Turn the page…. Many resolutions will be posted tomorrow and while it’s encouraging to see so many intent on change, we need to remember that change begins inside of us. Without our change of heart, mind, and soul, nothing really changes. The great news is that we are each capable of change and that there is a plan for success waiting for us if we would only allow ourselves to commit to Christ… Check your experience.. “We had to ask ourselves why we shouldn't apply to our human problems this same readiness to change our point of view.” Big Book pg 52 Lord let us look inside our hearts to see the changes we need and to turn our will and our lives over to You in order to see the plan You have for us, AMEN. "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11. Have a blessed day y’all! TIPSY TOW is offering to get you and your car home for FREE tonight - 1-800-222-4357 Furniture Bank has helped many folks this year with a HAND –UP as they worked with various organizations to gain skills and jobs to escape homelessness and, helplessness to gain self-respect and self-sustainability!! Your gifts, donations, prayers, and financial support made this possible! Families, veterans, elderly, physically and mentally challenged, as well as others are now enjoying homes filled with furniture and furnishings as they rebuild their lives. MAKE A DIFFERENCE! ALL donations to Furniture Bank are TAX DEDUCTIBLE and 100% goes toward helping the families, veterans, elderly, and other individuals in need. You can donate any amount for a tax deduction and tax receipt, BUT…. a gift of either $400 as an individual or $800 as a couple to Furniture Bank, Inc. a 501c3 public charity, can also reduce your tax bill to the State of Arizona by that amount dollar for dollar! It’s easy and you can make a big difference on how Furniture Bank can further help our families and individuals in need. http://www.furniturebank.us/arizona-tax-credit.html

Looking in the mirror… 2019 is almost here and for many of us it’s a time for fresh starts and healthy changes. While these are noble goals based on good thoughts and great intentions, it seems that no matter where we go or what we do different, the same person inside of us is still involved! Now maybe it’s different for you, but I have learned that until I look inside myself to see what is fueling my actions, attitudes, and behaviors, that new thing I attempt to do will not bring new results UNLESS I first change those things inside of me that drive my thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors. Until I can see that these things inside of me that drive my choices need to change,.. nothing will change!...Check your experience… “Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.” Big Book pg 59 Lord, let us first rid ourselves of the character defects that drive our poor choices then we can seek Your will to enjoy the benefit of healthy change, AMEN. “For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.” James 3:16 Have a blessed day y’all! Furniture Bank has helped many folks this year with a HAND –UP as they worked with various organizations to gain skills and jobs to escape homelessness and, helplessness to gain self-respect and self-sustainability!! Your gifts, donations, prayers, and financial support made this possible! Families, veterans, elderly, physically and mentally challenged, as well as others are now enjoying homes filled with furniture and furnishings as they rebuild their lives. MAKE A DIFFERENCE! ALL donations to Furniture Bank are TAX DEDUCTIBLE and 100% goes toward helping the families, veterans, elderly, and other individuals in need. You can donate any amount for a tax deduction and tax receipt, BUT…. a gift of either $400 as an individual or $800 as a couple to Furniture Bank, Inc. a 501c3 public charity, can also reduce your tax bill to the State of Arizona by that amount dollar for dollar! It’s easy and you can make a big difference on how Furniture Bank can further help our families and individuals in need. http://www.furniturebank.us/arizona-tax-credit.html

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 blessed day y’all! Furniture Bank has helped many folks this year with a HAND –UP as they worked with various organizations to gain skills and jobs to escape homelessness and, helplessness to gain self-respect and self-sustainability!! Your gifts, donations, prayers, and financial support made this possible! Families, veterans, elderly, physically and mentally challenged, as well as others are now enjoying homes filled with furniture and furnishings as they rebuild their lives. MAKE A DIFFERENCE! ALL donations to Furniture Bank are TAX DEDUCTIBLE and 100% goes toward helping the families, veterans, elderly, and other individuals in need. You can donate any amount for a tax deduction and tax receipt, BUT…. a gift of either $400 as an individual or $800 as a couple to Furniture Bank, Inc. a 501c3 public charity, can also reduce your tax bill to the State of Arizona by that amount dollar for dollar! It’s easy and you can make a big difference on how Furniture Bank can further help our families and individuals in need. http://www.furniturebank.us/arizona-tax-credit.html

