Pastor Mary Haley

Hebrews 11:17-22 (VOICE)
17 By faith Abraham, when he endured God’s testing, offered his beloved son Isaac as a sacrifice. The one who had received God’s promise was willing to offer his only son; 18 God had told him, “It is through Isaac that your descendants will bear your name,” 19 and he concluded that God was capable of raising him from the dead, which, figuratively, is indeed what happened.

20 By faith Isaac spoke blessings upon his sons, Jacob and Esau, concerning things yet to come.
21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed the sons of his son Joseph, bowing in worship as he leaned upon his staff.

22 By faith Joseph, at his life’s end, predicted that the children of Israel would make an exodus from Egypt; and he gave instructions that his bones be buried in the land they would someday reach.

In our passage today, the Apostle Paul asks us to look to the heroes of the Old Testament in order to better understand the journey people of holy faith make with God. Abraham experiences the progressive testing of his faith while he learns to live by a new identity. He leaves everything he has ever known—everything comfortable—in order to obediently go where God instructs. The testing of his faith culminates when he is instructed to offer his only son to God. Abraham’s faith has been tested to such an extent by this time that he KNOWS if God asks him to sacrifice his son, Isaac, He will raise him from the dead if necessary because God has promised him many descendants. Abraham has learned to trust his faithful God. Keep in mind, Abraham asks for a son, but God generously gives him a people and nation. Our faith will also endure progressive testing and we must grow in our trust that God flawlessly loves us and His promise is rock solid no matter how it looks or feels at times. God wants to BE our prized possession in Christ and if we are willing to give Him first place (and become a NEW PERSON living in His righteousness), even though our faith will also be tested, He will provide abundant blessings.

Issac experiences the prophetic eyes of faith—even while he is physically blind—because God allows him to see into the future so he can speak words of blessing over his sons, Jacob and Esau. God promises Issac a land of plenty and to be with him on his faith journey until everything He has promised comes to pass. God opens our eyes to spiritual things in Christ—gives us a NEW PERSPECTIVE—and he has a destiny and plan for each of us as we follow with the eyes of faith.

Jacob has selfishly manipulated people his whole life in order to have what he wants, but in time he is prompted to faith by a dream God gives him accompanied by a promise to provide a company of nations, as well making his descendants kings. No more manipulating; God changes his name and asks him to obey. God prompts our faith and calls us to live with a NEW PURPOSE—we no longer selfishly live for the things of this world, but for the advancement of the King and his Kingdom.

Finally, we witnessed how Joseph has been motivated by faith to cooperate with the promises of God. Through Joseph’s faith in God’s wisdom and power, he learns about forgiveness, righteousness, and protection in the midst of famine. As believers, God feeds us truth—in the midst of the world’s spiritual starvation—and asks that our faith be motivated by His redeeming NEW POWER. In the Spirit, we have the power to fulfill every promise God has made because he wants to save the world.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the ongoing work of Your faith in my life. Thank you for making me a new person, giving me spiritual eyes with a new perspective, offering me a new purpose for my life that gives eternal meaning, and providing me the power to accomplish everything you have designed for me to be and do as your daughter. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Matthew 17:14:21 (TPT) Unbelief Hinders Healing
14 They came to where a large crowd had gathered to wait for Jesus. A man came and knelt before him 15 and said, “Lord, please show your tender mercy toward my son. He has a demon who afflicts him. He has epilepsy, and he suffers horribly from seizures. He often falls into the cooking fire or into the river. 16 I brought him to your followers, but they weren’t able to heal him.”

17 Jesus replied, “Where is your faith? Can’t you see how wayward and wrong this generation is?[those who deny me]. How much longer do I stay with you and put up with your doubts? Bring your son to me.”

18 Then Jesus rebuked the demon and it came out of him and the boy was instantly healed!
19 Later the disciples came to him privately and asked, “Why couldn’t we cast out the demon?”
20 He told them, “It was because of your lack of faith. I promise you, if you have faith inside of you no bigger than the size of a small mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move away from here and go over there,’ and you will see it move![Mountain moving faith brings the power of God’s kingdom on earth]. There is nothing you couldn’t do![nothing beyond your power]. 21 But this kind is cast out only through prayer and fasting.”

