Pastor Mary Haley

January 17, 2022

When you think about “honor” is it something you seek to give or is it something you seek to get? Our understanding and belief of honor will shape our actions and words in all circumstances and in every relationship. So, it’s important for us to know that the world wants us to seek to get honor, while God wants us to seek to give honor. Let’s look at a few differences before we dive into today’s message from the Apostle Paul, because honor is at the core of his lesson for us, and we must seek to give it all of the time.

It is getting clearer to see that our world lacks a sense of true honor. Just the dialogue that is exchanged through technology, each and every day, is completely dishonoring. We see evil is repaid with evil, there is a great deal of unrest, and much pride stands in the way of real love. Our culture demands to be honored, yet most people who live for the world cannot clearly define honor; it is most often conditionally or personally defined. Those of the world will always make it about themselves, or there will most certainly be a condition attached. That is the reason the world seeks to divide and isolate. The world wants us to think about ourselves…it’s all about “self-care, self-love, self-help, self-improvement, etc.”, and anyone who doesn’t think like you must be set behind a boundary. Friends, when we are only thinking about ourselves, we begin to believe that we deserve to be honored. That isn’t what Jesus did or taught.

Jesus came to honor the Father, and it is in that place of honor and glory (kabod) that He selflessly gave His life for us. He calls us to honor and love Father the same, and then to honor and love one another as He loves us. To give honor and to live honorably, we need God’s wisdom and Truth to guide us daily. He calls us to give honor by loving each other with genuine affection, and by taking delight in honoring each other. In this place, with God’s wisdom guiding us, we can be patient with each other, we can pray for one another, we can bless those who persecute us, and we can live in harmony…all while seeking to give honor to the Father and to ALL of His Creation.

Romans 12:9-18 (NLT)

9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection,[a] and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.[b] 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!

17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

Prayer: Jesus, Thank You for setting the example of how we are to honor the Father and one another. Help us to seek for moments, each day, to genuinely love one another. Please forgive us when we allow our pride to get in the way of honoring others. Help us to make it more about You and other, and less about ourselves. Grow us up quickly, Lord Jesus. I ask all of this in Your Precious and Holy Name, Jesus. Amen.

Written by: Jennifer Auer, Pastor Mary Haley’s Assistant

Intro: Sometimes, as human beings, we get fixated on the shortcomings of other people in our lives. We can spend more time staring at the negatives than the positives in others. It would be amazing if we could be perfectly faithful to God and loving to everyone around us, but without the help of the Holy Spirit we are a sinful people with a selfish nature. Most of the time we have expectations for others that we cannot live up to ourselves. We need to learn more from Christ about mercy, because mercy is characteristic of life in the Kingdom. Refusing to give other people mercy is a sign of unbelief and rejection of God. So, be generous with mercy—forgiveness, compassion, and kindness.

In our passage today, David writes about the faithfulness of God and his focus is perfectly fixed on the amazing character of our God. There has been nor will there ever be any human being that can match the faithfulness of God to love his children. God pours out love, grace, and mercy on his children every moment. He wants to help us emulate his character in order to reflect his glory. I believe most of the time we expect people to give us what only God can provide. We must remember to extend mercy to those around us and realize the fountain of God’s love is there to satisfy us.