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! Furniture Bank has helped many folks this year with a HAND –UP as they worked with various organizations to gain skills and jobs to escape homelessness and, helplessness to gain self-respect and self-sustainability!! Your gifts, donations, prayers, and financial support made this possible! Families, veterans, elderly, physically and mentally challenged, as well as others are now enjoying homes filled with furniture and furnishings as they rebuild their lives. MAKE A DIFFERENCE! ALL donations to Furniture Bank are TAX DEDUCTIBLE and 100% goes toward helping the families, veterans, elderly, and other individuals in need. You can donate any amount for a tax deduction and tax receipt, BUT…. a gift of either $400 as an individual or $800 as a couple to Furniture Bank, Inc. a 501c3 public charity, can also reduce your tax bill to the State of Arizona by that amount dollar for dollar! It’s easy and you can make a big difference on how Furniture Bank can further help our families and individuals in need. http://www.furniturebank.us/arizona-tax-credit.html

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! Furniture Bank has helped many folks this year with a HAND –UP as they worked with various organizations to gain skills and jobs to escape homelessness and, helplessness to gain self-respect and self-sustainability!! Your gifts, donations, prayers, and financial support made this possible! Families, veterans, elderly, physically and mentally challenged, as well as others are now enjoying homes filled with furniture and furnishings as they rebuild their lives. MAKE A DIFFERENCE! ALL donations to Furniture Bank are TAX DEDUCTIBLE and 100% goes toward helping the families, veterans, elderly, and other individuals in need. You can donate any amount for a tax deduction and tax receipt, BUT…. a gift of either $400 as an individual or $800 as a couple to Furniture Bank, Inc. a 501c3 public charity, can also reduce your tax bill to the State of Arizona by that amount dollar for dollar! It’s easy and you can make a big difference on how Furniture Bank can further help our families and individuals in need. http://www.furniturebank.us/arizona-tax-credit.html

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! Furniture Bank has helped many folks this year with a HAND –UP as they worked with various organizations to gain skills and jobs to escape homelessness and, helplessness to gain self-respect and self-sustainability!! Your gifts, donations, prayers, and financial support made this possible! Families, veterans, elderly, physically and mentally challenged, as well as others are now enjoying homes filled with furniture and furnishings as they rebuild their lives. MAKE A DIFFERENCE! ALL donations to Furniture Bank are TAX DEDUCTIBLE and 100% goes toward helping the families, veterans, elderly, and other individuals in need. You can donate any amount for a tax deduction and tax receipt, BUT…. a gift of either $400 as an individual or $800 as a couple to Furniture Bank, Inc. a 501c3 public charity, can also reduce your tax bill to the State of Arizona by that amount dollar for dollar! It’s easy and you can make a big difference on how Furniture Bank can further help our families and individuals in need. http://www.furniturebank.us/arizona-tax-credit.html

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! Furniture Bank has helped many folks this year with a HAND –UP as they worked with various organizations to gain skills and jobs to escape homelessness and, helplessness to gain self-respect and self-sustainability!! Your gifts, donations, prayers, and financial support made this possible! Families, veterans, elderly, physically and mentally challenged, as well as others are now enjoying homes filled with furniture and furnishings as they rebuild their lives. MAKE A DIFFERENCE! ALL donations to Furniture Bank are TAX DEDUCTIBLE and 100% goes toward helping the families, veterans, elderly, and other individuals in need. You can donate any amount for a tax deduction and tax receipt, BUT…. a gift of either $400 as an individual or $800 as a couple to Furniture Bank, Inc. a 501c3 public charity, can also reduce your tax bill to the State of Arizona by that amount dollar for dollar! It’s easy and you can make a big difference on how Furniture Bank can further help our families and individuals in need. http://www.furniturebank.us/arizona-tax-credit.html

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! It’s a great gift that keeps on giving! Grab a daily shot of positive and inspiration with daily devotions with the Big Book and Bible combined looking at the things we face daily! Paperback and Kindle versions are now available!! Every penny goes to support Faith Through Works Fellowship ministries! Please order yours today and help us help others! https://smile.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Pastor-Mark-Devotionals/dp/1980273847/ref=smi_www_rco2_go_smi_3905707922?_encoding=UTF8&fbclid=IwAR2O-6EFfeItPNlNJWm_KCau36dMdDQ_h-bKdh8DhmvlKS1eRa5FjTQlLMY&ie=UTF8&keywords=pastor+mark+farley&qid=1524849607&sr=8-3

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 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 look into 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! It’s a great gift that keeps on giving! Grab a daily shot of positive and inspiration with daily devotions with the Big Book and Bible combined looking at the things we face daily! Paperback and Kindle versions are now available!! Every penny goes to support Faith Through Works Fellowship ministries! Please order yours today and help us help others! https://smile.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Pastor-Mark-Devotionals/dp/1980273847/ref=smi_www_rco2_go_smi_3905707922?_encoding=UTF8&fbclid=IwAR2O-6EFfeItPNlNJWm_KCau36dMdDQ_h-bKdh8DhmvlKS1eRa5FjTQlLMY&ie=UTF8&keywords=pastor+mark+farley&qid=1524849607&sr=8-3