In our passage today, we witness a problem that faces every disciple of Christ. Before we name that problem, let’s revisit Chapter 17 from the beginning. Peter, James, and John have followed Jesus up the mountain to witness heaven and earth coming together in what Scripture calls the Transfiguration. Elijah and Moses—both deceased 450+ years earlier—are seen visiting on the mountain top with Jesus, the appearance of Christ is suddenly miraculously changed, and the voice of the Father is heard affirming the identity of Jesus as His Son. After witnessing this supernatural event, we might be tempted to think, “Wow, if I saw all that happening before my eyes, I would never doubt the power of God or cease to do great things.”

The disciples descend the mountain of revelation and the next day they experience faith failure. A man brings his demon possessed son to Jesus; the disciples fail to cast the demon out. Wait! In Chapter 10, Jesus sends the disciples out and gives them the power to cast out demons and they are successful at that time (Mat 10:1). What is going on? Let’s remember Jesus knows all things, so he knows the disciples are going to fail from weak faith. However, Jesus knows even though this faith failure will humble the disciples now, it will bring the Kingdom greater victory through them in the future. Their faith will supernaturally grow by this experience.

The problem is not God’s lack of power; all things are possible with God (Mat 19:26). Jesus demonstrates his superior power in our passage; he is glorified and his power is exalted because he is completely devoted to God’s purpose. He fasts and he prays and he lives in power to do the Father’s will. The problem is the disciples need to grow in their love and dependance upon Christ and HIS power. Human strength will always fail to produce miracles, so we must learn how to humble ourselves before the Lord and receive HIS strength. Jesus knows it will be the work of the Spirit to make these same disciples devotedly successful in the future. So, he allows them to fail in order to one day flourish! And, they do just that!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for equipping me with every good and perfect gift, as well as causing my faith to grow stronger each day. I humble myself before your mighty hand and rest in your will and purpose for my life as you bring forth your Kingdom on earth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Hebrews 12:3-6
3 So consider carefully how Jesus faced such intense opposition from sinners who opposed their own souls [be their own stumbling block] so that you won’t become worn down and cave in under life’s pressures. 4 After all, you have not yet reached the point of sweating blood in your opposition to sin.

5 And have you forgotten his encouraging words spoken to you as his children? He said,
“My child, don’t underestimate the value
    of the discipline and training of the Lord God,
    or get depressed when he has to correct you [when he puts you under his scrutiny].
6 
For the Lord’s training of your life
    is the evidence of his faithful love [a motherly nurturing love for those he is sanctifying].
    And when he draws you to himself,
    it proves you are his delightful child”[a child he receives].

In our passage today, the Apostle Paul wants us to remember we really can be our own worst enemy; our own stumbling block when it comes to enjoying abundant life with the heavenly Father. I once read a quote, “Make sure your worst enemy is not living between your own two ears.” How we think about Father God, Christ’s authority as the Word, and the role of the Holy Spirit makes all the difference when it comes to living in right standing with God. As believers, we are to live in a way that opposes sin. That is how Christ lived—his perfect example for us—and how we are now to live in his Spirit as we are being perfected or made spiritually mature. We must never forget this world is our “training ground” and God’s correction is the greatest part of what it means to be a son or daughter of the Most High. Correction of our souls is God’s purest love for us in action; as we cooperate we are invited to enjoy spiritual intimacy with the heart of God.

No one loves being corrected or having our souls scrutinized by God. The Light of Truth dispels the darkness. Satan wants to hide in our souls, but the Word expels—deprives Satan of power—because the Spirit exalts the Word operating in our lives. Honestly, there is pain involved in Father’s correction. We hold onto sin [trying to legitimize it in our thoughts] while the Word wants to curse it and separate us from it. We literally fight against God during these times. Let’s makes sure we have things correct between our two ears!

