to dance, chanted, and they were hobbling around the altar. Nothing happened. They thought that their god was asleep, and he needs to wake up. So, they began to shout louder, and they also started to cut themselves with knives and swords until the blood was gushed out. In other words, they were taking things to the extreme when it came to their god. All during the afternoon, they were expecting a response from their god, but they never got the answer they wanted. Then, Elijah called the people over and the crowd had gathered around him. After he put together his altar, he began to pray to the Lord. After his prayer, the Lord had answered by casting a fire down from heaven and burned the bull, the stones, as well as the dust of the ground. Not only did that happen, but also the water that was surrounding the altar had been dried up. Once the people saw this, they bowed down and worshipped the Lord.

How does this apply to us? In today’s passage from Psalm 44, it talks about how powerful God is. In verse 2, it says “You drove out the pagan nations by your power…You crushed their enemies and set our ancestors free.” In verses 4 through 8, here’s a declaration that we need to assure ourselves each and every day. It says, “4. You are my King and my God. You command victories for Israel. 5. Only by your power can we push back our enemies; only in your name can we trample our foes. 6. I do not trust in my bow; I do not count on my sword to save me. 7. You are the one who gives us victory over our enemies; you disgrace those who hate us. 8. O God, we give glory to you all day long and constantly praise your name.” This is something that we need to remind ourselves every day. While we may go through the darkest parts of life, we need to remind ourselves that He is always there (Psalm 23:4). The prophet Isaiah says in Isaiah 2:5 “Come, descendants of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the world.” In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus goes on to say “14. You are the light of the world-like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to. See, so. That everyone will praise your Heavenly Father.” Other translations would say to “let our light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

I want to challenge you to let the light of God shine through you. In Ephesians 5:1, Paul reminds us to be imitators of God. In other words, we need to be Christ-like to others. Peter reminds us in 1 Peter 2:9 part B where it says “for he has called you out of the darkness into his marvelous light.” No matter what the world is trying to do to you, continue to let the light of Christ shine through you so that others can see Christ through you. This is so important because this world needs to have God’s light shine because the world cannot see right now due to the events that is currently happening in the world right now. No matter how dark the world gets, the light of Christ will always shine through the dark every time.

Psalm 44 (NLT)

For the choir director: A psalm of the descendants of Korah.

1 O God, we have heard it with our own ears—
our ancestors have told us
of all you did in their day,
in days long ago:
2 You drove out the pagan nations by your power
and gave all the land to our ancestors.
You crushed their enemies
and set our ancestors free.
3 They did not conquer the land with their swords;
it was not their own strong arm that gave them victory.
It was your right hand and strong arm
and the blinding light from your face that helped them,
for you loved them.

4 You are my King and my God.
You command victories for Israel.
5 Only by your power can we push back our enemies;
only in your name can we trample our foes.
6 I do not trust in my bow;
I do not count on my sword to save me.
7 You are the one who gives us victory over our enemies;
you disgrace those who hate us.
8 O God, we give glory to you all day long
and constantly praise your name. Interlude

9 But now you have tossed us aside in dishonor.
You no longer lead our armies to battle.
10 You make us retreat from our enemies
and allow those who hate us to plunder our land.
11 You have butchered us like sheep
and scattered us among the nations.
12 You sold your precious people for a pittance,
making nothing on the sale.
13 You let our neighbors mock us.
We are an object of scorn and derision to those around us.
14 You have made us the butt of their jokes;
they shake their heads at us in scorn.
15 We can’t escape the constant humiliation;
shame is written across our faces.
16 All we hear are the taunts of our mockers.
All we see are our vengeful enemies.

17 All this has happened though we have not forgotten you.
We have not violated your covenant.
18 Our hearts have not deserted you.
We have not strayed from your path.
19 Yet you have crushed us in the jackal’s desert home.
You have covered us with darkness and death.
20 If we had forgotten the name of our God
or spread our hands in prayer to foreign gods,
21 God would surely have known it,
for he knows the secrets of every heart.
22 But for your sake we are killed every day;
we are being slaughtered like sheep.

23 Wake up, O Lord! Why do you sleep?
Get up! Do not reject us forever.
24 Why do you look the other way?
Why do you ignore our suffering and oppression?
25 We collapse in the dust,
lying face down in the dirt.
26 Rise up! Help us!
Ransom us because of your unfailing love.