It’s in the giving and not the getting… Last minute shopping, trying to balance work, budgets, and the never-ending list of what has to be done for the perfect Christmas seems to be the main things I am observing in others with just 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 the “getting in order to give” and forget why we have this season on 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 grey sweater won’t be so bad because the Teal is no longer available. Perhaps is 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 blessed day y’all! It’s a great gift that keeps on giving! Grab a daily shot of positive and inspiration with daily devotions with the Big Book and Bible combined looking at the things we face daily! Paperback and Kindle versions are now available!! Every penny goes to support Faith Through Works Fellowship ministries! Please order yours today and help us help others! https://smile.amazon.com/…/ref=smi_www_rco2_go_smi_39057079…

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 this past Saturday 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! It’s a great gift that keeps on giving! Grab a daily shot of positive and inspiration with daily devotions with the Big Book and Bible combined looking at the things we face daily! Paperback and Kindle versions are now available!! Every penny goes to support Faith Through Works Fellowship ministries! Please order yours today and help us help others! https://smile.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Pastor-Mark-Devotionals/dp/1980273847/ref=smi_www_rco2_go_smi_3905707922?_encoding=UTF8&fbclid=IwAR2O-6EFfeItPNlNJWm_KCau36dMdDQ_h-bKdh8DhmvlKS1eRa5FjTQlLMY&ie=UTF8&keywords=pastor+mark+farley&qid=1524849607&sr=8-3

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! It’s a great gift that keeps on giving! Grab a daily shot of positive and inspiration with daily devotions with the Big Book and Bible combined looking at the things we face daily! Paperback and Kindle versions are now available!! Every penny goes to support Faith Through Works Fellowship ministries! Please order yours today and help us help others! https://smile.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Pastor-Mark-Devotionals/dp/1980273847/ref=smi_www_rco2_go_smi_3905707922?_encoding=UTF8&fbclid=IwAR2O-6EFfeItPNlNJWm_KCau36dMdDQ_h-bKdh8DhmvlKS1eRa5FjTQlLMY&ie=UTF8&keywords=pastor+mark+farley&qid=1524849607&sr=8-3

27 years ago, I was a broken man, hopelessly alcoholic and addicted to methamphetamines. In jail,.. again… for my 10th DUI I was to be sent to prison. I was 30 years old and had estranged everyone from me in my life. As I stared into the piece of tin that serves as a jail house mirror, I suddenly realized that I no longer knew this person staring back at me. I got on my knees and said the only prayer I could at the time, “God help me.” Things began to change almost immediately. My cellmate kept inviting me to the AA meetings and until that day I never wanted to attend. The H & I sponsored AA meeting started with a very short man who was not in jail jumping up on a table and shouting, “If you guys keep on doing what you are doing, you will keep getting what you are getting!” It was the shortest AA meeting I have ever attended because that was all I heard. When the meeting ended, he offered a Big Book to those of us “man enough to ask”, so I asked. I began reading the AA Big Book and attending the meetings. After a few weeks, I went for my prison sentencing, but my Public Defender did not show up. 2 weeks later I went again to be sentenced and the Prosecutor did not show up. It would be 6 more weeks in the county jail before I would be sentenced to prison. I stayed active in AA and in the Christian fellowship Overcomers Outreach. My heart began to change. I finally owned my alcoholism, took responsibility for the wreckage it had caused me and others, and became willing to accept the consequences of the prison time I had coming. When I finally went to court to be sentenced, there was a different judge on the bench and he shared a letter that was written on my behalf by an anonymous member of AA telling him I was changing and asking him to give me a chance at a rehab program instead of prison. The judge stopped the sentencing and asked me if I would like to spend 6 months at the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center in Sacramento. I knew that God had heard my cry for help and that I needed to keep following Him! I willingly went to the Salvation Army. They loved me until I could learn to love myself. I threw myself into learning about God and became active in AA and in serving the homeless and addicted. I entered their Adjutant Program and earned my Pastoral certificate. I was awarded a scholarship to go back to college and got my Human Services as well as my CADC counseling certificates for drugs and alcohol. I began running the Phase 1 recovery programs for Salvation Army and helped to manage the homeless shelter. Through my quest for lasting sobriety in AA, I met my beautiful angel Tami, who allowed this strange man with a pony tail who worked at the homeless shelter and rode a bicycle to fall in love with her and eventually marry her. 3 Years into our marriage, God loaned us His angel Kai to raise as our daughter! For the past 27 years I have lived one day at a time looking to serve and help. God saved me from alcoholism and addiction and taught me how to be free through serving others. I believe in, and truly try to live what the Bible promises; that it is through giving to others that we receive. God has given me more than I ever deserved. The Big Book has taught me that Faith without works is dead. The least I can do is to try daily to pay Him back through serving others. Because of AA, today I am a husband, a father, a son, a brother, a family member, and a friend to many. I have a home, a job, a ministry, and am a founding partner of a nonprofit that helps others. AA taught me to be of humble service to others. From this suggestion I have become an ordained Pastor and a college graduate with an MBA in Business and Marketing. Thank you, Jesus, for saving me! Thank God for the Salvation Army and Alcoholics Anonymous! Got Hope, need HOPE? www.FaithThroughWorksFellowship.org It’s a great gift that keeps on giving! Grab a daily shot of positive and inspiration with daily devotions with the Big Book and Bible combined looking at the things we face daily! Paperback and Kindle versions are now available!! Every penny goes to support Faith Through Works Fellowship ministries! Please order yours today and help us help others! https://smile.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Pastor-Mark-Devotionals/dp/1980273847/ref=smi_www_rco2_go_smi_3905707922?_encoding=UTF8&fbclid=IwAR2O-6EFfeItPNlNJWm_KCau36dMdDQ_h-bKdh8DhmvlKS1eRa5FjTQlLMY&ie=UTF8&keywords=pastor+mark+farley&qid=1524849607&sr=8-3

