Pastor Mary Haley

Psalm 66:8-20 The Voice
8 
Everyone, bless our True God!
    Let praise-filled voices be heard near and far—at home and on foreign soil!
9 
Praise the One who gives us life and keeps us safe,
    who does not allow us to stumble in the darkness.
10 
For You have put us to the test, O God;
    You have refined us as silver is refined.
11 
You trapped us with a snare;
    You have laid upon our backs a heavy burden.
12 
You allowed us to be conquered and let our enemies run over us.
    We journeyed through dangers, through fire and flood,
But You led us finally to a safe place, a land rich and abundant.

God goes to great lengths in order to bring his people into salvation and deliverance from evil; he does so while extending us freedom of choice. Our passage this morning is a great example of how God loves us and allows us to choose our master. Satan desires to tempt (lure) us into his evil bidding and foolish living in order to later beat us down and destroy our lives. God protects us while testing us during our journey through the wilderness of foolish living. His purpose for allowing such experiences is so we will know and recognize the Truth of his wisdom in contrast to the foolishness of evil. When we know the Truth, we will choose, invite, and trust the Lord to lead our lives into the eternal abundance his wisdom. The psalmist understood the journey and praised God—the Giver of Life and Wisdom—for it. Can we end by focusing on the word “finally?” Truth is not that the Lord “finally” chose to lead us into abundance. Rather, Truth is that we “finally” turned from evil, chose to make Christ Lord of our lives, and that decision opened the door to his eternal goodness that he desired for us from the beginning.

Prayer: I praise you, Almighty God, for your amazing goodness and wisdom leading my life. Thank you for your protection, refining process, and power that guides me toward the Truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Proverbs 3:13-18 (TPT)
13 
Those who find true wisdom obtain the tools for understanding, the proper way to live, for they will have a fountain of blessing pouring into their lives. To gain the riches of wisdom is far greater than gaining the wealth of the world.
14 
As wisdom increases, a great treasure is imparted, greater than many bars of refined gold.
15 
It is a more valuable commodity than gold and gemstones, for there is nothing you desire that could compare to her.
16 
Wisdom extends to you long life in one hand and wealth and promotion [honor] in the other.
Out of her mouth flows righteousness, and her words release both law and mercy.
17 
The ways of wisdom are sweet, always drawing you into the place of wholeness.
18 
Seeking for her brings the discovery of untold blessings, for she is the healing tree of life to those who taste her fruits.

We need all kinds of tools in life and in our passage today, we are taught wisdom brings the ability to take raw facts and draw right conclusions and meaning from them. Wisdom—the applied Word of God—brings the tools we need to understand our hearts, how to love others, navigate the world in which we live, the deceptive work of the enemy, and most importantly the heart of God for his creation. I seek wisdom in every direction these days, because I want to grow in the integrity of Christ Whom I profess to be Lord of my life. By faith, God has connected us to Christ; wisdom helps us take the raw facts of what is happening in us and around us, interpret things correctly, and draw the right conclusions based on his holy standard. Make a decision to increase in wisdom, today, then you will be able to use those tools for understanding how God will use you in his salvation plan.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for making wisdom available to me in Christ. With every passage I read of your Word, help me to interpret it wisely and apply it to my life so I may have the tools I need to be successful for the advancement of your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Proverbs 3:5-10 (TPT) Wisdom’s Guidance
5 
Trust in the Lord completely,
and do not rely on your own opinions.
With all your heart rely on him to guide you,
and he will lead you in every decision you make.
6 
Become intimate with him in whatever you do,
and he will lead you wherever you go.
7 
Don’t think for a moment that you know it all,
for wisdom comes when you adore him with undivided devotion
and avoid everything that’s wrong.
8 
Then you will find the healing refreshment
your body and spirit long for.
9 
Glorify God with all your wealth,
honoring him with your very best,
with every increase that comes to you.
10 
Then every dimension of your life will overflow with blessings
from an uncontainable source of inner joy!