Psalm 36:5-10 NLT
5 
Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens;
    your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.
6 
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
    your justice like the ocean depths.
You care for people and animals alike, O Lord.
7 
    How precious is your unfailing love, O God!
All humanity finds shelter
    in the shadow of your wings.
8 
You feed them from the abundance of your own house,
    letting them drink from your river of delights.
9 
For you are the fountain of life,
    the light by which we see.
10 
Pour out your unfailing love on those who love you;
    give justice to those with honest hearts.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the mercy you continuously extend to me. I need your forgiveness, so I must give mercy and forgiveness to others. Please teach me more each day about kingdom life, because all your children are to be a conduits of your mercy to the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: Sorcerers and magicians had a great deal of influence within the history of Israel (idolatry), as well as the days of the early church. They did all kinds of healings, astrological readings and teachings, and they performed “miracles” that amazed many people into believing all these powers came from God; but, they did not. If you remember about King Saul in the Old Testament, he was rejected by the Lord for consulting a diviner and practicing the sin of divination—occultism—trying to gain power, abilities, knowledge apart from Creator God. The practice of divination produces deception in the soul and this causes people to reject the true wisdom of God. Dabbling in divination is poison for mind. Even today people go to fortune-tellers, engage in tarot card readings, and seek mediums to consult the dead, but this is not something believers do because it is NOT harmless. The spirit realm is real and not all angelic beings are holy—don’t open that door!

In our passage for today, Simon is a diviner or sorcerer; he has boasted about his abilities and “his” great power. People had been following Simon, because they thought he might be the Messiah. Then, Philip shows up preaching the Kingdom of God and the crucifixion of the Messiah to bring salvation. The people who had been following Simon decide to turn and follow Jesus; in fact, they asked Philip to baptize them. Even Simon says he believes and is baptized.

News travels as the gospel is expanded, so Peter and John travel from Jerusalem to Samaria to observe the power of the Spirit at work. Up to this point the Holy Spirit had only been poured out for pure Jews. When the apostles arrive and see the work of the Spirit through these Gentiles, they lay their hands on some of these new believers and they receive the Holy Spirit. Simon wants the power of the Spirit, too, but rather than submit himself to the authority of Christ and reject the sin of divination he offers to “buy” the power. Does everything have a price? According to Scripture, the answer is “No!”

Acts 8:18-24 (TPT) 18 When Simon saw how the Holy Spirit was released through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he approached them and offered them money, 19 saying, “I want this power too. I’m willing to pay you for the anointing [authority] that you have, so that I also can lay my hands on everyone to receive the Holy Spirit.”

20 Peter rebuked him and said, “Your money will go with you to destruction! How could you even think that you could purchase God’s supernatural gift with money? 21 You will never have this gift or take part in this ministry [no portion in this faith/word], for your heart is not right with God. 22 Repent this moment for allowing such wickedness to fill you. Plead with the Lord that perhaps he would forgive you the treachery of your heart. 23 For I discern that jealous envy [bitter anger] has poisoned you and binds you as a captive to sin.”

24 Simon begged, “Peter, please pray to God for me. Plead with him so that nothing you just said over me may come to pass!”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the Truth you continue to pour into your children through your Word. We know we are not to engage in divination. You have offered to give us the wisdom we need; all we need to do is ask. You have given us your Spirit, so we can know the Truth. Continue to minister to our hearts, Father, because as your children we want to take part in your anointed ministry. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: It is not uncommon for people to ask me what I think about a specific issue or challenge. Can I tell you I genuinely appreciate the confidence people place in me as a spiritual guide, but really what I think—my opinion—is way down the scale when it comes to importance or value. Here’s what we all need 24/7: the perception of the Savior—Jesus—because he is Truth.

In our passage today, Luke wants us to know victory for the believer comes through a proper spiritual perception which we receive when we are actually willing to live in the Truth. Sometimes a person tries to manipulate or control things in life based on his/her opinions—rather than Truth—and then want God to take credit for having authored his/her opinion even if it’s false. Our opinions will never save anyone, nor will our opinions shine the glory on God. Our greatest need is to allow the light of Truth to break through the darkness of our flesh, through the stubbornness of our wills, through the hardness of our hearts to reveal the Truth alive in our lives because the Truth is what sets all people free! (John 8:32). So, instead of asking me what I think, please ask me to pray with you so we can ask Jesus to shine the light of Truth for each of our souls—minds/wills/emotions!

