WHEN WILL JESUS RETURN

WHEN WILL JESUS RETURN
One thing’s for sure, lots of folks don’t think it will be any time soon. Have you noticed how few make it to worship services? I used to say to people, tomorrow is Sunday, where would you like to be if Jesus returned then? Without exception they would say “In Church.” This revealed several things, they didn’t know what the Bible teaches. Like, those who are “born again” are the Church. We’ve become part of the “world wide” Body of Christ. We are like tiny bits of Jesus and one day we’ll be welcomed in Heaven. Those not “in Him” will not be allowed. His offer of forgiveness and inclusion into His eternal family is still available. If you haven‘t been included, God says, “Today is the day of salvation“. Make it yours, OK?

Jesus told His disciples that only the Father knows when the end times will come. Lets remember, we who “have” Jesus will one day simply disappear in a flash. You need to read First Thessalonians 4:13-18 carefully and slowly so the Lord can impress upon you His Words. There are some who think that this upward call to glory will happen before the horrible tribulation, some during it and some after it occurs but all believe it will happen and it’s clear who will be included. First, the dead “in Christ” and then we who are alive [in Christ] will be taken up. Notice it doesn’t say those who believe in Him. One thing for sure you don’t want to be here when the tribulation time arrives.

Becoming born again is the only way we can enter into God’s promise of eternal life. No amount of religion, works or supposed “goodness” can accomplish it. Becoming born again is so important that Jesus said we MUST BE to even see the Kingdom of God. Born again means the Spirit of God is alive in us and leading us to do the works that God prepared before hand. It’s a shame that billions don’t understand this and yet say, “I’m a Christian.” They’ve been led to believe that since they are a member of a denomination and/or have made a proclamation it was enough to be saved.

I did all that myself and was still as lost as a goose in a snow storm. Until I came to understand that Jesus was hanging on the cross for me personally there wasn’t anyway I was willing to surrender my life to Him. When I did I died to my will [I’m still at it], and asked God to forgive me for my numerous sins. The effect of His forgiveness still lingers as I melted before the Lord. When I asked Jesus to come into my heart it was the most wonderful day in my life.

I literally experienced forgiveness where tons of guilt left in a single second. Never had I ever felt so wonderful. That night the Holy Spirit came to my bed and anointed me. I felt a “ripple like” motion began at my toes, it rushed up to my lips and a language called the “language of angels” began to flow. I knew it was a flow of praise for God’s goodness to me. For the last 39 years this gift has allowed me to communicate with my Heavenly Father on a level my mind isn’t capable.

All born again Christians should seek this Baptism in the Holy Spirit. It’s promised in Luke 3:16 and you can see it’s effect in the Book of Acts. The Baptism is given to help us witness. “When the Holy Spirit comes “upon” you shall be my witnesses etc.” Witnessing isn’t difficult if we’ve experienced “something”. It’s like seeing two automobiles collide at an intersection and giving the police a witness report. If you didn‘t see what happened, only heard a noise, your testimony wouldn’t be of much use. Nothing is more important for a Christian than to be in a wreck. When you and the Lord collide, I guarantee the results will be positive. You will discover He has such a great plan for your life. There isn’t any way you would believe it even if He were to tell you.

I discovered how to access His plan after He led me to use Ephesians 2:10 as the basis for a daily commitment and I’ve used it for somewhere about 35 years now. My life has been full of joy as I’ve seen and experienced the Lord do things that I still rejoice over. For instance, a woman was crying at the altar rail when I asked why, then she told me she had a bad heart and was going back to Atlanta for an operation and was so afraid. I told her, Jesus can heal hearts, would she like me to pray for her. She uttered a tearful “yes”. Then I simply said, “Lord Jesus, thank you for healing her heart.”

About a month later she and her husband returned to Destin. After the worship service she came up to me and said, “The doctors were so excited, they couldn’t find a thing wrong with my heart.” I can’t tell you how much joy this brought me. Jesus is also our Healer, Amen? I believe He’s coming back soon, do you? If you do, prepare by becoming born again right away.