What comes to your thoughts when you hear the word “undivided” in our passage, today? The biblical context of being “undivided” has everything to do with reverence and obedience to God; this is wisdom. I might choose the word “integrity” to translate “undivided.” To gain wisdom, we must operate with integrity in connection to Christ in every area of our lives. Our hearts are then undivided and faithful in his love. Remember, a house divided cannot stand; because of Christ you are a “house” or dwelling place of the Lord God. Well, our lives cannot stand strong if our allegiance to God is divided by the world; the world’s attitudes are at odds with the Holy Spirit. Just for the record, a nation under God finding itself divided (suffering a lack of integrity with God) cannot stand either. Integrity has to do with wholeness; a completed or mature image of love. We have been made in the image of Creator God and his integrity is our standard. Therefore, we stand in undivided devotion or worship when we have given God our whole being and asked that he cut a path through the garbage of the world to lead us in the paths of righteousness for his name sake. “Then” you will find the healing refreshment your body and spirit long for!” Walk in the Lord’s integrity, today, and abundant blessings are yours in Christ.

Prayer: Lord, help me transcend the world’s attitudes to embrace a fuller measure of your integrity, today. I want to be led by your wisdom and live undivided in your Love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Exodus 13:17-18 (NLT) Israel’s Wilderness Detour
17 When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, “If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” 18 So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea.

Clearly, God does not always lead us in the way we may think is best; his ways are not our ways. God knows all things, so he knows what will cause us to grow in holiness and develop in our faith; that is always his purpose. Think about the story of the Israelites in our passage today. God led his people the long way into a place where they found themselves completely hemmed in and helpless. God deliberately took them on a detour, so he could demonstrate his delivering power and love in action for his people. If you find yourself feeling a bit hemmed in and helpless, please use this time to ask God to come and reveal his delivering power in your life.

Prayer: Lord, my life has tasted many detours that left me feeling helpless, but with each one I have witnessed you there working in my behalf. Thank you for your faithfulness to rescue me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Exodus 3:1-12 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

1 Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian; and he led the flock to the back or west side [toward the Shekinah] of the wilderness and came to Horeb or Sinai, the mountain of God.

2 The Angel of the Lord [Lord himself] appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush burned with fire, yet was not consumed.

3 And Moses said, I will now turn aside [from the flock] and see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.

4 And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the midst of the bush and said, Moses, Moses! And he said, Here am I.

5 God said, Do not come near; put your shoes off your feet [barefoot], for the place on which you stand is holy ground.

In our passage today, Moses enjoys a fireside chat [a burning bush conversation] with his holy Maker. Curiosity takes Moses to encounter his destiny—to be a source of good to others. Before he gains his orders from the Lord, Moses has to meet God’s requirement for drawing near to his holiness; he must be barefoot [take off his sandals].

This reminds us of the Last Supper before Christ’s crucifixion and how the Lord washed the disciples feet. He said, “Unless I wash you, you will not be able to share life with me” (John 13:8). Like Moses, you and I want to share in life with God. Jesus washes us with the Spirit and makes us clean before God. To be washed is to be submitted to the will and way of Christ—to respect our holy God and to allow the Lord to bring good to us and cause us to be a source of good to others. So, run barefoot with Jesus, today. He has created and cleansed you to live in his holy presence [his Shekinah or glory].

Prayer: Lord, thank you for inviting me into your presence and equipping me each day to live for you. Be blessed and exalted in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Genesis 12:1-3 Abram Journeys to Egypt

12 Now [in Haran] the Lord had said to Abram,
“Go away from your country,
And from your relatives
And from your father’s house,
To the land which I will show you;

2 (basic outline of the Abrahamic Covenant follows)

And I will make you a great nation,
And I will bless you [abundantly],
And make your name great (exalted, distinguished);
And you shall be a blessing [a source of great good to others];
3 

And I will bless (do good for, benefit) those who bless you,
And I will curse [that is, subject to My wrath and judgment] the one who curses (despises, dishonors, has contempt for) you.
And in you all the families (nations) of the earth will be blessed.”

