Actions over words… Did you ever notice how others TALK about doing things to get something or somewhere, yet they seem to never move or grow? What about us? How many times have I said that I WANT to ….or I am GOING to….. BUT YET I remain the same. If NOTHING changes then NOTHING CHANGES. Check your experience… “They will always materialize if we work for them.” Big Book pg 84. Lord, let us work on our inner selves to grow and improve our physical, mental, and spiritual condition, AMEN. "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; Luke 10:2 Have a blessed day y'all!! Start your day on a positive note! Daily devotions from the Big Book and Bible combined! Paperback and Kindle versions available!! Every penny goes to support Faith Through Works Fellowship ministries including our beloved Furniture Bank! Please order yours today and help us help others! https://www.amazon.com/s?k=pastor+mark+farley&ref=nb_sb_noss

We ARE enough… I don’t know about you, but sometimes this magic magnifying mind of mine tries to tell me things that just are not true. It especially likes to try to convince me that I am not worthy and not “good enough” for this or that. It loves to try to get me to believe the illusion that I am nothing and have nothing to offer others! Thank goodness for AA, the 12 Steps, and God’s Word. Through the fellowship of AA, CONSTANTLY working the 12 Steps, and being in God’s Word daily I know that what my mind wants me to believe is false and that I need not let it run my thoughts and actions. I am nowhere near perfect, but I can help others! We all matter and each of us has the ability to share and help another! Give what you got. Go with what you have and make your best effort. If you are truly seeking God's will and your motives are of His spirit you will be amazed... Check your experience… "we did because we honestly wanted to, and were willing to make the effort" Big Book pg 26. Lord let us look to seek Your will and give our best efforts with what we have instead of allowing our self-will to delude us to thinking we can't, AMEN. "Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed them, and broke them, and kept giving them to the disciples to set before the people. And they all ate and were satisfied; and the broken pieces which they had left over were picked up, twelve baskets full." Luke 9: 16-17 Have a blessed day y’all! Hey friends please check out Servants Hearts! It’s a free site to help connect folks with volunteer and helping opportunities! Furniture Bank, Spiritual Solutions Group, and Advocate Phoenix are pleased to share the newest free helping service from Faith Through Works Fellowship! Its Phoenix based for now. Pray for its growth to provide helping hearts and willing hands to our organizations that need help! http://aservantsheart.us/

One of the best ways to move forward is to understand our past. Experience has taught me and those I trust and learn from that while we can learn from our past and benefit from these life lessons, it’s neither healthy, nor beneficial to allow the unprocessed pain and hurt from the past to control our thoughts, actions, and motives. It’s great to learn from both mistakes and successes, but when fear, anger, and even pride fuel the way we look at our past, it freezes our hearts and influences our minds negatively from the benefit of the life lesson to move forward. The 12 Steps help us to look at our past objectively. When we become willing to uncover the pains, shames, and hurts from our past we can discover how it still has a negative hold on us. This part of the 12 Step process allows us to then look at the event or experience and discard it from our heart. When we can Uncover, Discover, and Discard we are set free and can move forward. “We have been trying to get a new attitude, a new relationship with our Creator, and to discover the obstacles in our path.” Big Book pg 72 Lord, we ask Your guidance as we look to grow from our past and no longer be a prisoner of it, AMEN. “And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:19 Have a blessed Day y’all! Start your day on a positive note! Daily devotions from the Big Book and Bible combined! Paperback and Kindle versions available!! Every penny goes to support Faith Through Works Fellowship ministries including our beloved Furniture Bank! Please order yours today and help us help others! https://www.amazon.com/s?k=pastor+mark+farley&ref=nb_sb_noss

When WANTS overpower NEEDS…. There are few rules of life that I try to go by to keep my wants from overpowering my needs. For instance, I don’t go to the grocery store hungry, and I try not to make big decisions until I have had a chance to think it through, pray about it, and get advice from those I trust. I also try to respond instead of react. Now perhaps it’s different for you, but I have learned that my WANTS seem to be fueled by my pride, fear, resentment, and or greed. That puts me deep in self-will and away from God's will for sure. Check your experience… "The greatest enemies of us are resentment, jealousy, envy, frustration, and fear." Big Book pg 145 Lord help us to check our motives and efforts so that our self-will does not lead us to fear, resentment, or greedy actions, AMEN. "What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it." James 4:1-2 Have a blessed day y’all! TIPSY TOW is offering to get you and your car home for FREE tonight - 1-800-222-4357 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  

We become a product of the environment around us. Some of the things that influence our thoughts, actions, behaviors, and lives are good for us. Some are social, cultural, and even spiritual. Fashion, clothing, fit eating and living are a few of many good influences we experience. I am still waiting for Leisure suits and mullets to come back into style! Then there is the environments of peer pressure, self-serving desires of the ego, pride, and negativity. These environments can lead to bad choices, poor decisions, and hurtful habits. What actions, attitudes, and behaviors are we tolerating and allowing to influence us? What are we feeding our hearts, minds, and spirit? Check your own experience folks... “To the precise extent that we permit these, do we squander the hours that might have been worthwhile.” Big Book pg 66 Lord open the eyes of our hearts to show us the things we need and the illusions we don't, AMEN. "But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance." Luke 8:15 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

