JESUS FULL OF GRACE & TRUTH.....WHAT A GIFT.

We remember baby Jesus at this time of the year , cute , innocent , non-confronting , and palatable .
However , don't ever forget that this BABY is actually all powerful , all wise , all glorious , all just , all holy , altogether lovely , and supremely ALL SAVIOUR !
Understand a biblical definition of who this SAVIOUR 'JESUS 'really is , and underline His attributes ( of which there are many ),particularly emphasising the truth from John 1 : 17 "FOR THE LAW WAS GIVEN THROUGH MOSES; GRACE & TRUTH CAME THROUGH JESUS CHRIST ."
Jesus came to save us from ourselves ( all love & grace ) , but equally He came as 'truth incarnate ' , you cannot have one aspect of His character without the other . GRACE & TRUTH , TRUTH & GRACE .
Both aspects are needed , both are required to be present in our own lives ....we need His gracious presence to restore & revive us , as much as we need His holy truth as the standard by which we must live .
This Christmas don't delete or be distracted from the whole truth of the coming of JESUS , this is 'THE ONE 'you cannot ignore ..... you can accept Him ..... you can reject Him.... but you will never be able to ignore this SAVIOUR of the whole world .

Do yourself and all around you an Eternal favour , worship JESUS for all that He is and will be for all eternity.

Marney ( praying for my readers this Christmas .)

PRAY FOR OTHERS TO RECEIVE JESUS THIS CHRISTMAS

Luke 19:10 tells us clearly the reason Jesus came to this earth , ''FOR THE SON OF MAN CAME TO SEEK & TO SAVE WHAT WAS LOST ."
The best gift you could give to any other person this Christmas would be many prayers & many verbal witnesses from your own life in regard to their SALVATION .
Eternal history can & will be changed as you pray for the lost , as you witness to the saving power of JESUS CHRIST .
Don't ever minimise the power of the name and saving grace of the Lord Jesus, it is mighty to save and even more than that He is mighty to save any & every person that calls on His name .
This Christmas I challenge you to get intentionally serious about witnessing to family , friends , neighbours, colleagues and everyone you meet . Christmas is about one glorious fact ; JESUS and His desire is that not anyone ever perish or go into a Christless eternity ( hell). Don't overlook this incredible life changing message when you are interacting with significant others in your journey of life .
Reflect upon this & above all PRAY ......PRAY ......PRAY .....PRAY & PRAY EVEN MORE !

What have we begun, when we pray like this ?What have we done ....what will we do , when we pray & cry & witness the message of SALVATION THROUGH JESUS CHRIST .
What seeds can we sow , what Holy Spirit lights can we glow, what heavenly dreams can we throw ?
What have we begun, here we see angels burning like the sun. Here we juggle destinies, what will we see done ( in the heavenlies , as well as on earth)?
What Army gets commissioned kneeling in this way? What passion will find holy extreme when wounded soldiers pray?
What 'holy plague' will we have begun when we as God's soldiers live for the crucified ONE ?
(adaption of writing from Red moon rising , p248)
Get busy for Jesus' Kingdom and promote zealously the cause of JESUS CHRIST , make it CHRISTMAS all year round .

Praying for you each .
MARNEY

SIGNIFICANT SURRENDER.... DO YOU DWELL THERE.?

The most wonderful gift you could GIVE to JESUS this Christmas is a surrendered life !
Surrender to the Lord Jesus Christ will ALWAYS precede His significant work in your life , and may I suggest the work in others' lives ( as your obedience influences them).
Some Scriptures that may inspire you to be obedient in this non-negotiable area of Discipleship :
1 Peter 5:6 ''HUMBLE YOURSELVES UNDER THE MIGHTY HAND OF GOD ,THAT HE MAY EXALT YOU IN DUE TIME."

James 4:10 ''HUMBLE YOURSELVES IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD , & HE WILL LIFT YOU UP."

Matthew 22:37"YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART , WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, & WITH ALL YOUR MIND."

Deuteronomy 30:20 "LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD,....OBEY HIS VOICE."

Matthew 3:2,8 ''REPENT, FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS AT HAND ,THEREFORE BEAR FRUITS WORTHY OF REPENTANCE ."

1 Corinthians10:12''THEREFORE LET HIM WHO THINKS HE STANDS TAKE HEED LEST HE FALL . "

Significant surrender is what Jesus requires from us each ..... wouldn't that be a gift worthy to give to God !

Praying for my readers today .
'
MARNEY

HOW DO YOU RESPOND WHEN LIFE DOESN'T GO YOUR WAY ?(Title of previous post)

This space will finalise the previous post ; Ask your mentor , friend , colleague, spiritual director how you reflect Jesus when life isn't always what you hope it to be ?
Be open & available to hear the TRUTH about yourself & ask the living God to transform you into His image , dealing with all that is not of Jesus.

A prayer in conclusion : MAY JESUS BLESS YOU WITH DISCOMFORT AT EASY ANSWERS , HALF-TRUTHS & SUPERFICIAL RELATIONSHIPS, SO THAT WE MAY LIVE DEEP WIUTHIN OUR HEARTS.

HOW

Life has some interesting curve balls that test who you are and who you are NOT in Christ .
How do you respond/react when life doesn't go your way , or the way you would have preferred it to go ?
People are watching .....enemies are waiting ... and everyone is listening , of this I am certain.
Here is a thought for you to consider : YOU CAN BE "RIGHT" IN YOUR ASSESSMENTS OF A SITUATION ,& TOTALLY "WRONG " IN HOW YOU RESPOND TO IT .
Think about a time recently where you were reasonably accurate in your assessment , but totally off the mark with your own personal response !!!!! Who was influenced by your attitude and what ripple effect has it sent to others ? Be really circumspect in your reactions .... ask JESUS to be your 'shock absorber' if required , lay your reputation, attitude , and reactions on the altar and allow the Holy Spirit to burn up any trace of ego , pride or sin.

JESUS IS COMING BACK ...NOT AS A BABY , RATHER AS KING OF KINGS & LORD OF LORDS

In this advent season consider the powerful promise that JESUS will return to earth again , not as a baby rather as the LORD of all .
Read Matthew 24 ... the whole chapter, allow the truth of this reality to sink into your mind & spirit .
Reflect upon this meditation as you consider Jesus coming for the first time ( Christmas ) and then awaiting His return .
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE JESUS CAME :
Twas the night before Jesus came & all through the house ... Not a creature was praying , not one in the house .
Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care , in hopes that Jesus would not come there.
The children were dressing to crawl into bed. Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head .
And Mum in her rocker with babe on her lap, was watching the late show whilst I took a nap.
When out of the East there arise such a clatter , I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter .
Away to the window I flew like a flash , tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!
When what to my wondering eyes should appear, but angels proclaiming that Jesus was here .
With a light like the sun sending for a bright ray , I knew in a moment this must be "THE DAY".
The light of His face made me cover my head ... It was JESUS! Returning just like He said .

And though I possessed worldly wisdom & wealth , I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.
In the BOOK OF LIFE which He held in His hand was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name ; when He said "IT'S NOT HERE," my head hung in shame .
The people whose names had been written with love , He gathered to take to His Father above .
With those who were ready He arose without a sound , whilst all the rest were left standing around.
I fell to my knees , but it was too late ; I had waited too long & thus sealed my fate. I stood & I cried as they rose out of sight ; Oh , if only I had been ready tonight.
In the words of this poem the meaning is clear ; the coming of JESUS is drawing near .
There's only one life & when comes the last call ... WE WILL FIND THE BIBLE WAS TRUE AFTER ALL !

Live as if Jesus is coming today .
Praying for my readers .... MARNEY

HOLY PASSION ... AN ESSENTIAL INGREDIENT FOR LIFE

William Ward said :''ENTHUSIASM & PERSISTENCE CAN MAKE AN AVERAGE PERSON SUPERIOR....INDIFFERENCE & LETHARGY CAN MAKE A SUPERIOR PERSON VERY AVERAGE ."
How is your holy passion barometer today people of God ?If we settle for doing just the 'necessary' we will never achieve greatness in God , of that I am convinced. Holy passion keeps you going when everyone else has long given up. If you are caught watching the clock, waiting for week-ends , groaning on Monday , living for your own space all the time then check your holy passion temperature .
If you continually live outside your passion area of life ...you will SLOWLY DIE , and that is not living , it is not even merely existing.
JESUS is Love & He is FIRE , when we do what we love we will find a fire that ignites us , His purposes will be fuelled by our desires .
King David had a passion for THE HOUSE OF GOD, in 1 Chronicles 29:3-5 he says, ''Moreover, because I have set my affection on the house of my God, I have given to the house of my God , over & above all that I have prepared for the holy house , my own special treasure ........Who then is willing to consecrate himself this day to the LORD ?" ( read the passage for yourselves & be inspired )
Spiritual passion is expressed with love for JESUS, His people & His house. When people COOL towards JESUS one of the first noticaeble things is they STOP attending Worship.
Secondly they have a ZERO prayer life & their time in God's Word is non-existence ...... examine yourself to see where your temperature is on God's scale ( not your own ,nor compared to others ...these are inaccurate measures ) .

Ask yourself ,"Do other people get fired up for Jesus when I am around "?

STAY HOT & FIRED UP FOR THE CAUSE OF JESUS CHRIST .....THE ONLY CAUSE ETERNALLY THAT WILL MATTER .

SOME ONE LINERS TO STIMULATE YOUR SPIRIT

*Only a fool fools with sin.
*Jesus came to disturb the comfortable & comfort the disturbed.
*Jesus came once .... HE IS COMING AGAIN.
*Are you ready for His return??
*If God's WORD guides your conscience, let your conscience be your guide .
* There are two times you find out the character of a person : a) when their life is going really bad , b) when they are given , prestige , power & position ( think about it).
*Save a child , change an ETERNITY.
*If someone were to read your life as a book , would they find JESUS in your pages ?
*An IDOL is anything or anyone that cools my affection for JESUS .
*It is the wavering christian that supports satan's strategies the most .
* The enemy always comes to collect ........
* The congregation on their knees keep the minister's on their feet ..
* REPENTANCE MEANS HATING SIN ENOUGH TO TURN FROM IT .

