Straight to the Heart Ministries

Targeting The Heart

"...that your joy may be full..." Thursday, July 03, 2008

In the book of I John 1:4 the Word of God reads, "And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full." The Apostle John had a very unique closeness to the Lord Jesus Christ. He was one of the two sons of Zebedee. Called as a very young man to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. He wrote the gospel of John, I, II and III John and the book of Revelation. As an old man he was abandoned on the Isle of Patmos. When I wrote the word "closeness" earlier, please allow me to explain. The Apostle John was a part of the inner circle of Christ Jesus. He was an eye-witness of every major miracle our Lord Jesus performed. The Lord Jesus always took three diciples with Him. These three were the inner-circle. They were Peter, James and JOHN. John is mentioned last because he was the youngest of all the disciples. John is considered by Biblical scholars as the disciple that mentions the LOVE of God more than any other. At the last supper it is the Apostle John who leans over on our Lord Jesus bosom as an act of his devotion, closeness and love. (John 13:23, John 19:26, John 20:2, John 21:7, John 21:20) These scripture references refer to the disciple "WHOM JESUS LOVED". I John 1:1-4 reads, "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life. (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full." Knowing the Apostle John and his close friendship and fellowship with the Son of God, these words jump off the page of the Bible to me. OH WHAT GREAT JOY THIS BRINGS TO MY HEART! I travel all over the country, I meet and see a host of Christian people. I wonder though, where is the joy in their hearts? Most Christians are caught up in the things of this world that only bring temporary happiness, not fullness of joy. The Apostle John declares in I John, "THAT WHICH WAS FROM THE BEGINNING..." What was from the beginning? The Apostle John tells us in John 1:1-3 which reads, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made." Who is the Apostle John talking about? None other than the LORD JESUS CHRIST! The song goes, "If you want joy, real joy, wonderful joy, let Jesus come into your heart!" If you belong to Jesus Christ and He belongs to you, WHERE IS THE JOY? I'm not talking about fleeting happiness, but fulness of JOY! "Brother Marc, I bowled a 237 game the other day, and I'm happy about it!" "Brother Marc, I went hot air ballon riding and it was great!" Fleeting happiness? "Brother Marc, I've got a brand new sports car and it is fantastic!" Wait till you get your first ding in it? The happiness will be gone! Things and activities cannot bring lasting JOY! Fulness of JOY is in a PERSON, The LORD JESUS CHRIST! JOY is a result of whom we are FELLOWSHIPPING with. Joy comes from fellowshipping with brethren of like faith and biblical beliefs. Debbie and I were visiting a church last Lord's day in Bossier City, Louisiana and the pastor invited me to sing in the Sunday night service. I had never been to this church before but we felt right at home and the reason? I John 1:3, "That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have FELLOWSHIP with us: (God's family at the Mid-City Baptist Church in Bossier City, Louisiana) and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ." I received a phone call from a pastor in Kenya, Africa yesterday. He invited me to come to Kenya and minister in a evangelistic crusade there. He had seen my web-site and called me after praying much about it. How can that happen? Because we both are FELLOWSHIPPING with the same Heavenly Father and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ! I John 1:7, "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have FELLOWSHIP one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." True Christian Fellowship brings lasting JOY! I relate to the great scottish preacher because often he spoke to smaller crowds, Rev. George Matheson wrote the hymn, "O LOVE THAT WILT NOT LET ME GO." "O love that wilt not let me go, I rest my weary soul in Thee. I give Thee the life I owe, that in Thine ocean depths its flow, may richer, fuller be. O light that follow'st all my way, I yield my flick'ring torch to Thee. My heart restores its borrowed ray, that in Thy sunshine's blaze its day, may brighter fairer be. O joy that seekest me through pain, I cannot close my heart to Thee. I trace the rainbow through the rain, and feel the promise is not vain, that morn shall tearless be. O cross that liftest up my head, I dare not ask to fly from Thee. I lay in dust life's glory dead, and from the ground there blossoms red, life that shall endless be." Rev. George Matheson became a powerful and popular preacher in the Scottish village Innellan. Despite his flourishing ministry, there was one winter's evening when the Sunday night crowd was miserably small. George had worked hard on his sermon, but the empty chairs nearly defeated him. Nevertheless he did his best, not knowing that in the congregation was a visitor from the large St. Bernard's Church in Edinburgh, which was seeking a pastor. As a result, in 1886, he was called to St. Bernard's where he became one of Scotland's favorite preachers. "Make every occasion a great occasion," Matheson later said. "You never tell when somebody may be taking your measure for a larger place." The fullness of JOY, comes from the BEGINNING, that is the FIRST and the last. It is not found in possesions, activities, popularity but rather in a PERSON, the divine, and precious Son of God, Jesus Christ! Where is the JOY in your life Christian, the closer you are to Jesus Christ in your relationship (Bible study) (Example: The Apostle John) and fellowship (prayer life) the greater will be the fullness of JOY in your life! Your friend & servant in Christ, Marc Cheney

