Author: Mark Farley

Those Hard to Open Presents

   December 27, 2023 0 Likes 186 Views
Those hard to open presents…. 


It seems we have had that one gift that is hard to open. 


You know, the one that is wrapped so tight it takes something stronger than kitchen scissors to open and usually contains what seems like military grade indestructible packaging? 


Maybe it’s different for you but each year someone in our family receives this well-wrapped gift and we all get to watch the receiver try with all their might to open. 


Sometimes we even have to pitch in to complete the task. In the end the gift is opened, and usually heartfelt thanks is offered to the giver…note that I shared “usually”!! 


We can have the same challenge with our spiritual life. 


 When we get wrapped so tightly in worldly clamors and bound up deep in material wants and self-will, we make it nearly impossible to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit that resides in our hearts. 


It’s not that we don’t deserve God’s spiritual love and gifts,…


rather it’s the fact that we are bound up, or wrapped so tightly if you will, in the chaos of this material world that we cannot open our hearts to receive God’s love, grace, and peace…


Check your experience… 


“We found that God does not make too hard terms with those who seek Him.” Big Book pg 46 


Lord, help us to open our hearts to receive Your gifts of love, grace, and everlasting life, AMEN. 


 “Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him.” Ephesians 4:18 


Have a blessed day Y’all! 


Join us in prayer and with your financial support as we tackle the challenge of helping and mentoring young adults aging out of the Foster Care System.

https://homesfromheaven.org/ 


AZ Charitable TAX CREDIT! 

Some Gifts You Can’t Return

   December 26, 2023 0 Likes 195 Views
Some gifts you just can’t return… 


Ahhhh… the American way of life! 


In the retail world, whether it be the wrong size, shape, style, color, or fit, an exchange is made or a return is credited. 


However, some gifts just cannot be returned, spiritually speaking of course. 


Think about it, we were chosen to receive eternal life and we have done nothing to earn it. 


We just have it given us without even asking. 


We can’t return it! 


It’s ours as long as we open our hearts and accept the Holy Spirit. 


Perhaps it’s different for you but those that know more than I ever will about this subject have suggested that I show my gratitude for this gift daily by doing my best to seek and do God’s will. 

How are you handling this gift?.. 


Check your experience…. 


“The main thing is that he be willing to believe in a Power greater than himself and that he live by spiritual principles.” Big Book pg. 93 


Lord, thank You for the gift of grace and eternal life through Jesus, AMEN. 


“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2: 8-10 


Have a blessed day Y’all! 


What if you had a person who coached and mentored you in building a better life? 


Inspired 365 Life Coaching with Mark Farley!! 


https://www.faiththroughworksfellowship.org/inspired-365-life-coaching 


Want in? 


[email protected]

So… What is Christmas All About?

   December 25, 2023 0 Likes 180 Views
 So what is Christmas really about?… 


Merry Christmas friends. 


My hope and prayer is that you enjoy the hope and peace that this day represents. 


It’s hard to imagine in today’s world that anyone would love us so much and unconditionally no matter what our current situation is. 


Yet that is what Jesus represents. 


Most of us spend our lives seeking acceptance and searching for all encompassing love. 


That is what this day is for. 


Living, real, and never-ending love came to each of us in the form of Jesus. 


God even loves us so much that He does NOT force it on us. 

It’s ours to take and use as we understand it. 


Luckily for us HE gave us an instruction manual on how to receive, use, and share His never-ending love. 


I cannot give you this love. 


Heck, nobody can, but it is yours for the taking when you are ready, willing, and able. 


I can share with you that once you accept the love of Christ, your life will NEVER be the same!! 

My life is better beyond my wildest dreams because of the love of Jesus I carry in my heart. 


To be blessed with a life with Miss Tami and Miss Kai and a host of loving family and friends is more than this ol’ wretch ever deserves, yet, God loves me unconditionally and wants me to receive this amazing life. 


Please take a moment today and look beyond the presents, gifts, and shiny things to reflect on the Holy Spirit that lives in each of our hearts and wants to love us unconditionally. 


Merry Christmas!… 


 “When we saw others solve their problems by a simple reliance upon the Spirit of the Universe, we had to stop doubting the power of God. Our ideas did not work. But the God idea did.” Big Book pg. 52 


Lord, thank You for sending Your living love to walk the earth so many years ago and for the Holy Spirit that lives in our hearts, AMEN. 


“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!” Isaiah 9: 6-7 


Have a blessed Christmas Y’all! 