Prayer: Father, I know you want to renew my thoughts so I can be made righteous by your grace. Accepting Christ’s sacrifice for me begins my journey, but spiritually walking with you each day brings the ongoing correction I need. Jesus, may I leave my selfish desires behind today and embrace the power outflowing your resurrection. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

I can remember being a kid in Catholic school and singing the “Battle of Jericho”. I loved the fast-paced tempo, and the chorus was my favorite: “Joshua fought the battle of Jericho, Jericho, Jericho; Joshua fought the battle of Jericho, and the walls came tumbling down!” Looking back, I can vividly recall not really believing that the events of Jericho were possible, and to some degree, my young self was right. Joshua and the Israelites were not humanly capable of directly causing the walls of Jericho to tumble down by themselves and through their own strength and/or actions. However, what my young self was not accounting for is what we read in verses 2 and 16 of today’s passage.

In verse 2 the LORD says to Joshua, “I have given you Jericho, its king, and all its strong warriors”. It’s really important to remember that this verse comes before the Lord’s instructions of what Joshua and the Israelites are to do for the next seven days, and before they will successfully capture Jericho. The Lord knows Joshua’s heart and the hearts of the Israelites thus, He assures Joshua of His reward for their obedience and His favor through the soon to be deliverance of Jericho to them.

In verse 16 we see that on “the seventh time around, as the priests sounded the long blast on their horns, Joshua commanded the people, ‘Shout! For the Lord has given you the town!’”. I love how Joshua’s confident and obedient faith in the Lord is exhibited here in his instructions that directly align with the words the Lord spoke to him in verse 2. Joshua tells the Lord’s people to shout for Him because He has “given” you the town, and this is just before the walls will come tumbling down and they will concur Jericho. I wonder if some of the Israelites were thinking like I did when I was young and in Catholic school? Even though they had experienced the Lord’s power at the Jordan River and partook in His blessings in the desert; they still had doubts during those events. Now, they find themselves up against these strong warriors, and here Joshua was instructing them to shout after they have walked around 7 times, for days, and blowing horns.

Friends, we are no different than the Israelites. How many times do we find ourselves in situations where our minds are not capable to understand how we will conquer an obstacle? Well, “we” are not capable of conquering any obstacle, only God can do that for us. We forget that God has already “given” us the tools to know that no walls are never too high, because He knows what we will face before we even face it. What we need to be focused on is Him, not any obstacle, only HIM and our faith, trust, and obedience to Him in the midst of the obstacles.

Joshua 6:1-21 (NLT)
The Fall of Jericho

1 Now the gates of Jericho were tightly shut because the people were afraid of the Israelites. No one was allowed to go out or in. 2 But the Lord said to Joshua, “I have given you Jericho, its king, and all its strong warriors. 3 You and your fighting men should march around the town once a day for six days. 4 Seven priests will walk ahead of the Ark, each carrying a ram’s horn. On the seventh day you are to march around the town seven times, with the priests blowing the horns. 5 When you hear the priests give one long blast on the rams’ horns, have all the people shout as loud as they can. Then the walls of the town will collapse, and the people can charge straight into the town.”

6 So Joshua called together the priests and said, “Take up the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant, and assign seven priests to walk in front of it, each carrying a ram’s horn.” 7 Then he gave orders to the people: “March around the town, and the armed men will lead the way in front of the Ark of the Lord.”

8 After Joshua spoke to the people, the seven priests with the rams’ horns started marching in the presence of the Lord, blowing the horns as they marched. And the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant followed behind them. 9 Some of the armed men marched in front of the priests with the horns and some behind the Ark, with the priests continually blowing the horns. 10 “Do not shout; do not even talk,” Joshua commanded. “Not a single word from any of you until I tell you to shout. Then shout!” 11 So the Ark of the Lord was carried around the town once that day, and then everyone returned to spend the night in the camp.