"...We're back from our trip to Louisiana..."

...Wednesday, July 02, 2008... Debbie and I have just returned from a 2 1/2 week trip to Louisiana for my niece's wedding. Mandy, my niece and her husband, Jeremy Hambrice tied the knot 1 1/2 weeks ago in Magnolia, Arkansas. My dad, Rev, W. Gerald Cheney performed the wedding ceremony. It was a beautiful wedding and a very special event to all of our family. Due to the long trip home, (19 hours of straight driving time including stops) I am very tired physically and mentally. I will however be writing our first devotion tomorrow, Thursday since Debbie's surgery so please stay tuned and come look for the devotion sometime tomorrow afternoon late. Thanks for your understanding and patience. Thank you for your continued prayers as well for us. We love you all deeply in Christ Jesus.

"...Weekly Devotions, Coming Back Here Soon..."

...Thursday, June 12, 2008... Debbie is doing great physically and is back to her regular self. She was able to travel with me to Salem, New Hampshire this past week as I was able to minister in the CHAPEL service of the Granite State Baptist Church. Pastor Anthony Milas and his dear people were a special blessing to be with. The Lord blessed our time together and we enjoyed this great fellowship of Christians. Our weekly devotions are coming back within the next three weeks. We appreciate your patient waiting and understanding as we start serving our Lord and you in this weekly devotional ministry again. Many of you have been asking when the new devotions will start to be posted again and you can look forward now to the first week of July, 2008. We are so thankful that you are so interested and we promise to not let you down. Thank you for praying for Debbie and me the last few months especially. We thank God for each of you. "...A SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST..." Please pray for a little guy who is on my heart deeply. His name is Cody Milas, Pastor Anthony Milas son up in Salem, New Hampshire. Cody Milas is a precious little guy (14 years old) and he has some real physical challenges but has the greatest spirit and outlook concerning all he lives with. Thank you in advance for praying for my dear friend, Cody Milas, alias the Code-man! We love you Cody and are praying for you often. Please be looking for our new devotionals, starting again the first week of July on the first Wednesday of the month and every week thereafter! Your friends in Christ, Marc & Debbie Cheney Jer. 33:3

"...Most Recent Update..."

...Thursday, May 15, 2008... Debbie is recovering right on schedule according to her doctor. She is in great spirits and much stronger than her husband when it comes to difficult challenges in life. She has been able to minister to another dear lady in our home church who has gone through the same experience a couple of weeks after Debbie. God has used this situation in our lives to bring us much closer together as well. When I married Debbie over thirty years ago, I loved her with all my heart. Looking back now on the past thirty years, I've really grown in my love for her and have learned that my heart has enlarged deeply through this recent physical valley she has had to walk through. I loved her thirty years ago when we first got married but now, I LOVE HER SO DEEPLY THAT I CAN'T PUT IT INTO WORDS!!! My heart has enlarged for her and that is a work of God in me. Thank you for your prayers and we thank God for all of you, our dear Christian friends. More later! In Christ Love, Marc Cheney

"...Debbie Cheney's physical condition and recovery updates..."

