Author: Mark Farley

First Things First

   December 29, 2022 0 Likes 350 Views
First things first… 


There seems to be a natural order of things. 


We first must learn to walk before we run. 


Athletes practice over and over to gain the needed skills and endurance for their chosen sport. 


Hopefully we learn to get along with others before we enter into long term relationships! 


It’s the same with our spiritual journey.


In order to understand God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, we have to first seek His plan and will for us. 


Maybe it’s different for you, but I have tried many times to get God to do things my way and it has never worked, 


but when I set my wants and will on the side and seek His will for me, things turn out better than I could have even imagined. 

How’s that working out for you?.. 


Check your experience… 


“Each individual, in the personal stories, describes in his own language and from his own point of view the way he established his relationship with God.” Big Book pg 29 


Lord, let us first seek Your will for us, AMEN. 


“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 


Have a blessed day y’all! 


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Depends

   December 28, 2022 0 Likes 391 Views
We all use some form of DEPENDS!..


Yup, I said it! 


While the adult diaper is a necessity for some folks, we all have something we DEPEND upon. 


Think about it! 


We depend on our employers to pay us for our work, our work to create the lifestyles we live, and even the light switch to turn on the light, just to name just a few. 


What about our thought and spiritual life? 


What are we using as a mechanism to allow us to depend? 


Hopefully we have found a spiritual path that works. 


My DEPENDS and in place and my faith allows me to rely on a relationship with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. 


What are your DEPENDS?.. 


Check your experience… 


“It depends on us and on our motives.” Big Book pg 70. 


Lord, thank You for showing us again and again that faith in You, seeking Your will, and trusting Your word brings us peace, grace, comfort, and joy, AMEN. 


“Depend on the Lord; trust him, and he will take care of you.” Psalm 37:5 


Have a blessed day y’all! 


 Looking to volunteer or plug into an existing helping opportunity in the Greater Phoenix AZ area? 


Visit Servants Hearts! 


It’s a free site to help connect folks with volunteer and helping opportunities! 


http://aservantsheart.us 

Those Hard to Open Presents

   December 27, 2022 0 Likes 289 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 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 

Unreturnable Gifts

   December 26, 2022 0 Likes 342 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]

What is Christmas All About?

   December 25, 2022 0 Likes 341 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. 


T
hat 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! 


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? 

No Room?

   December 24, 2022 0 Likes 387 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! 


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]

What is YOUR Understanding?

   December 23, 2022 0 Likes 338 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! 


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? 


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Knowing Peace

   December 22, 2022 0 Likes 275 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! 


Looking to volunteer or plug into an existing helping opportunity in the Greater Phoenix AZ area? 


Visit Servants Hearts! 


It’s a free site to help connect folks with volunteer and helping opportunities! 


http://aservantsheart.us 

It’s in the GIVING not the GETTING!

   December 20, 2022 0 Likes 235 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 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? 

Peace, Love, and Tolerance

   December 19, 2022 0 Likes 262 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]