JESUS IS THE REASON FOR EVERY SEASON

When people reflect upon Christmas and the meaning of such a celebration....there are many definitions spoken of : ''family time", ''holidays", "presents", '' santa", "food", and so the responses keep rolling.
Today dear loved ones know that the only reason for this season is JESUS ....His love , mercy , grace , life, death & resurrection is what Christmas is about. JESUS IS THE REASON FOR EVERY SEASON in your life & mine, be encouraged , ignite hope again, dare to believe in miracles every day , love others like you have never been hurt, move off mount cynacism & everest bitterness , replace moodiness with joy unspeakable , back away from judgmentalism & embrace all people . Today the PRINCE OF PEACE wants to give you the greatest gift you will ever receive .....HIMSELF!
JESUS : SAVIOUR , SON OF GOD ,EVERLASTING LIGHT , WONDERFUL COUNSELOR , BREAD OF LIFE , ANOINTED ONE , ALPHA & OMEGA , THE GREAT "I AM"..........THE ONE WHO WAS & IS & IS TO COME AGAIN!
Do not ever underestimate the power , & purpose of JESUS .....He will be coming again & next time it will not be as a babe , rather as the conquering King & Lord of All....& on that day ,Philippians 2:9-11 says so much , read it ....v.10 "THAT AT THE NAME OF JESUS EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW OF THOSE IN HEAVEN , & OF THOSE ON EARTH, & OF THOSE UNDER THE EARTH, v11. AND THAT EVERY TONGUE CONFESS THAT JESUS CHRIST IS LORD , TO THE GLORY OF GOD THE FATHER ."
Do not grow "cold" in your passion for Christ , do not wait for another day to accept His Salvation, don't become slothful in your journey of faith ....take heart JESUS came to give you life in every SEASON that you will ever have .

Blessings & still praying for you all!

MARNEY.......p.s. Read Matthew 24 ....could be reading todays' newspaper.

JESUS IS SO MUCH BETTER THAN SANTA....

Santa lives at the north pole . JESUS is everywhere.Santa rides in a sleigh JESUS rides on the wind & walks on the water. Santa comes`but once a year JESUS is an ever present help in times of trouble.Santa fills stockings with goodies ....JESUS supplies ALL your needs according to His riches in glory.
Santa comes down your chimney or so the fable says ...JESUS stands at the door of your heart & knocks .......waiting for you to invite Him in.
You have to take a number to stand in line to see santa JESUS is as close as the whisper of His name.
Santa doesn't know your name...JESUS knew your name before you were born...read PSALM 139.Not only does He know your name , He knows your address , your history past , your present , your future....He even knows every tear you cry.
Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly ...JESUS has a HEART FULL OF LOVE!
Santa says:''You had better not cry"....JESUS says :"CAST ALL YOUR CARES ON ME ,FOR I CARE FOR YOU.''

More tomorrow ....don't get caught in mistaking the real REASON FOR THE SEASON.....IT IS ALL ABOUT JESUS ....INFACT JESUS IS FOR EVERY SEASON!

Praying for you .

MARNEY

CHRISTMAS IS ALL ABOUT JESUS ......JESUS!

Thank God He sent His Son JESUS to save us & set us free from our sins! I was singing a carol today and the fourth verse particularly spoke to me :

''SINNERS MOVED BY TRUE REPENTANCE,DOOMED FOR GUILT TO ENDLESS PAINS,
JUSTICE NOW REVOKES THE SENTENCE , MERCY CALLS YOU, BREAK YOUR CHAINS .
COME AND WORSHIP , WORSHIP CHRIST THE NEW BORN KING..''
Why not take time to worship JESUS today , every day is a new opportunity to worship The Saviour of the world.Jesus does love you & He longs to dwell in your life each day , every way , in every circumstance of your life.
And understand that Jesus is not an insipid, sentimental nice thought .......He is your only Saviour , please allow Him to take up residence in your life .
When it comes to gifts, sweets, cherub cheeks , red noses , christmas lights, trees , go to the North Pole.
When it comes to ETERNITY , FORGIVENESS , PURPOSE & TRUTH......GO TO THE MANGER. Kneel with the shepherds & worship the God who dared to do what man or woman dared not ever dream.

ACTS 2:21 ''EVERYONE WHO CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS WILL BE SAVED."

Still Praying !

MARNEY

WHATEVER THE QUESTION .......JESUS WILL ALWAYS BE THE ANSWER....ALWAYS

Chelsea Lee Turner has just turned 5 and she has a keen grip on the miracle presence & power of JESUS.
Chels preaches on her trampoline, in her loungeroom , in her bedroom , & to her friends ......!
Her latest sermon is : 'WITH JESUS , EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED'. I as her NARNEY asked if I could use her sermon seed & she was quite excited for the WORD to get out.
So today as you approach this Christmas I would encourage you to expect the unexpected , especially when it comes to the love , life & presence of JESUS .........the day of miracles is never over , not now , not ever! Whatever you are facing JESUS is now & always will be the incredible answer. ''FOR WITH GOD NOTHING ......NOTHING ...NOTHING..IS IMPOSSIBLE." I love the verse of that chorus : ''I AM NOT SATISFIED -DOING CHURCH MY OWN WAY,I AM NOT SATISFIED TO HAVE THE FORM & NOT THE POWER - I'M NOT SATISFIED - THERE IS NO-ONE IN MY LIFE BUT YOU....I BELIEVE IN YOU ,THAT BEING JESUS."Yes dear friends over these days please be expectant for the miracles that come from the heart of JESUS into your life.And by the way if a 5 year old can witness to this Biblical truth , why don't we the adults have a go ?
I am praying for you all !

MARNEY

ALMOST ......DOESN'T COUNT WHEN IT COMES TO DISCIPLESHIP

For our own blessing, & a lost world JESUS demands absolute obedience! He has never made room for"almost" in His vocabulary, in His terms of Discipleship.With Jesus......"next time", "not now", has to become "yes,this time", "today". No , Jesus never had room for "almost" & He still doesn't. I meet people who are often putting off that which is spoken to them from God's Holy Spirit that dear friends is extremely dangerous when it comes to your spiritual journey. Almost may be acceptable in other areas of your life , but not when it comes to obedience to JESUS.
If the Master is calling you , requiring you to be obedient in any & every area of your life , He means it & please don't settle for (zero affect) of ALMOST, a sad word really , an even sadder response.
Read Agrippa's response to Paul : Acts 26:28 ''Agrippa said unto Paul, "Almost you have persuaded me to become a Christian."What a sad way to be remembered , the man who .....almost made it to the Kingdom of God, the person who almost got saved , the man, woman, who almost became an Officer .......almost ! What will you & I be remembered for , TODAY is the day , not tomorrow , not next year , not next month. TODAY IS THE DAY TO SAY :"YES JESUS".Yes Jesus whatever you want me to do , I am yours ..............!
JESUS still requires total obedience, nothing less.
Jesus give you the courage to be faithfully obedient to JESUS !

Praying for you all.

MARNEY

LET IT BE UNTO ME ACCORDING TO YOUR WORD

I meet so many people who when hearing God speak .....hesitate & in some cases miss God's window of opportunity for their lives.Sometimes they are waiting for sizzling lightening bolts & whilst God is more than capable to handle such a way of communication , at times He chooses otherwise.
When Mary was encountered by the angel Gabriel with the imminent news that she would give birth to JESUS .....THE SAVIOUR OF THE WORLD , she didn't miss out , she was someone that we all could learn from , listen to her response in LUKE 1 :37-38 "FOR WITH GOD NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE. v.38''BEHOLD THE MAIDSERVANT OF THE LORD! LET IT BE TO ME ACCORDING TO YOUR WORD."AND THE ANGEL DEPARTED FROM HER ." I guess the Angelic being knew that this young woman would not miss out on what God required of her , she was a faithful, obedient ,opportunist for the Kingdom of God's advancement. If you & I don't take the mantle that we are called to take , be aware that God will strive for so long , but His Kingdom must be advanced , so if we refuse He will look eklsewhere for someone or some group of people that will say ;"YES LORD "......."YES LORD"... "YES LORD".In the valley of Indecision, dwell there no more , it is a spiritually dangerous valley to linger .
Become a "WORLD CHANGER."....FOR THE SAKE OF JESUS .....GOD'S KINGDOM & YOUR OWN ULTIMATE JOYOUS DESTINY.
Wouldn't it be exciting if you simply said : 'YES LORD'!
Icontinue to pray , preach , plunder hell to dare populate heaven....will you join with me?

Yours In Christ" love .

MARNEY

EVERYONE WHO CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED

WE CANNOT CHOOSE THE WEATHER, WE CANNOT CONTROL THE ECONOMY,WE CANNOT CHOOSE WHETHER WE WERE BORN WITH BLONDE HAIR, BROWN HAIR , WE CANNOT CHOOSE WHAT SIZE OUR SHOE IS OR HOW LONG OUR LEGS MAY BE . WE CANNOT CHOOSE HOW PEOPLE RESPOND TO US, OR HOW THEY RESPOND TO OUR MESSAGE.
HOWEVER.......THERE IS SOMETHING THAT WE CAN CHOOSE & THAT IS WHERE WE WILL SPEND ETERNITY.......THE BIGGEST CHOICE WE WILL EVER HAVE , GOD LEAVES IT ALL UP TO US !
THIS CHRISTMAS CHOOSE THE GREATEST GIFT OF LIFE ......JESUS CHRIST ....SAVIOUR OF THE WHOLE WORLD . AND THEN DEAR FRIENDS YOU WILL INDEED BE SAVED FOR ALL OF ETERNITY.
LUKE 1 says : ''YOU SHALL CALL HIS NAME JESUS ....& HE WILL BE GREAT , SON OF THE HIGHEST. THE LORD GOD WILL GIVE HIM THE THRONE OF DAVID: HE WILL RULE JACOBS ' HOUSE FOREVER - NO END , NOT NOW NOT EVER , ALL GLORY TO HIS KINGDOM.

THIS JESUS WILL SAVE US ALL FROM OUR SIN.........."BLESS GOD", I NEED A SAVIOUR & SO DO YOU , RECEIVE HIM TODAY !

Praying for you all !

MARNEY

TODAY....TODAY, IF...IF....YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS.

Today I am really exercised in my spirit about the lack of receptivity to the WORD of THE LORD!There are many comments that I receive that are absolute slanderous , anonymous criticisms of both God's Word & the ones who actually have the courage of their convictions and actually are OBEDIENT to the call of God.
Armchair experts , the world is full of them........people sitting in comfortable chairs on their cozy , anonymous,computers critically judging anyone & everyone who is at least attempting to be part of this world's answer......instead of continuing to be part of the ongoing problem.Well as I read the Gospels I note that JESUS 'ministry was either comforting the disturbed or disturbing the comfortable . I guess there is nothing much different today .......people who are authentically seeking a SAVIOUR will find their answer in JESUS ......others who just want to criticise , judge , and be screen jeerers will continue to never be happy and make other people's lives miserable around them.
Sadly the termiting of one another can come from within .....& even then nothing has changed ....JESUS had most of His opposition , jealousy , criticism from the "religious Pharisees", those who majored on the issues that didn't really matter & missed the vital issues that were on God's heart, healing of the sick, recovery of sight to the blind , Salvation through His Son JESUS .. Jesus once challenged a group of "well dressed Pharisees" to throw the first stone if they were without sin, how fascinating that all the rocks dropped to the dirt. Today I exhort readers to look at HEBREWS 4:6-13 please do yourself a favour and read . Verse 7 reads : ''TODAY ,IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE ,DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEART.v12''FOR THE WORD OF GOD IS LIVING & POWERFUL & SHARPER THAN ANY TWO-EDGED SWORD, PIERCING EVEN TO THE DIVISION OF SOUL & SPIRIT, & OF JOINTS & MARROW & IS A DISCERNER OF THE THOUGHTS & INTENTS OF THE HEART. v.13 AND THERE IS NO CREATURE HIDDEN FROM HIS SIGHT , BUT ALL ....ALL THINGS ARE TRANSPARENT & OPEN TO THE EYES OF HIM TO WHOM WE MUST ALL GIVE AN ACCOUNT." Today dear friends please pause & hear the WORD OF THE LORD .