12 Joshua got up early the next morning, and the priests again carried the Ark of the Lord. 13 The seven priests with the rams’ horns marched in front of the Ark of the Lord, blowing their horns. Again the armed men marched both in front of the priests with the horns and behind the Ark of the Lord. All this time the priests were blowing their horns. 14 On the second day they again marched around the town once and returned to the camp. They followed this pattern for six days.

15 On the seventh day the Israelites got up at dawn and marched around the town as they had done before. But this time they went around the town seven times. 16 The seventh time around, as the priests sounded the long blast on their horns, Joshua commanded the people, “Shout! For the Lord has given you the town! 17 Jericho and everything in it must be completely destroyed[a] as an offering to the Lord. Only Rahab the prostitute and the others in her house will be spared, for she protected our spies.

18 “Do not take any of the things set apart for destruction, or you yourselves will be completely destroyed, and you will bring trouble on the camp of Israel. 19 Everything made from silver, gold, bronze, or iron is sacred to the Lord and must be brought into his treasury.”

20 When the people heard the sound of the rams’ horns, they shouted as loud as they could. Suddenly, the walls of Jericho collapsed, and the Israelites charged straight into the town and captured it. 21 They completely destroyed everything in it with their swords—men and women, young and old, cattle, sheep, goats, and donkeys.

Prayer: Jesus, we LOVE You! Help our unbelief, strengthen us to have faith like Joshua, and allow us to trust that no walls are too high for You. We submit our human minds to You today, and ask that You allow the work of Your Holy Spirit to guide our every thought, speak every word spoken, and perform every action taken. We ask all of this in Your Holy Name, Jesus. Amen.

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

Today, we continue with the Apostle Paul in Romans 2. Towards the end of yesterday’s devotion, did you “ask the Holy Spirit to help you to stop hiding excuses and start living for Christ’s glory”? It was the very last line before the prayer. If you can’t remember, or if you didn’t read yesterday’s devotion, or maybe you feel like you have no excuses…well, I assure you that there are NO secretes that you and I can hide from Almighty God. So, let’s start with prayer before we read today’s passage.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for Your Word which causes hearts to soften, eyes to open, ears to hear, and lives to be changed. You are coming to judge every aspect of every heart. So, please reveal all sin with our lives that needs to be confessed and laid down at Your feet. Forgive us for thinking that we can hide things from You. You know all, and You want us to be honest within ourselves so that we can ultimately be honest with You. Please allow this Word to speak to us today, allow us to become even more transparent with You, and ultimately closer in our oneness with You. We ask all of this in Your Holy Name, Jesus. Amen.

Romans 2:12-16 (VOICE)

12 If one lives life without knowledge of the law—the teachings of the Torah—he will sin and die apart from the law. If someone else lives life under the law, his sin will be judged by what the law teaches. 13 Here’s my point: just because a person hears the law read or recited does not mean he is right before the one True God; it is following the law that makes one right, not just hearing it. 14-15 For instance, some outsiders who are not required to follow the law often live quite naturally by its teachings. Even though the law wasn’t given to them, in themselves they have the law. Here’s the thing: their lives demonstrate that God has inscribed the law’s teachings on their hearts. On judgment day, their consciences will testify for them, and their thoughts will both accuse and defend them. 16 This good news given to me declares that this affirmation and accusation will take place on that day when God, through Jesus, the Anointed One, judges every person’s life secrets.

Friends, we must make sure that our hearts are in one accord with Christ at all times and in all that we do, say, and think. He is coming, and the only way we can “check” to see if we are living without sin is to remain in the Word and to continuously ask Jesus to correct our lives as we grow in Truth.