Blessings to you today

Marney

MAKE A HOLY COVENANT WITH GOD TO REMAIN PURE

Even as I write this my heart is sad at the news I receive every other week about christians falling to some sin or another .
The truth is we are all in this together by God's grace , we are all Jesus' representatives in our families , our churches , our communities . People are watching us , listening to us , observing how we conduct ourselves in any & every situation .
Jesus eyes are upon us constantly , this to me is both a great encouragement and challenge to stay accountable to God ( to whom I will have to give an account ).
We need a revival in maintaining a spiritually healthy fear of God , not a crippling unhealthy fear , rather a biblically sound , awesome respect in the God we serve and live for .
God is all powerful , all love , and all holy ! We must never as His people forget this very central truth , for He asks us to reflect His wonderful attributes .
Don't be seduced into settling for anything less than God's standard in your life , if for any reason you have 'sold out' to the enemies lies and compromised , take quick and certain action .
STOP .... CALL OUT TO JESUS ....REPENT ..... RENEW YOUR HOLY PASSION ....AND WALK AGAIN IN THE FULLNESS & GRACE OF GOD'S LOVE !
Praying for my readers today . 1 Peter 1 :15 ".... BE HOLY IN ALL YOU DO, v16. FOR IT IS WRITTEN ; "BE HOLY , BECAUSE I AM HOLY ." says the Lord !
MARNEY

TIME TO DECLARE WAR ON YOUR FLESH

Have you noticed that our flesh will never cheer us on when it comes to living a holy life , today I want to give you some action points to keep your heart & mind pure before JESUS .
1.Read Colossians 3:1-11 . How do you exhibit the reality of verses 2+5 in your everyday journey ?
2. Who in your life promotes purity of life ? Also who helps you to be accountable when you are tempted to be less than Jesus' call upon your life ??(This is a really important one ).
3.Psalm 119 :37 says ''TURN MY EYES AWAY FROM THE WORTHLESS THINGS;PRESERVE MY LIFE ACCORDING TO YOUR WORD.'' Is this a prayer you could pray & claim for your life and if so , are you prepared to be OBEDIENT on the follow through ?
4.Read Ephesians 5 : 8-16 ,how can you in grace and truth expose darkness in it's various forms according to verses 11 & 12 ?
5. How will your lifestyle choices ( private & public) be seen in the spotless light and purity of God's gracious eyes ?
6. Are you willing & available to allow The Holy Spirit free reign in your life , giving Him access to every area ?
7. Make NO provision for your flesh, it will ALWAYS demand it's own way ....rather allow JESUS to have His rightful place of LORD .

Pray with me today : Psalm 51:1 ''HAVE MERCY ON ME , O GOD, ACCORDING TO YOUR GREAT COMAPSSION BLOT OUT MY TRANSGRESSIONS. v2 WASH AWAY ALL MY INIQUITY & CLEANSE ME FROM MY SIN."
v12 ''RESTORE TO ME THE JOY OF YOUR SALVATION & GRANT ME A WILLING SPIRIT, TO SUSTAIN ME.''
May Jesus bless you today.

MARNEY

TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE OF PURITY IN THE AGE OF PORN

Today's blog invites you to evaluate where you rate on purity of mind , body & spirit.
1. Think back over the last week. What images or ideas on television , on billboards or in magazines you have read portray an unhelpful view of sexuality?
2. Read 1 Corinthians 6:9-20 ... How would you use this passage to answer someone who said the following to you ?
.''porn isn't really bad, and besides God will forgive me anyway if I indulge."
. " there is no way ever God will accept or forgive me - not after all the porn that I have consumed ."
3. How does God view any type of porn soft or hard core ?
4. What is God's call to sexual purity and how does Colossians 3:1-11 support this?
5. What wise and realistic steps can you take to limit your exposure to lurid visual material either on the net or through other media outlets.
6. What about the young , impressionable lives in your care or at least your sphere of influence , how will they be influenced by your choices or even toleration of this aspect of life ...... honestly ?
7. Think & pray for a moment ! Do you need to talk to someone, pray with someone , take radical steps to maintain your own purity ?
8. When will that occur , even though it may be embarrassing , or uncomfortable ?

READ EPHESIANS 4:22-24
DON'T EXPECT TO FIND A TECHNOLOGICAL SOLUTION TO A THEOLOGICAL PROBLEM.

SOUL TIES THAT MAY DISTRACT YOU FROM THE LORDSHIP OF JESUS

Firstly let me apologise for previous blog , there seems to be have been an issue with the content being published , not from a content view , but from a technical perspective . I will attempt to start again on this spiritually important teaching .
A soul tie involves the joining of minds, ideas & views, as well as emotional unions in the feeling realm. Soul ties can range from being laid back relationships to quite intense and smothering connections.
Soul ties can find their foundations in Christ or they can be based upon ego and selfish gain.
There are soul ties in marriage , friendship ,parents & children, work colleagues , business connections, worship life and many more .In all of these relationships there is the potential for both healthy or toxic soul ties .
Let me state some symptons of un-godly soul ties :
.Obsessive preoccupation with another , to the neglect of Jesus' claims upon your life
.Tendencies to be controlled or controlling in a relationship
.Tendencies to be passive & apathetic in a relationship ( allowing yourself to be manipulated )
.Having another's voice playing over & over in your mind like a tape recorder
. Inability to bring a relationship under the godly order of The Holy Spirit
.Repeated patterns of anger , blame , emotional and physical abuse & accusations in a relationship.
. Fear of speaking truth in relationships , through real or perceived intimidation.
NOTE : Fear of a person with whom you are in a relationship with is a likely indicator that some form of un-godly domination is being exercised .
Also note, even from the grave , there can be still very strong un-godly soul ties that hold us in spiritual & emotional bondage.
Realise that if these soul ties are allowed to remain in your life unchallenged , unprayed for , or even tolerated there will be constant issues and challenges in your walk with Jesus, your service to Jesus , your obedience to His will and even the peace that comes from knowing that you belong to Christ & Christ alone .
Prayerfully consider your current relationships ( all of them) and ask Jesus if He requires you to adjust them to come under His Lordship , His blood , His authority .
GALATIANS 5 : 1 ''IT IS FOR FREEDOM THAT CHRIST HAS SET US FREE . STAND FIRM THEN , & DO NOT LET YOURSELVES BE BURDENED AGAIN BY A YOKE OF SLAVERY ."

Read on in Galatians 6 : 7-10 , it is helpful instruction !
Praying for you each today , if there is a request for further Biblical insight on this topic , please contact me via comment or email .

MARNEY

SOUL TIES THAT MAY DISTRACT YOU FROM THE LORDSHIP OF JESUS

SPIRITUAL WARFARE ..... BIBLICAL TRUTH

Jesus encountered spiritual warfare at an extreme level when He was full of The Holy Spirit (join the dots on that point ) as seen in Luke 4 : 1-13 ( by the way ,note verse 13 , 'satan left Jesus until ANOTHER opportune time'). If Jesus , King of Kings & Lord of Lords had to endure spiritual attacks , what makes any of us think we will avoid such attempts on our own spiritual lives .Be assured satan & his demons will attempt to bring you & I down in whatever way possible , here are a few more areas that you need to know about their strategic , sinful , set ups !
Demonic spirits mimic their master and hence will attempt to :
a)Accuse & deceive you;Revelation 12 :9-10
b)Enslave & destroy you;1Peter 5 :8, Hebrews 2 : 14-15
c)Tempt & seduce you; 1Timothy 4 :1-2, Matthew 4 :1-3
d) Inflame the tongue to speak unholy words ;James 3 :1-12
e)Exalt you as the most important person in the world , more important than God ! 2Corinthians 10:5
f)Hinder belief in Jesus; 2 Corinthians 4:3-4
g)Torment & harrass you ; Acts 16 : 16-18, Mark 5 : 2-6
h) Cause afflictions within & without ; Luke 13 : 11 , Matthew 17 :14-21
i) Attempt to bring generational curses down upon you ;Exodus 20 :5, 1 Peter 2:1
j) Render you unfit for God's service by unconfessed and habitual sins ; Genesis 4 : 7

I really could continue to list so many & there will be more teaching on this in subsequent blog sites, however , remember today you do have the victory through Jesus if you authentically want to claim it .
Here are some basics to keep you walking in VICTORY:
a) The name of JESUS ; Acts 16:18, Philippians 2 : 9-11
b) The blood of JESUS ;Revelation 12 :10-11
c)The whole armour of God ; Ephesians 6:10-18 , 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
d)The authority of the Word of God ; Matthew 4:4 , 2 Timothy 3:16
More will be spoken about in future blog sites....... Please be renewed in your mind about the fact that you are in a spiritual battle , people who are in God's Army ( above all ) should be aware of this spiritual truth , ( not controlled by it) merely informed , watchful and most certainly on our knees .

Praying for you today .... Marney

CAN YOU HANDLE THE TRUTH ABOUT SPIRITUAL WARFARE

EPHESIANS 6 : 10-18 is a very clear Biblical foundation for the truth that we war against 'principalities & powers of darkness' , if you have ever doubted that then already you are in a vulnerable position of deception.
BIBLICAL TRUTH : Demons attempt to afflict in the following areas ;
1. Our minds ... you have authority over this attack , read 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, your obedience in this area will defeat doubt , unbelief , confusion.
2. Our emotions....be aware of attitudes , relationships causing resentment, fear , hatred , unforgiveness , anxiety , rebellion etc. Do not allow yourself to become subservient to your emotions , they have the potential to lead you astray . Read Romans 6 : 15-18
3. Our wills ...be aware that if your will can be shaped by self centred choices and personal agendas for power or position , then the enemy of our souls is achieving alot in making your witness weak & ineffective . Jesus prayed constantly "NOT MY WILL BUT THINE OH FATHER " , we need to be as resolute and committed in our resolve when it comes to our will being shaped only by the purpose , presence & passion of Christ.

The battle belongs to the Lord , but you & I are called to be spiritually , biblically , and experientially aware of what it means to be victorious in this spiritual war .
Jesus won the victory at calvary , but there are still many skirmishes that will require your attention this side of heaven.
May God's grace & Holy Spirit power be your portion .
MARNEY
There will be more to follow on this topic of SPIRITUAL WARFARE .

CAN YOU HANDLE THE TRUTH ABOUT GOD ?

Part 3 of blogg on the subject :"Truth".
Jesus was full of GRACE & TRUTH(John 1:17), and He embodies the truth of God , all that He taught , all that He did , all that He lived for ,shouts into ETERNITY the absolute TRUTH of God .
People today want to dabble in all kinds of areas that are very much far from the truth .It would seem that there is no end to the lies that people choose to believe , because it merely appeals to their egos. I was travelling on a train recently in Melbourne and I noticed an extremely large billboard which was promoting a political party ( national) , it was advertising that it had one purpose , one aim , one goal , that being (quote) 'TO RID ALL POLITICS OF RELIGION' .And the sad fact is many would choose to support this political party , because they believe it to be promoting truth .
Jesus not only spoke TRUTH at least 100 references in the New Testament ...."I tell you the truth..."Jesus states over & over ! Jesus was & Is truth , not one truth among many ... rather THE TRUTH !"
John 14:6 ''I AM THE WAY , THE TRUTH & THE LIFE , NO MAN COMES TO THE FATHER BUT BY ME."
John 5 : 24 " I tell you the truth (says Jesus) Whoever , hears my Word & believes Him who sent me has eternal life & will not be condemned ; he has crossed over from death to life ."
Yet again Jesus tells us truth about being 'free ' in this world : John 8:31-32''Holding to my truth -then you will know the truth and this truth will set you free ."