Really praying for all readers today .
MARNEY

CALLED OUT OF THE WORLD ....CALLED TO GO OUT FROM THE BUILDING...CALLED OUT FROM YOUR COMFORT ZONE....CALLED OUT!

Jesus left His rightful place in Heaven to come to this earth, for you ! He left acceptance & adoration as the King of Kings & Lord of Lords for you! He was despised , lied about , persecuted , laughed & scoffed at during His life on earth for you! Jesus was crucified for you , that you may be saved & set free to live ETERNALLY with God FOREVER! What if JESUS had not been obedient to the Father's call to Him ? Where would people like you & I be ?I would be nowhere just like you. Everyone is " CALLED OUT" , stop pretending that you don't hear God calling your name . Just build the necessary bridge & start running over it into the wonderful life God has for you & those whom you are meant to meet to introduce to JESUS . Yes we are all ''CALLED OUT of the world",''CALLED OUT of THE BULDING"& definately ''CALLED OUT of our COMFORT ZONES."
Read today PHILIPPIANS 2:3-11 .......I particularly am challenged by verses 5 to 8 . ''YOUR ATTITUDE SHOULD BE THE SAME AS THAT OF CHRIST JESUS: v.6. WHO BEING IN VERY NATURE GOD , DID NOT CONSIDER EQUALITY WITH GOD SOMETHING TO BE GRASPED, v7. BUT MADE HIMSELF NOTHING TAKING THE VERY NATURE OF A SERVANT, BEING MADE IN HUMAN LIKENESS.v.8 AND BEING FOUND IN APPEARANCE AS A MAN, HE HUMBLED HIMSELF & BECAME OBEDIENT TO DEATH EVEN DEATH ON A CROSS."Keep reading because JESUS has the name that is above every other name, friends !
v.10 ''THAT AT THE NAME OF JESUS EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW, IN HEAVEN & ON EARTH & UNDER THE EARTH v11. AND EVERY TONGUE CONFESS THAT JESUS CHRIST IS LORD TO THE GLORY OF GOD THE FATHER.''
Start packing loved ones ......for JESUS' SAKE!

Praying for you today .

MARNEY

CAN YOU IMAGINE MISSING THE COMING OF JESUS THE FIRST TIME.....HE IS COMING AGAIN!

I often wonder how anyone could have missed the Saviour , JESUS coming the first time as a baby...... & yet sadly will miss His second coming, simply because they are so distracted with so many other issues.
Today I want to remind you that JESUS is coming again & the enemy of our souls will do absolutely anything to distract , delay , defer , deter , your desire to see JESUS .Meditate on MATTHEW 24 & you will read sobering words from JESUS........think about them , pray about them , respond to JESUS speaking into your mind, heart & spirit. I came across these thoughts recently written by an unknown author....please consider !
If I were the devil , I would : Gain control of the most powerful nations in the world delude their minds into thinking that they had come from man's effort instead of God's.
I would promote an attitude of loving things & using people, instead of the other way around, I would dupe entire states to rely on gambling for their state revenue.
I would convince people that character is not an issue when it comes to life's value systems. I would make it legal to take lives of unborn babies& make it socially acceptable to even consider taking one's own life.
If I were the devil, I would........Cheapen human life as much as possible, so that lives of animals are valued over & above human beings. I would come up with drugs that sedate the mind & target the youth , & I would get high profile people to advertise them.
If I were the devil I would......Attack the family backbone of every nation: I would make divorce acceptable , easy & fashionable , because if the family crumbles so does a nation. I would compel people to express their most depraved fantasies on canvas & movie screens & then I would call it art.
I would convince people that right & wrong are determined by a few who call themselves " free-thinkers" & refer to their agenda as politically correct.

If I were the devil, I would also.........Persuade people that the Church is irrelevant & out of date , the Bible is for the naive.
I would dull the minds of Christians & make them believe that prayer is not an essential , that fasting is not necessary & financial giving is when you feel like it.I would whisper lies into Christians ears that would tell them that obedience is not required , neither is faithfulness.

If I were the devil......I would attack all things so slowly , so as not to arouse the anger of the Church , making them dozily unaware that JESUS is coming back soon .....sooner than anyone may think.

Come to think of it , I guess I would leave things pretty much the way they already are !
(as already noted ...author is unknown ) .
Worth pausing to stop, reflect & pray upon. JESUS IS COMING AGAIN .....ARE YOU READY TO MEET HIM?

Blessings & praying for you all .
MARNEY

CHOOSE WHOM YOU WILL SERVE?

Some people have said to me throughout the years that : 'you christians are all brainwashed'.My response to that statement is :'everyone is influenced ( brainwashed ) by something or someone , I have intentionally chosen who will wash my brains .....HIS name is JESUS!Read JOSHUA 24:15 "CHOOSE FOR YOURSELVES THIS DAY -WHOM YOU WILL SERVE . AS FOR ME & MY HOUSE , WE WILL SERVE THE LORD."Life is all about choices ...what we think about is our choice , who we keep company with is our choice , who & what we value are all our choices. Whom we worship is up to you & I , and even in not making a choice ,we make a choice.I continue to choose daily to worship JESUS the SAVIOUR of the world, I continue day by day to live for Him & allow His words to wash me, my mind , my heart , my mouth, my motives , my actions, my desires......all for JESUS' glory & the best outcomes I could ever possibly desire for my own life .If you choose anyone or anything before JESUS understand that you choose a path that will ultimately lead to nowhere. Jesus said in JOHN 14;6 "I AM THE WAY,THE TRUTH & THE LIFE . NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH ME."That is it , JESUS has said it , I believe it , & actually that settles it. Yes, I have chosen who will wash my life HE is THE SAVIOUR OF THE WORLD ......JESUS CHRIST ...LORD GOD, KING OF KINGS & LORD OF LORDS. Please choose JESUS today , He loves you & longs to have you to be with HIM throughout all ETERNITY.
Jesus came as a baby the first time , hence we celebrate CHRISTMAS ! But the WORD says He is coming again & on that day every knee will bow & every tongue will confess that JESUS CHRIST IS LORD. So today choose wisely !

Praying for you all .

MARNEY

YOU ARE NOT YOUR OWN , YOU HAVE BEEN BOUGHT AT A PRICE

Let me give you an example today to ponder : Suppose I ask you to house -sit my home whilst I am out of town . You pledge to keep everything in great shape . However, when I return the place is an absolute mess . The carpets are torn, walls are smeared, furniture is broken, light fixtures are removed from walls. Your explanation is not all that impressive: "some bikers came by and needed somewhere 'to hang' for an hour and.......then the footy team called looking for a place to party & so I offered your house. Then all my uni friends wanted a place to have their initiation ceremonies and so they conducted them here" . As the owner of the house , I have one question"don't you know how to say no? This is not your house , and you actually didn't have the right to do whatever you wanted to .
Have you ever thought that Jesus wants to say the same to us? Let us face it some of our hearts , bodies, minds have been trashed severely. Anger shows up & we let it in. Revenge knocks on our door and it comes bounding in too. Pity wants to "party-on" and we show them the kitchen. Lust rings the bell & we change the sheets on the bed ready to use! Disobedience persists with text , emails & facebook messages that we actually end up saying an outright , defiant "NO" to Jesus' perfect will for our lives .

Friends .....friends ....friends what in Jesus' Name are we doing with our lives ?Please know that the Word of God is sure ....read 1 CORINTHIANS 6:15-20 ,any translation is good , but I will give you some verses from The Message :''DON'T YOU REALISE THAT YOUR BODY IS A SACRED PLACE , THE PLACE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT?DON'T YOU SEE THAT YOU CAN'T LIVE HOWEVER YOU PLEASE , SQUANDERING WHAT GOD PAID SUCH A HIGH PRICE FOR?THE PHYSICAL PART OF YOU IS NOT SOME PIECE OF PROPERTY BELONGING TO THE SPIRITUAL PART OF YOU. GOD OWNS THE WHOLE WORKS . SO LET PEOPLE SEE GOD RESIDING IN & THROUGH YOUR BODY."
You & I are not our own we have all been bought with the precious blood of JESUS ......so please understand how treasured you are & how imperitive is your choices.
Praying for you all today.

MARNEY

THE WORD IS ........."YES"! THE REST IS DETAIL!

Choices can be a fascinating challenge. My journey of faith revolves around the word: 'YES' .....every day ,"YES"! My "YES" to Jesus , my "YES" to Jesus' call upon my life , my " YES' to the experience of Holiness . I believe that an ongoing "YES" is the key to victorious living in the love of JESUS.
There are often many times when we linger in the valley of "indecision" and lose momentum or even sadder the wonderful opportunity that is open before us .The door of joy, peace, hope, life, fulfillment, excitement, ignitement, holy love, and service.
Today is another day that you & I have choices about so many things, what to eat, which clothes to wear , what we read , what we allow our eyes to see, what we listen to , or even the words we may say or not say.
General Eva Burrows (retired) made a great statement at a gathering in 2002 : ''There are three forms of relationship. We move away from people, against people or towards people." Can I inspire you to say "YES & AMEN" both towards JESUS & PEOPLE today . If you do that there will be so many blessings that you cannot contain them........it is true , I have proved this countless times ,,even today I know this has occured in my life. Really be an opportunist for the
glory of God & the Salvation of your life & others. JESUS SAVES......JUST SAY "YES" .....really leave the detail in His hands , they are big enough to hold this fragmented world.

Blessings to you today , still praying !
'
MARNEY

CALLED TO OFFICERSHIP? IF NOT YOU WHO ? IF NOT NOW......NOW.....NOW...WHEN?

Today there have been more people who have said :"YES JESUS .......I WILL DO WHATEVER...YOU ASK ...I WILL GO WHEREVER YOU WANT ME TO GO ....& I WILL DO WHATEVER YOU WANT ME TO DO."
Today there are many others who do not even know that JESUS IS LORD.....or that He is calling their name , thus they do not even have the opportunity to make a choice.
How about you dear readers ? Do you know that Jesus does love you , He does have a perfect plan for your life & He longs for you to say :"YES JESUS ." Right NOW, not tomorrow, not next year , not in the next decade ......rather NOW.....NOW.....NOW!You see I really have a heart for this global climate ....and I really do not understand why there is any hesitation in our lives to delay what could only be the best outcomes as we journey on in this uncertain world. For those readers who are in The Salvation Army , this is an emergency and Jesus is calling many of you to be obedient to His voice, please in JESUS' NAME respond .....NOW! Some of you are called to be Officers , God needs you , The Salvation Army needs you and the World needs you to :"get with the programme ".I recently read a historical catchcry that every officer in the early Salvation Army used to call out to the early Salvationists .
It goes like this :
OPPORTUNITY.............CONSECRATED SERVICE.........!

JESUS CALLS YOU

THE ARMY NEEDS YOU

SINNERS WAIT FOR YOU

WILL YOU GO ? WILL YOU GO ? WILL YOU GO ? WILL YOU GO?
Dear friends nothing has changed & I am asking the same question?Officership? IF NOT YOU WHO ? IF NOT NOW WHEN?
Please pray & reflect upon Romans 10: 14-21
Extremely profound living words that are meant for you & I in this time of global history.

Blessings to you all & passionately praying that some will say simply : "YES JESUS."
Marney

REPENTANCE.......OBEDIENCE .....HOLINESS ....NON-NEGOTIABLES!