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

Romans 2:1-4 (VOICE)
2 So you can see there are no excuses for any of us. If your eyes shift their focus from yourselves to others—to judge how they are doing—you have already condemned yourselves! You don’t realize that you are pointing your fingers at others for the exact things you do as well. 2 There’s no doubt that the judgment of God will justly fall upon hypocrites who practice such things. 3 Here’s what is happening: you attack and criticize others and then turn around to commit the same offenses yourselves! Do you think you will somehow dodge God’s judgment? 4 Do you take the kindness of God for granted? Do you see His patience and tolerance as signs that He is a pushover when it comes to sin? How could you not know that His kindness is guiding our hearts to turn away from distractions and habitual sin to walk a new path? [a path of repentance]

As I study the Word of God for today from the Apostle Paul, I am reminded once again the biggest issue facing humanity is the “judgment” of God for the massive amounts of excuses we use when we sin against Him, ourselves, and others. According to the Apostle Paul, when we use excuses for any sin we commit, we actually condemn ourselves before God. Many times, we repeat the very sins we have condemned in others.

God offers a new path of personal responsibility in life; it is called the path of repentance. In Scripture, repentance is really narrowed down to the word “surrender.” In other words, we accept responsibility for our actions before our Sovereign God. In sorrow, we ask for forgiveness, because of the immense kindness and mercy God has shown toward us. As we repent, we are making a decision to change our focus from making excuses for ourselves or blaming others and instead cast our gaze upon God who is the true and all-knowing Judge of all human behaviors. We can’t hide the truth from God, so let’s pray and ask the Holy Spirit to help us stop the excuses and start living for his glory!

Prayer: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Proverbs 1:1-7 (TPT)
1
Here are kingdom revelations, words to live by,
    and words of wisdom given to empower you to reign in life,[to take dominion]
    written as proverbs by Israel’s King Solomon, David’s son.
2 
Within these sayings will be found the revelation of wisdom [righteousness]
    and the impartation of spiritual understanding.
    Use them as keys to unlock the treasures of true knowledge.
3 
Those who cling to these words will receive discipline
    to demonstrate wisdom [righteousness] in every relationship
    and to choose what is right and just and fair.
4 
These proverbs will give you great skill
    to teach the immature and make them wise,
    to give youth the understanding of their design and destiny.
5 
For the wise, these proverbs will make you even wiser,
    and for those with discernment,
    you will be able to acquire brilliant strategies for leadership.
6 
These kingdom revelations will break open your understanding
    to unveil the deeper meaning of parables,
    poetic riddles, and epigrams,
    and to unravel the words and enigmas of the wise.
7 
We cross the threshold of true knowledge
    when we live in obedient devotion to God.[fear of the Lord]
    Stubborn know-it-alls [fools] will never stop to do this,
    for they scorn true wisdom and knowledge.

We need the wisdom of the Lord to help rule our lives, our communities, and our government in a way that is true, just, and fair before the eyes of Almighty God. I intend this statement to be shared in kindness, but we definitely need some brilliant strategies from God for our leadership. Without God’s vision—without him guiding the way and setting the boundaries—the people perish (Pro 29:18). I actually believe we self-slaughter through our rebellion against God’s Word; a structural implosion due to our rejection of God’s authority. I pray for mercy every day on behalf of this world; do you?

The Word—Scripture—reveals the boundaries God has set for humanity. We must have boundaries for our lives, for our communities, and for our government. Certainly, the whole world needs the wisdom of God; otherwise, people live by the foolish intentions of their hearts which leads them to reject the original vision for creation.

We really do want to think we know what is right, but my friends, without God we do not have a clue; we become stubborn know-it-alls who scorn true wisdom. Why is it so difficult to consult and accept the truth from the Creator? May we stop demanding our own way and start listening to the wisdom of the One who really knows what is best for his creation. Read His-story…it’s a Revelation for the world!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for providing the Words of wisdom and grace for your human creation. I pray, Lord, for every heart to turn to you. I pray for the people of every community to become true “neighbors” who care about and serve one another. I pray for our government leaders to honor the boundaries set out by our Constitution and stop trying to railroad their own selfish agendas. We have all been created equal by you, God. Please bring an end to the “systemic hatred” being propagated by the media. Help our leaders bring people together under your authority; it is the only way to be whole. Touch your world with the mystery of your grace and cause every knee to bow and every soul to tremble before your holiness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

1 Peter 2:19-21 (NLT)

19 For God is pleased when, conscious of his will, you patiently endure unjust treatment. 20 Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you.