He dropped his blanket….. In the classic “Charlie Brown Christmas” cartoon / movie Linus comes on stage to recite the verses in Luke about the birth of Jesus. He does something VERY OUT OF CHARACTER for him… HE DROPS HIS BLANKET!!! (Google it!) AS he states the words “Fear Not”, he lets his blanket drop to the floor. This is a great example of having A FAITH SO BIG that it allows you to drop your security blanket and trust in the Lord. This is my question for us all today. What items or ideals that we hold as a security blanket to protect us from the world are we willing to drop in order to grow a stronger faith in Jesus? Is it our pride, fear, hatred, closed minded ideas or maybe even our concrete opinions of people places and things?.. Check your experience… “When many hundreds of people are able to say that the consciousness of the Presence of God is today the most important fact of their lives, they present a powerful reason why one should have faith.” Big Book pg 51 Lord, let us trade in the things we hold as security blankets for the everlasting faith in You, AMEN. “The angel reassured them. “Fear Not” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.” Luke 2:10 Have a blessed day y’all! It’s a great gift that keeps on giving! Grab a daily shot of positive and inspiration with daily devotions with the Big Book and Bible combined looking at the things we face daily! Paperback and Kindle versions are now available!! Every penny goes to support Faith Through Works Fellowship ministries! Please order yours today and help us help others! https://smile.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Pastor-Mark-Devotionals/dp/1980273847/ref=smi_www_rco2_go_smi_3905707922?_encoding=UTF8&fbclid=IwAR2O-6EFfeItPNlNJWm_KCau36dMdDQ_h-bKdh8DhmvlKS1eRa5FjTQlLMY&ie=UTF8&keywords=pastor+mark+farley&qid=1524849607&sr=8-3

Change your mind… Have you ever noticed how much our minds tend to magnify the things that are fear driven? Its human nature for this to happen but it’s sad to see so many of us get caught up in the delusions that are created in our minds as we hold onto these thoughts and let them grow in size and strength. Especially this time of year when it seems like we need to spend money we don't have to buy gifts for people who really don't need them! There is no need to become a prisoner of our fears. We can break free of fear’s hold on us by simply changing our minds. Try it next time you find yourself being held hostage by fear. Ask the Holy Spirit (prayer) to remove the fear and replace it with a thought of helping someone else. Give it a try! You can do it and as always……Check your experience! … “At once, we commence to outgrow fear.” Big Book pg 68 Lord let us use our faith to replace the fear that tries to “divert our minds, AMEN. “…be made new in the attitude of your minds;” Ephesians 4:23 Have a blessed day y’all! Look for the Salvation Army Bell ringers today! Furniture Bank and Faith Through Works Fellowship Friends are ringing bells for the red kettle at Frys in Ahwatukee and in Queen Creek!! Did you know that your financial gift to Furniture Bank is not only tax deductible but also qualifies you for up to $800 in AZ Tax Credits? Furniture Bank is a 501c3 public charity and every penny donated goes toward helping our families, veterans, and individuals in need. Please help us continue to help others! http://www.furniturebank.us/arizona-tax-credit.html

