Devotionals

Intro: I really do not know anyone who enjoys being controlled by another human being(s). We might put up with it for a while, but dealing with controlling personalities gets old very quickly. It is suffocating to our need for the secure freedoms Jesus died to provide us. As believers, we have been set free from sin and death, SO that we can live each day being led by the Spirit of liberty and truth. There’s something repulsive about others trying to control us through pressure and force when Jesus has set us free by the Truth of his love, right? Many times we feel the battle for control coming from the world outside of us; however, how do we respond when we realize a battle for control is actually raging within us?

In our passage today, the Apostle Paul writes in his letter to the Romans about this very thing. As believers we serve God—the Lord wants to be at the center of our lives. We live by faith to please him rather than by gratifying our flesh or by struggling to obey a set of rules (Heb 11:6). We love and serve Christ from renewed hearts and minds that are filled with the love of God. We are confident the Holy Spirit is helping us live in agreement with God, so when we feel that fight for control on the inside, our flesh that wants gratification may be fighting the Spirit for control (Gal 5:17). It is the work of the Spirit to make us more and more like Jesus on the inside, but as that process is going on we realize we are losing control of certain areas of our lives and we may be tempted to resist it.

Please don’t fight the work of the Spirit within you. Honor the Spirit who was sent to help each of us produce righteous fruit for the glory of God (Gal 5:25). As we surrender spiritual control to the Holy Spirit, we can live these new lives in great power. If you feel an inner battle, pause, pray, and permit Christ to have his way; this is living a new way in the Spirit.

Romans 7:5-6
5 When we were merely living natural lives [before we came to know Christ], the law, through defining sin, actually awakened sinful desires within us, which resulted in bearing the fruit of death. 6 But now that we have been fully released from the power of the law, we are dead to what once controlled us. And our lives are no longer motivated by the obsolete way of following the written code, so that now we may serve God by living in the freshness of a new life in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer: Lord, when I feel like I have an inner battle for control, help me to focus on Jesus. Bowing my flesh to the work of the Spirit takes faith, but you have given me grace for the journey. Thank you for your great love and provision. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: The other day I ripped a sizable hole in a pair of my favorite shorts. I was in a hurry (“Of course you were, Mary!”) and the pocket on my shorts got caught on a cupboard knob. My “hang up” caused me to reel backwards, but it was too late! I know the shorts are old, but they are so comfy. Sigh…I can try to use new fabric to patch the hole, but I don’t think the mend will hold and it certainly will not match. These shorts are the oldest in my closet; they have survived hundreds of wears and washings. My dilemma reminds me of one of Jesus’ teachings about old garments. It reminds me of the expanding work of the Spirit in my life of which I am so very grateful.

In our passage today, Jesus is questioned about why his disciples are feasting rather than fasting like many others. Jesus uses a parable to try to explain that his disciples are feasting (expanding) because he is with them. They will fast when he is gone. Yet, the Pharisees still question the purity of Jesus and his disciples’ hearts. So Jesus shares an illustration with the hope they will understand. Sadly, the Pharisees are too steeped in tradition to absorb the life lesson; they prefer the old ways instead of embracing new faith in the vibrant god-life of Christ.

For the believer, Jesus came so his righteousness could be our new garment. He covers our sin like the Lord covered Adam and Eve in the garden. Now, we need new righteous lifestyles to reveal the divine nature within us; to make room for the expanding life of the Spirit among us. The old garments (our lives filled with self-righteousness) cannot hold the new wine of the Spirit. Jesus brings a life-changing message and we need to be able to hold the glory and live in eternal life. The Spirit brings dunamis (Greek: the power of God). We need the new garments of Christ that will stretch and expand, my friends!

Luke 5:33-39 TPT A Question about Fasting
33 Jesus’ critics questioned him. “John the prophet is known for leading his disciples to fast often and pray. As the religious leaders of the land, we do the same. Why do you and your disciples spend most of your time feasting at banquets?”

34 Jesus replied, “Should you make the sons of the bridal chamber fast while celebrating with the Bridegroom? 35 But when the Bridegroom is taken away from them, then you will see them fasting.”
36 And he gave them this illustration: “No one rips up a new garment to make patches for an old, worn-out one. If you tear up the new to make a patch for the old, it would not match the old garment. 37 And who pours new wine into an old wineskin? If someone did, the old wineskin would burst and the new wine would be lost. 38 New wine must always be poured into new wineskins. 39 Yet you say, ‘The old ways are better,’ and you refuse to even taste the new wine that I bring.”

Prayer: Lord, I know you cannot be contained in our rigid thoughts and traditions. Help us to accept these new lives you bring; new ways, new approaches, and even new ministries that are fresh in the Spirit. Help us as your children to remain pliable and willing to grow. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

January 18, 2022

Intro: The Apostle Paul established the church in Corinth and because he wrote so many letters to them, we know more about this church [ekklesia—assembly of God’s believers] than any other church in the New Testament. This assembly of believers wanted to be influential for God in their city, but Corinth was morally corrupt—sexually out of control—and the city seemed to have more power and influence over the believers who were losing the morality battle with their own lives. They were not focused on the peace of God or the fellowship of Christ; they were focused on themselves.

Paul’s letters were sent to correct these believers as they struggled with morality problems, doctrinal problems, church government problems, spiritual gift misunderstandings, authority problems, etc. The church has problems and they need answers, so Paul calls them to unity—every believer making Jesus the Lord of his or her life. Then, Paul builds them up by focusing on their strengths as he corrects and confronts each problem with truth. He loves them into right attitudes with one another, as well as stirs the desire within them to put on the mind of Christ. Paul spiritually guides the believers in Corinth to get their eyes off from themselves and on to Christ.

Who or what will capture your focus, today? Whatever dominates your attention will seek to control you. It you are dealing with problems, please give each one to Jesus. By trusting him with those problems—things you probably cannot control anyway—you are learning to make him Lord of all.

1 Corinthians 1:3-9 (VOICE)
3 I pray that God our Father and the Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, will shower you with grace and peace.

4 I am continuously thanking my God for you when I think about the grace God has offered you in Jesus the Anointed. 5 In this grace, God is enriching every aspect of your lives by gifting you with the right words to say and everything you need to know. 6 In this way, your life story confirms the life story of the Anointed One, 7 so you are not ill-equipped or slighted on any necessary gifts as you patiently anticipate the day when our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, is revealed. 8 Until that final day, He will preserve you; and on that day, He will consider you faultless. 9 Count on this: God is faithful and in His faithfulness called you out into an intimate relationship with His Son, our Lord Jesus the Anointed.

Prayer: Lord, so many things in the lives of your children could be different if we would just keep our gaze upon you. Help us, Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name.

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.