God made a covenant with Abraham to guide him into a land of spiritual abundance. Jesus offers spiritual abundance to whosoever will receive him and follow him into Kingdom living; the Lord promises to take us there, but we must be willing to leave our spiritual comfort zones or apathy. To follow Christ is to allow him to guide our thoughts, actions, and destiny through the tender yet convicting work of the Holy Spirit. Ponder this for just a minute. We have the ability to live spiritually guided and blessed to such a degree that others who watch our lives in the natural will crave a relationship with God, too. And it doesn’t stop there. When we face opposition or mistreatment—as we rest in that connected place with Christ—anyone or anything that tries to stop us must deal with the Eternal One. No one can stop your blessing [God bringing good to you] or your destiny [making you a source of good to others] in Christ but you; so, keep walking in the Spirit and praising God for his spiritual blessings, today.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the perfect covenant you have made with me in Christ Jesus. During these uncertain days, I rest in the assurance that you have all things in your hands. Even in the midst of challenging times, you still desire to lead me into spiritual abundance. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

John 8:45-48

Freedom is a precious gift from God; therefore, it is a great blessing to live in the USA. This country—one nation under God—protects freedom. As citizens of this country, along with amazing rights and privileges, we are promised the freedom of speech, religion, assembly, petition, and the freedom of the press. It would be so great if all those freedoms actually expressed TRUTH—the utterances or Word of the Lord reflective of God’s holy nature—and REALITY.

In our passage today, Jesus is telling those listening about spiritual freedom; however, he shares how Truth is liberating in every aspect of a person’s life. If we are going to live in real freedom, we will need to embrace and work out the divine process of spiritual maturity in our lives. Jesus gives us freedom and he is Lord of heaven and earth. As the Lord’s creation, may we make room in our hearts for Christ’s message—Truth!

John 8:31-37 (TPT) The Son Gives Freedom
31 Jesus said to those Jews who believed in him, “When you continue to embrace all that I teach, you prove that you are my true followers. 32 For if you embrace the truth, it will release more freedom into your lives.”

33 Surprised by this, the said, “But we’re the descendants of Abraham and we’re already free. We’ve never been in bondage to anyone. How could you say that we will be released into more freedom?”

34 “I speak eternal truth,” Jesus said. “When you sin (live opposed to the Truth) you are not free. You’ve become a slave in bondage to your sin. 35 And slaves have no permanent standing in a family, like a son does, for a son is a part of the family forever.

36 So if the Son sets you free from sin, then become a true son and be unquestionably free! 37 Even though you are descendants of Abraham, you desire to kill me because the message I bring has not found a home in your hearts.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for freedom. May I let that freedom be worked out in every area of my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Hebrews 13:20-21 (TPT) Apostolic Blessing and Conclusion
20 Now may the God who brought us peace by raising from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ so that he would be the Great Shepherd of his flock; and by the power of the blood of the eternal covenant 21 may he work perfection [maturity] into every part of you giving you all that you need to fulfill your destiny. And may he express through you all that is excellent and pleasing [beautiful] to him through your life-union [connection] with Jesus the Anointed One who is to receive all glory forever! Amen!