Some hopefully helpful reminders for today:
1. PSALM 51 ..... If we have sinned , are continuing to sin ....we are called to true repentance .Non - negotiable.
2. Ongoing conviction and a conscience that is open to hearing the voice of The Holy Spirit , will keep us CLEAN.
3. Obedience to God's PERFECT WILL is Jesus call to you and I .......please don't ever settle for near-enough......Jesus is very specific about Discipleship. Mark8:34-38 ''DENY YOURSELF..TAKE UP YOUR CROSS & FOLLOW JESUS".
4. Having started to radically follow Jesus , don't get caught in a "ho-hum" level of spiritual committment.
5. HOLINESS : Without it none shall see the Lord(Hebrews 12 :14-15)
6. William Booth (co-founder) of The Salvation Army spoke about a ladder of Holiness , it goes something like this:
a)hate sin , be authentic about ongoing spiritual issues & open to Jesus to actually believe that His blood can cleanse you & I from all unrighteousness.
b) Deal with pride, power struggles, bad temper, unholy ambition, laziness , lust , selfishness , envy , untruthfulness, gossip & any other hindrances to your spiritual growth.
7. Remember that it is only by Jesus' Grace, mercy & love that you and I can be SAVED!
8. Come to Jesus ......today !
9. He will love, cleanse , and fill you with His Holy Spirit .......if you want to .
10. God has placed His requirements clearly in His WORD ......please read it today .

Praying for ALL readers .
MARNEY

THE CROSS IS THE ATTRACTION.....PLEASE COME TO THAT PLACE

Some thoughts today :
1. We were born out of one Eternity.....& are all seriously close to our own ETERNITY.
2.We have verbous debates & jousting on the stark realities of theological bias & yet so many are daily going into CHRISTLESS ETERNITY'S.
3.We struggle with our own personal lives in regard to relationships , choices, forgiveness factors etc.
4.The world ( of which you& I are a part) cannot keep itself out of unholy war.
5.Two thirds of the global population are starving for food, love, education , basics & we are still arguing about the immutible WORDS of JESUS.
6.Jesus is Lord ...... not a nice thought , opinion , or philosophy .......ABSOLUTE TRUTH!
7. Jesus loves you , emotionally, personally , spiritually, intellectually, physically.........just face it & accept His love.
8. Jesus rose from the dead & we at times struggle to get out of bed to read the WORD , to PRAY, to WORSHIP..........."Come on everyone ......we can do this ."
9. Intellectually read the WORD ......spiritually respond......please do it today !
10. 1 CORINTHIANS 1 : 18-21 "THE MESSAGE THAT POINTS TO CHRIST ON THE CROSS SEEMS LIKE SHEER SILLINESS TO THOSE HELLBENT ON DESTRUCTION, BUT FOR THOSE ON THE WAY OF SALVATION IT MAKES PERFECT SENSE . THIS IS THE WAY GOD WORKS , & MOST POWERFULLY AS IT TURNS OUT. IT'S WRITTEN, I'LL TURN CONVENTIAL WISDOM ON IT'S HEAD.......SO WHERE CAN YOU FIND SOMEONE TRULY WISE , TRULY EDUCATED, TRULY INTELLIGENT IN THIS DAY & AGE? HASN'T GOD EXPOSED IT ALL AS PRETENTIOUS NONSENSE?.............Read on in your own Bibles (message is good ....however, any translation will work).

YES ...JESUS' CROSS IS THE ATTRACTION!
Blessings to you today..
MARNEY

DON'T GET SOLD THE LIE THAT LIFE IS ALL ABOUT "ME"

There is a serious contagious attitude spreading like wildfire , the name of this lethal attitude is :''ME...ME....ME"This spiritual, emotional virus is breaking out everywhere across the community , in the church , in the street you & I live in , on the roads , in the workplace. Today I am alerting my readers to not catch this invasive virus. The ME- ISTIC attitude is a 'I am the most important person on earth 'response to all of life's challenges. It is a difficult virus to shake because it is intertwined with our fallen nature, which is totally pre-occupied with SELF !Jeremiah 17:9 reminds us that this is how we naturally lean : ''THE HEART IS DECEITFUL ABOVE ALL THINGS,AND DESPERATELY WICKED WHO CAN KNOW IT?There are now Tee shirts that state quite boldly : IT IS...ALL ABOUT ME, and plenty of people actually believe this lie.
In a community , in a family , in a church , in a country ....this will destroy you & those around you.Power struggles , at any & every level would have to be the most carnal behaviour that God actually cannot tolerate , just read the Word to know that one: James 4:1-2''WHERE DO YOU THINK ALL THESE APPALLING WARS & QUARRELS COME FROM ?DO YOU THINK THEY JUST HAPPEN?THINK AGAIN. THEY COME ABOUT BECAUSE YOU WANT YOUR OWN WAY , & FIGHT FOR IT DEEP INSIDE YOURSELVES. YOU LUST FOR WHAT YOU DON'T HAVE & ARE WILLING TO KILL TO GET IT. YOU WANT WHAT ISN'T YOURS & WILL RISK VIOLENCE TO GET YOUR HANDS ON IT."
Well today the Good News is that JESUS is the one who sets us free from ourselves & that actually ,whilst we are all so precious to Him , life is really about living to bring all glory to Jesus .
So today when you are challenged by the temptation to feel sorry for yourself or mistakingly believe that everything is about you or in my case ( me), just call upon the name of JESUS , He will open your eyes to a much larger vision.
Read ROMANS chapter 7 & 8 today and see carnality virus & how JESUS is the great healer of such a catastrophe.

Blessings to you today !
MARNEY

JESUS CALLS US TO HAVE NO PLAN "B"

I heard a line recently which reasonated with me when it comes to our relationship with JESUS......there is no real authentic justification for the line : THIS BELONGS TO JESUS ....& THIS BELONGS TO ME! If JESUS is LORD then His Biblical command is that He is to be truely LORD of ALL or not at all.
If you read JAMES 1: 6-7(Msg) it says a very powerful theme:''Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master ..adrift at sea, (note) KEEPING ALL YOUR OPTIONS OPEN."WOW!
I meet so many people who pray for a vision , a confirmation of JESUS' perfect will & when they receive it .....there is a response like : "Lord , do you have a plan "B"?
Dear friends JESUS doesn't have a plan "B", He certainly didn't when He came to this world as a baby, He certainly did not have a plan "B" when it came to being persecuted , hated , lied about when He performed great miracles ... & He most definately did not have any other plan "B",''C'', "D", ......"Z''when it came to dying a cruel death on the CROSS, for your sin & mine. So please do not be offensive to GOD & JESUS' call on your life by blandly , seeking a mediocre committment to His plan for your life ........please don't get seduced into thinking that this is good enough.Either JESUS IS LORD or He IS NOT! But for Jesus' sake & your own , even a lost world's sake get with it and go for the real benchmark of Discipleship : MARK 8:34-38(Msg)''CALLING THE CROWD TO JOIN HIS DISCIPLES , JESUS SAID,''ANYONE WHO INTENDS TO COME WITH ME HAS TO LET ME LEAD . YOU'RE NOT IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT : I AM (JESUS). DON'T RUN FROM SUFFERING;EMBRACE IT. FOLLOW ME & I'LL SHOW YOU HOW. SELF -HELP IS NO HELP AT ALL.SELF-SACRIFICE IS THE WAY ,MY WAY ,TO SAVING YOURSELF,YOUR TRUE SELF. WHAT GOOD WOULD IT DO TO GET EVERYTHING YOU WANT & LOSE YOU, THE REAL YOU?WHAT COULD YOU EVER TRADE YOUR SOUL FOR?"
No plan " B" friends not now , not ever .....JESUS says it , I believe it & for me that just about settles it. ....!
Praying for you all today .
P.S.The Training College experience ....to train as an OFFICER in The SalvationArmy is actually a "GREAT EXPERIENCE"not at all an "incarceration experience " as someone has suggested in a recent " On Fire' article .

THE WORLD CHOOSES THE BEST ....JESUS CHOOSES THE REST , WHICH COVER US ALL.

Until the future of the lost world matters more to the Church , than the future of the Church , then just maybe the church will have a limited future.Before you jump out of this blogg ...please keep reading ! Some one liners that may encourage you to keep considering this ongoing issue.
1.Instead of faking it till you make it ....FAITH it till you make it .
2.The Body of Christ needs to create an atmosphere that will help others SUCCEED not FAIL.!
3. It is not that I am not a realist .....rather I AM A PRISONER OF HOPE.
4.Do we REACT or RESPOND to challenges ..there is a world of difference.
5.Age is IRRELEVANT .......OPENNESS is a choice.
6.INCLUSIVENESS .......EXCLUSIVENESS .....HOW DO WE MEASURE ?
7. LET US ALL CLOSE RACIAL,GENDER, ATTITUDINAL GAPS.
8.DARE TO DREAM SO BIG THAT JESUS MUST SHOW UP TO MAKE IT HAPPEN.
9.Don't only BELIEVE in miracles .......DEPEND on them.
10.Many were SLEEPING when JESUS came first ....don't be caught when JESUS comes back again.
11. Don't let your GIFTING take you where your character can't KEEP you .

Bless you today .

MARNEY

DOES ANYBODY EVEN REALLY HEAR,SEE, CARE ABOUT....THEY?

They is an interesting word & even more "definition". i.e. ''they don't care", " they are the problem", "they make me act like this'', "they rejected me ", they don't listen to me", "it is their fault"........I hope you get it .
We , ( you & I ) are often blaming "they" , "them", "him", "her", "the system","everyone else"& whilst we continue to react in this way , we are in denial about our own responsibility, our own issues, our own sin.
"They "can also be something or someone we totally disregard , not see, not even care about,which is equally a problem, because JESUS died for all the "they's" in this world which means you & I ........
Casting Crowns ( a contemporary Christian group) writes a great song, one of the verses says:"Does anybody hear her?Can anybody see?Or does anybody even know she's going down today/Under the shadow of our steeple. With all the lost & lonely people...searching for the hope that's tucked away in you & me. Does anybody hear them?
Here is a reminder we are other people's them , they , & others are our them & they! The Good News is : JESUS LOVES ALL OF US & THOSE WHO CALL THEMSELVES CHRISTIANS REALLY NEED TO UNDERSTAND, LOVE , PRAY FOR ALL THE "theys" IN OUR LIVES.next time you start talking about, thinking about :"THEY".....try to be gracious, forgiving & above all REALLY SEE , HEAR , THEIR HEARTS.

Blessings to you today !

MARNEY

CHANGE OUR WORDS & JESUS MAY USE US TO CHANGE THE WORLD

In the MESSAGE version of the Bible there is a powerful verse in Proverbs 18:21 ''WORDS KILL, WORDS GIVE LIFE:THEY'RE EITHER POISON OR FRUIT- CHOOSE."Another translation says that :''THE TONGUE HAS THE POWER OF LIFER & DEATH,...". As I am reading , hearing the global news , it seems so urgent that our world needs the healing , life-giving presence , love, peace ,joy and Salvation of JESUS CHRIST more than ever before. The words we speak to each other , in boardrooms , in our familiy settings , in our own minds can either speak , love , life , affirmation , encouragement or not . JESUS can really change hearts , minds ,thoughts & mouths. I have noticed there is an over abundance of negative words , swearing (which really requires no vocabulary expertise), blaspheming and cynacism all around the globe. Even rhetoric which does not have action attached to it is just another addition to our society's issues.
Jesus came to set us all free from ourselves and that includes the negative, critical , damning words that we at times speak into other people's lives. Jesus said in MATTHEW 12 : 37 ''EVERY ONE OF THOSE CARELESS WORDS IS GOING TO COME BACK TO HAUNT YOU. THERE WILL BE A TIME OF RECKONING. WORDS ARE POWERFUL: TAKE THEM SERIOUSLY. WORDS CAN BE YOURSALVATION. WORDS CAN ALSO BE YOUR DAMNATION." (The Message).In fact if you want some really authentically sound words that will be liberating read all of MATTHEW chapter 12 ........JESUS really gives us all good words.!Today ask The Holy Spirit to wash you clean of any impurity in word , thought , motivation & deed . He, with Jesus is the only source of cleansing when it comes to our lives . PSALM 51 ....may be another helpful prayer to pray daily. I pray this prayer for myself many times a day!
Blessings to you and know JESUS LOVES YOU ........JESUS REALLY LOVES YOU , HE LOVED YOU SO MUCH THAT HE DIED TO SET YOU & I FREE FROM OURSELVES. CHANGE YOUR WORDS & JESUS WILL HELP YOU (&I) TO CHANGE THIS WORLD.