21 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.

Many people are suffering injustice these days; we have been witnessing an egregious worldwide abuse of power on an escalating scale. I know, in my life, witnessing unjust treatment (violent or neglectful) of the innocent [those who cannot protect themselves] has forced me to forge a deeper trust in God and pray without ceasing (1 Thes. 5:16). True justice means we live in right relationship with God, one another, and all of creation; justice flows from the very nature of God. “Has the LORD ever needed anyone’s advice? Does he need instruction about what is good? Did someone teach him what is right or show him the path of justice?” (Isa 40:14). Evil seems to be lurking around every corner, so we should not be surprised when we encounter it! According to Scripture, injustice is manifest from the evil intentions of the unredeemed heart (Mark 7:21-23). “Jesus, the world needs you!”

For the past few days, my heart has been heavy for our wounded and fallen military heroes and their worried and grieving families/friends. These young men and women took on their mission of securing justice for their fellow Americans, as well as those most vulnerable to harm. They selflessly laid their lives on the line to protect others; therefore, evil attacked. Evil hates goodness and justice. These precious servants did nothing wrong and they did not deserve the treatment they received, yet they knew their mission was about doing what was right as he/she represented One Nation Under God.

May we never forget their sacrifice while learning from it. May one day Christ place upon the head of each of those military servants the Crown of Life—bestowed to those who have not been afraid what they may suffer; faithful even to the point of death (Rev. 2:10). May God bless and honor the fallen, as well as heal our wounded! And, may the eyes of the world be open and the Truth proclaimed to the glory of God! Now, with military troops evacuated, I invite you to pray with me for God’s angels to surround and guard our remaining American citizens in Afghanistan. Also, let’s pray for those who face loss in the path of Hurricane Ida. May hope sustain them until help and restoration arrives.

Prayer: Father God, in love and trust we lift our hearts to you, today. We pray to receive comfort, encouragement and hope for the days ahead not only for our lives, but for the lives of your children globally. Every heart that proclaims the name of Jesus and your goodness belongs to you. Cover every heroic rescuer with your mighty wings of love and protection, set your warring angels against evil, and however long it takes, please bring every American and our friends home from Afghanistan. Lord, we await further news about those who are facing loss from the hurricane and we pray for you to sustain them with hope and support from the north, south, east, and west of this amazing country filled with your children. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

In today’s passage we are looking at a section of one of Paul’s letters to Timothy. It begins at verse 6, but in verses 1 through 5 Paul gives a great description of false teachers, and then he provides practical steps, so Timothy is equipped to defend against false teachers. These steps are just as useful for us today as they were for Timothy.

1 Timothy 4:6-13 NLT
A Good Servant of Christ Jesus

6 If you explain these things to the brothers and sisters, Timothy, you will be a worthy servant of Christ Jesus, one who is nourished by the message of faith and the good teaching you have followed. 7 Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. 8 “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” 9 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it. 10 This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers.

11 Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. 12 Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 13 Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.

Paul’s advice to Timothy is all about Truth, and it can be broken down for us in a few steps:

Talk about Truth (1 Timothy 4:6) – we know that “all who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God.” (1 John 4:15) Thus, we must pray for wisdom and discernment, and stay rooted in the Word, so that as we speak it is bathed in Truth and in one accord with the teachings of Christ.
Train in Truth (1 Timothy 4:7) – we know that the ungodly motives of this world clash with God’s heart, and thus we are not to waist time arguing with the world’s ideas, rather we are to remain yoked to the Lord and to learn from Him through His Word. (Matthew 11:27-30)
Be an Example of Truth (1 Timothy 4:12) – we are called to be an example of Christ, as a light to the world. Jesus calls us to let our good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise our Heavenly Father. (Matthew 5:14-16)
Teach the Truth (1 Timothy 4:13) – God calls each of us into “ministry”, how those “ministries” look are different (i.e. as children, parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, neighbors, coworkers, music, missionary, pastors, etc.), regardless of your ministry, you are there to teach about Christ. So, stay in the Word and encourage fellow believers.