Luke 11:33-36 Revelation-Light
33 “No one would think of lighting a lamp and then hiding it in the basement where no one would benefit. A lamp belongs on a lampstand, where all who enter may see its light. 34 The eyes of your spirit allow revelation-light [the teachings of Jesus] to enter into your being. When your heart is open the light floods in [our spiritual perception focuses on Truth]. But when your heart is hard and closed, the light cannot penetrate and darkness takes its place. 35 Open your heart and consider my words. Watch out that you do not mistake your opinions for revelation-light! 36 If your spirit burns with light, fully illuminated with no trace of darkness, you will be a shining lamp, reflecting rays of truth by the way you live.”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the revelation light of your Word and teaching. I open my heart up to you and ask for the light to flood my spiritual perception. Set me free from opinions, so I can walk in the Truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: In our passage today, John the apostle is older. In fact, at the time of this writing (85AD), he may be the only original apostle still living. In his letter, John wants to assure the next generation of believers about God’s care and his provision of grace for eternal life in Christ. He wants them to know Christ “is” eternal life; a life that begins with faith and is walked out as we put our trust in Christ as our Lord. For this reason, humility and commitment to Christ are essential if we are going to walk in the newness of eternal life. Faith-driven believers live very different then the world (unbelievers), because we live to please God.

John knew Christ in a very personal way; he had an experiential understanding of Christ’s love and power because he was an eyewitness, as well as a recipient. So, when John says, “We know…” you can be sure because he has talked and walked with Jesus and witnessed the Truth about life and spiritual matters. We “know” that we have eternal life if we believe in Christ’s sacrifice for our sin and have obediently committed ourselves to Jesus. When Jesus has first place in our lives he sits as Lord. Then, we can lean on his authority and power to avoid sinning against God. Satan has no power over Jesus. Do you “know” you have eternal life?

1 John 5:13, 18-21 (NLT)

13 I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life.

18 We know that God’s children do not make a practice of sinning, for God’s Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them. 19 We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the control of the evil one.

20 And we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life.

21 Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.

Prayer: Lord, thank you that I know I have eternal life with you. My assurance does not come from my feelings or any good things I may do. My assurance comes because you are eternal life and truth and I know by faith you live within me to protect me and guide my life. Help me follow you more closely each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

01/10/2022

Our passage today is from the last chapter of Ephesians. It is eight critical verses from the Apostle Paul’s final letter to the church in Ephesus. If you recall, Paul begins his letters (so, the first three chapters of Ephesians) with doctrine, and then his final three letters (or chapters) focus on practical application. In today’s letter, Paul boldly tells us how we need to be living as followers of Christ.

If you followed the “Rise Up” sermon series with Curtis Tumicki, you may remember on Sun, Dec 19th that Curtis’s message was on “Strategize Your Plan of Love”. During that message, Curtis took us to today’s passage, Ephesians 6:10-17: The Whole Armor of God. He pointed out that God instructs us, through Paul, to put on six pieces of armor; five of the pieces are defensive and One piece (the Word) is offensive. ALL six pieces are to be used together and continuously for our protection and guidance under the authority of Almighty God.

Paul begins today’s passage by telling us to build up our strength. We know that our strength can only be found in Christ (2 Corinthians 12:8-10). So, Paul goes on to tell us that we need to put on ALL of the armor that God gives us because it is our only way to stand up against the Devil. In this verse, Paul doesn’t say…”hey, so the armor can hang out in your house until you think the devil is around, and then you can dust it off, and put on whatever pieces you think you might need”…NO, he tells us to put it ALL on, and that we are NOT to take it off, because we are not fighting against things that are easily seen. Rather, we are battling wicked spiritual forces of darkness, and the battle goes on at all times.