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


captben61@gmail.com captben61.blogspot.com
　

THE OREO MARRIAGE

THE OREO MARRIAGE

One night while in Montana I asked the Lord to help me write a tribute to my wife Joan. At once He said, “Oreo Cookie”. This stunned me and for a moment I had to think; what in the world does this mean? Then the following words began to flow from my heart.

If you were to ask most Christians to judge their marriage, and they were honest, they would say that it is far less than what they expected. There is a reason for this and this short message will reveal the reason and also provided a way to make it extra special just as promised. First, lets rate your marriage with the following scale.

1. It is perfect and could not be better.

2. It is great but not perfect.

3. It is very good but has room for improvement.

4. It is OK but is in need of some serious help soon.

5. We are struggling, holding on for the sake of the children.

6. We are holding on but not sure how much longer.

7. It is definitely not good and needs counseling.

8. We are starting to seriously not like each other.

9. Our communication is generally hurtful going both ways.

10. It is really over. We are staying together for economic reasons only.

When we stand before God and make a lifetime commitment to join our lives into one, He takes us seriously. We should understand the primary reason for Holy Matrimony is to “procreate” or to continue the work of God by bringing little children into the world for Him to love. Perhaps this wasn’t your primary purpose at the time but after a while it should be.

I am now a grandparent with five wonderful grandchildren. I could not have them except for the mercy of a Great God who blessed my wife and I with two very special daughters long ago. I believe Joan and I have an Oreo marriage. This was not possible in the beginning as I wasn’t saved. Joan met Jesus in a personal way after our daughters were born. Now she wasn‘t the problem, I was. I had a strong dose of religion and not much else.

Six weeks after she met Jesus I surrendered my life to Him. All at once I could love her with the same unconditional love I was now enjoying from her. It was like my eyes were now open and I could see what a wonderful gift she was to me. Now, don’t get me wrong here, I didn’t turn into the perfect husband overnight and am still along ways from my goal to be the best husband I can be for her, but I’m trying.

If you examine an Oreo cookie you can see what happened to us. The two cookies represented us. We tended to rub each other wrong which tended to make us less understanding and patient. I must admit that most of the time it was my fault due to a false sense of pride. I had much to be thankful but due to my lack of an intimate relationship with my God I was unable to express it being arrogant and selfish.

The sweet stuff in the Oreo cookie represents Jesus. Now that we were now born again of His Spirit, we have the very presence of the Holy Spirit to cushion and heal our relationship. The only thing that can make an Oreo cookie better is more sweet stuff. The same is true for a Christian marriage. As we die to our own desires and seek God’s will for our lives He will not disappoint us. He will continue to fill our lives with more of Himself turning them into a daily delight for us and for Him.

Joan and I will celebrate our 43rd anniversary on June the third. I can assure you, God gave me the best wife in the whole world and I tell her often. The love of Jesus flows from this precious wife. She makes me want to be better as I experience her love that continues to grow for me. God has promised us to bring us to Heaven and allow us a special relationship that will never end.

I know in my heart we will explore the cosmos together and serve our God along with all of our family members forever. I’m sure they will be there as I have asked Him to bring them into a saving knowledge of Him before they die. He is an expert in answering this prayer and what He is doing for us, He will do the same for you too.

To get started on your Oreo marriage, you must surrender all that you are or ever hope to be. There is a special prayer at the end of this message to help you. Then you should purchase some Oreo cookies. When you are having a disagreement give one to your spouse as he or she leaves for work or wherever they are going. Then you set a specific time that is practical and tell them you are going to sit down with Jesus and gently eat your cookie while telling Him how much you love and appreciate your spouse.

As you nibble on your cookie ask God to bless him or her with His very best blessings. Hopefully your spouse will be doing the same thing at that moment. I can assure you that before the prayer is finished you will be looking forward to seeing each other. Jesus has a special interest in your relationship and wants to make it truly GREAT. You and I know He can accomplish this. Isn’t this true? Go ahead and give Him the opportunity, what do you have to lose?

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


Captben61@hotmail.com
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I admit to you I am a sinner and I need you to save my soul. You died on a cross for me shedding your Blood that can wash me clean as new snow. I want to be washed as I am ashamed of my past. I know the Father raised you from the dead and that you will raise me. I want to receive you into my life as my Lord where I can serve you.

