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!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
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!
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!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
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
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
Sunday, March 14, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
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
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
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