Faith Through Works Fellowship: March 2021

Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Leading by example...

It seems to be an American cultural norm that we all must "make it to the top" of whatever work or career path we are on.

The media and marketing that we are exposed to on all fronts seems to equate success with clothes, cars, and other material trappings far above what most of us can honestly afford.

“More is Better!” seems to be the subliminal message of success.

The truth is that more is not better.

While we need to support ourselves and our families, true success comes from becoming great stewards of what we are given and how we support and serve those around us.

Jesus came to serve, not be served.

He came to show us that there is eternal life through Him. Our faith in God grows when we learn the truth in His word and become in tune to those people, places, things, and situations He puts in our lives... Check your experience…

"How can I best serve Thee? Thy will (not mine) be done." Big Book pg. 85.

Lord, let us lead by serving and let us measure our success through our stewardship of the blessings you give us, AMEN.

"But the greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted." Matthew 23: 11-12

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.

Donate today!

http://www.furniturebank.us/arizona-tax-credit.html

Please help us help others!

How about a daily dose of hope and inspired thought?

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

Free daily message in your Inbox

https://www.faiththroughworksfellowship.org/blog

#SCAA #SugarAddiction #CarbAddiction #Keto #Recovery #Sobriety #AA #12Step #DailyDevotion #BigBook #Inspiration #StepStudy #Abstinence #OA #Alanon #Bible #NA #Serenity #Faith #Workbook #SugarAddict #Addicted #FoodAddict #FoodAddiciton #Jesus #Alcoholic #12StepWorksheet #AlcoholicsAnonymous #RecoveryBooks #SoberBooks

Tuesday, March 30, 2021

We remain free through serving others…

This is an odd concept, yet for those of us who have experienced serving someone or something out of the kindness of our hearts with no expectation of return, get it.

Think about it for a moment.

Every day we naturally help, assist, or give a hand to someone or something.

From parents caring for their children’s needs to yielding the right of way to another while we walk or drive, we are instinctually serving. It’s part of our nature.

The Spiritual principle supporting this is the fact that through serving others, we are humbling ourselves to put others needs before our wants. The feeling you get is immeasurable when you do something for someone who can never pay you back.

Helping others, does in fact, help ourselves…

Check your experience…

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

Lord, let us exercise and grow our freedom through helping others, AMEN.

“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.” Galatians 5:13

Have a blessed day Y’all!

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

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

How about a daily dose of hope and inspired thought?

Free daily blog emailed to you in the morning!

https://www.faiththroughworksfellowship.org/blog

Monday, March 29, 2021

Is it me or them?..

Maybe it’s different for you, but it has always been easier for me to blame “them” whenever things don’t go my way. It’s “their” fault I did not get my way, or it’s because of “them” I failed…..

Now that I am older and have been walking in sobriety and with Jesus for a while, I have learned it’s not “them” causing my pain, rather, it’s me.

The desire to want to blame others is a part of being human and self-will driven by pride, fear, and expectations.

These days whenever my desire to blame “them” crops up, I immediately look at what is going on inside of me that needs to change so I can accept the situation, thing, person, or place exactly as it is and understand that through seeking God’s will and not my own self-centered will, I will gain acceptance and not be so caught up in the drama of the moment… Check your experience…

“and Acceptance is the answer to ALL of my problems today. When I am disturbed, it is because I find some person, place, thing or situation- some fact of my life- unacceptable to me, and I can find no serenity until I accept that person, place, thing, or situation as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at this moment. Nothing, absolutely nothing, happens in God's world by mistake. … I need to concentrate not so much on what needs to be changed in the world as on what needs to be changed in me and in my attitudes.” Big Book pg 417

Lord soften our hearts s that we may see things as they are through the eyes of the Holy Spirit within us and not be blinded by the illusions of our own self-will, AMEN.

"Those people are on a dark spiral downward. But if you think that leaves you on the high ground where you can point your finger at others, think again. Every time you criticize someone, you condemn yourself. It takes one to know one.” Romans 2: 1-2

Have a blessed day Y’all!

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

Visit Servants Hearts!

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

http://aservantsheart.us

How about a daily dose of hope and inspired thought?