Looking for freedom .... looking for authenticity..... looking for non-hypocritical christianity ????
Look to JESUS , He is more than enough when it comes to pure , unadulterated TRUTH.

MARNEY

CAN YOU HANDLE THE TRUTH ABOUT THE WORLD?

Part 2 of my blogging on :'Can you handle the truth about the world?'
Society says :"truth" is what you want it to be ... if it feels good then that is your truth', actually this philosophy is NOT TRUTH!
I have a great line that may be of help to you , 'IF WHAT YOU BELIEVE IS NOT TRUTH, THEN WHAT YOU LIVE IS A LIE'. There is a very truthful verse contained in God's Word , Jeremiah 7:28 "..This is the nation whose people will not obey the Lord their God and who refuse to be taught . Truth has vanished from among them ; it is no longer heard on their lips."(another translation says ) 'Truth has perished'. Jeremiah 9:5 goes onto say "They all fool and defraud each other ; no one tells the truth. With practiced tongues they tell lies ; they wear themselves out with all their sinning. v.6 They pile lie upon lie and utterly refuse to acknowledge me." The world is seriously in spiritual , emotional & physical trouble , wars, rumours of war , conflict , terrorism, human trafficking, child pornography, child sexual abuse , domestic violence emotional and physical , drug addiction, alcohol addiction, gambling addiction , sexual predatory behaviour,fraud ,cyber bullying and so much more ..... I am sure you get the idea .A quick read from Matthew 24 will give you truth on the matter .
We ALL need a Saviour and His name is JESUS , He is the one and only Saviour and if you look any other place for redemption , and truth you will NOT find it anywhere else , particularly not in the world.
Romans 12 : 2 "DON'T COPY THE BEHAVIOUR & CUSTOMS OF THIS WORLD , BUT LET GOD TRANSFORM YOU INTO A NEW PERSON BY CHANGING THE WAY YOU THINK. THEN YOU WILL LEARN TO KNOW GOD'S WILL FOR YOU..."
Realise that the reality for you & I is that JESUS , is our only hope of Truth today and every other day to come, Acts 4 :12 says "THERE IS SALVATION IN NO-ONE ELSE !GOD HAS GIVEN NO OTHER NAME UNDER HEAVEN BY WHICH WE MUST BE SAVED."
Allow Jesus , The Way , The Truth & The Life to inhabit your world , this world today and begin to be set free from the lies , and the myths that are attempting to shape your thinking , indeed your life.

Praying for you each

MARNEY

CAN YOU HANDLE THE TRUTH?????

I was watching a clip from the movie ' A Few Good Men ', the courtroom scene with Tom Cruise & Jack Nicholson , it went something like this : ''I want the TRUTH' (Tom), 'You can't handle the TRUTH' (Jack) and it goes onto an amazing interaction from there . My question today is : 'can you handle the truth' , more specifically God's truth?
I want to break this truth question down into 4 parts for distinct consideration ;
1. Can YOU HANDLE THE TRUTH ABOUT YOURSELF? No matter how cool or accomplished we think we may be the Bible says we are all sinners and that dear friends is truth , Romans 3:23 says "For All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God ", Jeremiah 17:9 says ''The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure ."It really is truth , we are not and can never be self-made men and women , in the reality of God's perspective we so need a Saviour and of course His name is Jesus .
Live long enough and you will know this to be true , sooner or later your choices will reveal that apart from Jesus in your life, you will always be constantly looking out for yourself (supremely), self - serving and self focussed as .Shown a group photo of yourself with others , where do your eyes go to first?We need to be saved from our sin & our own selfishness .

The great truth about you is that you are 'fearfully & wonderfully made ' , please read in your Bibles Psalm 139 , it does say amazing things about you , but the truth about you is that when Jesus comes into your mind, body & spirit you actually reach your fullest potential .
You become ... SAVED ... DELIVERED & ...HEALED !
TRUTH is not a common commodity these days ...... please seek Gods' truth in your lives , it will transform you ETERNALLY.
More blogging on TRUTH will follow in subsequent posts: TRUTH ABOUT THE WORLD , TRUTH ABOUT JESUS & TRUTH ABOUT ETERNITY .

Praying for you today .

MARNEY

JESUS CALLS US TO NOT DEMAND OUR RIGHTS

We live in a culture of demands : Our rights on just about everything ....today I want to suggest that when Jesus was on earth He never lived at that place , rather He chose to be humble and stand by the Father's Word & will .
He challenged the religious and the not so religious to REPENT of their WRONGS rather than stand up for , harass and demand their RIGHTS!
Don't get confused by what the culture says 'MUST BE' ,rather let God's Word direct your thoughts and your behaviour .

Romans 12 :1-2 is an ever constant reminder : Read verse 1 and listen today to verse 2 ''DO NOT CONFORM ANY LONGER TO THE PATTERN OF THIS WORLD , BUT BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND. THEN YOU WILL BE ABLE TO TEST & APPROVE WHAT GOD'S WILL IS , HIS GOOD , PLEASING & PERFECT WILL."

Check yourself , listen to what you are thinking and saying about your percetion of RIGHTS!
Better still , allow God's Holy Spirit to speak His truth about this matter into your heart .
Blessings to you today

MARNEY

REMEMBER TODAY ....JESUS!

All I want to say today to my readers is ''IT IS ALL ABOUT JESUS OR IT IS ABOUT ABSOLUTELY NOTHING OF ETERNAL CONSEQUENCE ". Press into His presence , power , peace and love, it will be your very life blood .

JESUS SAID "I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE . HE WHO COMES TO ME WILL NEVER GO HUNGRY , & HE WHO BELIEVES IN ME WILL NEVER BE THIRSTY."
JOHN 6 : 35

Praying for my friends today .

MARNEY

MORE TORPEDO THOUGHTS ON LIVING FOR JESUS

1.Jesus has called you to "GO" , stop justifying ''STAY".
2.Be revolutionary NOT merely religious.
3. Hunger for HOLINESS , it will be a breathe of fresh air to a polluted environment.
4. Be PASSIONATE for the cause of CHRIST , it will invite others to shine their light.
5. Be radically revived in your PRAYER life , and watch the power of God at work.
6.Be real & ready to obey JESUS , not resting in an outward form of religious observance.
7. God wants to take you beyond where you have already been .......!
8. Grow up in God and see His values from a mature perspective .
9. Crave sexual purity in a cultural environment that says 'anything goes'.
10. Read the Bible like there is no tomorrow.
11. Witness like a dying person to dying people ..... and watch the power of the Gospel at work.
12 . Love , forgive , love , forgive ,love , & forgive again ......it will bring healing and release to yourself and others.
''FOR I RESOLVED TO KNOW NOTHING WHILE I WAS WITH YOU EXCEPT JESUS CHRIST & HIM CRUCIFIED. "
1 CORINTHIANS 2:2
Praying for my readers today.
MARNEY

THOUGHTS TO MOVE YOU FROM WHERE YOU ARE

1. DON'T STAY STUCK IN POOR ATTITUDE PLACE.

2. TURN YOUR TRIALS INTO TESTIMONIES .

3.TRANSFORM YOUR MISERY INTO MINISTRY FOR OTHERS .

4. CHOOSE YOUR LIFE RUT PRAYERFULLY , YOU WILL BE IN IT A VERY LONG TIME.

5.REFUSE TO ALLOW YOUR PAST DETERMINE YOUR FUTURE.

6. WHO YOU ARE IN PRIVATE WILL BE REVEALED ULTIMATELY IN PUBLIC.

7. GOD IS MORE INTERESTED IN YOUR CHARACTER THAN YOUR CAREER

8. GOD IS MORE INTERESTED IN YOUR INTEGRITY THAN YOUR IDEAS.

9. OUR LIVES ARE ALL ABOUT JESUS OR THEY ARE ALL ABOUT NOTHING .

10 . TURN YOUR VISION FOR JESUS INTO REALITY.

READ THE ABOVE AGAIN!

Praying

MARNEY

WE ARE ALL BORN AGAIN TO CHANGE THE WORLD

Yesterday I was sitting on a Melbourne ( Australian) tram and saw this very large sign advertising a university : 'We are not all born to change the world ... but we can learn how ' , I found it interesting because the ministry I am involved in at this present moment invites others to ''COME , CHANGE THE WORLD NOW".
I really believe that if we are born again in Christ Jesus we are actually born to change this world for the glory of God and the Salvation of all people through the shed blood , and resurrection of Jesus Christ , Lord & Saviour.
Of course we can learn how to be more effective in communicating and living out the Gospel , however, if we have accepted Jesus as Lord then from that moment on we are actually "BORN TO CHANGE THE WORLD...."
The bible calls us to that very cause and The Holy Spirit empowers us to be effective in changing this sinsick world with the love of Jesus, moment by moment , day by day , week by week , month by month , year by year , until Jesus comes again or we go and meet Him face to face . Do you understand the urgency of this call and what it means in the lives of OTHERS , as well as yourself ?
The Great Commission requires God's people to go into all the world and bring the CHANGE that only the presence of Jesus can bring , read it again in MATTHEW 28:16-20,you my friend are called to CHANGE this world and so am I, by God's grace , through the power of The Holy Spirit , giving all glory to Jesus.
And I would challenge you today with the thought : IF NOT YOU WHO ? AND IF NOT NOW WHEN ?
Come on give up your small ,comfortable ambitions ....COME CHANGE THE WORLD , NOW !
Praying

MARNEY

It's All About Jesus: WE ARE SO BUSY SAVING OURSELVES WE MISS THE REALITY THAT IT IS JESUS WHO SAVES

It's All About Jesus: WE ARE SO BUSY SAVING OURSELVES WE MISS THE REALITY THAT IT IS JESUS WHO SAVES

WE ARE SO BUSY SAVING OURSELVES WE MISS THE REALITY THAT IT IS JESUS WHO SAVES

Self preservation is a contagious disease and a very sad testimony for a person who calls themself a Christian.
There are so many Biblical references calling us to deny ourselves , over and over again Jesus requires His people to this .
So why is there such a climate of self preservation & self serving ? I can understand a non-christian being totally concerned about their own existence , but for those of us who call Jesus "Lord" and particularly for those who are in leadership there really is no excuse .Rhetoric is not what Jesus calls us to, rather obedience in laying down our lives for the cause of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom. Don't get distracted , diverted , detained or delayed on the Highway of Holiness , or Discipleship drive due to being preoccupied with your own agenda .
It will cost you and many others that you are meant to witness to ,a great deal , life will become very small when it is all about self-preservation, small ,visionless , and actually quite boring!It is JESUS who saves us from ourselves and I for one need Him to .
Today as you make choices about absolutely everything ,ask JESUS what He requires and become biblically obedient to the call of Christ upon your life , I leave you with some" GOD - CENTRED TRUTHS"; "HE (JESUS) MUST INCREASE , I MUST DECREASE , HE MUST BECOME GREATER & GREATER & I LESS AND LESS."(JOHN 3 : 30), "IF ANYONE WOULD COME AFTER ME , HE MUST DENY HIMSELF , AND TAKE UP HIS CROSS & FOLLOW ME . v.35 ''FOR WHOEVER WANTS TO SAVE HIS LIFE WILL LOSE IT , BUT WHOEVER LOSES HIS LIFE FOR MY SAKE & THE GOSPEL WILL SAVE IT.v.36 ''WHAT GOOD IS IT FOR A MAN TO GAIN THE WHOLE WORLD , YET FORFEIT HIS SOUL."(MARK 8:34_36)

Praying for my readers today ..... LIFE IS SO SHORT & ETERNITY SO LONG .