While we CANNOT control what others say and do...we CAN control how we choose to let it affect us. Have you ever watched a toddler throw a temper tantrum? It’s a crisis for the moment until the parent catches their attention and changes their focus to something else. We don’t have to let a bad moment become a bad day! Just because some person, place, thing, or situation is neither kind, nor going the way we expect, we don’t have to let is take us hostage for the rest of our day and control our attitudes and actions towards ourselves and others. "We are then in much less danger of excitement, fear, anger, worry, self-pity, or foolish decisions." Big Book pg. 88. Lord please bind this thought into our hearts so that in time of stress, pain, or emotional imbalance we don't let the words and actions or others take us hostage with fear or anger, AMEN. "Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger." James 1:19 Have a blessed day y’all! Start your day on a positive note! Daily devotions from the Big Book and Bible combined! Paperback and Kindle versions available!! Every penny goes to support Faith Through Works Fellowship ministries including our beloved Furniture Bank! Please order yours today and help us help others! https://www.amazon.com/s?k=pastor+mark+farley&ref=nb_sb_noss

What do your eyes focus on?... Have you ever considered that our eyes have the ability to not only help us see, but also to direct our actions based on our vision? We also make adjustments based on what our eyes see. When something is hard to see we increase our focus. We either put on sunglasses to shield our eyes from intense light or we turn on a light to see through darkness just to name a few. The point is, we naturally react to what our eyes see. We even look away when we see something unpleasant or uncomfortable. When we constantly see negativity with our eyes and do nothing to adjust our focus, this in turn, affects our thoughts, behaviors, and actions. Ultimately, repeated negativity can influence the spiritual eyes of our heart causing it to harden and block out the Holy Spirit. How are you adjusting your focus away from negativity and chaos?.. Check your experience…“The outlines and the promise of the New Land had brought luster to tired eyes and fresh courage to flagging spirits.” Big Book pg 53 Lord, let us direct our eyes away from negativity and chaos to allow the spiritual eyes of our heart to show us Your grace and love in each situation we face, AMEN. “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Hebrews 12:2 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     

Renewal notices… In the midst of all the posts, communications, and statements concerning New Year’s resolutions, there is another movement taking place. Folks are renewing stuff too! In our home we have car tags up for renewal along with a few memberships. Heck at 58 I can now RENEW my AARP membership and get discounts! Aside from all this fiscal and physical activity, we can also take this time to renew …get it…RE – NEW…our spiritual life and relationship. New Bible studies and devotions are a great way to start just to name a few. What are you doing to RE-NEW your spiritual life?... Check your experience… “Renewing my resolve, I tried again” Big Book pg 5 Lord, let us renew our relationship with you as this New Year begins. Help us to open our hearts and minds to seek and do Your will, AMEN. “Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.” Ephesians 4:23 Have a blessed day y'all!! Start your day on a positive note! Daily devotions from the Big Book and Bible combined! Paperback and Kindle versions available!! Every penny goes to support Faith Through Works Fellowship ministries including our beloved Furniture Bank! Please order yours today and help us help others! https://www.amazon.com/s?k=pastor+mark+farley&ref=nb_sb_noss        

Didja make a New Years Resolution or a DECISION?.. These is a huge difference between a resolution and a decision. Resolutions allow us to claim a change and support a thought while requiring little or no action. DECISIONS are based on actions that come from thoughts that motivate us to apply changes to our thinking, behaviors, and actions. Resolutions sound good but DECISIONS bring about the needed action required for change. We have a fresh slate of 365 days folks, what’s it gonna be for you?...Check your experience… “To be vital, faith must be accompanied by self-sacrifice and unselfish, constructive action.” Big Book pg 93 Lord, let us apply the actions to bring about the needed changes in our lives, AMEN. “See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness.” Isaiah 43:19 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   

Remember the story about the 3 little pigs and the big bad wolf? If you don't then Google it, but if you do then you will know the moral of the story. We are only as safe and firm as our foundation and the materials we choose to use to build with. I have seen this throughout my life. From the choices I have made to the habits, rewards, and even consequences that have come from them, I have learned that I have to make sure I am building onto my foundation with solid spiritual principle materials to protect me from the challenges that can and will come my way. What is your foundation built upon? What spiritual materials are you using? …Check your experience…. "It has been repeatedly proven among us that upon this simple cornerstone a wonderfully effective spiritual structure can be built." Big Book pg 47. Lord let us build our foundation of faith with the materials of Your Word, AMEN. “I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. But anyone who hears and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins.” Luke 6: 47-49 Have a blessed day y’all! Hey friends please check out Servants Hearts! It’s a free site to help connect folks with volunteer and helping opportunities! Furniture Bank, Spiritual Solutions Group, and Advocate Phoenix are pleased to share the newest free helping service from Faith Through Works Fellowship! Its Phoenix based for now. Pray for its growth to provide helping hearts and willing hands to our organizations that need help! http://aservantsheart.us/