Daily Devotional from Pastor Mary 07-22-22

July 22, 2022 by Pastor Mary Haley

Intro: Two weeks ago, we started a new series in our LIFE Lessons Bible Study: Discernment vs. Reckless Faith. Discernment makes all the difference in how we perceive the storms of life. Discernment is the ability to decide between truth and error, right and wrong, and to know and choose God’s will set before us. Here is a way to look at discernment: the ability to distinguish the majors from the minors, the excellent things from the mediocre, and the eternal from the temporal. We can understand the true weight and nature of all things with discernment.

When we ask God for discernment, faith becomes a means of protection against the storms of spiritual deception. Freedom to live in the truth becomes our greatest reality; to live the gospel by faith which pleases our Father. Finally, we grow and develop in our faith and trust in the God whom we openly say we love and serve because during the storms our lives witness the Truth.

In our passage today from Luke 8, Jesus is teaching the disciples about discerning the storms of life. Keep in mind, it is the heart of God to always prepare us and extend to us the grace we need each day. However, every day requires faith—living like we believe the Word of God is true! Jesus gives the Word, the disciples get into the boat as their starting point (A), and then Jesus says, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake” (v. 22). The end point (B) is the other side of the lake. Jesus’ plan is to take them from A to B. But, in the middle of the lake [a symbol of reflection and transition] they face a storm. Jesus allows the disciples to reflect on what he has said while living in the midst of the storm that arrives to test them. Do the disciples discern that Jesus gave them the Truth about making it to the other side? Do they believe he is the living Peace sent by the Father to guide them through life? The answer is they struggle to believe when they face the “storm” in the middle.

We all struggle with a variety of storms we face each day, but if we have asked for discernment, we have the ability to reflect on what God’s Word tells us about life as His children in a fallen world. We need great faith that prompts us to leave the safe shore knowing grace will carry us through the middle of the challenges and will deliver us victoriously to the other side. The enemy always seeks to stop us from faith in the Word, because Satan knows the Truth of God’s Word. Satan uses waves of fear to intimidate God’s children. The safest place in any storm you will face is dwelling with Jesus, because he is the Peace that guards our hearts and leads us forward in faith. If we will stay in Peace, we will always discern things more clearly. Have a wonderful weekend. Hope to see you in worship Sunday!

Luke 8:22-25 (NLT) Jesus Calms the Storm
22 One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and started out. 23 As they sailed across, Jesus settled down for a nap. But soon a fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water, and they were in real danger.

24 The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”
When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm. 25 Then he asked them, “Where is your faith?”

The disciples were terrified and amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “When he gives a command, even the wind and waves obey him!”

Prayer: Lord, as your children, we ask you for a spirit of wisdom and discernment to fill us. We want to know and focus on the things that are true, major, and eternal so we can live for your glory. We exalt you as Lord of heaven and earth and confess your authority and power over all creation. Help us to hold on to you, Jesus, because you are the supernatural Peace we so desperately need to deny fear any access to our souls. Use every storm as a way to build our faith and trust in you, because you have promised to take us safely to the other side of the lake of transition. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Daily Devotional from Pastor Mary 07-21-22

July 21, 2022 by Pastor Mary Haley

July 21, 2022
Intro: I truly enjoy a ministry planning or Board meeting that welcomes the Spirit; one that is centered on discerning and obeying God’s plans. God imparts wisdom and insight through the gifts he places in His people; the gospel is the focus as we plan. Peter has always provided this kind of environment for our planning or Board meetings at Connect2Christ Church. We are so blessed with his leadership.

In Acts 1, Jesus, sets his disciples up for ministry success. In verses 4-5, Jesus essentially calls a “planning meeting” with his disciples. His instructions for moving forward begin with waiting! What? That’s right, Jesus tells them to wait for the Holy Spirit. In other words, the disciples are not to start doing things according to their own ideas, but they are to wait for the Spirit to impart God’s plans to them and provide the power to fulfill them (v.8). The Spirit was always Jesus’ source and power for ministry. As soon as Jesus finishes sharing this part of the planning meeting, he ascends to heaven.

In our passage today, the disciples obey Jesus’ Word; the eleven disciples, Jesus’ brother and mother Mary, as well as several other women, return to Jerusalem and go to an upper room to wait (v.13-14). Soon, the group grows to about 120 people—many new believers in Christ. Peter takes charge and calls a planning meeting. What is on the agenda? It is time to ask God to replace Judas the betrayer who killed himself near the Potter’s Field. The disciples want God’s choice for a replacement, so they begin to devote themselves to prayer and they wait. Waiting is not passive activity, it is dependance and obedience to God’s Word and timing.