Below, you will find that I included the image that Curtis used during his message. I think we can agree that the metal armor does not appear to be very comfortable. However, Paul firmly instructs us in verse 13 to “put on God’s armor now!” He doesn’t tell us that we can leave the helmet off until we see danger because it’s too heavy and hot outside to be worn 24/7…or, that we can pick up the sword and shield when we feel like it’s the appropriate time of danger. No, Paul knows that God has not only designated the proper armor for every “good solider of Jesus Christ” (2 Timothy 2:3), but that He also created ALL six pieces to be used together for our spiritual protection and guidance during every breath that you and I take on this earth. Friends, here’s a list of your armor, and please do NOT remove any part of it:

Belt of Truth (Defensive Weapon) – To stand firm in the Word of God
Breastplate of Righteousness (Defensive Weapon) – To protect from the evils of this world
Shoes of Readiness (Defensive Weapon) – To leave a righteous trail of the Good News of Jesus for others
Shield of Faith (Defensive Weapon) – To extinguish the arrows of the Evil One
Helmet of Salvation (Defensive Weapon) – The guiding foundation of the good solider of Jesus Christ
Sword of the Spirit (Offensive Weapon) – The Word of God used to attack the Evil One

Ephesians 6:10-17 (GNT)
The Whole Armor of God

10 Finally, build up your strength in union with the Lord and by means of his mighty power.11 Put on all the armor that God gives you, so that you will be able to stand up against the Devil’s evil tricks.12 For we are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world, the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this dark age.13 So put on God’s armor now! Then when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist the enemy’s attacks; and after fighting to the end, you will still hold your ground.

14 So stand ready, with truth as a belt tight around your waist, with righteousness as your breastplate,15 and as your shoes the readiness to announce the Good News of peace.16 At all times carry faith as a shield; for with it you will be able to put out all the burning arrows shot by the Evil One.17 And accept salvation as a helmet, and the word of God as the sword which the Spirit gives you.

Prayer: Jesus, Thank You for Your protection against the darkness of this world. Help me, Lord, to keep on every piece of the armor that You have so graciously given to me. I pray for your continuous guidance within my life. I ask all of this in Your Precious and Holy Name, Jesus. Amen.

Written by: Jennifer Auer, Pastor Mary Haley’s Assistant

Intro: Mercy and Truth always come together in the love of God which is abundant and endless. Mercy is an essential quality of God; associated with forgiveness. Did you know when the Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin, it is an act of God’s mercy and Truth because he loves us, wants to forgive us, and simply wills the holy best for us? God wants us to enjoy a sense of well-being and he knows sin robs us, so he convicts us [of wrong actions against the Truth] in order to bring his healing presence to us.

In Ephesians Chapter 4:20-24, the Apostle Paul tells the Ephesians their old lifestyles have to go. There is no excuse for ignorance, because Jesus brings a God-fashioned life that is worked out from the inside. God’s Spirit guides the believer’s conduct [through conviction] and reproduces his character in us. We are saved from sin and the work of evil by the merciful love of God! If we have never thought about conviction this way before, we need to wake up!

Ephesians 5:1-2 Wake Up from Your Sleep
Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that.

Prayer: Lord, please continue to teach me about your merciful love and help me to translate that into holy actions that grow the relationships around me each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: In our passage today, the Apostle Paul is probably writing from house arrest in Rome; about 60AD. Paul was a prisoner in Rome for preaching the gospel, but Jesus was the Lord of his life; therefore, Paul remained faithful to the gospel of Christ no matter how difficult the situation. He was not silent about his faith!

In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul is quick to spread the Good News and the new task God has given him. The Ephesians are being told about God’s grace for them; an Old Covenant mystery that became a New Covenant revelation. Through the work of Christ on the cross, the Jews and the Gentiles are both invited to belong to his Church, as well as receive God’s promise of blessings. Believers are equal in Christ. The important key word to reflect upon in our reading is the word, “belong.” To belong to Christ is to accept the sacrificial offering of his life on the cross to pay the penalty of our sin; we then can be forgiven and enjoy fellowship with God. To believe is to belong; to belong is to be obedient to the Word. This would make believers who belong–whole–One people connected to One God.