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! Start your day on a positive note! Daily devotions from the Big Book and Bible combined! Paperback and Kindle versions available!! Every penny goes to support Faith Through Works Fellowship ministries including our beloved Furniture Bank! Please order yours today and help us help others! https://www.amazon.com/s?k=pastor+mark+farley&ref=nb_sb_noss

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! 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

Looking in the mirror… 2020 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 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. 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                 

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! 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

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!! Start your day on a positive note! Daily devotions from the Big Book and Bible combined! Paperback and Kindle versions available!! Every penny goes to support Faith Through Works Fellowship ministries including our beloved Furniture Bank! Please order yours today and help us help others! https://www.amazon.com/s?k=pastor+mark+farley&ref=nb_sb_noss

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! 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         

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! 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          

       

     

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! Hey friends please check out Servants Hearts! It’s a free site to help connect folks with volunteer and helping opportunities! Furniture Bank, Spiritual Solutions Group, and Advocate Phoenix are pleased to share the newest free helping service from Faith Through Works Fellowship! Its Phoenix based for now. Pray for its growth to provide helping hearts and willing hands to our organizations that need help! http://aservantsheart.us/

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! ! 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          

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! Start your day on a positive note! Daily devotions from the Big Book and Bible combined! Paperback and Kindle versions available!! Every penny goes to support Faith Through Works Fellowship ministries including our beloved Furniture Bank! Please order yours today and help us help others! https://www.amazon.com/s?k=pastor+mark+farley&ref=nb_sb_noss

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! 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     

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 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 a blessed day y'all!! Start your day on a positive note! Daily devotions from the Big Book and Bible combined! Paperback and Kindle versions available!! Every penny goes to support Faith Through Works Fellowship ministries including our beloved Furniture Bank! Please order yours today and help us help others! https://www.amazon.com/s?k=pastor+mark+farley&ref=nb_sb_noss

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! Hey friends please check out Servants Hearts! It’s a free site to help connect folks with volunteer and helping opportunities! Furniture Bank, Spiritual Solutions Group, and Advocate Phoenix are pleased to share the newest free helping service from Faith Through Works Fellowship! Its Phoenix based for now. Pray for its growth to provide helping hearts and willing hands to our organizations that need help! http://aservantsheart.us/

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! 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

28 years ago I was a broken man, hopelessly alcoholic and addicted to methamphetamine. 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. 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 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 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, instead of Prison, would I 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 which has become my life mission. 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 ARC 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 28 years I have lived one day at a time looking to serve and help. 2 years ago I began to look at the damage that my excess weight was causing me and those who relied on me. I found help and learned I that sugar was my new addiction along with my cravings for all the bad carbs in the junk food I surrounded myself with. I met Bitten Jonnson who taught me about sugar and carb addiction along with the Keto way of eating. I have applied the 12 Steps from AA into my food addiction and now, 2 years later not only have I lost over 110 pounds, but also have gained my life back and am a co founder of a 12 Step Sugar and Carb addiction group. www.SCAA.club 

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 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. 

Thank you, Jesus, for saving me! Thank God for the Salvation Army, SCAA, and Alcoholics Anonymous! Got Hope, need HOPE? www.FaithThroughWorksFellowship.org

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, habits, or ideas 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! ! 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

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! Start your day on a positive note! Daily devotions from the Big Book and Bible combined! Paperback and Kindle versions available!! Every penny goes to support Faith Through Works Fellowship ministries including our beloved Furniture Bank! Please order yours today and help us help others! https://www.amazon.com/s?k=pastor+mark+farley&ref=nb_sb_noss

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 a blessed day y'all!! Start your day on a positive note! Daily devotions from the Big Book and Bible combined! Paperback and Kindle versions available!! Every penny goes to support Faith Through Works Fellowship ministries including our beloved Furniture Bank! Please order yours today and help us help others! https://www.amazon.com/s?k=pastor+mark+farley&ref=nb_sb_noss

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! Hey friends please check out Servants Hearts! It’s a free site to help connect folks with volunteer and helping opportunities! Furniture Bank, Spiritual Solutions Group, and Advocate Phoenix are pleased to share the newest free helping service from Faith Through Works Fellowship! Its Phoenix based for now. Pray for its growth to provide helping hearts and willing hands to our organizations that need help! http://aservantsheart.us/

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! Hey friends please check out Servants Hearts! It’s a free site to help connect folks with volunteer and helping opportunities! Furniture Bank, Spiritual Solutions Group, and Advocate Phoenix are pleased to share the newest free helping service from Faith Through Works Fellowship! Its Phoenix based for now. Pray for its growth to provide helping hearts and willing hands to our organizations that need help! http://aservantsheart.us/