DOES ANYBODY HEAR THEM ......THE LOST?

I have been listening to some of the music from the contemporary Christian group called : 'Casting Crowns', many of their arrangements really speak to my heart about the thoughts I often have in my heart and mind in regard to the world , the church & our response to what is happening even as I am writing this blogg.One of the pains I feel is that of the "lost", up & out people down & out people (which just about covers all categorys ), I lay awake at night trying to pray & seek Jesus' heart as to how I can become part of the answer by at least attempting to point others to JESUS, & in so doing pray with all my being that some will at least give JESUS a chance that He longs to have in order to bring His healing, His Salvation, His forgiveness, His love.You see if just for a day we really heard people , really saw their journey , & really responded , really prayed , really were obedient to what Jesus wants us to respond like ......then just maybe this world with it's ever decreasing security would actually CHANGE!!! Today I will leave you with a Franciscan Benediction:
MAY GOD BLESS YOU WITH DISCOMFORT..... at easy answers, half -truths, & superficial relationships, so that we live deep within our hearts.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU WITH ANGER .......at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that we may work for justice, freedom and peace.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU WITH TEARS......to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation and war, so that we may reach out our hands to comfort them and turn their pain into joy.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU WITH ENOUGH FOOLISHNESS .... to believe that we can make a difference in this world , so that we can do what others claim cannot be done.

I am not the Saviour .. JESUS IS & HIS LOVE FOR YOU IS COMPELLLING .....DON'T MISS IT!

Praying for you all today.
MARNEY

THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST NEEDS TO CREATE AN ATMOSPHERE THAT WILL CHEER OTHERS ONTO SUCCEED

When the Church of Jesus Christ is at it's best , there is an atmosphere of affirmation , blessing , and encouragment to dare to dream, believe , pray and do mighty things in JESUS' NAME!I was sharing with my grandchildren last week and Chelsea a 4 year old with such a grasp on the principals of faith , love and the joy of Jesus was sharing with me in worship as we together sang songs about the love of Jesus. Her uncompromising faith, passion , zeal and unashamed love for Jesus left me in absolute awe and gratefulness , that she really has not yet been tainted by the world's cynacism.
I wanted to fan into flame that beautiful little girls faith as we sang , praised , and loved Jesus with all our hearts. Actually no matter what age we are , underneath we really all are "kids"who still have faith, passion,hope, life, expectation and joy , sadly in some of us this has either been stolen away, or we have chosen to let it go into the abyss of disillusionment,despair, discouragement, cynacism,or even bitterness. Don't let it happen to you ......today I want to cheer you on from the bleachers of God's love .........don't give up ....refuse to be put down ....abandon depression ....let JESUS revive, refresh, renew your faith in amazing, awesome wonderful blessings from Jesus' heart to you. Perhaps your chilhood was not ever without pain...but today I am here to say that :whatever age you are you can know that beautiful joy , faith , acceptance , grace & love of Jesus in your lives, no compromise , no doubt, no fears.The Church of Jesus Christ wants to say that you will be "safe" and secure as you step forward in faith following JESUS . He wants you to succeed , be happy , be saved ,free from labels, put-downs , negativity and self-sabotage.
I for one am praying for you , I may not know all your challenges and quite frankly you don't know all of mine . But this I do know JESUS IS ENOUGH.....MORE THAN ENOUGH! Whatever your questions JESUS IS THE ANSWER.....TODAY & EVERY DAY TO COME.

"LET JESUS CHANGE YOUR THOUGHTS & WORDS & JUST MAYBE THIS WORLD WILL BE CHANGED FOR GOOD".
Read Philippians 4:4-9 (the message is good) "CELEBRATE GOD ALL DAY, EVERY DAY .I MEAN REVEL IN HIM!MAKE IT CLEAR AS YOU CAN TO ALL YOU MEET THAT YOU'RE ON THEIR SIDE , WORKING WITH THEM & NOT AGAINST THEM. HELP THEM SEE THAT THE MASTER IS ABOUT TO ARRIVE. HE COULD SHOW UP ANY MINUTE!"
praying for you......

MARNEY
p.s. Visualise a little girl called CHELSEA delighting herself in the love of Jesus and put yourself there .

INFLUENCING , INSPIRING EVERYONE AROUND YOU POSITIVELY , FOR GODLINESS OR NOT!

These principals will be relevant to everyone , because we all influence others in our attitudes , behaviours , choices , and passion.So hope this helps in your journey :
1. BE SECURE IN WHAT GOD HAS CALLED YOU TO . Remember it is God who has called you - not man or woman. Your responsibility is to God & you come under His protection& authority. Read Proverbs 29:25"The fear of men brings a snare , but whoever trusts in the Lord , shall be safe ."
2.KEEP SWEET. Bitterness will prevent , hinder , rob you from hearing the voice of JESUS. Bitterness & unforgiveness will strangle the blessing of God in your life & has the potential to cripple your positive influence upon those within your reach &those who are watching you ( without your conscience awareness).Never attempt retaliation(Romans 12 :19"DO NOT TAKE REVENGE , MY FRIENDS , BUT LEAVE ROOM FOR GOD'S WRATH, FOR IT IS WRITTEN:"IT IS MINE TO AVENGE, I WILL REPAY SAYS THE LORD.") Also Hebrews 12 : 15 directs us to ''SEE TO IT THAT NO-ONE MISSES THE GRACE OF GOD & THAT NO BITTER ROOT GROWS UP CAUSING TROUBLE & DEFILING MANY ."
3.BE STRONG & COURAGEOUS . Joshua possessed the Promised Land only after facing the obstacles which had to be overcome (JOSHUA 1). Leave problems until they must be dealt with , but when they must , deal with them quickly , lovingly & decisively. Do not let negative, visionless people undermine the testimony Jesus has given you , nor the prophetic word He has placed in your heart & mind. Stay grounded in God and He will bless you and those around you.
4.BE EXTRAVAGANT WITH OTHERS IN YOUR CARE & CONCERN FOR THEIR LIVES. You will have many critics because you live for Jesus , but God will provide friends ,fellow workers & in some instances family that will encourage you. You need a supportive network who will lovingly speak into your life , even with gracious correction ( if required) when you need it. Make yourself accountable to Godly people . Remember if you are to have authority & responsibility placed upon you , then you need to come under the authority of God & those He has placed in your life .
5. BE PATIENT.O ne day with the Lord is like a thousand years. However urgent the matter , God works according to His schedule not ours. Also recognise that anything can be achieved suddenly, for a thousand years is like a day (2 Peter 3: 8"BUT DO NOT FORGET THIS ONE THING , DEAR FRIENDS :WITH THE LORD A DAY IS LIKE A THOUSAND YEARS , & A THOUSAND YEARS ARE LIKE A DAY."
There will be more to follow in coming days .......I pray that someone is strengthened & encouraged as they read these words today . Jesus loves you now & always & He wants you to be aware of His provision for you. My prayer for you is that the Spirit of God will give you "FRESH REVELATION" from the heart of God today. It is yours if you want it !

MARNEY

WHO DEFINES YOU ?WHAT HELPS YOU FEEL SECURE?

In John's Gospel 15:1-4 (Jesus says): '' I AM THE TRUE VINE, & MY FATHER IS THE GARDENER. HE CUTS OFF EVERY BRANCH IN ME THAT BEARS NO FRUIT, WHILE EVERY BRANCH THAT DOES BEAR FRUIT HE PRUNES SO THAT IT WILL BE EVEN MORE FRUITFUL. v.3YOU ARE ALREADY CLEAN BECAUSE OF THE WORD I HAVE SPOKEN TO YOU. REMAIN IN ME, & I WILL REMAIN IN YOU. NO BRANCH CAN BEAR FRUIT BY ITSELF:IT MUST REMAIN IN THE VINE. NEITHER CAN YOU BEAR FRUIT UNLESS YOU REMAIN IN ME...........& then verse 16 says :''YOU DID NOT CHOOSE ME, BUT I CHOSE YOU & APPOINTED YOU TO GO AND BEAR FRUIT THAT WILL REMAIN. THEN THE FATHER WILL GIVE YOU WHATEVER YOU ASK IN MY NAME."
That name being JESUS!!!
Who defines your life and what in your life helps you feel secure ? Good questions that really are helpful to think about. As for me I embrace the sure fact that Jesus loves me , died for me and for all my readers ,you as well !In addition to these wonderful truths the security of the absolute authenticity of the WORD of God is such a "solid-rock"to stand upon in times of global insecurity.
Jesus is saying in the above Scriptures ........"REMAIN IN ME ....REMAIN IN ME", other translations say :"ABIDE IN ME (JESUS)''. That is a 'safe place ' to dwell , live ,position yourself !
Today if you are angry, bitter , anxious, lonely , negative, critical , hurting , envious, ready to quit, imploding , exploding, depressed or just simply bored . Stop ....assess ... understand there is a way through and His name is JESUS!! Whatever the question , whatever the concern , however consumed by sin you may feel ...just know today JESUS says : allow me to define you with my love . Who would not want that sense of emotional , physical , intellectual , spiritual security? I for one am sold on what Jesus says about Himself .....myself .....and a very insecure world. Please allow the love of JESUS define your thinking , your very life today. It just may mean SALVATION has come to you , if you do .Also the Word of God tells me that we then can know the experience of being made 'CLEAN' when Jesus is allowed access into our lives.

Blessings to ALL my readers .

MARNEY

AMBASSADORS OF HOLINESS........WHAT A PRIVILEGE TO BE CALLED TO THAT OPPORTUNITY!

In 2009 the next session of Cadets ( men& women ) training to become Officers(ministers of the Gospel) in The Salvation Army will be welcomed as a session , called ''The Ambassadors of Holiness".....isn't that an amazing , awesome name to be imparted to you, both as a session of people & as individuals.
The truth is in this world today Jesus needs His ambassadors of Holiness right throughout the world . People ...young, old , men , women , boys &girls who actually are Holy , reflections and representatives of The King of Kings & Lord of Lords, Jesus ! And as far as the "Holiness" aspect ..that is also what the Lord is calling for in this world , all sorts of people who are so devoted to God that people see Jesus in their lives . As I listen to people ,their words , actions , behaviour and values I believe we need a ''HOLINESS REVIVAL" globally. For anyone who may misunderstand my comments , I am not suggesting a "self-righteous" attitude or merely a moralistic , legalistic response , rather it is my prayer that we indeed would be in this world , in this country ,people who represent Jesus as His ambassadors and incarnationally inject through our lives , words , actions, motives & thoughts the loving Holiness of the living God. I emphasize " loving " because holiness without love can be harsh, ungracious and pharisaical . Jesus is the best role model for me on that matter , as the Word of God says in John 1:17 "...JESUS FULL OF GRACE & TRUTH...''.
Today can I encourage you to pray about the call to become an' AMBASSADOR OF HOLINESS ' in your home, street, community , workplace , school and beyond. Who knows someone reading this may actually be also called to become an Officer in The Salvation Army and even more than that , to venture into The Salvation Army Training College in 2009 to become a member of The Ambassadors of Holiness session. Don't be quick to dismiss such a calling ... if you long to live for JESUS , you never know what He will do next in your ongoing journey of faith.
Blessings to you today.

MARNEY

FAITH ON MATTERS OF ETERNITY .....NEED TO BE GRASPED WITH GOD'S WORD

I have many people who choose to dispute some things I dare to say , but today I want to bless & encourage all readers to hold fast to the WORD of GOD. Eternity does matter and I am not the authority ( at all) God & His Word is.
As such I want to assure all readers that God the Father , God the Son & The Holy Spirit are all clearly the absolute authorities on all matters to do with ETERNITY!
Jesus clearly gave His life for the whole world , in order that we may all be loved, saved and set free from all that hinders our lives. JOHN 3: 16-17
Hebrews 11:1 says ;''FAITH IS THE EVIDENCE OF BEING SURE OF WHAT WE HOPE FOR & CERTAIN OF WHAT WE DO NOT SEE." Where does your hope lie ? My hope relies in the saving power of JESUS , His love covers a whole world and who would not want to receive that love ......really who would not want the power of that kind of unending love ?
Heaven is where Jesus is forever .........Hell is where Jesus is not ..... I am not making this up .Jesus talked and talked and shared His heart on this critical matter. Please just have the faith of a child & respond to the invitation extended to you from the Heavenly Father ..........come to JESUS .......just come and accept His love, forgiveness & healing in your life... come today!
For references to read in the Bible : MATTHEW 6: 19_24, MATTHEW 7 : 7_ 14 ,JOHN 14(whole chapter),Please at least read REVELATION 21 :22-27........Just believe that Jesus is totally trustworthy.....have faith !
Don't allow your doubts become your destiny .....! I am praying for you all today & in days to come .