Lord please lead me to a church that has a pastor who can help me grow in our relationship and where I can serve you with all my heart. Lord please place a true hunger within me to read from the Bible and give me revelation as I do. I love you Jesus and I always will. Thank you for saving my soul.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It is now 2007 and Joan and I are only two months from our 49th wedding anniversary. Because of Jesus our love is so strong that nothing can separate us. Our Jesus is so faithful and helps us even more as our bodies crumble some like an old Oreo. His sweetness is even sweeter. Thanks to Him we now have a brand new “magnificent” grandson too. Isn’t the Lord absolutely Wonderful?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It is now June 6th in 2008 and we made it to our Golden Anniversary thanks to a Great God. May He bless marriages everywhere and the children from them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It is now July 16 in 2009 and we have celebrated our 51st wedding anniversary! Glory….The best part is we love each other more as we age….soon we will be in our brand new glorified permanent bodies dancing on the streets of Gold in the New Jerusalem. If no one has told you before they are about 33 years old in appearance, just like our Lord, “We shall be as He Is.” If you aren’t positive you will be there please write to me real soon….captben61@gmail.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It’s now October 30 in 2010 and Joan and I will be celebrating our 53rd this coming year, if Jesus doesn’t come and get us first. May all who read it prepare to meet Jesus as a child of God. Please check out my blog: captben61.blogspot.com PS We now have 8 grand kids and 3 are “great”, Matthew, Isaac and Ava Noel.// -Capt. Ben

　

ARE YOU LIVING IN GOD’S FAVOR

ARE YOU LIVING IN GOD’S FAVOR
If you aren’t and you are a born again child of God today can be your day. Years ago I learned how powerful the word FAVOR was when I prayed. Many times I would ask God for favor and within minutes my request was answered. When Joan and I went to Alaska, a place I had dreamed of going for a very long time, we used the word constantly and were amazed how our Heavenly Father responded so quickly.
Perhaps it was due to a daily commitment He led me to make decades ago. Ephesians 2:10 is the best verse in the Bible for doing it. He tells us that He plans our walk with Him. He prepares works “in advance” that we are to do. This verse in the form of a prayer will do wonders for any child of God. Jesus said, “If you abide in Me and My Words abide in you then ask and it shall be done for you.” I flat out love the word shall for it is definite.
Have you discovered the Lord doesn’t play around? I find Him to be extremely serious about bringing the lost to Himself. I would be too if I had given my only son to die for it. God loves us so much and many still need to know it. We are His mouth pieces here and should be telling others how we found freedom from a sinful life. Many Christians seem to live as if nothing happened to them when they “got saved”. I must wonder if they became New Creations or just received another dose of religion.
Salvation isn’t fire insurance like many want. It is an intimacy far beyond what even we who have experienced know. If we truly understood what God has given to us, we would be that city shining on a hill. We would be the salt of the earth and from our bellies would flow Living Water. I’m not speaking of every now and then but all the time. If you are a lover of God and still lacking the new birth experience tell God you want His favor.
John 1:12 was given to me long ago and I memorized it. “To as many as those who receive Him [Jesus] to them gave He the power [authority] to become the children of God, even those who believe in His Name [Jesus].
For at least a month I only wanted to share this verse for it opened my eyes as never before. I knew I had to believe in Jesus to be saved but clearly didn’t understand receiving. I do now and believe we do this by inhaling His Spirit by faith. Think about it, why did Jesus breathe on his disciples after they believed it was Him and not a ghost after His Resurrection? They began to receive His favor.
In James we are told that when we ask with wrong motives we will not receive our requests. This is something we should realize when we are praying. God’s plan for us is always far superior to anything we could want or desire. He sees all the way to the end of the age and the beginning of eternity for His children.
Actually we are living in our eternal life now. Jesus said, “I Am the Resurrection and the Life. He who believes in Me, even if he die yet shall he live. Whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.” Does this describe you? Of course you believe in Him or you wouldn’t have read this far. But are you living in Him? You are if you are born again but perhaps you aren’t yet. It was almost 33 years before I surrendered my life and I know the difference. Do not let anyone tell you it isn’t an experience. Ask those who are born again and see what they tell you. Some laughed themselves silly and some like myself, cried like a baby.
Perhaps the difference stems from the measure of sins acquired. I'm ashamed to say I had a ton of them. When the Lord washed me in His Blood it was easily the greatest time in my life. Never before had I felt such love and release of guilt. He took it from me and He will take anyone else’s who is willing to die to their old life [repent]. The result is we don’t want to do the things that brought us shame. We were now looking for others who are like us. The Holy Spirit will make sure we find each other.
God has a great plan for mankind and we can take it to them, or we can sit back and allow others to do it. The reward given to those who labor in the fields “white for harvest” is beyond calculation. We aren’t earning our salvation but the job in Heaven where we will serve God forever.
I love Him too much to sit on my rear while masses are dying daily without Jesus. I want His favor and tons of it for God has my life planned perfectly. He has yours too. Will you join with those who love God enough to serve?
In His Service,
Capt. Ben Marler
Captben61@gmail.com

