May/June 2021

​Dear Contenders of the Faith,
 
What a glorious Pentecost Sunday we had. I was reminded of the power of influence. People underestimate the power of influence in their lives. In doing so they don’t value themselves or don’t realize others can influence them in a negative or positive way.  
 
My parents were a major influence in my life growing up. I witnessed the power and love of God flow through their lives. They were always pouring into us a loving relationship. I learned to love God because I had a loving earthly father. I witnessed revivals at a young age and accepted the Lord at the age of 9. It was easy to love God because of the love my parents showed me.
The atmosphere of our home growing up was fun, loving, caring, and giving. It was a gift of influence I don’t take lightly. My mother had the power to make things fun. Mother would always come up with a creative plan to help us achieve our goals. She never said; “We can’t afford that.” She would instead say; “Let’s see how we can make that happen.”
 
When I was little I wanted a special pair of shoes. My mother suggested that my siblings and I set up a carnival and charge admission. This helped me to purchase the shoes and my siblings what they wanted. Her power of influence helped me to see life through a positive lens.
 
One of the most positive influences in our lives is the Word of God. It is so important that we are in the Word every day to impart in our mind, will and emotions a positive influence. The bible is clear on how we do that in Philippians 4:8. It says... “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
 
It is so easy to get off track when challenges arise, for example... when a child has gone astray, sickness has occurred, financial issues arise or marital problems start, or whatever it may be. When it happens, it’s easy to focus on the problem instead of dwelling on what God's Word has to say about that issue. That is when we need to contend for our faith as stated in Isaiah 49:25 and Jude 1:3.
 
You have to fight for your faith. It’s not a one and done deal. Every single day we have to be willing to fight and stand on the Word. We cannot back off of what we are contending for. Satan wants us to back off. He knows we will win if we take God at His Word. We will win every single time. The key is to contend for it not giving up or holding back. Not waiving our biblical rights but contending for our faith! Holy Spirit is calling us to be influenced by the power of the Word of God knowing His Word will not return void in our lives. I hope this newsletter was a positive influence for you today. Know that I am cheering you on and I am praying for you. You are an overcomer and you are victorious.
 
Thank you for your generous donations. As you continue to give to Marilyn Murray Ministries you are helping us to continue to minister in local churches, sponsor conferences, hold bible studies, partner in missions, rescue sex trafficking victims, help the homeless, provide education for children and so much more. Would you prayerfully consider donating today to help Marilyn Murray Ministries continue to reach our goals and take the gospel to the world or possibly becoming a monthly MMM partner? 

With My Love,
Marilyn