MARNEY

KEEP STRONG IN THE LOVE , PRESENCE , POWER & LEADING OF JESUS

A call to keep persevering despite incredible attacks , circumstances , odds & hurts!
Read Jude 1verse 18 " TN THE LAST TIMES THERE WILL BE SCOFFERS WHO WILL FOLLOW THEIR OWN UNGODLY DESIRES."
Verse 20 says : ''BUT YOU DEAR FRIENDS, BUILD YOURSELVES UP IN YOUR MOST HOLY FAITH & PRAY IN THE HOLY SPIRIT. v.21 KEEP YOURSELVES IN GOD'S LOVE AS YOU WAIT FOR THE WONDERFUL MERCY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST TO BRING YOU TO ETERNAL LIFE (IN HIM.)"
v.24 ''TO HIM WHO IS ABLE TO KEEP YOU FROM FALLING & TO PRESENT YOU BEFORE HIS GLORIOUS PRESENCE , WITHOUT FAULT. & WITH GREAT JOY........."Keep reading for yourselves & keep trusting in an Almighty Saviour , His name is : JESUS CHRIST!
Don't allow yourself to become a "casuality" in what the Lord Jesus has in store for you .......abundant life & living !
Blessings to my readers today.

MARNEY

DO YOUSELF A FAVOUR ....ENCOURAGE SOMEONE TODAY!

Wouldn't it be wonderful if just for one day all of us just sat and looked through other people's eyes at how "life" is for them ......and then perhaps with more grace , mercy , wisdom and love encourage those people to keep on believing , keep on forgiving , keep on loving , keep on trusting ...keep on staying committed to Jesus ,a marriage partner , a church, a covenant!
Just imagine what a tidal wave effect we would have ....if we simply encouraged each other with the love , freshness , grace , peace and presence of JESUS day after day after day. What a difference it might make if instead of judging we simply took time to listen , and hear the cry &anguish of people's hearts.
Today , whilst it is today do yourself a favour ..........ENCOURAGE someone, anyone ......just please DO IT .
MATTHEW 7;1-4
PHILIPPIANS4: 8 ''FINALLY ,WHATEVER IS TRUE, WHATEVER IS NOBLE, WHATEVER IS RIGHT, WHATEVER IS PURE , WHATEVER IS LOVELY, WHATEVER IS ADMIRABLE, IF ANYTHING IS EXCELLENT OR PRAISEWORTHY.....THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS."

Someone is praying for you today .

MARNEY

ETERNITY....WILL ALWAYS MATTER IN EVERYONE'S LIFE

Whenever I dare to mention the topic of Heaven & Hell there always seems to be an interesting response.
I am often reading comments that challenge (Jesus' Words actually) on this particular topic.
So again today I would like my readers to know that the Word of God stands alone on this topic.....let me state clearly what the Bible says about spending ETERNITY with Jesus in Heaven or without Him !
1 JOHN 5:11-12''AND THIS IS THE TESTIMONY; GOD HAS GIVEN US ETERNAL LIFE, & THIS LIFE IS IN HIS SON(JESUS). V12 HE WHO HAS THE SON HAS LIFE;HE WHO DOES NOT HAVE THE SON .....DOES NOT HAVE LIFE....." Now my friends if there is a deliberate , intentional ,willfull ,rejection of the love of Jesus and of the offer of His Salvation,let there be no misunderstanding. God respects our free will choices and as such we then experience the consequences of our choices.
Today let me say again that there can be SALVATION through Jesus Christ , He loves you & gave His life that we all may be forgiven......the Eternal consequence of that choice is Heaven with God the Father, God the Son & The Holy Spirit forever.


If after hearing the Gospel of Jesus Christ we continually reject the offer of His love then the Bible states clearly that there is a place called Hell and it is not God's desire that we go there , rather it is God respecting our choice.
I am not the judge of you & you are not the judge of me ,we will all stand before a JUST & MERCIFUL GOD one day and we will all ultimately receive that which we have chosen.
Tradition does not save us (Matthew 15:1-19), Philosophy will not save
us , money will not save us, self-justification does not save us.......only the precious blood of Jesus will cleanse us and His Resurrection life and power will keep us in His perfect love and will..
Dear readers ....independence kills, compromise chills, only obedient loving faith & hoiliness fulfills God's amazing purposes in our lives today & throughout all ETERNITY!
May all readers today know the loving , saving presence , life & grace of Jesus Christ in their lives today, this is my prayer for you all.
Don't try and avoid what Jesus lovingly calls you to ........just say 'YES, LORD ' and He will do the rest .

MARNEY

WHEN LOVE TAKES YOU IN EVERYTHING CHANGES

When I visited the Northern Territory in recent days I was reminded of how precious is the relationships we share with others who love us simply for no other reason than that pure acceptance and ongoing love .
I used to go to school at a place called YUENDUMU (4-5hours ) north , west from Alice Springs and it was at this place I learned what acceptance really felt like. I was the only white child in a school of 250 Aboriginal children and these beautiful people really displayed to me the power of the love of JESUS. You see they had simply been accepting of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and as such openly displayed what Jesus taught : Love one another as I have loved you! In recent days I met some of my school friends ( now much more mature ) , but with the same childlike grace , love , acceptance and non-judgmental responses.
That experience made me cry ......reflect and cry some more ! Why? Because generally it is extremely rare to see , feel and receive such a loving acceptance in our culture today. I want to be part of the answer to this world's hardness , not part of the ongoing hurt, pain and problems.
I want to say to my readers today ......just look at people the way Jesus would....love the way Jesus would love ... forgive the way Jesus forgives you and most of all as Jesus said in MATTHEW 7:1-4 ''DO NOT JUDGE ,OR YOU TOO WILL BE JUDGED . FOR IN THE SAME WAY YOU JUDGE OTHERS, YOU WILL BE JUDGED & WITH THE MEASURE YOU USE, IT WILL BE MEASURED TO YOU.........."
Grace & Peace & most of all JESUS'LOVE to all my readers today !

MARNEY

ISN'T IT COMFORTING TO KNOW THAT WE ARE ALL WORKS IN PROGRESS

Spiritually speaking isn't it encouraging to know that we are all in GOD'S REHABILITATION care group.
When it comes to matters of ETERNITY we all are in need of the daily saving grace of JESUS.
John Newton said two powerful statements : 1. I am a great sinner .
2. I have an even greater SAVIOUR, His name is JESUS!
Today as you contemplate your challenges and circumstances of life , be encouraged that God loves you with an unending love , that wants to see you "safe" and "growing in grace & truth".
I am constantly amazed at the ongoing opportunities that are afforded to me through life's circumstances and the people I meet day dy day. All of us are really works in progress who are lovingly encouraged to "grow up" in our spiritual , emotional, and intellectual development. We all of course have a choice as to whether or not we decide to respond to that invitation in the positive or the negative. That is completely our choice!
Can I suggest that today you choose to mature to the next level in your development......I know for some this is completely out of our comfort zone and then there is the issue of leaving that which is tried and true........,familiar, safe !But can I say that the Lord is always looking for people who say "yes'' I want to go to the next level , I want to advance to another learning curve in the economy of God's training ground.
How do you see yourself today ? The more I interact with people and see myself the more I know I need to learn!
At least I am really prepared to allow THe Holy Spirit access into my life to do that which He sees in me ..... and of course He doesn't only see the problems He also sees the potential, as He does in your life.
Be encouraged......this is not the end of your story or mine , if you are alive and reading this that means God is still lovingly calling you to Himself and really wooing you to realise it is time to advance to His next level in your journey of life & faith.
If all we do is stagnate we are in danger of polluting others ......don't sell out to that experience in your life. COME, says JESUS : GROW UP
SHOW UP & GIVE UP YOUR SMALL VISION , let me show you my plan for your life . I think you will find that His plan is something far better than you could possibly imagine.
I am and ever will be a work in progress , but I trust the Saviour who is shaping me day by day , why not consider doing the same .

If you have a Bible perhaps you would like to read JEREMIAH 18............thought provoking!

Blessings to you each today.

MARNEY

WHO AND WHAT ARE THE VALUES THAT YOU BUILD YOUR LIFE UPON?

Jesus valued a lost world... He valued our lostness so much that He gave His life that we might be saved.That means He perfectly honoured the Father's will and as such valued His WORDS and His will for you and I.
If you value your ethical standards in a immoral society , that is what you will choose to behave like.
If you value an ETERNAL relationship with God , through Jesus Christ then you will choose to give your life to Jesus and invite Him to be your Lord & Saviour .....today. And not only TRUST HIM but OBEY His claims upon your life.
We all invest into that which we value : we all fall the way we lean! Look at your bank balance , where you spend your time, who you spend your time with, think about what you view and with what motive you review all that comes into your sphere of influence.In recent days I have been contemplating about ETERNITY and there have been some interesting comments in feed back!
One comment was regarding the reality of HEAVEN & HELL . Let me say to my readers today both are a reality......JESUS said it and He died that we might be able to spend ETERNITY with Himself in Heaven for all Eternity.
However, if we continually choose to reject His offering of life, love & forgiveness through His shed blood on the cross , His resurrection and ongoing presence of His promised Holy Spirit......then we choose to be where Jesus is not present and that dear loved ones is a place called hell.
Jesus actually speaks often about both, and that is my only authority to even dare to discuss such a matter of Eternal consequence. You see I value your Eternity so much that I choose to give my every waking moment to promote the love of Jesus to everyone and anyone who is seriously seeking an answer for their life .
If today you are seeking some peace, forgiveness, answers, hope , love, joy , restoration, healing, reconciliation then can I lovingly suggest that you choose to value a relationship with Jesus Christ.
He loves you and longs to hold you close to His heart .......there is a warning from Jesus if you continually reject His offer of free Salvation and that can be found in MATTHEW 11: 20-24.
But then comes what Jesus really values about your life : verse 28 "COME TO ME ALL...ALL..ALL YOU WHO ARE WEARY AND BURDENED AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST." Who in their right mind would not want to value a SAVIOUR such as this.......JESUS values you , why not respond back to Him .
MARNEY
Further Bible references : MATTHEW 7:13-23, MATTHEW 6:19-24,JOHN3:16-21 Value these words ...they are TRUTH!!!!!

ETERNITY MATTERS WHERE WILL YOU BE FOR ALL ETERNITY?