Fear or faith…. How do you know if its fear or faith that drives your thoughts and actions! Maybe it’s different for you but my experience has taught me that when I am in fear, my thoughts are based on self and my behaviors and actions are centered on avoiding, hiding, ignoring, blaming and or minimizing. When I am in faith, my thoughts are based on helping or serving others and my actions and behaviors are centered on service, helping, supporting, listening, and being transparent. When I am in faith, I know the Lord is with me and I don’t need to analyze and over think may part, I just need to be and do. Are you in fear or faith?.. Check your experience…“In this book you read again and again that faith did for us what we could not do for ourselves.” Big Book pg 70 Lord, let our faith quiet our fears because we know You are with us no matter what, AMEN. “May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do.” 2 Thessalonians 1:11 Have a blessed day y'all! Did you know that your financial gift to Furniture Bank is not only tax deductible but also qualifies you for up to $800 in AZ Tax Credits? Furniture Bank is a 501c3 public charity and every penny donated goes toward helping our families, veterans, and individuals in need. Please help us continue to help others! http://www.furniturebank.us/arizona-tax-credit.html

Fighting the good fight… We look forward to watching Christmas movies in our home. We each have our favorites but there is a central theme or idea that most of the movies we enjoy share. It seems that the movies we enjoy most have characters that face a challenge that they need to overcome. The challenge is within themselves and their ability to have faith and stop relying on either a past experience or a close minded behavior. The point is, each character must fight a good fight of faith in order to break free of the bondage of fear and self-will that is holding them back. How is your battle with fear and self-bondage going?.. Check your experience… “In this book you read again and again that faith did for us what we could not do for ourselves.” Big Book pg 70 Lord, let us open our hearts to pursue the love and freedom we gain when we fight the good fight and grow our faith in You, AMEN. “Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called” 1 Timothy 6:11-12 Have blessed day y’all! Did you know that your financial gift to Furniture Bank is not only tax deductible but also qualifies you for up to $800 in AZ Tax Credits? Furniture Bank is a 501c3 public charity and every penny donated goes toward helping our families, veterans, and individuals in need. Please help us continue to help others! http://www.furniturebank.us/arizona-tax-credit.html

Are you serving or being served?.. It’s easy to sit and be served. We experience this at restaurants, hair salons, doctor visits and other things where we are the customer. We gain from receiving these services. It’s not so easy to serve others. Even when we are passionate about what we do, there are those few people or certain situations that try our patience and make our skin crawl. Nevertheless, we gain from performing these types of services. What about serving others for no gain? This is where we are asked to help another person who we may or may not even see but they will benefit from our labor and service. It’s a thankless task with no direct reward for us… or so it seems! Serving others helps yourself, when your motive is selfless and your efforts are to be of service with no personal gain….check your experience… “Our real purpose is to fit ourselves to be of maximum service to God and the people about us.” Big Book pg 77 Lord, let us serve others with the motive of helping and not gaining, AMEN. “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25 Have a blessed day y’all! Its National giving day! Did you know that your financial gift to Furniture Bank is not only tax deductible but also qualifies you for up to $800 in AZ Tax Credits? Furniture Bank is a 501c3 public charity and every penny donated goes toward helping our families, veterans, and individuals in need. Please help us continue to help others! http://www.furniturebank.us/arizona-tax-credit.html

The Advent of Peace….Being in the Christmas spirit and all that comes with this season, we see all types of Christmas sweaters, socks, hats, and if you are not living in Arizona, scarves and gloves. These garments are important in protecting us from the winter weather elements. They give us peace of mind and comfort as we go about our day. How do we cover and protect our hearts and souls during this hectic season? While there is no physical garment we can put on our heart, but we can certainly take the Spiritual tool of God’s Peace to cover our hearts and quiet our worldly minds. Are you covering your heart, mind, and soul in peace?.. Check your experience… “As we felt new power flow in, as we enjoyed peace of mind, as we discovered we could face life successfully, as we became conscious of His presence, we began to lose our fear of today, tomorrow or the hereafter.” Big Book pg 63 Lord let us cover ourselves with Your Peace as we celebrate the Christmas season and go about out day, AMEN. “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 Have a blessed day y'all! Did you know a donation to Furniture Bank gets you an Arizona state tax credit up to $800? Earn yours today. The state of Arizona provides an incredible incentive for taxpayers who donate to certain qualifying charities like Furniture Bank. Thanks to the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit, you can donate up to $800 and get it right back on your Arizona tax return. Furniture Bank works directly with Phoenix based social services, programs, and faith-based communities to assist families, Veterans, seniors, and other folks with a hand up to regain self-sustainability as they work to escape homelessness and helplessness. Please help us help others! Donate today! http://www.furniturebank.us/arizona-tax-credit.html