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

Free daily message in your Inbox!

https://www.faiththroughworksfellowship.org/blog

#Nonprofit #Helping #Charity #SCAA #SugarAddiction #501c3 #Recovery #Sobriety #AA #12Step #DailyDevotion #BigBook #TaxReceipt #FoodAddiction #ChristianNonProfit #Pastors #Leadership #Faith #ChristianCharity #TaxDeduction #FaithThroughWorksFellowship #DonateMoneytocharity #Arizonanonprofit #FurnitureBank #PublicCharity #GodIsFaithful #Jesus #Bible #LoveGodLovePeople #DonateMoneyToGetATaxWriteoff

Sunday, March 28, 2021

Choose your words...

Words can either heal, help, or hurt, depending on how we choose to use them.

One of the things we can't recall, rewind, or take back are the words that come flying from our mouths fueled by fear, anger, or other emotions of the moment.

I have learned painfully over the years that it's best for me to not let the emotions of the moment inside of me fuel my words.

I have found that when, instead of letting my emotions of the moment lead the charge of my “verbal vomit”, I quietly give the words to God and let the Holy Spirit guide my emotions and quiet my will, that I use better words for the situation… Check your experience...

"Patience, tolerance, understanding and love are the watchwords." Big Book pg 118.

Lord let the words we choose be fueled with love, kindness, and encouragement, AMEN.

"The right word spoken at the right time is as beautiful as gold apples in a silver bowl." Proverbs 25:11

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.

Donate today!

http://www.furniturebank.us/arizona-tax-credit.html

Please help us help others!

How about a daily dose of hope and inspired thought?

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

Free daily message in your Inbox!

https://www.faiththroughworksfellowship.org/blog

Saturday, March 27, 2021

We get out of it what we put into it...

Here is a twist of thinking I learned long ago that has not only helped me to grow as a person, and as God's kid, but also has helped me to be more in tune to the needs of others.

It’s very simple.

Instead of seeing what I can get from every interaction I have with people, places, and things, I see what I can bring to it.

The feeling is amazing, and the outcome is usually better than I expect, plus I have gotten to know people on a deeper level!

It changed my perspective and now instead of having expectations of how I think things should go, I now have blessed peace just looking to see how I can help.

Go on, give it a try and as always... Check your experience…

"But be sure you are on solid spiritual ground before you start and that your motive in going is thoroughly good. Do not think of what you will get out of the occasion. Think of what you can bring to it." Big Book pg 102

Lord, let us see what we can bring to a situation instead of always looking to see what we can get from it, AMEN.

"Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them.” Matthew 7:12

Have a blessed day Y’all!!

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

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

How about a daily dose of hope and inspired thought?

Free daily message in your morning inbox.

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Friday, March 26, 2021

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 can’t 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 true 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

Have a blessed day y’all!

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

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

How about a daily dose of hope and inspired thought?

Free daily message in your morning inbox.

I never share, sell, or publish your email.

https://www.faiththroughworksfellowship.org/blog

Thursday, March 25, 2021

There is one thing that does not change…

Change is constant in our world. Styles change, seasons change, tastes change, and our preferences change too.

Change never seems to stop, and it can be confusing. I still miss having a cassette deck in my car and my mullet!

However, there is one thing that will never change no matter whether we choose to participate or not. God is constant in our lives and is there for us if we let Him… Check your experience…

"Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will change… We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves." Big Book pg 84.

Lord let our hearts take comfort in knowing that no matter what, You do not and will not change your love for us, AMEN.

"For I am the LORD, I do not change" Malachi 3:6

Have a blessed day y’all!

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

Visit Servants Hearts!

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

http://aservantsheart.us

How about a daily dose of hope and inspired thought?

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

Free daily message in your Inbox!

https://www.faiththroughworksfellowship.org/blog

#SCAA #SugarAddiction #CarbAddiction #501c3 #Recovery #Sobriety #AA #12Step #DailyDevotion #BigBook #AZCharity #FoodAddiction #PrayerWarriors #Pastors #Leadership #Faith #DailyScripture #FaithOverFear #FaithThroughWorksFellowship #Prayer #taxwriteoff #FurnitureBank #TaxReceipt #BibleVerse #GodIsFaithful #Jesus #Bible #LoveGodLovePeople #nonprofit #Abstinence

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

The differences of will…

It can get confusing at times and even hard at other times trying to figure out if we are seeking God’s will for us or merely doing our own will while thinking God approves.

To add to this confusion, there are many tricksters around us daily selling us on the illusion that we are doing the “right thing” by either throwing money or support to help with a common good.

