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
Monday, October 27, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
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 .
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 .
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
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
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
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
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
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
Sunday, October 19, 2008
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
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
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
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
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
Monday, October 6, 2008
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
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
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