MARNEY

WHAT COMES FROM YOUR LIPS REVEAL WHAT IS IN YOUR HEART

Today if you are in any way professing that Jesus is your Lord and Saviour please be aware that what you speak , your countenance , your decisions all reveal who you really are ( despite a verbal confession).
God takes our decisions , and public declarations seriously , so should we !The new testament declares in 1 Peter 2 :9 ''BUT YOU ARE A CHOSEN PEOPLE , A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD , A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE BELONGING TO GOD, THAT YOU MAY DECLARE THE PRAISES OF HIM WHO CALLED YOU OUT OF DARKNESS INTO HIS WONDERFUL LIGHT."
So by Biblical definition if you are a Christian you are a member of the" royal priesthood ", what a privilege and what a responsibility.
So how goes the declaring ? How goes the inner motives and choices ?How goes the living the love of Jesus out, on a day by day basis?
I bring before you today some sobering , challenging verses from Malachi 2:1-2,7, read on and listen to the voice of God :'' AND NOW THIS ADMONITION IS FOR YOU O PRIESTS. v2 '' IF YOU DO NOT LISTEN, & IF YOU DO NOT SET YOUR HEART TO HONOUR MY NAME , SAYS THE LORD ALMIGHTY , I WILL SEND A CURSE UPON YOU, & I WILL CURSE YOUR BLESSINGS . YES , I HAVE ALREADY CURSED THEM , BECAUSE YOU HAVE NOT SET YOUR HEART TO HONOUR ME .
v7 ''FOR THE LIPS OF A PRIEST OUGHT TO PRESERVE KNOWLEDGE, & FROM HIS MOUTH MEN SHOULD SEEK INSTRUCTION BECAUSE HE IS THE MESSENGER OF THE LORD ALMIGHTY."
Today dear readers what do our lips reveal about our hearts ? Be very careful what you say the Lord Almighty is ALWAYS listening , comforting and disturbing all in one package .
Again be very mindful of words from Matthew 10:26 ''SO DO NOT BE AFRAID, THERE IS NOTHING CONCEALED THAT WILL NOT BE DISCLOSED , OR HIDDEN THAT WILL NOT BE MADE KNOWN. v27 WHAT I TELL YOU IN THE DARK , SPEAK IN THE DAYLIGHT ; WHAT IS WHISPERED IN YOUR EAR , PROCLAIM FROM THE ROOFTOPS.''
When we choose to live for Jesus , we choose to not live for ourselves and that includes the motivations of our heart .
I continue to be amazed at the sheer carnality (at times) of people who sing ''JESUS IS LORD ", Jesus help me to not be a Christian of duplicity and false confession.

Praying for readers of this blog today .

MARNEY

STITCH THE CROSS TO YOUR MIND & HEART

One of the biggest challenges in the Christian journey is the continual call to die to yourself , for me it is a daily or even hourly requirement .
The flesh will NEVER cheer you on to live sacrificially for Jesus , the world most certainly will not and the enemy of our soul will obstruct all attempts by yourself to live wholeheartedly for Jesus at every possible level.
The only way to keep putting yourself in the posture of Christ is to stitch His finished work on the Cross to your heart and in your mind.
Claim the CROSS , kneel at the CROSS, repent at the CROSS, kneel even more humbly at the CROSS, look to Jesus at the CROSS, crucify your flesh at the CROSS of JESUS every day , every way with all that is within you .
Any other path is strewn with people who have shipwrecked their faith , their ministry , their God given vision, their marriages , their relationships and their own inheritance simply because they never adhered to this Biblical principle.
Read for your own spirit's sake Colossians 3 :1-17.... verse 5 says it quite clearly :''PUT TO DEATH, THEREFORE, WHATEVER BELONGS TO YOUR EARTHLY NATURE: SEXUAL IMMORALITY, IMPURITY, LUST EVIL DESIRES& GREED, WHICH IS IDOLATRY."

Today remember the power of the CROSS OF JESUS , don't ever underestimate what His power can achieve in and through you.
1 CORINTHIANS 1:18 says "FOR THE MESSAGE OF THE CROSS IS FOOLISHNESS TO THOSE WHO ARE PERISHING , BUT TO US WHO ARE BEING SAVED IT IS THE POWER OF GOD ."
Another Biblical reference that is worth praying at least every day is PSALM 51 ......read it pray it and know that God will hear the cry of your heart.

Praying for readers today .

MARNEY TURNER

ALL ABOUT JESUS OR IT'S ALL ABOUT SELF!

Many times I hear words that are said that make the journey of Discipleship sound almost as if there is a choice when Jesus calls you .
If you are familiar with the Word of God and Jesus terms of radical discipleship you will know that there is really no choice in the matter of Jesus' call upon your life .
Many people will suggest that there is always a choice , however today I would say to you that if you choose to say "NO LORD" , then in fact you are saying ''YES TO YOURSELF" , and at that point Jesus has actually CEASED TO BE LORD OF YOUR LIFE .
Before you run to the valley of self-justification, or avalanche of excuses , just pause and listen to Jesus in Matthew 6:24 ''NO ONE CAN SERVE TWO MASTERS . EITHER HE WILL HATE THE ONE & LOVE THE OTHER , OR HE WILL BE DEVOTED TO THE ONE & DESPISE THE OTHER . YOU CANNOT SERVE BOTH GOD & MONEY ." This is but one reference , there are many others ....just read through the Gospels and you will find the non- negotiable terms of Discipleship .
So today is your life all about JESUS ? Answer honestly , answer with integrity , please answer Him !
If you can say "yes" , keep being that person , if you cannot say a yes & amen then He is but a prayer away and is all to ready to bring you back to His loving , all forgiving arms.

Praying for you all today

MARNEY

JESUS WILL FOR MY LIFE , HOW DO I KNOW IT???

I have been in Christian ministry for almost 29 years and one of the main spiritual questions I continue to be asked is how do I know Jesus perfect will for my life . I would contend that most people actually do know what the Spirit of God is asking of them , it is really that they want a more comfortable option !
Today if you are wrestling with the will of God in your life can I suggest a few thoughts for you to ponder : Read Romans 12 :1-2 these verses are clearly laid out for us all , I will draw your attention to particularly verse 2 ''DO NOT CONFORM ANY LONGER TO THE PATTERN OF THIS WORLD, BUT BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND. THEN YOU WILL BE ABLE TO TEST & APPROVE WHAT GOD'S WILL IS ....HIS GOOD , PLEASING & PERFECT WILL ."
If you are more in the WORD than in the world you will always be aware of the heart & mind of Christ and what He requires of you , make no mistake about that . If you are choosing to be carnally minded more than heavenly minded then of course there will be continual hesitancy about the perception of the will of God in your life .
Also if your flesh is allowed to reign supreme and this aspect leads you in your daily choices then this will constantly be an obstruction to your walk in Christ , leading to constant defeat and a joyless experience , not to mention the fact that others will miss out on the blessing that should of been theirs because you were obedient to the call of Jesus upon your life .
I intend to continue this important topic over these days as I believe there is much to be taught on this subject .
I will conclude today's reflection by saying really God's will for your life is all about Jesus , and if not about Him then it is about actually nothing of ETERNAL IMPORTANCE, this I believe to be of the utmost truth.
Today if you are legitimately and honestly searching out God's will for your life then can I say spend a day (at least ) I would recommend much longer on your knees, fasting , and in the WORD , put your own agenda aside and listen to Jesus and He will surely speak His truth into your life .... you then have the awesome task to OBEY .
I leave with you today COLOSSIANS 3 ; 1_3
Praying for you all today!

MARNEY

SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE BEFORE SAFETY

This blog may ignite some with a resounding "YES" , for others I have no doubt there will be great discomfort .
I was given a book as a gift on the week-end and have not been able to put it down : The Barbarian is it's name . If you have read it you will know what I am about to say , if not you may like to just read on and respond as you choose .
There is a line in the book that goes something like this : GOD WILL ALWAYS CHOOSE FOR US SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OVER & ABOVE SAFETY EVERY TIME!
Selah on this for a moment ,instead of becoming reactionary , even if your own spiritual walk does not reflect this line at this point in time , that does not necessarily mean that this is not spiritual truth , according to God & His Word , more importantly His Kingdom values. Consider John the Baptist's life , ministry, death , even this faithful courageous prophet had to check with Jesus that all was as it should be when he found himself imprisoned awaiting a beheading for no other crime than challenging sin in Herod. I am fairly certain from God's angle safety for John was lower in priority to his spiritual significance ! REFLECT
All but one(John the beloved) of the first Disciples was martyred for their faith and were often beaten , rejected . mocked , tortured in their lives prior to their glorious deaths ! REFLECT
Since when did the church make our personal safety more imperitive than the Gospel being advanced , and why are there so many benign expressions of committment to Jesus , when the call and terms of Discipleship are clearly radical , revolutionary, risky,compelling,uncomfortable , unpredictable,edgy and actually down right dangerous.
If today you are prepared to really come to terms with authentic Discipleship according to Jesus , then you will know such an awesome blessing in your life , this blessing will cause you to throw yourself upon God's ongoing mercy , grace & power rather than having all your comfort zone tick boxes on a daily basis .
I believe more than I ever have in my journey of faith that there has been a very real error in the teaching & definition of discipleship according to JESUS , we have underated , understated, and underestimated what the Lord has required of us when He has called us to be His Disciples .
Consequently in some ways the church has reaped what it has sown , we have settled for a sub-standard level of bland , non-threatening , safe, cosy , christianity which makes no difference to a sinful world, if anything brings us mockery .
People of GOD , please read the Gospels and see what Jesus requires when He calls you to follow Him ....and count the cost of authentic Christianity , what changes have to occur in your lives to match what Jesus asks of you and are you willing to step up to be the radical disciple that He calls you to be .
If not any preaching , reading or challenge of this nature will send you away screaming back into the comfortable , safe , religious,rut that neither dares nor defies the pharisaical expression of 'religious observance'.
Today I pray for my readers .......That Jesus will be fully formed in you according to His glory , His nature & His values .