...Saturday, April 12, 2008... Debbie had an appointment yesterday (Friday, April 11) with her M.D. oncologist specialist. Debbie's surgeon had recommended this specific oncologist. Debbie's oncologist yesterday told her that he is sending a small portion of her cancerous tumor to a special laboratory in California. Within 10 - 14 days the results will return and he will then advise Debbie whether or not chemo-therapy is necessary. He is leaning toward Debbie not having to have chemo-therapy though. Due to the fact that it was very early detection and the size of the tumor was 1.7cm in size. (very small) He is not 100% sure however until the 22 marker test returns from the California laboratories. We are trusting the Lord Jesus and praying that Debbie will not have to have chemo-therapy. We will not know anymore than this for the next 10 - 14 days. We are waiting patiently and asking God for the best possible results. Please continue to pray for Debbie when the Holy Spirit brings her to your mind and heart. We realize that you too have many burdens in your lives. We are praying for you too! We need each other to pray for one another and the older I get, the more I realize that important truth. Some of you have sent love offerings during this difficult financial time for us. We cannot tell you what that means to us. Thank-you for loving us in this way. The teachers where Debbie works and pastor of our home church sent us restaurant gift cards knowing that Debbie would be unable to cook as she recovered. Most of you know that our livelihood depends on me traveling and ministering in churches. It has been necessary for me to cancel and or postpone 6 different church appointments to assist Debbie during her recovery. We are so thankful for your love and sacrifice, we do not have the words to convey our appreciation to you. Some of you have sent love gifts in the mail in the get-well cards for Debbie. One dear pastor, called me this past week, (Wednesday) I missed his call because Debbie and I were meeting with Debbie's surgeon on Wednesday. When we returned home I called him back and the pastor said, "Marc, what are your financial needs at this time." I hesitated to tell him because they were great. I told him though because he asked me to, I was absolutely honest with him. It was a very big burden on my heart that I was carrying and I had only told the Lord Jesus about it until that moment. Knowing that the Lord had led this dear pastor friend to call us that day, I felt the liberty to share with him our need. When I told him, he then said on the phone, "Brother Marc, consider that need met." I almost dropped the telephone trembling, and with tears coming down my face, I knew that God had answered prayer and met a tremendous need in our lives through this Holy Spirit led servant of God. I was nearly speechless and if you know me very well at all, I'm never speechless. This dear pastor just happens to live right here in my hometown of Winchester, Virginia. The amazing testimony here is this would never have happened without your prayers for us! God is not only taking care of Debbie in her physical situation but He is also delighting Himself in taking care of our financial needs as well during this "dry-well" time in our lives. PRAISE GOD, HE DOES NOT FORGET HIS OWN! HE LOVES US AND GLORIFIES HIMSELF IN CARING FOR US! WE PRAISE HIS PRECIOUS AND HOLY NAME FOR HIS MIRACULOUS PROVISION! The only reason I share this testimony with you is to bring all the glory to GOD! A dear singing evangelist friend of mine called me from Florida this week wanting to know the latest news concerning Debbie and I shared this testimony with him over the phone and he shouted and praised God right over the phone. Together we had a shouting time, praising God and honoring His wonderful name. To date, about 6 dear pastors and their churches have helped us with a special love offering. My next ministry appointment is at "CROWN COLLEGE" with Dr. Clarence Sexton, Brother Scott Pauley and Brother Greg Gray, working with six college singing groups before they go out and travel to churches this summer. I will then be going to Gray, Tennessee for a Sunday meeting with Dr. Gene Lasley. Please pray for Debbie and me as we get back to our normal schedules of serving the Lord Jesus. Debbie will be going back to her math classes (SVCA) teaching this Monday, according to her surgeon she can go back to work this week, she just needs to pace herself and be careful. As soon as we learn the results of her 22 marker test from California we will let you all know. Thank you for your continued prayers, love and faithfulness to our precious Lord Jesus Christ. In Christ Love, Marc & Debbie Cheney Jer. 33:3, Prov. 3:5-6 P.S. PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!