Whenever the word "ETERNITY " is mentioned most people become obviously thoughtful ! I understand that because ETERNITY is forever and it is worth serious contemplation for ones own life and the lives of any one that has ever lived .The word of God says : ''FROM ETERNITY TO ETERNITY I AM GOD. NO ONE CAN OPPOSE WHAT I DO"(Isaiah 43:13), "HE (God) HAS PUT ETRNITY IN ALL THEIR (our) HEARTS."(Ecclesiastes 3:11)
I do not know what these words say to readers , I do know that in me this brings a sense of my own mortality and also a desire to call out to God for His saving grace , provided through the life , death & resurrection of JESUS .Eternity really does matter and as such no race , tribe or gender can resist or delay all that this means in your life & mine!
An unknown preacher in Sydney , Australia once preached a sermon in 1930 , one line of his sermon would not leave the heart and mind of one of the congregation on that day . The line was :''I WISH I COULD SHOUT ETERNITY THROUGH ALL THE STREETS OF SYDNEY".
Arthur stace was the recipient that ran with that preacher's passionate cry and for the rest of his life that is exactly what this faithful servant of Jesus did , everywhere he went he wrote the word" ETERNITY'', on sidewalks , actually anywhere that was possible he silently caused people (you & I ) perhaps to consider where we would spend our Eternity.Historically it is recorded that Arthur would rise at 5.00am and pray for an hour then proceed with this 'one word mission'.Arthur died in 1967 and was applauded for his silent , but effective witness for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.Jesus saved Arthur from a life of alcoholism and criminal activities and he spent the rest of his life in great devotion to an even greater Saviour with just one word : "ETERNITY". Actually your eternity does matter and Jesus died & rose again that you may spend it all with Him .
That is worth taking extremely seriously today !
Let me leave with you the WORD of God , it speaks far more eloquently than I ever could : "FOR IF YOU CONFESS WITH YOUR MOUTH THAT JESUS IS LORD AND BELIEVE IN YOUR HEART THAT GOD RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD , YOU WILL BE SAVED......FOR IT IS BY BELIEVING IN YOUR HEART THAT YOU ARE MADE RIGHT WITH GOD, AND IT IS BY CONFESSING WITH YOUR MOUTH THAT YOU ARE SAVED.''(Romans 10 : 9-10)
Jesus loves you , don't delay or allow yourself to become distracted with temporal issues, life on earth is so short and ETERNITY is forever , accept Jesus today , I implore you .
One cross + three nails = FORGIVEN!
ETERNITY ...............really does matter . I continue to pray for all readers .

MARNEY

PRAYER THAT MOVES THE MOUNTAINS YOU HAVE IN YOUR JOURNEY

Do you have any mountains today ? Mountains of grief , depression, hurt , pain,challenge in general can prevent you from seeing all that JESUS can do to support you through those challenges.
I have had and continue to have many daily potential challenges in ministry , in my personal life , in so many areas of my journey and yet I simply have realised that God really is able , more than able to address every single one of these potential mountains . In physical stature I am quite small & there are moments when I feel as if I am facing ''Goliath's" , in all kinds of different ways ..........BUT I know and believe just as that little shepherd boy called David was able to defeat the enemy of God's people , so I dare to believe in the same mighty living God for my mountains of challenge . Today I want to encourage you with a WORD of "support", from the Scriptures :Ephesians 3 :20-21 "NOW TO HIM WHO IS ABLE TO DO IMMEASURABLY MORE THAN ALL WE ASK OR IMAGINE, ACCORDING TO POWER THAT IS AT WORK WITHIN US, TO HIM BE GLORY IN THE CHURCH AND IN CHRIST JESUS THROUGHOUT ALL GENERATIONS FOR EVER AND EVER !"
You see Goliath in many soldier's views was too big to hit , David looked and said :''too big to miss !"
Prayer is the difference , faithful praying with all that is within you to the living God will ALWAYS bring results , yes always .......because Jesus said so & He is not a liar !
In Matthew chapter 6 Jesus says repeatedly : 'WHEN YOU PRAY' .....not if , (He also said ) , : 'WHEN YOU FAST'......not if , (He also said ) 'WHEN YOU GIVE '.....not if !Just know that the power of Jesus and the living God is at work when we are on our knees in humility before Him.
God longs for you to cease being anxious about "whatever'', and start believing as you really pray to THE GREAT ......I AM .
If you looking at a insurmountable mountain ....identify it and let God deal with it , He is actually more prepared for the process and will be faithful to all that He promises in regard to your mountain today !


I am praying for you all and ask that JESUS will bring you His peace today.
MARNEY

CYNACISM :IS INFERTILE SOIL FOR GOD'S WORKING IN OUR LIVES

I once heard a really great definition of cynacism : ''idealism turned sour". As I move forward in my spiritual journey and minister to people I hear alot of comments that reflect the sad state of cynacism present. And I often wonder what has happened in people's lives to bring them to this place of doubting others , perhaps even doubting the presence of Jesus and His power to effectively work in life's circumstances .
But the Word of God is such an encouragement to me & I pray you today : EPHESIANS 3:20-21"NOW TO HIM WHO IS ABLE TO DO IMMEASURABLY MORE THAN ALL WE ASK OR IMAGINE ,ACCORDING TO HIS POWER WORKING WITHIN US, TO HIM BE GLORY IN THE CHURCH & IN CHRIST JESUS THROUGHOUT ALL GENERATIONS , FOR EVER AND EVER AND EVER, AMEN."
The frequently experienced limitations in our lives are usually due to emotions , choices we make ,allow to lodge in our minds & spirits like disillusionment,resignation, despair, disconnection etc,etc,
Keep facing life's challenges & great disappointments with the love , presence & joy that only JESUS can give . Cynacism will ultimately destroy any "faith-filled atmosphere " with sabotage and this will effect others , but in the main "imprison" yourself.
What soil are you cultivating in your life ? How has that influenced others around you ?
What about precious children who look up to you , what about friends who surround you , what about your husband or wife ,who live with you day after day and are under the influence of choices that we are making (with regard to cynacism)?
Today is a good day to let all of these negative reactions go and please (at least for your own sake ),choose to RESPOND rather than REACT!
I am praying for all my readers today that we will indeed let JESUS' life be lived out in our own lives .
READING FOR TODAY : GALATIANS 5 :16-26 ENJOY IT & LIVE IN THE JOY OF THE LORD WITH HIS PEACE.

MARNEY

THE ARMOUR OF GOD IS FREELY AVAILABLE ; TO PROTECT YOUR MIND BODY,SOUL & SPIRIT

EPHESIANS 6; 10-18
In this world today , there seems to be a lack of transparent TRUTH telling ! Half truths can be especially damaging to so many people , families , churches, individuals. Today just imagine if everyone , everywhere spoke in love always TRUTH !Jesus is calling those of us who profess to belong to Him to be people who live , speak, in a way that is transparently , honestly openly full of God's GRACE & TRUTH !
Here is a line for readers to think about ;''If what you really believe (that is your core value beliefs ) is not the Truth that God lines out clearly in the Gospels then what you live can become a Lie!!!!!!!!!!
Actually there is never more a time for the people who profess to be Disciples of Jesus Christ to be agents of Loving Truth , than NOW!
PROVERBS 18:21 says " THE POWER OF LIFE AND DEATH ARE IN THE TONGUE" , what we speak must match that which we live , value , choose ! Ephesians 4:25"THEREFORE, PUT AWAY LYING , LET EACH OF US SPEAK THE TRUTH , FOR WE ARE ALL MEMBERS OF ONE BODY."
In suggesting that we put on the belt of truth , this has to be doubly so in our minds & hearts before any outward profession takes place .
Speak the truth , with the love & grace of Jesus always , now !!!!!
If you ever have been living a lie , you will know that it is tormenting , and a trauma to not only yourself , but those around you (family, friends, colleagues).
Today live the truth in JESUS : who is the author of TRUTH .....JESUS full of GRACE & TRUTH!

To ponder : SOW A THOUGHT ...REAP AN ACTION ...SOW AN ACTION .... REAP A HABIT....SOW A HABIT ,REAP A CHARACTER....SOW A CHARACTER ....REAP A DESTINY!
What is your destiny today ? Let JESUS lead you to His preferred destiny for your life , & you will be BLESSED!

MARNEY

POWERFUL PRAYER IS THE WORK THAT PREPARES OUR HEARTS FOR GOD'S STRATEGY

I am still at Brengle , which is a Holiness Conference and really I am being filled up with so many wonderfully extravagant spiritual power packs from God.
I have always believed in the power of PRAYER , but again this has been confirmed to me in the deep place of sitting wih Jesus.
You see with all that we are called to do , be in every way , it all rises and falls on allowing the Spirit of God to enable us through our pursuit and hungering after His presence . Good ideas change to God's ideas , me asking Jesus to bless my plans becomes Jesus giving me His plans,my strength which runs out, is superseded by the power & presence of His Holy Spirit at work in me & in the world Jesus died for.
There is so much that could be achieved if we all would simply, honestly , faithfully ,desperately ,
PRAY.......PRAY.....PRAY.....PRAY!
How is your prayer life today dear friends? Please take time to listen to Jesus, listen to God speaking to you through His Word , and most of all let us all get off our lofty opinions about everything & listen to what the Lord thinks ...........then just maybe we shall see REVIVAL .
Please don't just pontificate, or vegetate let us all stimulate ourselves into the place of prayer that brings revival and renewal into our own lives & others will catch the flame of God's heart , mind & will for His people.

Read today MATTHEW 6 ...Jesus says :"WHEN YOU PRAY ...." not if !
"WHEN YOU FAST....."not if ! "WHEN YOU GIVE....."not if !

I have to be a person that prays , to make it worthy for Jesus today, how about you?

MARNEY

OPEN THE EYES OF MY HEART LORD , I WANT TO ALWAYS SEE, HEAR , FEEL YOU

I am currently at a conference which is called "THE BRENGLE INSTITUTE", this is such an awesome privilege for me to be in a place with others who are hungry for God the Father, Jesus our Saviour & the presence of The Holy Spirit.
The topic we are praying about, talking about , reading about is HOLINESS , in a world that is trying to avoid absolutes ,make no mistake this is absolutely an experince that you don't want to avoid or run away from. It is God's desire , indeed command to be HOLY as He is HOLY , in all that we do , be and are. And isn't it amazing that the Lord provides for us the cleansing blood of Jesus & the power of The Holy Spirit , that we may actually be obedient to the call of God in our lives..........choosing to be Holy ! We were asked as a group ,who in our lives had we encountered that actually made Holiness not only believable but a reality ? Good question ! Who in your life is revealing the Glory , love and Holiness of God , (past and present)?If you do not have such people within your reach , start looking, praying that the Lord will open the eyes of your heart that you may see the reflection of Jesus, His Holy life & presence in others . Better still why not go to a Christ -centred church that is the real deal and seek out GODLY, people who will always point you to Jesus and pray with you for His love to overwhelm you with His forgiveness , peace & joy.
Two things I know today : I am a great sinner , but I have a greater Saviour & His name is JESUS. His blood cleanses me and by His grace I can be Holy as we are all invited , commanded to be .

Blessings to you today , I am praying for all readers and that includes you.
By the way the next session of people to train for the ministry within The Salvation Army will be called AMBASSADORS OF HOLINESS, wow what a name , maybe God is asking you to join this session of people who will reflect the Holiness of God.

MARNEY

FORGIVENESS ......WHAT A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE

Repentance & forgiveness (both receiving & granting) are the things that maintain a clean heart. "Be kind & compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."(EPHESIANS 4:32). Notice that this is a command ,it isn't optional . Neither does it depend on anything else in our circumstances such as our emotions or how great we feel an offence is. There is no waiting for the right time , the time is always NOW for repentance and forgiveness ,always NOW , because we are only assured of this moment!Sin and unforgiveness are both an inheritance and a choice . Romans 3:23 says :''FOR ALL HAVE SINNED & FALLEN SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD." But once we have heard the reality that Jesus died to save us all from our sin , we then have a choice to receive this wonderful cleansing of the Blood of JESUS in our lives.
Once we choose to accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour , we are then in that wonderful place of being washed CLEAN and how awesome is that experience , just to be forgiven , to be washed clean, to be restored and made acceptable to God. Who would not want to have that incredible gift from God ? When people reject this offer of SALVATION , like I did for too many years , I really think that people do not understand both the urgency and the consequences that will reverberate throughout all ETERNITY.
Forgiveness is a choice, it is a crisis of the will . We can choose to be forgiven or not , we subsequently then can choose to forgive others or not, either way there are very definate repercusssions of our choices.
Can I urge my readers today to choose to FORGIVE & BE FORGIVEN , you will be set free and so will those in your life who have hurt you. FREEDOM of body , soul & spirit , that is why JESUS came to this earth to set you , & you & you & you FREE.
Let me leave you with some great SCRIPTURES :PSALM 103:12 "As far as the east from the west , so far has He removed our transgressions from us."
MATTHEW 6:14-15 "For if you forgive men when they sin against you , your heavenly Father will also forgive you . But if you do not not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."
As for me , I cannot afford the luxury of excess baggage when it comes to carrying grudges ! I never want to be guilty of laying down the cross of Jesus and picking up a grudge, not now ,not ever.
To all my readers today may you know the FREEDOM that comes from the nail-pierced hands lovingly calling you HOME.