MATTHEW 8 ;18-22,28-34

MARNEY

I GOT INTO SIN WHEN I CEASED HAVING A HEALTHY FEAR OF GOD

Jimmy Baker a renowned preacher in America was asked when did he stop loving Jesus , he was asked this by Billy Graham who visited him in prison . He was imprisoned for embezzlement , illegal prostitution businesses and some other illegal behaviours .
His answer is astounding : 'I never ceased loving Jesus with all my heart , mind & soul . However , I did cease to have a healthy fear of God and consequences to sin ............."This (he went onto say was the beginning of my backsliding ."

Reflect upon that statement dear ones , what does the Spirit of the Lord whisper or perhaps shout into your mind , heart , spirit .......?
Today can I ask do you in the light of ETERNITY have a Biblical , healthy fear of God ? If you do God will honour you and keep you close to Him , if you are in error you need to understand you are in a spiritually , dangerous and precarious position.

READ EXODUS 20:19-21, Philippians 2 : 12 ".......-continue to work out your salvation with FEAR & TREMBLING ." I believe this and by the way this is a New Testament reference .
Jesus was wonderfully full of both Grace & Truth .......God's grace is awesome and I am a recipient of this amazing grace . God's truth is absolute , non-negotiable and without fault , this can only have two reactions . OBEY GOD'S TRUTH or DISOBEY ! I for one choose the path of loving obedience .

Prayinbg for you all .

MARNEY

WHAT ISAAC IS GOD ASKING YOU TO GIVE TO HIM?

A brief word today : God didn't ask Abraham to offer up Ishmael as the sacrifice , not at all,He requested that Isaac be the sacrifice from Abraham. And Abraham stepped up to that request fully believing that the Lord would provide and of course He did !

What ISAAC'S is God asking of you this day ?????



Praying for you : Remember " BEHOLD TO OBEY IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICE ......"

MARNEY
( I would invite any discussion from today's post or previous posts)

SELF SERVING OR GOD OBEYING??

Jesus is constantly speaking to me in His Word about how much He values exact obedience, it is a non-negotiable in the Kingdom of God .
Unfortunately many actually operate from the paradigm that all will be well if I partially obey God , or even sacrifice these areas of my life . Dear readers that is Biblically unsound and theologically not truth , it is not even acceptable in any area of your spiritual journey . If you have lulled yourself into believing that or even worse if others in spiritual authority have taught you that , please know in God's eyes this is not His will , nor is it His plan for you .
We need a revival as God's people with reigniting a HEALTHY fear of God and His Word , I stress again ''healthy", ( I can hear the protests now as I write this ) , please stay with me!If you look into Exodus 20 : 17 you will read some non-negotiables from God ..... keep reading down to verses18 through to verse21. Make some spiritually minded observations : v19 "and they said to Moses , ';Speak to us yourself and we will listen . But do not have God speak to us or we will die ."
Moses' response in verse20 "Moses said to the people, "D0 not be afraid . God has come to test (not tempt) you, so that ....THE FEAR OF GOD WILL BE WITH YOU TO KEEP YOU FROM SINNING. Please Selah on this verse for a moment.
verse 21 "The people remained at a distance , while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was ."
There sadly was a distancing from God for the people ,v.18b...'they stayed at a distance",v21 "the people remained at a distance...".
Be very careful when you start distancing yourself from God , ask yourself deeply why ? Be careful when you start to only want to hear from God's servants and not from God Himself , ask yourself why ?
Be aware when you start to back away from His Word , His plan , His presence , His call to deep ,intimate prayer . Be aware that this will all result in a self-serving spirituality that will lead you to the places Jesus doesn't want you to be.
If you doubt that look at King Saul , Adam and Eve, even David with his eyes over the balcony looking at Bathsheba when he should have been focused on the battle and so many more in the Old Testament .
New testament is also littered with spiritual casualities: Ananias & Sapphira (Acts 5), the rich young ruler , the Pharisees ( using 'religion' to serve themselves), the Corinthians, Judas and sadly many , many more.
Today do you relentlessly obey the voice of God in your life , this really is a matter of ETERNAL consequence for you and others .
Please don't just settle on a 'self- centred gospel ' ( actually there is in God's eyes no such thing ),
this will be as a cancer in your spirit and the Body of Christ .
Read as a reminder today GALATIANS 6:7-9.....read and obey . Oh and for any critics reading ,please understand this is the standard that I am called to with you and I daily remind myself of God's grace as well as His Holiness , you see Jesus was full of GRACE & TRUTH , one cannot have all grace & no truth , or all truth and no grace , we are called to have both.

God bless you today , & praying for you .

MARNEY

BE CAREFUL WHAT OU SAY & PRAY .....GOD WILL HONOUR YOUR PRAYERS + WORDS

Read Psalm 106 ........pretty sobering actually .
Remember what God has done in your life .....REMEMBER .....GIVE PRAISE ....AND HAVE FAITH FOR FUTURE DAYS!
Verse 12 and verse 13 are so different , what had happened in people , to make them forget what God had done . What will make you remember the goodness of God ?
What makes you forget and grumble about His provision in your life ....Past , Present & Future ?
The tragedy is in verse 14 .... they grumbled , God gave them what they wanted ....and look what happened :death , disease , and eternal consequences .
You get what you pray people , be wise in God , don't be selfish or impure in your motivation , God does take our prayers , words , thoughts seriously!
Verse 43 ''MANY TIMES GOD DELIVERED THEM , BUT THEY WERE BENT ON REBELLION, + THEY WASTED AWAY IN THEIR SIN ." This is a serious issue for those who call themselves the 'already convinced', God calls us to grow up in Him in our desires , our prayers , our actions + our choices.

Glad to be back + praying for all my friends .
MARNEY

GOLIATH TOO BIG TO HIT .....OR TOO BIG TO MISS ?

What Goliaths' are you facing in your life at this time ? The giants of destruction that intimidate you , put you down , mock you , put fear into your fibre , abuse you , gossip about you , threaten you ,reject you , overlook you , overwhelm you , lie to you , use you , and all the other pathetic tactics that the goliaths in your life attempt to put upon you .
Today I want to encourage you to STOP being intimidated by these outrageous assaults against your mind , body & spirit.
Today in the name of Jesus, with the authority of God say : ''ENOUGH''! This is not the place God calls you to dwell in , in fact this is not a location God calls you to even pass through.... it is deceptive, destructive, divisive, derailing, and debilitating.
David asked in 1 Samuel 17:26 '' ....Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?''
Ask the same question of your goliath(s), be holy indignant at the audacity of such behaviour towards your own journey of faith and take up the mantle of faith that says without fear or hesitation this goliath confronting me is just TOO BIG TO MISS.....!
Remember David ( a little boy with a really large giant slayer faith ) "David said to the philistine , "You come against me with asword & spear & javelin, but I come against you in the Name of the Lord Almighty , the God of the armies of Israel whom you have defied . (read the rest in 1 Samuel 17 : 45 - 47).

God be with you today as you slay ungodly giants in Jesus name !
MARNEY

YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT JESUS IS GOING TO DO NEXT

Isn't it exciting to be on the journey of revolutionary , radical discipleship! I love waiting to see what Jesus is going to do next in my life & the lives of His people.
Always have a great sense of anticipation within you ,don't allow the wonder of God's love fade into insignificance in your life because of life's circumstances , pressures or sadness. Remember Ephesians 3 :20 ''... HE IS ABLE TO DO IMMEASURABLY MORE THAN ALL WE COULD ASK OR IMAGINE , ACCORDING TO HIS POWER THAT IS AT WORK IN US...." Jesus really wants to give you the journey of your life... don't be satisfied with anything less. Also don't allow fear of the unknown paralyse your choices spiritually . Jesus is absolutely trustworthy and He will reveal amazing insights if you will just give Him the chance , the time , the honour He deserves .
With Jesus ALWAYS expect the unexpected, press into His love , His Word His truth and be amazed at what will happen in your journey of life & faith!
JOHN 14 ; 12 reminds us of an incredible Biblical truth " I TELL YOU THE TRUTH , ANYONE WHO HAS FAITH IN ME WILL DO WHAT I HAVE BEEN DOING (says Jesus) . HE WILL DO EVEN GREATER THINGS THAN THESE , BECAUSE I AM GOING TO THE FATHER ."
Just remmber you never know what Jesus is going to do next ........... just wait , watch & pray !

Marney

PEOPLE ARE WAITING!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I read a great quote the other day :''SOMEBODY IS WAITING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF YOUR OBEDIENCE "........the questions for you & me are 1. What do I need to obey ? 2. How many people are waiting ? 3. What will be the outcome if I refuse to obey ?4. Am I even posturing myself to hear what God requires of me ?
Valid questions that require some sincere , serious , spiritual reflection ! 1 SAMUEL 15 : 22 says"DOES THE LORD DELIGHT IN BURNT OFFERINGS & SACRIFICES AS MUCH AS IN OBEYING THE VOICE OF THE LORD? TO OBEY IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICE & TO HEED IS BETTER THAN THE FAT OF RAMS."
If there are requests from God in your journey of faith , if there are non-negotiable calls from His heart , word & promptings to you today .
Stop merely thinking about how it will effect YOU & YOURS , what will it mean for YOUR plans and goals , and start having a much larger vision from God Almighty . Jesus loves you and has a perfect plan for your life that involves meeting the many people in locations and circumstances that you would not have normally chosen for yourself . In addition to that truth , you would never have experienced if you had not chosen to be obedient to the call of God upon your life .
When will we realise that we must give our lives ........for people NEED THE LORD !!!!!
Don't get shipwrecked on the sea of SELFISHNESS , SELF-SERVING , SELF-FOCCUSSED , EGO .
Let Jesus be LORD of your choices today .......others are waiting for your radical , revolutionary ,
renewed , response to Jesus with a resounding 'YES' .
ETERNITY MATTERS

MARNEY

IT IS TIME TO SPIRITUALLY POLE VAULT

Luke warm Christianity is contagious and I don't want to be infected with this lethal disease.
The temptation for the seriosly committed christian is to weaken our biblical theology to match our experience,but
Actually we are called to do the very opposite!
Pole vault our experience in God to measure up to what the Word of God says, so when
Jesus says ; "Deny youself , take up your cross + follow me " , that is exactly what He means .


Imagine if we all took the Word of God as our source
And standard for our behaviour ....what could be achieved in Jesus ' name , so today
Pole vault your obedience into God's arena + see what dramatic difference will occur
Around you , both for good + God's glory !