...Saturday, April 5, 2008... As of today, Debbie is recovering very good from surgery. She had a allergic reaction after surgery but her doctor prescribed some special cream and it is taking the itching away. She is still sleeping peacefully through the last three nights and we are so thankful that she is able to rest well. She is a really tough and strong person. Her surgeon said to me, "Marc, your wife is the perfect patient." We thank God for your continued prayers for her. When we have Debbie's appointment with her oncologist on April 11, we will inform you of what the next steps Debbie will take after that visit. Thank you for lifting us up in prayer and may God bless each of you for it. In Christ Love, Marc & Debbie Cheney, Jer. 33:3, Prov. 3:5-6

...Wednesday, April 2, 2008... Tomorrow makes the seventh day since Debbie's surgery. We both meet with Debbie's surgeon tomorrow (Thursday) at 1:20pm (EST) for her first follow-up appointment since her release from the hospital last Saturday. Debbie's surgeon is going to examine everything and also examine her drain and small hose tubing that is attached. The surgeon called Debbie on Tuesday with the "official" pathology report results. "Debbie, just as I told you in recovery, there is absolutely no CANCER in your sentracal lymph-node." Debbie's cancer oncologist's appointment is on April 11. The oncologist will then advise Debbie and me on what is next. We don't know at this time whether or not chemo-therapy or radiation or neither is in Debbie's future. We have learned that sometimes as a pre-cautionary measure chemo-therapy is advised. We are praying that chemo-therapy nor radiation will be necessary in Debbie's case however! Debbie's cancerous tumor was only 1.7 cm in size. (Very Small) This is considered very early detection and places Debbie in what is known as "stage one cancer". (1-5 stages exist, with five being the most serious) Praise the LORD JESUS! We thank God from whom all blessings flow! Debbie is having some dis-comfort and minimal pain and we thank the LORD for this as well. She is resting well all through the night and I'm so thankful for this blessing. Please continue lifting up her name to God in prayer. We learned from our dear pastor friend in North Carolina that two pastors in the under-ground church in China and in one Taiwan were interceeding for Debbie's physical situation. We also have learned that two missionary families, one in Italy and and one in Africa have been praying for my precious Debbie. We are broken, and humbled by these reports of God's precious people literally all over the world praying for Debbie. A dear evangelist friend, Brother Randy Chovan (A man God allowed me to lead to Jesus Christ many years ago) is preaching in the Phillipine Islands and as of last week we learned that 750 precious souls there received Christ as personal Savior and in those meetings they have prayed for Debbie. GOD is still on the throne and HE cares for HIS own, we all need to continue in bombarding HEAVEN in praying for one another! Debbie said, "Marc, the LORD is probably weary of hearing my name with so many people praying for me?" I said to her, "Debbie, the LORD is not weary of hearing your name, HE LOVES TO HEAR YOUR NAME!" Remember the Lord Jesus said in Matthew 7:7-8a, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth;" And then the Lord Jesus continued in Matthew 7:11b, "how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" PRAISE HIS PRECIOUS AND HOLY NAME! Thank you dear saints for continuing to pray for my precious wife Debbie! She is very strong in the Lord and her faith and trust is placed in HIM! We love you all and I will give you an update in three short days! In Christ Love, Marc & Debbie Cheney Jer. 33:3, Prov. 3:5-6

P.S. If you would like to see a picture of Debbie (the dear one you've all been praying for), taken the Lord's day before her surgery on her way to our home church, Shenandoah Valley Baptist Church in Stephens City, Virginia then please type in your address bar the following exact link: (http://www.marccheney.com/liferoad.php) Or you can just click on "Photo's And People" in the left side column on my website. WE BOTH LOVE YOU VERY MUCH IN OUR PRECIOUS LORD JESUS CHRIST!

