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
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
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
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
Thursday, July 24, 2008
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
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
Monday, July 21, 2008
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
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 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
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
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
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
Sunday, July 13, 2008
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
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
Saturday, July 12, 2008
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!
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!
Monday, July 7, 2008
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
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
Saturday, July 5, 2008
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
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
Thursday, July 3, 2008
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
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
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
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
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
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