Google some of the larger mega charities and see how much money collected actually goes to what they claim to be helping. Other than their own employees, what “jobs” does Goodwill really provide for the “local community”?

Now maybe it’s different for you, but I tend to fall into the delusion that what I am doing is God’s will when it’s merely my selfish will hidden under false motives.

My head wants me to believe I can pull one over on God by talking it up or putting on the ol’ “look good”.

Nevertheless, the only true way that I know I am in God’s will and not my own is when I am focused on the action, task, thought, service, or deed in this moment and not thinking about the outcome and how it benefits me…Check your experience…

“Every day is a day when we must carry the vision of God’s will into all of our activities. “How can I best serve Thee-Thy will (not mine) be done.” Big Book pg 85.

Lord, let us open our hearts to allow Your will to be not only what we seek, but what we know to be true, AMEN.

“He said, Father, You can do all things. Take away what must happen to Me. Even so, not what I want, but what You want.” Mark 14:36

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.

Donate today!

http://www.furniturebank.us/arizona-tax-credit.html

Please help us help others!

How about a daily dose of hope and inspired thought?

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

Free daily message in your Inbox

https://www.faiththroughworksfellowship.org/blog

Tuesday, March 23, 2021

What does worry gain us?..

Maybe it's different for you but worry has never brought me anything good. It's a part of my self-will fed by fear, anxiety, pride, jealousy, and or anger.

When I am consumed with worry, I am blocking out God's will and His grace that can bring comfort and relief.

How's that working out for you? Check your experience…

"a spiritual way of living, thus relieving much worry and suffering." Big Book pg 159.

Lord please remind our hearts that worry robs us of Your grace and peace. We can give our worries to you and be free, AMEN.

"...do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food and the body more important than clothes?" Matthew 6:25

Have a blessed day Y’all!

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

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

How about a daily dose of hope and inspired thought?

Free daily blog emailed to you in the morning!

https://www.faiththroughworksfellowship.org/blog

Monday, March 22, 2021

Try a little kindness...

This is probably not seen too much these days and certainly not reported very often in the news media, but kindness helps when dealing with a multitude of unpleasant things like anger, stress, hurtful, and just plain lonely feelings.

Perhaps you have already been the receiver of an act of anonymous kindness.

Just last week a friend shared how they were pleasantly surprised to learn as they picked up their daily Starbucks order at the drive through window that the unknown person in front of them had paid for their coffee.

I dare you to give it a try!

Do something anonymously for a random stranger or for a loved one.

See how you feel afterwards. Remember, it’s not about being seen doing this, it’s about serving others with no expectation of a return.

I promise you that the indirect return you get from this is better than you can imagine!

Go on…You can do this! Then…. Check your experience…

“Were we kind and loving toward all?” Big Book pg 86.

Lord, let us show our love today through kindness to those around us, AMEN.

“Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32

Have a blessed day Y’all!

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

Visit Servants Hearts!

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

http://aservantsheart.us

How about a daily dose of hope and inspired thought?

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

Free daily message in your Inbox!

https://www.faiththroughworksfellowship.org/blog

Sunday, March 21, 2021

Foreign gods of today....

What do you worship?

Believe it or not, but some folks blindly serve another god in the form of money, work, or a material possession.

Heck, some of us might even worship another human; like a movie star, athlete, or even obsess on a personal relationship.

Now don't get me wrong, it's great to have nice things and healthy personal relationships, but are we allowing those things and persons to become our gods?

Do we spend a large amount of time focusing our thoughts, energies, and efforts attempting to please or serve them?

I am a firm believer of the spiritual principle that your heart resides where your thoughts are focused. ...Check your experience…

"God either is or He isn't. What was our choice to be?" Big Book pg 53.

Lord, let us focus our thoughts on Your will and not fall into false worship of the people, places, and things around us, AMEN.

"The Lord alone led him; no foreign god was with him." Deuteronomy 32:12

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.

Donate today!

http://www.furniturebank.us/arizona-tax-credit.html

Please help us help others!

How about a daily dose of hope and inspired thought?

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

Free daily message in your Inbox!

https://www.faiththroughworksfellowship.org/blog

Saturday, March 20, 2021

We’ve got friends in low places….

I love this Spiritual twist of thinking on Garth Brook’s famous song!