...Saturday. March 29, 2008... GREAT NEWS! Debbie's surgery went wonderful if that is possible. The sentra-lymphnode was CANCER FREE! Debbie's breast surgeon made this statement, "Of all the surgeries I've been apart of, this was the smoothest, and without any negative incident at all, the two hours of surgery went quick!" Family and praying friends, we all know why the surgeon made this statement. Because GOD CAME IN THE ROOM! I told the surgeon that we all believed (I mentioned all of you praying family and friends - over 1,500 individuals plus, not including the130 church prayer list Debbie's name was on all over the nation) that the surgeon was an instrument in the hand of GOD to help my Debbie. The surgeon agreed with that statement and said, "Mr. Cheney, I believe that too!" PRAISE GOD is all I can say. We thank our precious Lord Jesus for helping the Doctor's and nurses in their care for Debbie. Debbie's oncologist (cancer specialist) will determine within the next two weeks whether just as a precautionary measure, Debbie will have chemo-therapy, radiation or neither? That question has not been answered yet but we are praying that Debbie will not have to have either one. Since her left breast was removed Friday morning, she has some discomfort and a little pain which the surgeon told us this morning would increase gradually within the next week. The medicines gradually wear off and Debbie will experience her worst pain 7 days from the time of her surgery then according to the surgeon she will gradually improve and the pain will decrease from then on. Please pray that Debbie's pain will be minimal and that she will be able to heal very soon. We are asking God for a miracle still in this! GOD HEARS AND ANSWERS PRAY and we PRAISE HIM for stopping the CANCER from reaching her lymph-nodes, this is a marvelous and wonderful answer to all of your's and our prayers! "Ask it shall be given unto you!" Thank you for PRAYING for Debbie! We are overwhelmed with how many dear people of GOD have emailed us and told us of their prayers and deep concern for Debbie. Debbie had surgery on Friday morning from 10:20am - 12:15pm, almost two complete hours. She was in the recovery room for 3 hours because the hospital was full capacity and they could not find her a room. They finally found her a room in the heart care wing. Her blood sugars were high as well and they worked on getting them to normal levels and this morning (Saturday) she finally had a sugar reading of 113. (normal) She was sent home today (Saturday) at 12:45pm and arrived at home at 1:00pm. I will email you all later and give you an update on how her recovery from surgery is doing. Please know this, from the depths of our hearts, we love, appreciate and thank God for each one of you for helping us bear this burden in prayer! When I see you, I will hug your neck so get ready. When BIG Marc hugs your neck you will know you've been hugged! God bless each of you and your dear family is our prayer! You will never know this side of heaven what you mean to us and how much we love you! Your friends in Christ Love, Marc & Debbie Cheney Jer 33:3, Prov. 3:5-6

...Monday, March 24, 2008... Debbie Cheney and I had an appointment with her breast surgeon. The surgeon explained in detail to us what the plan was for Debbie's surgery this coming Friday morning, March 28, 2008. Debbie will be injected with blue dye (8:05am) first thing. During surgery she will have two lymph-nodes removed at about 10:05am and these will be sent to the pathologist immediately. Usually within 20-30 minutes the pathology report will come back to the surgeon. This report will convey whether chemo-therapy later (after Debbie recovers from surgery) is necessary. At approx. 10:30am - 11:00am this Friday morning, Debbie will then have only her left breast surgically removed. The surgeon does not believe that it is necessary to remove her other breast. There is no cancer in her other breast. The cancer exist only in her left breast. Please continue to pray that the two lymph-nodes removed during surgery will be free and clear of cancer. We are asking God to stop this cancer in it's tracks. Thank you for praying for Debbie and please continue to pray earnestly for God's perfect will to be done in our lives, as we walk together through this unknown valley. A few of you have asked us what you could do for us at this time. Please pray for us. Some of you have sent us cards and gifts and we are so thankful and grateful for your expression of love for Debbie. A few churches also have sent love offerings to help us during this time and we praise and thank God for you too. We will never forget what you have done for us on Debbie's behalf. I will update you on Debbie's situation on Saturday, the day after her surgery. May God bless each one of you is our prayer! We love you so deeply in Jesus Christ! In Christ Love, Marc & Debbie Cheney, Jer. 33:3, Prov. 3:5-6

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