What if you had a person who coached and mentored you in building a better life?  


Inspired 365 Life Coaching with Mark Farley!! 


https://www.faiththroughworksfellowship.org/inspired-365-life-coaching 


Want a one-on-one coach to get you out of where you are?  

Email today and let’s chat to see if we can make up a plan for you to get you to where you want to be!


[email protected]

No Room at the Inn

   December 24, 2023 0 Likes 179 Views
There was no room at the inn, but what about in our hearts?.. 


It’s Christmas Eve Y’all! 


Please stop the hurried pace for a moment today and pause to remember that 


JESUS is the REASON for the SEASON!. 


“We had a new Employer. Being all powerful, He provided what we needed, if we kept close to Him and performed His work well.” Big Book pg. 63 


Lord, we thank You for Your unconditional love and healing grace we receive when we accept Jesus as our Savior, AMEN. 


“Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn …son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2: 4-8 


Merry Christmas Y’all! 

Join me in looking at the things we face daily with passages from both the Big Book and Bible! 


https://www.amazon.com/s?k=pastor+mark+farley&ref=nb_sb_noss 


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What is Your Understanding?

   December 23, 2023 0 Likes 213 Views
What is YOUR understanding?… 


On the surface, it’s a simple question, however the answer can become complex. 


It is a hard question because there are so many different answers that come from so many people, places, and things. 


The confusion sets in when we try to analyze, compare, and contrast all of the perceptions, opinions, and so called “facts” that others are willing to provide. 


I can’t answer this question for you or anyone else for that matter. 


It’s not because I don’t care because those that know me, know that I do care very deeply about this. 

I cannot give you a God of your understanding, and I hope you are not allowing others to force theirs upon you. 


I will lovingly and unselfishly share my experience, strength, hope, and God with you but… 


in order to know God you MUST create your own relationship with him, based upon YOUR OWN experience and understanding…


I love you all but please check your experience and know that for me, to coin a phrase that has meaning to me…


” Jesus IS the Reason for the Season”… 


“Perhaps there is a better way-we think so. For we are now on a different basis of trusting and relying upon God. We trust infinite God rather than our finite selves.” Big Book pg. 68 


Lord, let us open our hearts and invite You into our lives so that we may know You as well as You know and love each and every one of us, AMEN. 


“Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Matthew 16:15


Have a blessed day Y’all! 


What if you had a person who coached and mentored you in building a better life? 


Inspired 365 Life Coaching with Mark Farley!! 


https://www.faiththroughworksfellowship.org/inspired-365-life-coaching 


Want a one-on-one coach to get you out of where you are? 


 Email today and let’s chat to see if we can make up a plan for you to get you to where you want to be! 


[email protected]

Knowing Peace

   December 22, 2023 0 Likes 215 Views
Knowing peace… 


While most days are very enjoyable for me, this time of the year is very special. 


To see folks filled with a spirit of giving, hearts focused on helping, and the genuine spirit of joy and hope I see in others humbles me and brings feelings of gratefulness. 


Now it’s only my opinion from my own experiences, and I am sure it is different for others, but I believe that this is the time of year where folks open their hearts and let the love inside overflow to be shared with others. 


Race, religion, color, creed, culture, and belief systems are set aside, and for the better part of this month we set aside our differences and celebrate our common journey. 


For me, this is how Christ works in us and through us. 


Maybe that is why there are so many Christmas songs that have the words peace and love in them! 


Are you feeling peace?… 


Check your experience… 


“We will comprehend the word serenity and we will know peace.” Big Book pg. 84 


Lord, let the peace of your Spirit fill our hearts and overflow to cover our relationships with others, AMEN. 


“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.” Colossians 3:15 


Have a blessed day Y’all! 


Join me in looking at the things we face daily with passages from both the Big Book and Bible! 


https://www.amazon.com/s?k=pastor+mark+farley&ref=nb_sb_noss 


 How about a daily dose of hope and inspired thought? 

Best Gift Ever!

   December 21, 2023 0 Likes 200 Views
 The best gift ever… 


Almost everyone has an example of the best present they have ever received. 


Usually, folks associate this pleasant thought with a Christmas present, a significant life change, or an important event like a marriage or the birth of a child. 


Just like most of the things I share here, it depends on your experience, I totally agree and understand that. I have 4 significant things in my life that I consider as the best… 


Miss Tami, Miss Kai, and my blessed sobriety are 3,


but they are all predicated by my relationship with Jesus. 