Waiting before the Lord is essential whether we are seeking God’s plans for ministry or we are seeking God’s plans for our lives. God will bring us direction; he will reveal His plans, so we can follow. God wants our victory. I always have to remind myself of this Truth, so my Life Scripture is Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”

Acts 1:15-25 (NLT)
15 During this time, when about 120 believers were together in one place, Peter stood up and addressed them. 16 “Brothers,” he said, “the Scriptures had to be fulfilled concerning Judas, who guided those who arrested Jesus. This was predicted long ago by the Holy Spirit, speaking through King David. 17 Judas was one of us and shared in the ministry with us.”

18 (Judas had bought a field with the money he received for his treachery. Falling headfirst there, his body split open, spilling out all his intestines.
19 The news of his death spread to all the people of Jerusalem, and they gave the place the Aramaic name Akeldama, which means “Field of Blood.”)
20 Peter continued, “This was written in the book of Psalms, where it says, ‘Let his home become desolate, with no one living in it.’ It also says, ‘Let someone else take his position.’

21 “So now we must choose a replacement for Judas from among the men who were with us the entire time we were traveling with the Lord Jesus— 22 from the time he was baptized by John until the day he was taken from us. Whoever is chosen will join us as a witness of Jesus’ resurrection.”
23 So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they all prayed, “O Lord, you know every heart. Show us which of these men you have chosen 25 as an apostle to replace Judas in this ministry, for he has deserted us and gone where he belongs.”

Prayer: Lord, help us as your children to wait patiently for the response of your Spirit to guide us into righteous living and leading. May you be exalted and praised. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Daily Devotional from Pastor Mary 07-20-22

July 20, 2022 by Pastor Mary Haley

Intro: I have a great respect for the overall brilliance of the mind that our God designed and imparted to human beings. God has provided us with the ability to gain intellectual knowledge, reason, and wisdom. We have a computer in our heads and God is the necessary Host if we are going to connect to Truth. Remember, even believers need to continually consume the eternal Word of God to know how to think properly; we need the divine perspective. The devil is the father of lies who hates the Truth (John 8:44). He tries to speak lies into our thoughts in order to bring deception. The Word has the power to renew our minds and lift us out of worldly thinking into righteous thinking, so we can know the will of God for our lives (Romans 12:2).

Human beings are uniquely designed by the hand of God. Our minds, wills, and personalities are all known to our Creator. When we connect to God through the work of Jesus Christ, everything begins to make sense. Being born again from above is to connect to the divine. No one can believe Jesus is the Son of God unless God helps, because our human minds will dismiss Truth. In Christ, we know and have fellowship with God and can begin to learn who we are according to the Creator’s design. Unfortunately, many people try to decide who they are and what life is about by using their carnal (un-renewed) minds, wills, and emotions without the help of Jesus and his righteous perspective. What a mess we can make of our lives when we make our own human thoughts and feelings our gods (paganism).

In our passage today, the Jewish leaders cannot wrap their heads around how Jesus could be the divine Son of God, as well as the human son of Joseph and Mary. They have no ability to think about how God could send Christ’s Spirit to earth in order to inhabit a human body. These leaders could not believe even though Jesus said the same things Isaiah prophesied about the Messiah, “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” (Luke 4:18; Isaiah 61:1). Jesus is the Truth; he brings salvation and we must allow the Word to help us spiritually see, know, and live in eternal life.

John 6:41-51
41 Then the people began to murmur in disagreement because he had said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” 42 They said, “Isn’t this Jesus, the son of Joseph? We know his father and mother. How can he say, ‘I came down from heaven’?”

43 But Jesus replied, “Stop complaining about what I said. 44 For no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me, and at the last day I will raise them up. 45 As it is written in the Scriptures, ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me. 46 (Not that anyone has ever seen the Father; only I, who was sent from God, have seen him.)

47 “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes has eternal life. 48 Yes, I am the bread of life! 49 Your ancestors ate manna in the wilderness, but they all died. 50 Anyone who eats the bread from heaven, however, will never die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and this bread, which I will offer so the world may live, is my flesh.”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for helping your children know the Truth; it is a battle each day to fight the lies the devil sends our way. As we believe and place our trust in you, we will grow and mature. We will become more like Jesus; flesh filled with your divine Spirit. Through the Word, put a guard over our thoughts. Please protect us and help our unbelief. In Jesus’ name. Amen.