It’s the season of hope… Advent season is upon us and it starts with Hope. Maybe it is different for you but I have learned the hard way that wishing and hope are not the same thing. My experience has taught me that hope is far better than wishing. Hope is based on our faith, which is grounded in our belief, and supported by God through His Holy Spirit in us and His Word. Wishing is like our chances at winning the lottery in that it is motivated by want but not backed with any spiritually based faith or action….Check your experience…“We hope you are convinced now that God can remove whatever self-will has blocked you off from Him.” Big Book pg 71 Lord, let our hope be confident in Your word and grounded in our faith in You, AMEN. “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 Have a blessed day y’all!! Support Furniture Bank today when you shop on Cyber Monday. Go to smile.amazon.com/ch/46-2771809 and Amazon donates to Furniture Bank. https://smile.amazon.com/?ie=UTF8&ein=46-2771809&ref_=smi_chpf_redirect&ref_=smi_ext_ch_46-2771809_cl&ref_=smi_ext_ch_46-2771809_dl Have a blessed day y'all! Did you know a donation to Furniture Bank gets you an Arizona state tax credit up to $800? Earn yours today. The state of Arizona provides an incredible incentive for taxpayers who donate to certain qualifying charities like Furniture Bank. Thanks to the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit, you can donate up to $800 and get it right back on your Arizona tax return. Furniture Bank works directly with Phoenix based social services, programs, and faith-based communities to assist families, Veterans, seniors, and other folks with a hand up to regain self-sustainability as they work to escape homelessness and helplessness. Please help us help others! Donate today! http://www.furniturebank.us/arizona-tax-credit.html

Free Faith Lifts.... It's not only the most wonderful time of the year but also the most hectic and chaotic time of year. The stress of our self-imposed gift buying frenzy strains our finances and frazzles our nerves giving rise to fear and worry. Add to this the fact that most of us tend to get caught up in the business and busy-ness of our daily lives with our tasks, routines, and responsibilities as we should but along the way our faith can get muted and or even placed on the “I will get to that later” shelf. Our faith can carry us through the hard and scary times as well as propel us to the blessings and grace that awaits us here on Earth as well as in Heaven. Can you faith use a lift? … Check your experience. … “Arrived at this point, we were squarely confronted with the question of faith.” Big Book pg 53 Lord, revive the faith deep within our hearts to brings us in line with Your will for us and relieve us of the stress of the worldly calamities constantly surrounding us, AMEN. “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 Have a blessed day y’all! Did you know a donation to Furniture Bank gets you an Arizona state tax credit up to $800? Earn yours today. The state of Arizona provides an incredible incentive for taxpayers who donate to certain qualifying charities like Furniture Bank. Thanks to the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit, you can donate up to $800 and get it right back on your Arizona tax return. Furniture Bank works directly with Phoenix based social services, programs, and faith-based communities to assist families, Veterans, seniors, and other folks with a hand up to regain self-sustainability as they work to escape homelessness and helplessness. Please help us help others! Donate today! http://www.furniturebank.us/arizona-tax-credit.html

Let’s throw a little light on the subject…… Light sure makes things easier for us. We have different lights for different needs. The sunlight is necessary for all living things. Light bulbs give us access, safety, and convenience in our daily lives. Its part of our culture to use the term “throw a little light on the subject” when we want to draw attention to an observation or discussion point. Have you considered how we use the Lord’s light in His Holy Spirit? When we walk in the light of the Holy Spirit, our path is illuminated with grace, hope, and we find ourselves in the company of fellow believers and not so alone anymore. Try turning on the light of the Holy Spirit next time you feel alone or confused. It will amaze you how different things look and feel in His light! … Check your experience. … “I must turn in all things to the Father of Light who presides over us all.” Big Book pg 14 Lord, let us continue to seek and dwell in Your light as we seek Your will and grace daily, AMEN. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another” 1 John 1:7 Have a blessed day y’all! Did you know that your financial gift to Furniture Bank is not only tax deductible but also qualifies you for up to $800 in AZ Tax Credits? Furniture Bank is a 501c3 public charity and every penny donated goes toward helping our families, veterans, and individuals in need. Please help us continue to help others! http://www.furniturebank.us/arizona-tax-credit.html