PRAY THE CHANGE ... BE THE CHANGE ... LEAD THE CHANGE !
Marney

SELF NEEDS A CRUCIFIXION

The great challenger of a pure heart and a radical journey of discipleship with Jesus is ourselves:

S=The sin that so easily trips us up , self-serving, selfish goals, prominence of self , self seeking..will rob you of the fulness of God's Holy Spirit.

E= Ego will be as deadly as self! This will demand rights , ego will nurse grudges , ego and it's fruit has it's foundation in pride & arrogance , all birthed in hell.

L= Leaving our first love & passion for Jesus , His Word , His truth , His peace & His power , this will termite your spiritual fruit , your effectiveness for the Gospel and your testimony.The only answer is REPENTANCE. (Psalm 51)

F= Forgetting & denying the grace of God in your experience demolishes finishing strong in the Lord.

YES SELF MUST DIE IF JESUS IS TO BE LORD OF ALL..
GALATIANS 2:20
''IT IS NO LONGER I WHO LIVES , BUT CHRIST THAT LIVETH IN ME ...."
Is that your experience in Christ today ? Please make it so for Jesus' sake ....and your own joy.
Life is so short & ETERNITY so long .

Praying for you each.

MARNEY

DRIVE THROUGH BREAK THROUGH IS A CONTRADICTION IN GOD'S KINGDOM

Society today is looking for the quickest answers to everything possible ....marriages , qualifications , personal challenges , finances , children, relationships , promotions, health issues .
We have a drive through mentality about almost everything ....including spiritual issues , the problem with that is God is not necessarily adhering to the same "quick ethos'' as we are !
We want instant change , He actually wants us to repent , we want deliverance , He requires death to self.... we want it all NOW , He wants us to "wait upon Him....His Word , His Holy Spirit, His voice .
Today when you are getting impatient with the living God , when you are annoyed that your breakthrough is not happening , stop ........ breathe .....pray and seek the face of Jesus , His words of truth and be faithful whilst you are waiting for God's answer , which may incidentally be quite different to your own .
Remember what is born of the flesh , brings fleshly responses , on the other hand what is born of God's Holy Spirit brings His answers to our most complex issues .
Understand God's timing and value system is very different to the one we usually devise ..
ACTS 17:27 "GOD DID THIS SO THAT MEN WOULD SEEK HIM & PERHAPS REACH OUT FOR HIM & FIND HIM, THOUGH HE IS NOT FAR FROM EACH ONE OF US."

Praying for you all this week !

MARNEY

EXTRAORDINARY LIVING IN JESUS BRINGS EXTRAORDINARY RESPONSES

Whenever you venture down the path of refusing to dwell in the ordinary, or settle in the shallows of mediocrity there will quite often be a reaction , sometimes positive , other times negative.
A mere superficial reading of the Word of God again & again reveals this reality. Take for example Acts 17:1-9 , extreme reaction..... these people were absolutely in the will of God , preaching the Word , empowered by the Holy Spirit, praying , evangelising and doing everything God had commanded them to do and yet.........
Look at verse 6 : '' BUT WHEN THEY DID NOT FIND THEM , THEY DRAGGED JASON AND SOME OTHER BROTHERS BEFORE THE CITY OFFICIALS , SHOUTING:"THESE MEN WHO HAVE CAUSED TROUBLE ALL OVER THE WORLD HAVE NOW COME HERE."
Disciples of Jesus will always be controversial simply because the world does not understand who they live for and why they are so passionate to promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If today you are in that number rejoice , keep living on the raw , vibrant edge of Christianity and don't ever back down unless the Lord tells you to .
I have had some reactions to who I am in God recently including this very blog I am writing on now....my mind & spirit tell me to run swiftly into the arms of Jesus , keep upholding His Word of Truth, making every decision on my knees and resting in the very passion of Christ .... the power of the cross and the purpose of God's Kingdom.

Can I advise readers today to do the same ....and if you find yourself in a prison of attack or reaction ....stay foccused on Jesus and watch the prison walls come down in His matchless name.

Praying for you today.

GRACE & TRUTH
Marney

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT?????

Whatever that is ...you will FALL the way you LEAN, it really is that simple. I was on public transport a week ago and I was travelling with football and rugby supporters ( who shall remain nameless )... and there was absolutely no doubt about where there passion was , it was in my and everyone elses face ( literally) . Here is my issue when there is excitement and passion for Jesus , His Kingdom , His saving power , His life , love , purpose and presence there is a cooling from many people with words like :fanaticism ,'over the top', even 'crazy', unnecessary.
Well I want to declare today that my passion is and always will be JESUS , the King of Kings , the Lord of Lords , the Bright and Morning Star , the Fairest of ten thousand to my soul, the Altogether Lovely ....and I intend to by His grace keep it stoked up for His glory . You see dear friends we all fall the way we lean , and I want to encourage you to lean into , press into JESUS !
Pray for each other , build up each other and please don't be so conservative in your Christianity that it all becomes a 'ho-hum journey'. The days are evil and the living God calls us to be burning , sizzling with His presence....producing Holy Salt and Holy Light!!!
I am glad to be back on this blog , didn't have the privilege there for a time , however , I will say that God is good all the time .
I look forward to further vision casting of what could and should be instead of what is :
PROVERBS 29:18 ''WITHOUT VISION , PEOPLE PERISH''. The esv translation says ''WITHOUT PROPHETIC ...YES PROPHETIC REVELATION, PEOPLE CAST OFF RESTRAINT."

Pray about it friends .

MARNEY

AN INVITATION FROM THE LIVING GOD!

Everywhere in this world all sorts of people are calling for CHANGE.......change in goverments, change in behaviours, change in ethical standards, change in attitudes, change in lifestyle choices , change in greed and power legislation, CHANGE...CHANGE ...CHANGE !
There is a need for CHANGE .....& it starts with you and me , if you dispute this can I suggest that this needs to happen in your own life yesterday .Jesus calls for us to change our thoughts for His over & over again...just read any or all of the Gospels.
Psalm 51 : 10 has a great prayer : ''CHANGE & CREATE IN ME A CLEAN HEART, O GOD , RENEW A STEADFAST SPIRIT WITHIN ME."

A good place to start : PRAY THE CHANGE

BE THE CHANGE


LEAD THE CHANGE!

Are you anywhere close to any of these thoughts today ?

Praying with & for you.

MARNEY

DON'T MISS GOD'S NOW MOMENT IN YOUR LIFE

There is a time that is GOD ORDAINED....GOD APPOINTED ...GOD ANOINTED...PERFECT TIMING for you to obey & glorify God with your NOW!!!!
Unfortunately many miss God's' NOW' in their lives because they are bitter , angry, resentful , consumed with the past for good & bad reasons , similarly many miss the 'NOW' because they are constantly scheming , strategising , manipulating & politically orchestrating their futures .
STOP !!! What about the moment that is your & God's NOW in your journey ..... you are required by the living God to live in the 'NOW' , seize the ' NOW' , reclaim the 'NOW' for God's glory & the Salvation of the world .
Missed "NOW MOMENTS'' ....create many regrets , many lost opportunities , many missed moments of grace , growth , blessing & challenge !
Today if you are parked up on 'procrastination place ' , or stalled on 'past glory days place ' , or even riveted on' revenge grange'then clearly the only way out of this is to repent , renew & revive your passion for living in the "NOW'' Jesus has for you.

Praying for you today ROMANS 13:11-14 ,v11 ''AND DO THIS , UNDERSTANDING THE PRESENT TIME. THE HOUR HAS COME FOR YOU TO WAKE UP FROM YOUR SLUMBER, BECAUSE YOUR SALVATION IS NEARER NOW...NOW...NOW THAN WHEN WE FIRST BELIEVED." Trust Jesus who is full of grace & truth!

MARNEY

WHEN YOU ARE LIVING FOR JESUS IT IS ALWAYS TOO SOON TO QUIT!

There is no discharge in the Army of Jesus .....many will dispute this remark , but I would contend that we are called to consitent faithfulness day after day after day after day for the Salvation of the lost & the glory of God .
We may become tired in the fight , but never become tired of the fight .... if you find yourself in that place look for others who will refresh & revive your passion & zeal .
Remember Romans 11:29: ''FOR THE GIFTS & CALLING OF GOD ARE IRREVOCABLE. "God won't change His mind about your specific calling unless you choose to be totally disobedient to what the Lord requires of you. Then sadly He will pass you over (scary stuff)!
Be passionate , be thrilled , be determined to never, never, never, never give up mentally , spiritually , emotionally , physically............!
Live for the words : ''WELL DONE GOOD & FAITHFUL SERVANT ."
Praying for you all today & requesting that you could respond with prayers for me .

GRACE & TRUTH

MARNEY

A WAKE UP CALL ..............FROM THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

The Lord Jesus is trying to speak in tones that His people will obey ...I sometimes wonder what really does God have to do to get our attention.
Perhaps that is a question I could ask you today ....what does JESUS have to do in your life to get your attention ?
Something glad , something sad , something bad , something slightly mad ? How do you hear the voice of God, & when He speaks how do you choose to respond ?
You see the great Almighty will often speak to us telling us what we NEED to hear , rather than what we WANT to hear .
The prophets were down through history rebuked , hated , misunderstood , rejected , mocked and a great deal else when they spoke what God told them to say , John the Baptist was beheaded for his message from God , rather an extreme reaction to a message of holiness , but such is the nature of intentional sin . Just get away from me with your legitimate Word of God ......this is still the case for both the modern day prophet and people who choose not to hear .

Today when the great LORD speaks I have a few suggestions : 1. stop & listen
2. posture yourself to confirm this Word ,3. obey His commands to you , 4. obey quickly , 5. don't think more about your reputation than being a true disciple of Jesus, 6. have others pray for you , 7. stay in the Word , 8. stay on your knees , 9. pray & fast for the outcomes , 10 . have faith that the Lord Jesus will empower you to do His Kingdom business & and so much more!

Read today : 1 Thess. 5 :19-21 ''DO NOT QUENCH THE HOLY SPIRIT, DO NOT SPURN THE GIFTS & UTTERANCES OF THE PROPHETS (DO NOT DEPRECIATE PROPHETIC REVELATIONS NOR DESPISE INSPIRED INSTRUCTIONS , EXHORTATIONS OR WARNINGS). BUT TEST & PROVE ALL THINGS , WAHT IS GOOD , & HOLD FAST ."
It is a very serious issue to QUENCH the Spirit of God in your life , your family & in the church Jesus has called you to lead or be at .
Pray that you may never be found in that sad , desolate place .
MARNEY

WILL WHAT HAS BROUGHT YOU THIS FAR IN GOD TAKE YOU ON FROM HERE ?

This question is worth asking more than once simply because the revelation we have received from God's Holy Spirit in the past ,is just that ....the past and the Lord Jesus wants to give us continually "fresh revelation" from the Father's heart today for the NOW in our lives . One of the issues for many people is that there has not been an active , passionate ,obedient ,response to the revelation that the Lord has already given and so until that has been acted upon there can be no further spiritual growth .