I am far from perfect and do not deserve any of these gifts, but through my constant work on a daily relationship with Jesus, …


I get to enjoy not only Miss Tami, Miss Kai, and my sobriety, but also so many other things that make this life worthwhile. 


So, what is your best present ever?… 


Check your experience… 


“See to it that your relationship with Him is right, and great events will come to pass for you and countless others. This is the Great Fact for us. Abandon yourself to God as you understand God.” Big Book pg. 164 


Lord, let us investigate our hearts and see how Your love and grace has delivered us a life far beyond what we deserve, AMEN. 


“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” 1 Peter 3:15 


Have a blessed day Y’all! 


Join us in prayer and with your financial support as we tackle the challenge of helping and mentoring young adults aging out of the Foster Care System.

https://homesfromheaven.org/ 


AZ Charitable TAX CREDIT! 

It’s in the Giving and Not the Getting

   December 20, 2023 0 Likes 213 Views
It’s in the giving and not the getting… 


Last minute shopping, trying to balance work, budgets, and the never-ending list of what must be done for the perfect Christmas seems to be the main things I am observing in others with a few days left before Christmas. 


It’s very hard to get the perfect gift for everyone on your list. 


It seems there are all kinds of things still left in the stores but the one in Teal is out of stock or the XS size is no longer available. 


It’s so easy to get lost in the task of “getting in order to give” and forget why we have this season in the first place. 


He came to give His life for us so that we may have everlasting life through Him. 


Please take a minute today and remember that Jesus is the Reason for the Season. 


Perhaps the gray sweater won’t be so bad because Teal is no longer available. 


Perhaps it might be better to give of your heart and not just stuff…. 


Check your experience… 


“Giving, rather than getting, will become the guiding principle.” Big Book pg. 128 


Lord, let us give from our hearts with a motive to help instead of giving to get, AMEN. 


“Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the Lord your God will bless you in everything you do.” Deuteronomy 15:10 


Have a blessed day Y’all! 


Join us in prayer and with your financial support as we tackle the challenge of helping and mentoring young adults aging out of the Foster Care System.

https://homesfromheaven.org/ 


AZ Charitable TAX CREDIT! 

Peace on Earth

   December 19, 2023 0 Likes 198 Views
Peace on Earth and goodwill toward all… 


Our Faith Through Works Fellowship and Furniture Bank, Inc bell ringers shared that they were impressed by the generosity of folks filling the buckets for Salvation Army and enjoyed the kindness and cheerfulness of the givers! 


It’s good to see and hear that the Spirit of Christmas is alive! 


Hopefully you have had or will have the opportunity to bless someone with cheerfulness and kindness today …


Check your experience… 


“Love and tolerance of others is our code.” Big Book pg. 84 


Lord, especially this time of year let us bless others as we would like to be blessed and as You so freely bless us daily, AMEN. 


“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,” Colossians 3: 12-15


Have a blessed day Y’all! 


What if you had a person who coached and mentored you in building a better life? 


Inspired 365 Life Coaching with Mark Farley!! 


https://www.faiththroughworksfellowship.org/inspired-365-life-coaching 


Want in? 


[email protected]

Spirit Guide

   December 18, 2023 0 Likes 210 Views
It’s the most wacky, wonderful, time of the year…. 


What’s with all the overworked clerks, tired employees, chaotic stores, hectic parking lots, snarled traffic, and frayed nerves all around. 


Oh, wait…Its Christmas!! 


I am SO THANKFUL for the internet and AMAZON! 


The folks working in the stores have families too. 


They are feeling the same stress and strain that we are trying to balance all the good of this season with needing to be 12 places at once. 


Take a breath folks, try to treat others like you want to be treated and be the best example of Jesus that you can be. 


Let them have that parking spot. 


Remember it’s not the store clerk’s fault that the red sweater is no longer available in extra small because they sold out. 

Eyes on the road while driving and not on the phone to see what the text message says.. … 


Check your experience… 


“Helping others is the foundation stone” Big Book pg. 97 


Lord, let us control our tongues and tempers and look in our hearts to see the others are feeling the same pressures that we are, AMEN. 


“So, I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.” Galatians 5:16 


Have a blessed day Y’all!!


What if you had a person who coached and mentored you in building a better life?  


Inspired 365 Life Coaching with Mark Farley!! 


https://www.faiththroughworksfellowship.org/inspired-365-life-coaching 


Want a one-on-one coach to get you out of where you are?  

Email today and let’s chat to see if we can make up a plan for you to get you to where you want to be!


[email protected]