As we remain in these places of Truth and holding on to Christ, His wisdom is made known to us. So, through the work of the Holy Spirit, we will know when someone is a false teacher.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Truth. I need Your wisdom and guidance as I talk about You and as I grow to know more and more about You. Help me, Lord, to be a shining light for You, and thank You for the places that You have called me into ministry. Father, please allow me the discernment to understand false teachings, and keep me close to You and far from them. I ask all of this in Your Holy Name, Jesus. Amen.

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

James 1:12-16 (TPT)
12 If your faith remains strong, even while surrounded by life’s difficulties, you will continue to experience the untold blessings of God! True happiness comes as you pass the test with faith, and receive the victorious crown of life promised to every lover of God!

13 When you are tempted don’t ever say, “God is tempting me,” for God is incapable of being tempted by evil and he is never the source of temptation. 14 Instead it is each person’s own desires and thoughts that drag them into evil [hooked by the bait] and lure them away into darkness. 15 Evil desires give birth to evil actions. And when sin is fully mature it can murder you! 16 So my friends, don’t be fooled by your own desires!

When I was a young girl, I spent a great deal of time during the summers with my maternal grandparents. I loved every minute being with them. They were fun and oh so loving! My grandfather was an enthusiastic sportsman; fishing for Walleye was one of his favorite hobbies. I enjoyed catching fish with my grandfather, but that whole baiting the hook thing…not so much! He would say, “Mary, drape the bait [nightcrawler] in a way that hides the hook. If the fish see the hook, chances are they will not bite.” Grandpa’s lesson to me also teaches a spiritual principle unbelievers need to know and believers should never forget.

In our passage today, James reminds us Satan disguises his hook of evil to tempt humanity. He surrounds us with challenges and flaunts evil desires before creation, then he offers the bait at a person’s weakest moment. His bait may look exciting and seem to offer answers or lasting pleasure to be desired, but it is a trap that leads to spiritual death. Once humanity bites the bait, the hook is set and Satan has the power to drag his prey further into deception and depravity. Evil then begins to reveal itself through ongoing unholy human thoughts that lead to rebellious actions against God and cruel words and actions against fellow humans.

This world, as a whole, has confused people about the power of sin. In fact, our culture seems to refuse to even define sin or hint to its destructive power. So, let me define it for us now: Sin is rebellion and transgression against God and the authority of His holy Word/Law. Humanity’s ignorance about sin leaves the unbeliever most vulnerable. For the believer, we have grace, the Word, and the Holy Spirit to watch out for us. When Satan comes to tempt Christ’s followers, the Holy Spirit reminds us of God’s law [written upon our hearts] and then sends an alarm to our souls to help us refrain from consuming Satan’s bait. We may feel hungry for what Satan offers, but we know sin leads us to self-slaughter before Almighty God. So, don’t be fooled by Satan’s “bait.” His soul piercing hook is always hidden well until it is too late.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for setting into place the provision to help me each day live free from sin. Although I humbly confess I have not been perfected, I am so grateful for your grace, Word, and the work of the Holy Spirit to guard my way against the bait of Satan. I pray for this world to understand your love, the work of Satan, and the death penalty of sin. I pray for you to shine your Light of Truth upon our nation’s leaders and remove the scales from their eyes to see the hook of sin before they bite further. Call America to repentance, Lord. I pray for the world’s leaders, as a whole, to be humbled before your authority. You teach us pride goes before destruction. With leadership comes great responsibility and so many of the world’s leaders are arrogantly bent on power, control, while consuming unrighteous legislation bait set up by Satan. You are all-powerful, Lord, and your way to salvation is such a gift. Thank you for sending your Son, inviting me into salvation, extending redemption to me, and taking care of me until you return. This is not only my inheritance, but belongs to everyone who calls upon your name for help. In Jesus’ name. Amen.