Perhaps ask yourself today what has the Lord already revealed to me ? And have I been faithful in acting upon these precious truths from God's heart ?

Some people I speak to are really happy to remain stunted and stuck in yesterday's testimony and journey of faith and as such look through the eyes of sentimentalism when it comes to their spiritual journey TODAY !
Defining moments in the past are good to remember , however , most certainly not helpful to remain there or dwell in for today and it's unique challenges.
Today can I suggest that you dare to pray and believe for a DIVINE COLLISION with GOD in the here and NOW of your life , Jesus calls you to it , the Father is desiring that you respond to His claims upon your life and The Holy Spirit is ready with power & authority to teach you all things from the Kingdom of God .
Soooooooo........ what are you waiting for ? Posture yourself to hear God's fresh Word in your life , pray like there is no tomorrow and be in the Living Word of God to be sure that you are Biblically sound .

ISAIAH 43 : 19 "SEE I AM DOING A NEW THING !NOW IT SPRINGS UP: DO YOU NOT PERCEIVE IT?
I AM MAKING A WAY IN THE DESERT AND STREAMS IN THE WASTELAND."

WILL WHAT HAS BROUGHT YOU THIS FAR IN GOD TAKE YOU ON FROM HERE ?

REMEMBER THIS EASTER ...IT'S FRIDAY BUT SUNDAY IS COMING !

I have to share today on this maundy Thursday that I am so mindful of the incredible , awesome nature of Good Friday .
I dwell intentionally ,as much as I can upon the Cross Jesus died upon , and this day is given over to reflect upon the absolute love that was poured out by Jesus as He hung & suffered on that cruel cross of Calvary.
Of course the Word of God tells us in 1 Corinthians 1 : 18 ''FOR THE MESSAGE OF THE CROSS IS FOOLISHNESS TO THOSE WHO ARE PERISHING , BUT TO US WHO ARE BEING SAVED IT IS THE POWER OF GOD."
Not everyone this Easter will be focussing upon the Cross , for some it will be chocolate and hot cross buns , for others it will be an excuse (again ) to "party'' , for others it means holidays , family and food , lots of it (again)!
But for me it means giving thanks to JESUS for saving me through His precious blood and knowing forgiveness .
And as great as Friday is , it is a good Friday .....don't ever forget Sunday with RESURRECTION LIFE & POWER IS A COMING !

Jesus bless you over these days!

JESUS ON THE CROSS REVEALS WHO GOD IS AND WHO WE REALLY ARE

Today in this Holy week I wish you to contemplate the CROSS ......for you see not only do we see the Father heart of God , the unwavering passion of Christ , and the power of love , we also see ourselves for who we really are . It is disturbing , challenging , humbling and unavoidable ! I guess we can pretend that we don't really see but the love of JESUS will continue to confront us daily with his desire for our lives.
Think about the others around the cross on that awesome , terrible, wonderful day :Judas ,for whom money was more important than any relationship ( including his own with God ). Sadly this man perhaps thought he could manipulate Jesus into supporting his own theology>

Pilate : this puppet of Rome & the people preferred pseudo peace to doing what was RIGHT !Justifying himself with the mind set 'it is better for one man to die, someone's head must roll ; if not that of Jesus it will be his own .

The crowd : in it's mindless thirst for blood.

The soldiers : in their casual brutality.

The disciples : who ran away .

And of course there is you & I .......how will we respond ? How do we respond ?

A prayer : LORD JESUS WE ARE ALL THERE , WE ARE ALL PART OF THE DRAMA...THERE IS A PART IN ALL OF US WHICH STILL SAYS THAT THE SAFEST RESPONSE TO THE SURPRISING GOD IS TO KILL HIM WHILST WE HAVE A CHANCE; ANYTHING TO GET HIM OUT OF OUR LIVES , TO MAKE HIM LEAVE US ALONE, TO BE RID OF HIM SO WE CAN HAVE THE SECURITY OF OUR PREFERRED POLITICS , OUR COSY RELIGION, OUR NATURAL INTERESTS,, OUR NON-THREATNING DISCIPLESHIP THAT DOESN'T MAKE ANY WAVES ANYWHERE .

DELIVER US JESUS FROM OURSELVES THIS EASTER!

THE CROSS .....CHOICE OR CONTROL?

Over recent days I have heard comments that Jesus really did not have a choice about going to the cross , that God manipulated Him to do so . This of course is heresy ....Jesus made His own choice about His crucifixion on the cross , ultimately it was His greatest act of pure , unadulterated love to a desperately sinful , dying world. Forget any suggestion that Jesus was trapped , erase any theory that Jesus made a miscalculation, ignore any speculation that the cross was a last -ditch attempt to salvage a dying mission. Listen to the Word of God from Matthew 20:18-19 (Jesus said)'' WE ARE GOING UP TO JERUSALEM, & THE SON OF MAN WILL BE BETRAYED TO THE CHIEF PRIESTS & THE TEACHERS OF THE LAW. THEY WILL CONDEMN HIM TO DEATH v19 AND WILL TURN HIM OVER TO THE GENTILES TO BE MOCKED & FLOGGED & CRUCIFIED. ON THE THIRD DAY HE WILL BE RAISED TO LIFE."
If these words tell us anything they tell us that Jesus died ....on purpose. No manipulation , no hesitation and no last minute faltering.
Once He knew the consequences of His act of love there was no question of delayed , or destroyed obedience.....it was irreversibly done in the name of God , for your sake & mine , that we might be SAVED.
So today when you flinch in the face of God's revealed will for your life , remember JESUS , look to Him to be your role model and remind yourself if you have been asked to be obedient in any area ,it could not possibly be even remotely compared to what JESUS did for you.

It is time for all Christians ( me included ) to get a spiritual spine in our journey , to step up to God's plate of Discipleship and stop complaining about the "cost".
Selah on these amazing Words of life : "HE HIMSELF BORE OUR SINS IN HIS BODY ON THE TREE , SO THAT WE MIGHT DIE TO SINS & LIVE FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS : BY HIS WOUNDS YOU HAVE BEEN HEALED."
1 Peter 2:24.
Praying for you today.....MARNEY

DOES ANYONE ACTUALLY READ THESE THOUGHTS ?

PRISONERS...VACATIONERS...SILVER BULLETS...LEARNERS & LISTENERS

Recently I was a delegate at a conference and the guest speaker began her presentation with a description of different mind sets of people who come to any "learning" experience (i.e conferences).I found it fascinating and hope to stimulate your thoughts as well :
1. The first category of people are "PRISONERS" people who had no choice in being at a particular course, they are there because they were told to be there ( or in Salvation Army culture..appointed to be there .)
2. The next category of people are the ''VACATIONERS" , these are the people who will do anything to just get out of the office or regular place of service or employment. These people really don't care about what they are learning , they are just glad it is not the mundane , normal, routine .
3. The next category of people are the ''SILVER BULLET PEOPLE'' these friends are the ones who really do not want any frills or detailed concepts they simply are seeking the straight answer (short, sharp & shiny ), and they want to know that it works ! No mess , no vague concepts ....just the answer (NOW).In reality one agenda , unfortunately it can be for their own glory.
4. The last category of people are the ''LISTENERS & LEARNERS", these people are there to really learn in order to make a difference in their place of service.....they are humble enough to really listen and to be prepared to learn, whatever it takes.

I would suggest to you today that there could possibly be similarly types of people in the church of Jesus Christ , sadly some feel when they serving , worshipping , or in any way engaged in the church that they really feel trapped , there is no authentic joy , peace or purpose.

The vacationers seem to be present to ...these are the people who are along for the 'ride' enjoying the entertainment , unfortunately merely spectators when actually Jesus has called them to be participants in His service.

The silver bullet people need to understand that whilst JESUS IS THE ANSWER there is a process when we are calling ourselves Disciples of Jesus ...the process and unfolding aspects of obedience ....growth ...obedience again ...growth ...and more obedience. Realising that continuance in a state of salvation depends upon continued obedience in Christ is more than a nice thought , it actually is a biblical reality.

Bless God there are also the listeners and learners in the church of Jesus , these are the people who seem to get IT , they understand that to hear the voice of Jesus is more important than there own ideas and to learn from the Word of God and the Words of Jesus is the only way to really have His life , His heart , His purpose fulfilled in a way that will bring glory to God and extend the Kingdom .

Today I would ask you where do you see yourselves when it comes to your expression of faith in Jesus ? And if you find yourself in any other category than the LISTENER or LEARNER then are you able to step up to the challenge of authentic Christianity as Jesus calls us to in His WORD .

Blessings to you today .....praying for you each !

MARNEY

CHARACTER LIKE JESUS

Character is the causative force in a person's decisions , values and lifestyle. Accomplishments are the effects of those decisions upon our lives & the lives of others. If our thoughts & actions are carried out with Godliness and Holiness the results will be marked with spiritual excellence and will carry no regrets.
We build holy character in our lives by the decisions we make on a day by day basis. We are called to be like JESUS ......nothing less will suffice.
The fruit of the Spirit of God must be evident in our waking hours , in our minds , hearts and practices. (Gal. 5)
Today remember that your giftings will take you places that will require your Godly character to sustain & keep you pure and holy!
No character ....no lasting spiritual results.......! Never settle for 'survive', go for 'thrive' ALWAYS!
To be like JESUS this hope possesses me , His spirit helping me like Him I will be , because of GRACE.
Praying today for you all .

MARNEY

THE MOCKERY OF CALVARY LIVES ON ....SO DOES THE VICTORY DESPITE THE MOCKERS!