Ephesians 3:1-7 (NLT)
1 When I think of all this, I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus for the benefit of you Gentiles . . . 2 assuming, by the way, that you know God gave me the special responsibility of extending his grace to you Gentiles. 3 As I briefly wrote earlier, God himself revealed his mysterious plan to me. 4 As you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ. 5 God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by his Spirit he has revealed it to his holy apostles and prophets.
6 And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus [are connected to Christ the Living Word]. 7 By God’s grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the saving grace you have extended the world. May all your children who believe and belong stand ready to spread the Good News each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: When our sons were very young they loved the game, “Guess Who.” In order to win, it was necessary to ask the right questions to identify the mystery character. The game was fun, but I do not really like guessing games. I am so grateful God is straight-forward with who he is and wants to be in our lives. We do not need to make conjectures, because God has been entirely forthcoming by giving us a testimony of himself—the Bible. In fact, I love how Scripture conveys the nature and character of God through its many stories and lessons, but nothing really demonstrates the truth like the life of Jesus. God continuously teaches us about himself and his heart for us through Jesus Christ.

In this way, God can be seen—Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God (Col 1:15). We do not have to guess about the kind of love God has for us, because Christ reveals his love is sacrificial (John 3:16). We do not need to guess about our value to God, because Christ is willing to leave the 99 in order to find the one who wandered off (Mat 18:12-14). We do not need to guess about the good things God wants to give us as his children because Christ knows what we need before we even ask and it pleases him to give us good gifts (Mat 7:9-11; 18:11-12). Jesus promised, “If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth” (John 14:15-17). Jesus, the only unique Son, is the One who perfectly reveals God’s character and love!

John 1:18 No man has ever seen God at any time; the only unique Son, or the only begotten God, Who is in the bosom [in the intimate presence] of the Father, He has declared Him [He has revealed Him and brought Him out where He can be seen; He has interpreted Him and He has made Him known].

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the many ways you reveal your beautiful love to me each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: Like many people around me, I am making some goals for this new year that will improve my overall health. First, I am trying to take a nice 1/2-1 mile walk every day—sometimes twice a day—and exercise my muscles to improve my physical health, because I am a temple of God (1 Cor 3:16). Second, I am giving myself permission to just sit quietly each day for 1/2-1 hour to use my “calming” muscles in order to improve my emotional health; sometimes life is just to stimulating or draining and so, during this time, I tune out the world and tune into God’s presence with me (Mark 4:39-40). Third, I am spending even more time in the Word of God reading chapter passages each day and inviting the Spirit to help me practice the Truth with my faith muscles, because the deception of the world is gaining strength and I must be stronger in order to walk in wisdom (James 1:22). Fourth, I am exercising my prayer muscles, because God honors the prayers of his children who desire to pursue righteousness (James 5:16). Whether I am focused on physical, emotional, or spiritual health, I am aware I belong to Jesus and every aspect of me must bow to Christ’s authority. I must use all my muscles or they will atrophy and I will not have the proper strength when I need it.

In our passage today, Jesus shares with those around him what it means to belong to him—to be related as a family member. Jesus’ biological family does not necessary fit his criteria, because Scripture tells us even Jesus’ half-brothers and sisters did not believe he was the Messiah in the midst of his teaching. You know who meets Jesus’ criteria for being in his family? Those who are hungry to hear and willing to exercise God’s Word—his holy standard for living; to use one’s faith in order to put God’s instruction into practice which will cause one’s whole being to flourish for the glory of God (Ro 10:17).

Luke 8:19-21 Jesus’ True Family
19 Jesus’ mother and his brothers [half-brothers] came to where Jesus was teaching, but they couldn’t get through the crowd that had gathered around him. 20 Someone told Jesus, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak with you.”

21 Jesus told the crowd, “These who come to listen to me are like my mother and my brothers. They’re the ones who long to hear God’s words and put them into practice.”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for inviting me to be a part of your true family. I know this means I follow your lead by hearing the Word and putting it into motion in my life. Help me, in 2022, to be physically, emotionally, and spiritually healthy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.