MARNEY

YOUR REPUTATION IS BUILT UPON WHO YOU REALLY ARE WHEN NO-ONE IS LOOKING !

If you want to be a person of "good reputation", it will not occur in public unless you are actually being that person in private .
If you want to be known as a person of "Godly reputation", this can only become a reality when you are actually that Godly person of Holiness when no-one else is watching. Our reputation is obviously constructed from our track record , not our intentions. As I meet many people at every level of society ,there are many who know the right principles, talk the correct language, and even make the "common sense" plans. Unfortunately, it takes more than mere "talk"to build a dynamic church, it takes more than rhetoric to in truth be an authentic Disciple of Jesus Christ, and it even takes more than well known strategies to "make whatever happen". You see it is not about us making ourselves look good , or making our own plans and asking God to bless them . Rather it is about actually being the person Jesus requires us to be and acting when He says so , not before & certainly not after. This determines whether or not we have a "Good Reputation" in God's eyes.
In 1909 on April 14 William Booth (one of the co-founders of The Salvation Army) was interviewed by a reporter from the STANDARD newspaper , the interview went something like this : Reporter; "What is the Army's future?"
General Booth ; "That depends upon the Army. If she is energetic, faithful and steadfast, she will go branching out , this way & that way , going from strength to strength. If she is slothful and slackens her ZEAL, she will PERISH-yes , I hope she will perish and be swept away , for dead things should not encumber the ground, but rather should make place for the living." WOW , what an incredible quote from one of the co-founders of The Salvation Army . That is why today I pray & indeed every day pray that the Holy Spirit will keep God's Army just that , HIS Army used for HIS purposes , living off HIS reputation, being who HE has called us to be .
A movement cleansed with the blood of Jesus & full of The Holy Spirit , with one motivation : To bring glory to God . Want a good reputation ? Live for Jesus . be like Jesus, love Jesus more than your own life. He will then take care of your reputation.
The Word for today : PSALM 33:5 ''THE LORD LOVES RIGHTEOUSNESS AND JUSTICE; THE EARTH IS FULL OF HIS UNFAILING LOVE."

Blessings to readers today.

MARNEY

THE GIFTS & CALLING OF GOD ARE IRREVOCABLE

Romans 11:29 ''FOR GOD'S GIFTS & HIS CALLING ARE IRREVOCABLE."
Wow what a Scriptural reference , yet still how incredible it is that the Lord still gives us all a choice in activating His giftings in our lives & actioning His calling & claims upon our lives. That very sound foundational truth honestly really amazes me , constantly. God respects our free will in every area of our lives ,to the point that He will actually not force us to remain in the safety net of His love , life & desires for our individual journeys of faith. He gives each one of us every day a choice .There is great power in having a choice ,there is also incredible consequences and outcomes when we make the choices we do. And there is always a ripple effect that stretches beyond our own lives into others .
Today I choose to live "full",die empty!
Today I choose to live for JESUS, not myself!
Today I choose to be captured & captivated by Holy optimism & faith , not bitterness or cynacism.
Today I choose to love & forgive , not indulge my own woundedness!
Today I choose life not death !
Today I choose Holy living , not carnal action or thinking!
Today I choose to be led by God's Holy Spirit , not leaning unto my own understanding.
Today I choose to pray , read the Word of God and obey the Saviour that died for me!
Today I choose to be known as a 'love -slave' of Jesus not being a self-serving individual.
Blessings to all my readers today, may you choose what is God's will in your life not what may seem to be a 'good idea'.
I will leave you with Jesus' Words from Matthew 6:24"NO-ONE CAN SERVE TWO MASTERS , FOR EITHER HE WILL HATE THE ONE& LOVE THE OTHER, OR ELSE HE WILL BE LOYAL TO THE ONE & DESPISE THE OTHER . YOU CANNOT SERVE GOD & MONEY."
In fact you cannot serve God with all your heart & totally serve any one or any thing else , that is
for certain!
Use what gifts you have for Jesus' glory , do what He has called you to do ,again for His glory!
MARNEY

GREAT ONE LINERS TO PONDER !

1. If the world can be unreasonably evil , why can't the people of God be unreasonably HOLY?
2.Don't ever settle for "pigeon religion", choose radical Discipleship!
3.Read Matthew chapter 6
4. Jesus said : ''When you give x 2" ....not if .
5. Jesus said: '' When you pray ....x3".....not if.
6. Jesus said :" When you fast.....x2"......not if .
7. Jesus said : '' Do not worry .......x3 at least in this chapter .
8. Holy fire heats up & eats up sin.
9. Set yourself on FIRE & others will come & watch you burn.
10.What you authorise in your life you become responsible for , what God authorises in you , He makes it happen.
11.Growth is chaotic, Change is inevitable , Obedience is a CHOICE!
12. Read Leviticus 14:45 "BE HOLY.''
13. Read Leviticus 20:26 "BE HOLY."
14. Read Hebrews 12:14 "BE HOLY."
15. Read 1Peter 1:15 "BE HOLY."
16. I am happy being Holy .
17. It is great to live straight.
18. Gifting can take you where your character may not be able to keep you.
19. What do our finances reveal about our values?
20.The mercy seat is a place where God invites us to be BROKEN & REMADE IN HIS IMAGE!
21. Don't settle for sitting on the premises when Jesus has asked you to stand on His promises.
22. Jesus was full of GRACE & TRUTH ....what a wonderful blend.

Blessings to all readers today ......Jesus loves you with His unquenchable love !

MARNEY

THE RIGHT PEOPLE IN GOD'S APPOINTED PLACE=MULTIPLICATION

When I talk about the right people I am referring to everyone who is ready to be available to be used for the glory of GOD!
A well known writer and speaker on the subject of "leadership" said the following : '' The wrong person in the wrong place= regression. The wrong person in the right place = frustration. The right person in the wrong place =confusion. The right person in the right place = progression, but the many right people in the right places = multiplication. Thank-you to John Q . Maxwell for those thought provoking words , read them again !
When it comes to folding into God's perfect will for your life , you will always have a great outcome ,simply because you begin to live out in your journey of life and faith the very reason why you were born . Psalm 139 is a wonderful assurance of God's ordaination of your life , you my friends were not an accident , or merely a scientific outcome . Listen to how God views you : Psalm 139:15 ''My frame was not hidden from YOU, when I was made in secret, skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. v16. Your eyes saw my substance , being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them ."
And because God knew you before your day of birth , He knows how precious you are to His heart & He loves you , even when sometimes there are moments in our lives when we do not sense His love .
Please just allow the gentle rythms of God's grace roll over you today and enjoy being one of the many who know the blessing of the RIGHT PEOPLE DWELLING IN THE GOD-APPOINTED PLACES ! When you humbly respond in obedience to God's perfect will there will be not only progression , but also multiplication in the economy of God .
Here are some verses to enjoy walking in :
1. Ephesians 5:18 ''BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT.."
2. Galatians 5:16 "...WALK IN THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT..."
3.Romans 8:5-6 "FOR THOSE WHO LIVE ACCORDING TO THE FLESH SET THEIR MINDS ON THE THINGS OF THE FLESH, BUT THOSE WHO LIVE ACCORDING TO THE SPIRIT,SET THEIR MINDS ON THE HOLY SPIRIT."v6"FOR TO BE CARNALLY MINDED IS DEATH , BUT TO BE SPIRITUALLY MINDED IS LIFE & PEACE."
4. Philippians 2:13-14 ''IT IS GOD WHO WORKS IN YOU BOTH TO WILL & DO FOR HIS GOOD PLEASURE . v.14''DO ALL THINGS WITHOUT COMPLAINING & ARGUING."
Today be the person who says "yes", I want to be the right person in the right place , then you will cease being frustrated, confused, & continually regressing !

May Jesus bless you today!

MARNEY

A TIMELY REMINDER FOR ME TODAY !

These words from the co-founder of The Salvation Army (William Booth) really speak volumes and bring a resounding : ''Yes & Amen" from my heart today !
Quote: '' I consider that the chief dangers which confront the coming century will be religion without The Holy Ghost, Christianity without Christ, forgiveness without repentance, salvation without regeneration, politics without God , and heaven without hell."
Maybe these potent , powerful , persuasive words speak to you as they do me ? Prophetically true for now : 'yes', Biblically secure for any generation :' absolutely'.Arguably intelligently spiritual for every denominational representative: emphatically right!
Jesus help us all to consider what the Holy Spirit is saying to the churches in this generation , is my prayer today .

Grace to you each .

MARNEY

THE URGENCY OF THE GOSPEL

I have never felt comfortable with the thought that I have done my part in the Body of Christ, I know and am continually stirred by God's Holy Spirit that there is still much to be done and achieved for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. So many people going into a Christless Eternity , calls me to keep loving, preaching , witnessing and serving for Jesus' sake .
Holy Passion for the Gospel Of JESUS CHRIST is urgent; General John Gowans( Retired) made some powerful statements from his 'RESTORING THE PASSION' tape series that he made some years ago. Here are some of these gems:
1. IF WE REALLY BELIEVE THAT 'EVERYONE WHO WILLS MAY BE SAVED' EVERYTHING WE DO WILL BE IMMERSED IN MISSION.
2. WHEN WE BEGIN TO 'TAKE CARE OF THE CORPS' RATHER THAN THE LOST THE LIGHT GOES OUT.
3.PASSION IS STILL THE HALLMARK OF A REAL SALVATIONIST.
4. SOUL-WINNING HAS ALWAYS BEEN AN EXPENSIVE BUSINESS.
5.THE PROOF OF HOLY PASSION SEEMS TO BE SACRIFICE!
6. WE EACH HAVE A GOD-GIVEN RESPONSIBILITY TO THIS GOSPEL.
It is true that I have a clear responsibility to those who do not yet know about Jesus. Jesus last command in MATTHEW 28 must be my first priority!
Please listen to the Scriptures contained in ROMANS 10;14-15 ''HOW ,THEN , CAN THEY CALL ON THE ONE THEY HAVE NOT BELIEVED IN ?AND HOW CAN THEY BELIEVE IN THE ONE OF WHOM THEY HAVE NOT HEARD? AND HOW CAN THEY HEAR WITHOUT SOMEONE PREACHING TO THEM?v15AND HOW CAN THEY PREACH UNLESS THEY ARE SENT?AS IT IS WRITTEN, HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS!"
Today if you are reading this please understand that to maintain a "comfortable involvement"in the cause of Jesus Christ then it is time to accelerate your understanding of the urgency of this Gospel.
Jesus is coming back and that will be a great day for some and a tragic day for others , so today make JESUS LAST COMMAND YOUR FIRST PRIORITY:If you need a reminder where it is written , these verses can be found in MATTHEW 28:16-20.
This really is an EMERGENCY , think of your family & friends who do not yet know the loving SALVATION of JESUS CHRIST.........pray for them and please tell them that they need to accept JESUS as LORD & SAVIOUR!
Praying constantly for a JESUS REVIVAL!

MARNEY

HE MUST INCREASE , I MUST DECREASE...HE MUST BECOME GREATER & GREATER

John the Baptist who so powerfully prepared the way for Jesus , had it really right when he said these words in JOHN 3:30-31:"HE (JESUS)MUST INCREASE , BUT I MUST DECREASE.v.31HE WHO COMES FROM ABOVE IS ABOVE ALL , HE WHO IS OF THE EARTH IS EARTHLY & SPEAKS OF THE EARTH . HE WHO COMES FROM HEAVEN IS ABOVE ALL."
This is the cry of my heart on a daily basis , that JESUS life be increased in me & I with all my thoughts & opinions must decrease! It is very true that God is a respector of His WORD , HIS PRINCIPLES , not necessarily ours! The non-negotiables are :a. PURITY (of body , mind & spirit).
b. The principle of FAITH.(Hebrews 11:1) Living by faith, acting in obedience to the faith leaps that the Lord places before us.
c. The principle of honouring God and His value system above every other value system .
d. The principle of Discipleship as clearly seen in the Gospels , pick whichever text you prefer , (MARK 8:34-38,LUKE 9:57-62.....a very powerful group of verses!!!)
e. The principle of PRAYER & being in The WORD on a daily basis,non-negotiable!