It’s obvious that Jesus came to save the lost, and they were all drawn to Him, but the religious establishment of the time complained about this constantly. If they had their way, the religious people would have driven the sinners far away, but Jesus did not allow this to happen.

He came to seek out and save the lost. Jesus had and still has friends in low places.

Today we see His statue and images in beautiful churches, but we will still experience His presence in the streets and in our daily encounters.

He still wants to speak with you today.

He needs us to help Him reach others. Don't give up and know that it is not Jesus that is driving you away when worldly clamors get in the way.

Using our helping hands, willing feet, and our loving voices, He can and will reach folks right where they are, AS THEY ARE RIGHT NOW. …Check your experience…

“There had been a humble willingness to have Him with me -- and He came.” Big Book pg 12

Lord, please continue to use us to reach others in the same way You were first introduced to us, AMEN.

“The tax collectors and sinners all came to listen to Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law began to complain: "Look, this man welcomes sinners and even eats with them." Luke 15:1-2

Have a blessed day Y’all!!

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

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

How about a daily dose of hope and inspired thought?

Free daily message in your morning inbox.

I never share, sell, or publish your email.

https://www.faiththroughworksfellowship.org/blog

Friday, March 19, 2021

There is a plan for each of us...

A common discussion I have these days with my daughter, Miss Kai, is what she will do with her life. I am an open book with her and freely share that I still don’t have a clue about what I want to be when I “grow up.”

I share with her to keep her feet on the ground with training and education while encouraging her to chase her dreams and follow her passions. She understands this as best as an almost 23-year-old can.

The good news is that while we may be searching for what it is that we think we need to be doing, God has the plan for us.

My experience has shown me that even though I cannot label what I am with an earthly work title, like tech guy, manager, or professional whatever… I can claim with 100% certainty that through my many jobs and duties I have had here on Earth over the years, I have been and will always be one of God’s kids and He employs me daily to help Him... Check your experience…

“Established on such a footing we became less and less interested in ourselves, our little plans and designs.” Big Book pg 63.

Lord, let us find comfort and security in knowing you have a plan for each of us, AMEN.

“I have told you these things so that you can have the same joy I have and so that your joy will be the fullest possible joy.” John 15:11

Have a blessed day y’all!

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

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

How about a daily dose of hope and inspired thought?

Free daily message in your morning inbox.

I never share, sell, or publish your email.

https://www.faiththroughworksfellowship.org/blog

Thursday, March 18, 2021

Catch someone doing something right today!..

Have you ever noticed how much our news and all forms of media are filled with negativity, fear, and doom?

More importantly, how are our eyes and ears drawn to it?

Come on now, be honest, what magazine do you stare at in the checkout line at the grocery?

It's our cultural norm based off of our instinctual self-willed human nature. We are trained from a young age to look for the bad and the wrong. It's even a large part of corporate leadership training. No one gets sent to H.R. for good deeds!

There is hope however!

Using our spiritual growth and God's Word we can teach our hearts and train our minds to seek out the good in people, places, and things.

I promise that when you do, your day will go better, and your world will change.

Try it and then... Check your experience…

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

Lord let us look for the good with the eyes of our heart, AMEN.

"…let us encourage one another." Hebrews 10:25

Have a blessed day y’all!

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

Visit Servants Hearts!

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

http://aservantsheart.us

How about a daily dose of hope and inspired thought?

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

Free daily message in your Inbox!

https://www.faiththroughworksfellowship.org/blog

Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Hearing and doing equals action…

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could just absorb information and be instantly transformed?

I would love to buy the CD of whatever product is selling on TV promising me incredible life changing results and just plug it into my listening device and have the words bring the transformation instantly.

Heck, I could be healthier, wealthier, and wiser!

But… most of us know that is not how it works.

WORK is the operative word here.

We must provide not only the WILLINGNESS to CHANGE but also the ACTION and WORK…

Check your experience…

“To be vital, faith must be accompanied by self-sacrifice and unselfish, constructive action.” Big Book pg 93.

Lord, let us hear and act when Your Holy Spirit and Word give us direction, AMEN.

“So, pay attention to how you hear. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what they think they understand will be taken away from them.” Luke 8:18.

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.

Donate today!

http://www.furniturebank.us/arizona-tax-credit.html

Please help us help others! How about a daily dose of hope and inspired thought?

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

Free daily message in you Inbox

https://www.faiththroughworksfellowship.org/blog