Charity begins at home. ...This is one of the best thought tools I have come to rely on over the years. The version I learned was phrased like this; "You cant keep it unless you give it away." It's an action thought that has never failed me since I began my walk with Christ and in sobriety. Unless I am willing to help another, I am not in a position to spiritually receive the gifts the Lord blesses me with. Now this doesn't mean we should give away everything we have, or start a crusade to end world homelessness, but it does mean that each day we should open the eyes of our hearts to see how we can best be of service to someone around us. ...Check your experience. ... "Helping others is the foundation stone" Big Book pg. 97. Lord, please open the eyes of our heart daily to see how we can best serve another, AMEN. "that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27. Lord, please open the eyes of our heart daily to see how we can best serve another, AMEN. Have a blessed day y'all! We are in the hand-UP business and not the HANDOUT GAME! Furniture Bank is a 501c3 public charity and every penny donated goes toward helping our families, veterans, elderly, and individuals in need. Every donation is tax deductible despite the amount. You can make a gift of either $400 as an individual or $800 as a couple to Furniture Bank, Inc. and at the same time, reduce your tax bill to the State of Arizona by that amount dollar for dollar! It’s easy and you can make a big difference on how Furniture Bank can further help our families, veterans, elderly, and individuals in need. http://www.furniturebank.us/arizona-tax-credit.html

Turn on your heart lights… It’s so much fun for me this time of year to see and enjoy the many creations and imaginative displays. Christmas lights everywhere not only give light but also a sense of warmth, happiness, and peacefulness. It’s easy to get caught up in the festivities and décor of the season. I have a few things I keep in front of me as a reminder of what this Season is truly about. Light plays an important role in the Christmas season as well as in our spiritual lives. The Holy Spirit that resides in each of our hearts helps to light up our spiritual walk and growth. In this season of giving we can help others by turning on our heart lights to show them the grace, love, and comfort we enjoy from our faith in the God of our understanding… Check your experience… “I must turn in all things to the Father of Light who presides over us all.” Big Book pg 14 Lord, let us turn on our heart lights to help share Your live and grace with others, AMEN. “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light“ John 8:12 Have blessed day y’all! Did you know that your financial gift to Furniture Bank is not only tax deductible but also qualifies you for up to $800 in AZ Tax Credits? Furniture Bank is a 501c3 public charity and every penny donated goes toward helping our families, veterans, and individuals in need. Please help us continue to help others! http://www.furniturebank.us/arizona-tax-credit.html

There is good GPS and not so good GPS…. I have had the pleasure to travel a bit for my day job. What a beautiful country we live in! It was nice to have a GPS system to guide me to here I needed to be. Left to my own devices and road maps, it would not have gone so well! It’s the same with our spiritual walk. We can build our relationship with Jesus using the GPS in the Bible that will give us the true direction for our lives. Unfortunately there are also others while claiming to know the way, forget to use the Bible as their roadmap. Make sure you have the right coordinates when you are mapping your spiritual GPS!...Check your experience… “We shall be with you in the Fellowship of the Spirit, and you will surely meet some of us as you trudge the Road of Happy Destiny.” Big Book pg 164 Lord let us look to Your Word as our guide as we navigate the twists and turns of this world, AMEN. “But there were false teachers among the people. And there will be false teachers among you also. These people will work in secret ways to bring false teaching to you. They will turn against Christ Who bought them with His blood. They bring fast death on themselves.” 2 Peter 2:1 Have a blessed day y’all! Its National giving day! Did you know that your financial gift to Furniture Bank is not only tax deductible but also qualifies you for up to $800 in AZ Tax Credits? Furniture Bank is a 501c3 public charity and every penny donated goes toward helping our families, veterans, and individuals in need. Please help us continue to help others! http://www.furniturebank.us/arizona-tax-credit.html

Last is first… This is a fun time of year to watch people, if you are a people watcher! It’s so inspiring to see the love folks have for others displayed as they shop and search for the gifts that they want to get for their loved ones. They forgo lunch to shop, they multi-task in order to have extra time to pick up the items that they want to give loved ones, and they even cover for one another on other tasks to allow the time needed to pick up the treasures to put under the tree. What is so inspiring to me about seeing these activities is that it shows me that the Holy Spirit is alive and working in the hearts of others. It’s a spiritual principal to put others before ourselves and this is a great time of year to see folks naturally doing this motivated by the love fueled by the Holy Spirit in their hearts. It’s hard to see this in ourselves but easy to see in others. Do you find yourself putting others before you... Check your experience… “Our real purpose is to fit ourselves to be of maximum service to God and the people about us.” Big Book pg 77 Lord, let us put others first in order to learn Your will for us, AMEN. “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” Mark 9:35 Have a blessed day y'all! Did you know a donation to Furniture Bank gets you an Arizona state tax credit up to $800? Earn yours today. The state of Arizona provides an incredible incentive for taxpayers who donate to certain qualifying charities like Furniture Bank. Thanks to the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit, you can donate up to $800 and get it right back on your Arizona tax return. Furniture Bank works directly with Phoenix based social services, programs, and faith-based communities to assist families, Veterans, seniors, and other folks with a hand up to regain self-sustainability as they work to escape homelessness and helplessness. Please help us help others! Donate today! http://www.furniturebank.us/arizona-tax-credit.html