At the CROSS OF CALVARY there were groups of mockers : a)the crowd,b)the chief priests , Scribes , & Pharisees, c)the roman soldiers , d)the thieves , the sad account of these pitiable people and there attitudinal sin is found in MATTHEW 27:27-44, worth a read leading up to Easter.
The crowd is still there constantly mocking something , or someone they don't understand bringing with their presence cynacism , doubt , biting criticism and irreverential tongue slashing.
Don't be swayed by it , don't listen to it and above all do not let it destroy the dreams God has placed in your heart.
The chief priests and their peer groups still want to destoy everything that Jesus has ever wanted to accomplish ....it happened in Jesus 'time and sadly this group are very much alive and
venomous today.These are the people who major on the minor issues & make of no consequence the issues that are of Eternal and Kingdom order . Beware of these people in your life near or far , discern the lack of compassion & mercy , check out the envy and strife that radiates from such individuals and quite frankly pray unceasingly for their scathing criticism to not permeate your spirit....for as in Jesus' day the ultimate end of these people's influence is crucifixion of all that is pure , holy and right in God's eyes , and most of all the ultimate robbing of God's Holy
Spirit birthing in you God's pleasing & perfect will .And these people who were supposed to be the spiritual leaders of the times proved again that ''RELIGION'' can merely be a cover for hatred , maliciousness & mercilessness. ( note I said 'religion' not Christ -centred Christianity).
The thieves & the roman soldiers like the other groups are in a league all of their own .....over this week I will continue on but for now ...1..be encouraged not discouraged ,2. know that because of the cross YOU ARE FORGIVEN.3. your SALVATION will never be stolen from you unless you choose to let it be so.4.Jesus for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross( Hebrews 12:2) YOU & I ARE THAT JOY !!!!!5.Jesus by His death & Resurrection has made a public spectacle of satan & his mocking agents ....YOU THROUGH THE BLOOD OF JESUS WILL ALWAYS HAVE THE VICTORY.Colossians 2 : 15 ''And having disarmed the powers & authorities , He made a public spectacle of them , triumphing over them by the CROSS. "
Walk in your blood bought inheritance today & remember it is all because of JESUS .....NO OTHER.
PRAYING FOR YOU .
MARNEY

LISTENING TO THE VOICE OF GOD WITH A 'RENEWED MIND"

Ephesians 4:23-25 is worth obeying "BE RENEWED IN THE SPIRIT OF YOUR MIND, & PUT ON THE NEW SELF , WHICH IN THE LIKENESS OF GOD HAS BEEN CREATED IN RIGHTEOUSNESS & HOLINESS OF THE TRUTH. THEREFORE, LAYING ASIDE FALSEHOOD, SPEAK TRUTH EACH ONE OF YOU WITH HIS NEIGHBOUR, FOR WE ARE MEMBERS OF ONE BODY."
There are many people who are trying to discern the voice of God with an unrenewed mind and frankly it will just not work .
This is but one thing that will clog the channels and make us all unreceptive to the voice of God's Holy Spirit, there are many others , here are a few worthy of spiritual investigation.
1. Worry and anxiety ( Psalm 37:8), (Philippians 4 :8)
2. Anger and unforgiveness ( Eph 4 : 26-27) Ephesians 4 : 32 " Be kind & compassionate to one another , forgiving each other , just as in Christ God forgave you .''
3. Bitterness ... Hebrews 12:15 '' See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God : that no root of bitterness springs up causing trouble & by it many are being defiled."
4.Lustful self-indulgences.... Romans 13 :10, 13-14
5. Prayerlessness and Word centred neglect .... Joshua 1:8-9 , 1Th essalonians 5:16-18
6.Doubt & Disbelief ...Mark 9 :24, Hebrews 11:1
7.Impure motivation for seeking God's voice , power & authority .James 4 : 2 -3 (powerful scriptures worth reading )
Read tomorrow for many more dear friends .
If ever there was a time in the world when God's people needed to hear the voice of Jesus it is NOW.
For Jesus' sake and the lost sake please listen to the voice of God's Holy Spirit.

Praying for readers today .
MARNEY

THE BIGGEST LOSER FROM GOD'S PERSPECTIVE

When we lose everything for the cause of JESUS CHRIST we always WIN . Why ?Basically because we are no longer held in captivity by materialistic gain , position or status, performance success, relationship manipulation and many more other potential idols that will hinder us in our journey of faith.
Today get in shape with the Lord Jesus and you will always be a WINNER in the realm of life both now and throughout all ETERNITY.
Being weighed down with the baggage of this world becomes very heavy and really slows us down in the rhythms of spiritual grace and discipleship , don't be deceived by the lie that a few carnal kilos will not harm your spiritual vitality or performance in the race of life .......actually they will .
So today as you contemplate shedding those unwanted layers of carnal kilos ...be sure you understand what really is at risk here and get exercising with the power , presence and purpose of God's Holy Spirit. Ask Jesus who is the Saviour who will come and give you all that you need to be fast , fit and pulsating with the very life blood of God running through your senses, to make His presence clear and strong .
READ 1 Timothy 4:8 ''FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING IS OF SOME VALUE, BUT GODLINESS HAS VALUE FOR ALL THINGS, HOLDING PROMISE FOR BOTH THE PRESENT LIFE AND THE LIFE TO COME."
Also 2 Timothy 2:5 "SIMILARLY, IF ANYONE COMPETES AS AN ATHLETE, HE DOES NOT RECEIVE THE VICTOR'S CROWN UNLESS HE COMPETES ACCORDING TO GOD'S RULES."
Try these boosters : Jesus' living power water.
High fibre living bread( otherwise known as Jesus),
Fresh revelation given to you from The Holy Spirit that will blow through your life,
God's manna from His Word that will nurture your being in every way...creating energy , sustaining strength and guidance for your spiritual health.

I think you get the idea!
Praying for you today .

MARNEY

TRUE REPENTANCE REAPS GREAT REWARDS

Owning one's own sin is not popular , but absolutely necessary to spiritual vitality and growth in the Lord.
Today if you need a spiritual and personal cleansing follow these guides from the Word of God.
1.Own your own sin, sins by OMMISSION or COMMISSION grieve the Spirit of God.
2. Grieving the Holy Spirit will allow you to be more vulnerable and more likely to sin even more .EPHESIANS4: 30-32.
3. Unforgiveness will be as a cancerous growth in your spiritual life......confess it and FORGIVE ALL WHO HAVE OFFENDED YOU.
4. If you want to grow up in God you have to realise that there are behaviours that God cannot tolerate and until we understand and act upon these behaviours we will remain spiritual babies.
5. Understand that Jesus longs for you and yearns to not be in any way separated from your life ,He loves you with an everlasting love that continually calls you to Himself.
6.Psalm 51 is a good place to start praying repentance if you are not sure how to begin.
7. Be sincere as you pray and don't expect a mere perfunctory prayerful performance will be sufficent, rather God requires a broken & contrite heart.
8. Start believing that God will not reveal to you any 'FRESH REVELATION' until you have obeyed that which He has already shown you.
9. Please start today ...that is all you have for sure .
10.Read two or three times COLOSSIANS 3:5-17.

Praying for you all today .
MARNEY

LABOURERS ARE FEW ............PRAY!

Jesus told us in Luke 10 :2"...THE HARVEST IS PLENTIFUL, BUT THE WORKERS ARE FEW.ASK THE LORD OF THE HARVEST,THEREFORE,TO SEND OUT WORKERS INTO HIS HARVEST FIELD."

Well it is absolutely true that the harvest is plentiful and sadly it is also truth that from my observation there are few who are willing to pay the price of Biblical Discipleship , which is required in this journey Jesus calls us into . I guess that comment for some of my readers will seem harsh , actually I just sense that sometime , somewhere it needs to be stated, not to rebuke ,rather to exhort , encourage and remind us all of what Jesus is really requiring of those of us who call ourselves Christians.
Just imagine what could be accomplished if there was a resounding ''YES'' to the Lord Jesus' call upon our lives...................Selah!
You see there is a call to 'COME ,CHANGE THE WORLD....GIVE UP YOUR SMALL AMBITIONS AND COME."
However, the question comes directly to all of us from Jesus own words "WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM..."(MARK 8:27)...and alot depends on your answer , for what you believe will influence how you will respond to this dynamic call from JESUS. For Jesus cannot be Lord & Saviour of your life if we profess LORDSHIP and live DUPLICITY ...(our goals , plans life choices are our preferred priorities).
It is vital that we all really understand Jesus does not tolerate rivals when it comes to His claims upon our lives....He requires , longs for , yearns for loving ,resolute , faithful OBEDIENCE to His will for our lives . To consider otherwise is simply to believe a lie .
Hebrews 4:7".........''TODAY ,IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS."
For indeed the harvest is waiting to be reaped by you .......don't sideline yourself by responding with a sacrifice instead of uncompromising obedience . You will miss out , others will miss out and sadly most of all the Kingdom of God will be left wanting.
Praying for you today and please if you are being all that Jesus calls you to be then PRAY with me .

We all need to pray to make a difference for JESUS ...........TODAY!

JESUS CALL TO FOLLOW HIM REQUIRES A LOVING OBEDIENT "YES"

When Jesus calls people to follow Him , it is not just a 'nice idea' on His behalf , it actually is a serious , loving invitation to 'come follow Jesus' and start investing into the Kingdom of God as opposed to living for our own kingdoms.

Have a read of Luke 9:57-62.....this is very potent as you will see when you read . Some have said to me that they actually think this is 'harsh' , but as you understand what Jesus is asking and then the reponses then you will begin to realise what the claims of Jesus mean in your life .
Verse 59 of Luke 9 tells us that this man responded with "...FIRST , let me go and bury my father."
Read Jesus' response to this request and reflect.
Secondly read the response of another to Jesus' call in verse 61''...BUT FIRST let me go back and say good - bye to my family.''
Read Jesus' response to that request and reflect.

Do you realise that in both instances there was a definite response to Jesus ' call with a 'yes' ...BUT FIRST......

You see Jesus is requiring that when we follow Him that there are actually no other challenging ''FIRSTS'' in our conditional obedience . You see the Lord Jesus does require that we love Him supremely with ALL OUR HEART , ALL OUR SOULS AND ALL OUR MIGHT, and that when He says 'come, follow me ' ....our only valid response must be an uncompromising ''YES''...''YES''..."YES".

Why because we love Him more than our own lives.

Praying for you today.

MARNEY

IT WILL ALWAYS BE ALL ABOUT JESUS

Today dear friends I want to remind you that Jesus loves you , calls you and longs for you to allow Him to reveal His perfect plan for your life.
So many people get caught up , distracted , diverted , overwhelmed by circumstances of life, that they often do not see that actually our lives are at their very best when we live to glorify Jesus, day by day .

I have many conversations with people about being obedient to the will of God in their lives and I gently tell them that actually whatever the Lord is asking of them He will provide the grace , power , and strength that is required for His claims upon their lives.

Today if you are wrestling with doing & being God's person......can I lovingly remind you that actually your life will be at a good place when you remember that it will always be ALL ABOUT JESUS ......and the rest mere DETAIL !

Praying for you today .

JOHN 15:16
'YOU DID NOT CHOOSE ME, BUT I CHOSE YOU AND APPOINTED YOU TO GO AND BEAR FRUIT- FRUIT THAT WILL LAST."

WHAT WILL YOU DO IN 2010 TO CHANGE THE WORLD?

Back in the saddle for 2010 and praising Jesus for the privilege & opportunity. My challenge today is short & sweet : What will you do in this year that changes this world for good not evil, for Jesus' glory not self-promotion, for the lost not your personal comfort ?
The fact remains that the world still needs changing so I am asking what specifically are you called to do for Jesus this year ?

Having asked that question ,when will that happen and how will you put this plan into operation?

Jesus call is as compelling this year as it was last year and I for one will not compromise or sell out to a dwarfed goal or CALLING !

Jesus bless you this day and (by the way) I have never stopped praying for you each .

God's grace and power .

MARNEY