Like John I pray for my readers today that you choose to pray that JESUS MUST INCREASE IN YOUR LIFE , & YOU(and I ) MUST DECREASE.
May God give you the courage, faith & conviction to do so . Blessings to you today!

MARNEY
There are more Godly principles to come........... GRACE TO YOU!

THE POWER OF PRAYER ....NEVER UNDERESTIMATE WHAT CAN BE ACHIEVED THROUGH THE POWER OF A RIGHTEOUS HEART TRAVAILING BEFORE AN ALMIGHTY GOD

As a little girl , I can remember being taken to Sunday School (methodist) and seeing & hearing people cry out to God for the Salvation of Jesus Christ in these other people's lives. Such fervency, such irrepressible yearnings impressed me , there was no well "take it or leave it", it was you need to accept Jesus Christ as Lord & Saviour NOW!!!!NOW!!!!NOW . My mum JOYCE KLEIN always wore Jesus on her sleeve & I can remember her praying with many tears for the salvation of my Dad (NOEL KLEIN), which we all saw with great joy , but it took 40 years for my father to come to Christ , fortunately the Lord Jesus graciously allowed him to live long enough to actually accept Jesus & enjoy the life that was free from sin , condemnation and ongoing accusation.
George Mueller ( a great prayer warrior) once wrote that he prayed for a friend 63 years & 8 months.... he went onto say that: ''He is not saved yet but he will be . How can it be otherwise?....I am praying". The day came when Mueller's friend received JESUS as Lord & Saviour, this occured on the day Mueller's casket was lowered into the ground. There, near an open grave , this friend gave his heart to JESUS !
I attended a Salvation Army meeting on Sunday & with great passion a prayer was prayed & it went something like this :''Oh Holy Spirit purge us as your people from any & every sin that is in our midst........". My heart was moved to tears & I can only say for that Corps there will be a purging and whatevcr that means ,is really up to God. Dare we all pray that kind of prayer , absolute , reckless , repentance for sin , self-righteousness & all that would hinder the power of God's Holy Spirit working in our midst.
POTENT,PURE-HEARTED,PERSISTENT PRAYER FOR REVIVAL , what does the enemy of our soul do with that kind of non-negotiable prayer ? Absolutely nothing , why, because the BLOOD of Jesus covers us , The Cross is over us , & we are praying in GOD'S perfect will , for it is HIS will that none should perish. Read 2 PETER 3:9 ''THE LORD IS NOT SLOW IN KEEPING HIS PROMISE , AS SOME UNDERSTAND SLOWNESS , HE IS PATIENT WITH YOU , NOT WANTING ANYONE .....ANYONE TO PERISH, BUT EVERYONE TO COME TO REPENTANCE."
So today my dear readers know that I am praying for you , praying that you will either accept Jesus as Lord & Saviour or that you will be obedient to Jesus voice speaking to you & come to the next level in your spiritual journey, for some of you that may mean OFFICERSHIP!
Just do it for JESUS' sake !


MARNEY

YOU NEVER KNOW YOU'RE ALIVE UNTIL YOU KNOW WHAT YOU WOULD DIE FOR

BRENT HIGGINS ,
Allow me to introduce this young man to you! When Brent was 14 ,he went on his first overseas mission trip. He spent his summer in Peru with a misssion oragnisation, at this stage of his life he brought many to Christ. He returned at the age of 15 yrs old again & was mightily used for the sake of the GOSPEL.
On returning back home , he was diagnosed with BUBONIC PLAGUE whilst being on the mission field. He often spoke & wrote of the need for Christians to be willing to suffer for the cause of Christ, & to be willing to lay down our lives for JESUS. Brent fought a valiant six week battle in the hospital, where mecical staff used heroic measures to attempt to save his body. On September 26th 2005, he passed into ETERNITY, just 5 days prior to his 16th birthday. In his life & death, BJ pointed people, everyone he could to the saving power of JESUS. His desire was to make JESUS known to all nations, and in his short life he has had an amazing impact upon a broken world. As you read his story , I was brought to tears , so many times , why ?CYNACISM ....not there! BITTERNESS ....not there! COMMITTMENT .....absolutely!.IMPACT at such a young age ......without doubt!...Ongoing glory to JESUS ......you had better believe it !
WOULD HE DO IT AGAIN ..........without hesitation!
Kind of puts things into perspective doesn't it ! So unless you are prepared to actually die for the cause of Christ , (myself included) , really we are just playing religious or not so religious games with alot of HOT AIR , but no OBEDIENCE . MARK 8;34-38 Please read it today.

PEACE & GRACE BE UPON YOU TODAY!

MARNEY

THE MULTIPLICATION OF THE BLESSINGS OF GOD WHEN WE LAUNCH OUT IN FAITH

When you think about how God increases our faith & giving of ourselves , where does your mind take you? I immediately think of a little boy who was willing to share his basic lunch of five loaves & two fish , you can read about it in MATTHEW 14: 13-21. The Scriptures say in verse 21 there were five thousand men , (not counting the women & children), the little boy gave, JESUS prayed & everybody had a great meal , with twelve basketfuls of food left over......WOW!
God is always so generous to people , just think about it you woke up this morning (if you are reading this), you probably have eaten something today , another provision , yes from God. You have the chance to really love someone , anyone, even a precious little animal , wouldn't that be different if you actually performed a random act of kindness and made someone elses life a little easier just today, and not expect anything in return. God is always GIVING ..GIVING..GIVING.. to you & I . Forgiveness if we ask....release from bitterness if we ask.....a great optimistic attitude if we choose ..... ,peace in the midst of turmoil if we ask !
How great is our GOD.....and still we complain, still we winge about "our lot".Well today I want to remind myself & others just please for Jesus' sake be grateful that you still have breath in your body & if that is true that means that God is still waiting to do & be even more in your life than you ever thought possible . If you are constantly complaining about everything , be aware that the Word of God says a very awesome statement :PROVERBS 18:21 ''the tongue has the power of life & death ....."So today give thanks to GOD for it is all because of Him that you & I have anything.

Blessings to you and your opportunities that are given to you freely every day, by GRACE!
I for one want to say: THANK-YOU JESUS!!!!!!P.S I f you are reading this be grateful that you received an education, enough to read anyway.

MARNEY

DARING TO DIE

God is calling HIS bride to be radiant for Him to a really sad , chaotic, crumbling world .The Bride of Jesus Christ is of course His church on earth. We must as His holy, saved people have supreme passion for GOD , the Gospel of Jesus Christ and be willing to radiate all that means as He sees fit , whatever the consequences. It means (like Abraham) we be prepared to both personally & denominationally lay down our "ISAACS" on the altar of obedience to the perfect will of Jesus ( our heavenly Bridegroom). Knowing that in doing so there will be no guarantees of exactly what will be burned up and what will be given back to us.
Praise God , He has not given up on any of us , however , as 2 Chronicles 16: 9 says ''FOR THE EYES OF THE LORD CONTINUE TO RANGE THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE EARTH TO STRENGTHEN THOSE WHOSE HEARTS ARE FULLY COMMITTED TO HIM (GOD)".So whilst the Lord is gracious ,kind , loving , patiently waiting for us all , He does actually call His BRIDE to be all that He requires Her to be : PURE, HOLY, UTTERLY DEVOTED TO HIM, LISTENING TO HIS VOICE, RADIANTLY ATTRACTIVE to a ruthless, hurting, self-focussed ,consumeristic world.
And there will come a time when the BRIDEGROOM will return , the question is will we (both personally & as a denomination ) be ready?MATTHEW 24 lays down very clearly how the state of the world will be before the return of Christ, So we need to be watchful, waiting , ready to meet our heavenly Bridegroom, being faithful to Him whilst we are still this side of ETERNITY.
If today you dare to die to yourself , really be the BRIDE of Christ , then expect that JESUS will be glorified , you will be misunderstood, but you will also be absolutely blessed in knowing that your life on earth has not been in vain. I pray for all my readers today that you really reflect the love of Jesus in your part of this world.

GIVE UP YOUR SMALL AMBITIONS .........COME CHANGE THE WORLD !!!!!!Do you dare?

MARNEY

HEART SHIFTERS THAT WILL WORK

1. Really believe that JESUS is absolutely trustworthy in everything HE says about Eternity and Himself.
2. Believe that the WORD OF GOD is true , alive , active & sharper than any two-edged sword, & that we do know the end of the story , it is all in the book of REVELATION.
3. FORGIVE when others hurt you , FORGIVE quickly because you will release yourself and the offender when you give your hurt to JESUS , He can handle it and cast it where it belongs , in hell. MATTHEW 6: 9-15
4.Keep loving JESUS, which will then will help you to love other people, & see them & yourself as He sees them and yourself.
5.Choose to allow the barrenness turn into fruitfulness in your life JOHN 15:1-8
6. Know that you are fearfully & wonderfully made," all the days were ordained for you before any one of them came to be."PSALM139
7. Stand up for that which is right, pure , holy and of GOD , become an AMBASSADOR OF HIS HOLINESS TODAY!
8.Learn to be ACCOUNTABLE for your choices , words , actions , thoughts and behaviour.
9. Find a truely authentic Christian who is more mature in the faith and ask these people to pray for you , and even share with you what they have learned from JESUS.
10. Know that no matter who you are , what family you come from or how confused you may feel
JESUS & HIS AUTHENTIC DISCIPLES LOVE YOU .

Every Blessing to readers today: MARNEY

LET US ALL CELEBRATE WHEN ANY CHRIST CENTRED CHURCH SUCCEEDS IN ADVANCING GOD'S KINGDOM

Ther have been many churches that I have visited since I first became a Christian some 30 years ago, and I have really been inspired & challenged when I have seen many miraculous events occur at some churches I have been in attendance at . I have been really excited when I have seen people , many people running to worship ( as if their very lives ) depended upon it. Twenty two years ago I went to visit in SEOUL , KOREA : Paul Yongghi Cho's church where I saw that it was possible this side of eternity to have thousands , upon thousands of people hungry, desperate for the presence of God . This Vision has stayed with me , as has many other times where the presence of God has in large & small gatherings done amazingly, miraculous events in our midst. I really find it unbelievable that any one who truely loves Jesus with all their heart , would desire to bring down another CHRIST-CENTRED DENOMINATION simply because it doesn't fit one's own perception of how WORSHIP should occur, how structure should happen etc,etc.Today I am thankful that I am a Christian who is called to be a Salvation Army Officer , however, over 27 years of ministry I have attempted to be humble enough to realise the obvious : that there are many other churches (including what some label as "mega - churches'') who are doing a great work for the Kingdom of God and I would dare not ever attempt to exalt any denomination above another , in order to make oneself look "successful", ( whatever that means). Let us rejoice both in The Salvation Army & beyond when JESUS is lifted up , people are saved ,SPIRIT -FILLED & ready for service. I have always believed that The Spirit Of God has no favourites when it comes to achieving HIS purposes, and He blesses whom He chooses as He chooses. Let us make sure we don't miss out on what the Lord requires of us. And please don't fall into the trap of bringing down what God has birthed in other faithful servants hearts . I believe God looks at the heart, holiness & willingness to be obedient to His perfect will , that in Kingdom language is SUCCESS . Be careful dear friends we don't critcise GOD'S ANOINTED , APPOINTED PEOPLE....there are serious consequences to that kind of criticism.HEBREWS 10:19-39. Just may we as God's people please be faithful to what Jesus requires of us !!!!!!May I never become like the Pharisees who accused so many others & missed their own self-righteousness, ''JESUS , HELP US ALL TO BE LIKE YOU. INSTEAD OF LOOKING TO BRING OTHERS DOWN".
Blessings to you today and may we all abound in GRACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!