Power sources… It’s amazing and enjoyable to see the many lighting and lawn displays this time of year as we celebrate the Christmas season. What a credit it is to our resourcefulness and technological advancements seeing how all of these amazing displays are powered. There is even a gadget that electronically coats the entire outside of your home in electronic moving Christmas lights! It seems there is power available to support whatever we can imagine. That leads me to think about the things inside of us that perhaps either pride, fear, and or negativity keep us from trying, doing, or experiencing. Perhaps it’s different for you, but “the committee” residing in my mind used to prevent me from trying to improve myself, not to mention growing mentally and spiritually. The result was I stayed stuck in my own mental prison void of spiritual growth and freedom from the bondage. It all changed when I was able to choose to fight for my freedom. As I grew my sobriety and my spiritual life, my fears quieted down, my pride and self-centeredness decreased, and the committee in my mind was voted out of office! Just like the virtually unlimited power sources we have in our homes, I was able to tap into the unlimited Power Source of Jesus and sobriety based on the maintenance of my spiritual condition through daily working of the 12 Steps. Where are you getting your power from?.. Check your experience… “Much has already been said about receiving strength, inspiration, and direction from Him who has all knowledge and power.” Big Book pg 85 Lord, let us tap into Your power, grace and love to fuel and support all areas of our lives, AMEN “But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth.” 2 Timothy 4:17 Have a blessed day y’all!! Support Furniture Bank today when you shop on Cyber Monday. Go to smile.amazon.com/ch/46-2771809 and Amazon donates to Furniture Bank. https://smile.amazon.com/?ie=UTF8&ein=46-2771809&ref_=smi_chpf_redirect&ref_=smi_ext_ch_46-2771809_cl&ref_=smi_ext_ch_46-2771809_dl Have a blessed day y'all! Did you know a donation to Furniture Bank gets you an Arizona state tax credit up to $800? Earn yours today. The state of Arizona provides an incredible incentive for taxpayers who donate to certain qualifying charities like Furniture Bank. Thanks to the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit, you can donate up to $800 and get it right back on your Arizona tax return. Furniture Bank works directly with Phoenix based social services, programs, and faith based communities to assist families, Veterans, seniors, and other folks with a hand up to regain self-sustainability as they work to escape homelessness and helplessness. Please help us help others! Donate today! http://www.furniturebank.us/arizona-tax-credit.html   

Clearing our vision… Those of us who wear eye glasses know that we have to frequently clean them in order to have clear vision. Most of us enjoy a clean windshield free of debris as we drive our cars. It’s even beneficial to clean our tablet, laptop, and computer screens, in order to see images a clearly. So why is it we allow our internal vision to be clouded like a pair of dark sunglasses? Think about it. Perhaps it’s different for you, but there have been times in my life where I have allowed the influences of people, places, and things to cloud my visons and not see the truth. Unfortunately, consequences followed because of my inability to see clearly. I have learned over time through the 12 Steps and in having a daily relationship with Jesus in my life that I can keep the eyes of my heart free and clear of external negative influences along with my own selfish self-centered pride filled wishes by constantly seeking ad doing God’s will. What helps me the best to keep the eyes of my heart clear is to have folks in my life that also seek God will over their own…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.” Big Book pg 164 Lord, let us open the eyes of our heart and clean away anything that clouds or blocks our vision and relationship with You, AMEN. “First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.” Luke 6:42 Have a blessed day y’all! Did you know a donation to Furniture Bank gets you an Arizona state tax credit up to $800? Earn yours today. The state of Arizona provides an incredible incentive for taxpayers who donate to certain qualifying charities like Furniture Bank. Thanks to the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit, you can donate up to $800 and get it right back on your Arizona tax return. Furniture Bank works directly with Phoenix based social services, programs, and faith-based communities to assist families, Veterans, seniors, and other folks with a hand up to regain self-sustainability as they work to escape homelessness and helplessness. Please help us help others! Donate today! http://www.furniturebank.us/arizona-tax-credit.html