God’s plan for salvation and work of grace is always mysteriously unveiling in purpose and power; it is solidly grounded and revealed in his Word. There are so many levels to the goodness, wisdom, and mission of God to save his world that we will never understand it all nor be able to flawlessly articulate it. We are invited to taste and know the width, height, and depths of his love; therefore, we must be grounded and willing to grow in obedience to the Word (Eph. 3:18). Salvation is more than saying, “Forgive me, Lord, for I am a sinner.” We can all say those words and continue to follow our own selfish inclinations for life; we see the struggles people have with their flesh every time we open the Bible. So, more precisely salvation is, “Save me, Lord, from my inclination to struggle and sin against your Word or Way of living. Be my Shepherd and lovingly lead me into obedience and spiritual abundance so I may live in your power for your glory.” This is the blessing of repentance; the work of grace for the salvation of every soul.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being my Shepherd and helping me better understand the blessing of repentance on a daily basis. Help me live true to your work of grace so I may glorify the Anointed One, today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 100 (TPT) Praise God
A poetic song for thanksgiving
1 
Lift up a great shout of joy to the Lord!
Go ahead and do it—everyone, everywhere!
2 
As you serve him, be glad and worship him.
Sing your way into his presence with joy!
3 
And realize what this really means—
we have the privilege of worshiping the Lord our God.
For he is our Creator and we belong to him.
We are the people of his pleasure.[the sheep of his pasture]
4 
You can pass through his open gates with the password of praise.
Come right into his presence with thanksgiving.
Come bring your thank offering to him
and affectionately bless his beautiful name!
5 
For the Lord is always good and ready to receive you.
He’s so loving that it will amaze you—
so kind that it will astound you!
And he is famous for his faithfulness toward all.
Everyone knows our God can be trusted,
for he keeps his promises to every generation!

Yesterday, in our worship time, the Word of God made the Good Shepherd—who never abandons us—alive to us. In our devotional and prayer time today, let us begin to thank the Lord for being our Gate; he opens our spiritual eyes and understanding so we connect with the Father. We must let go of an earthbound perspective and reach for the Kingdom reality. Thank the Lord for being the Shepherd who goes ahead and leads us along righteous paths; he protects us in our coming and going. Thank the Lord for being the Pasture we long for—the life of meaning and fulfillment, because we were created to be loved by him. When we open ourselves up to God, he fills us with HIMSELF! Talk about Abundance!!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for opening eternal life up to me and guiding me by the Spirit each day. Continue to help me understand how my spiritual life and natural life cross in your grace and position me for your glory. I choose life in abundance; pressed down, shaken together, and running over. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Luke 15:4-7 (TPT) The Parable of the Lost Lamb

4–5 “There once was a shepherd with a hundred lambs, but one of his lambs wandered away and was lost. So the shepherd left the ninety-nine lambs out in the open field and searched in the wilderness for that one lost lamb. He didn’t stop until he finally found it. With exuberant joy he raised it up and placed it on his shoulders, carrying it back with cheerful delight! 6 Returning home, he called all his friends and neighbors together and said, ‘Let’s have a party! Come and celebrate with me the return of my lost lamb. It wandered away, but I found it and brought it home.’”

7 Jesus continued, “In the same way, there will be a glorious celebration in heaven over the rescue of one lost sinner who repents, comes back home, and returns to the fold—more so than for all the righteous people who never strayed away.”

I love reading the gospel parables; the imagery helps with learning the lessons. In our passage today, the Lord shares a parable about the Good Shepherd who reveals his devotion to every individual lamb. Each lamb represents great worth and value. When the Shepherd notices one lamb has wandered into the wilderness, he goes to rescue the lost lamb. When he finds the lamb, the Shepherd doesn’t scold or beat the lamb; he does punish it. Instead, the Shepherd tenderly carries the lamb back and invites his friends to celebrate with him. He restores the lamb into the fellowship of the flock.

Jesus came to seek and save lost human souls; each soul is valuable to the Lord. Therefore, acting as the Good Shepherd, he came to search for and rescue the repentant wanderer and welcome him or her back into his loving care and into fellowship with his spiritual flock. Christ in you will be searching for those who need to be rescued. Are you looking to be a part of the Lord’s rescue mission for lost souls?

Prayer: Lord, your Word reveals your heart for people all the time. Help me to reflect your heart for the lost and wandering souls and celebrate each one who repents and returns. In Jesus’ name. Amen.