DEADLY PRESUMPTIONS

DEADLY PRESUMPTIONS

To assume anything can be very dangerous. I know for I have gotten myself into some jams when I thought I knew what I was doing but didn’t. Some of the “events” were only partially damaging but some were “whoppers”. One was my understanding that God was going to save me if I was a bit better than I was bad. I know now how foolish that was, but before 1971 it was my only hope. How little I understood the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

For anyone reading this, I trust you will learn that the Good News found in Ephesians 2:8-10 declares, “For by grace have you been saved through faith and that not of yourselves, it is a gift of God and not of works, less any man should boast. For we are His workmanship and created in Christ Jesus for “good works” that God Himself has prepared for us to walk in [do].”

Allow God to take you to the cross and you will see that Jesus did the work that saves mankind. He died in a horrible way for us. His Blood is full payment for all sin, including yours and mine. Once we understand this we are less apt to be presumptuous. Instead, we are so grateful we want to serve Him with our lives fully surrendered to the Holy Spirit.

The greatest of all deadly assumptions is to say, “Because I believe in Jesus I’m saved.” If that were true, every demon would be saved. Satan believes in Jesus and trembles. It’s far more than to simply admit that Jesus lived a long time ago. It’s, Jesus is God [Emmanuel] and in obedience to the Father He humbled Himself to die so mankind could be spared the coming wrath of God.

We must repent, or turn around, after coming personally to know the Love of God. We must “receive” Jesus as our Lord. John 1:12, “To as many as those who receive Him gave He the power to become the children of God, even those who believe in His Name.”

The word receive means a lot more to me than to some. I see Jesus before His disciples, after His resurrection, breathing on them so they could inhale His Spirit. Do you remember Thomas wasn’t there, but when he returned he found the disciples really excited claming Jesus had come? He didn’t believe it and his punishment was an 8 day wait living in their exuberance. That must have been very hard.


When Jesus returned He said, “Thomas put your fingers in my hands and your hand in my side.” He fell upon his knees making the most important statement of all the disciples, “My Lord and my God”. It’s more than interesting Jesus didn’t correct him. Then Jesus breathed upon Thomas so he could be “born again” too. If you’re born again you received Jesus experientially like them and became a new creature.

You’re no longer in danger of judgment and condemnation for Christ lives within you empowering you to live for Him alone. It’s presumptuous for us to think we can go on living like before. We can’t live two lives anymore and if we attempt to the Holy Spirit will correct us. If he doesn’t we’re still lost.

Salvation is a big event in our hearts and in Heaven. The angels will rejoice for another soul has been saved. The keepers of the Books are told to erase the record of our sins and to give the erasure to the Father. God then takes it and tosses it as far as east is from the west saying, “I will remember his or her sin no more.” Folks, that’s better than all the riches on earth. When we are accepted we should experience “something“. I shed a bucket of tears for I had many sins. My heart was way to filthy for Jesus to live.

One of the worse assumptions for new Christians is to think they can still drink alcohol. In a jail ministry I experienced up close what alcohol can do to a human. You might call it “lawful” to drink beer or strong drink but a deputy won’t when he stops you and smells it on your breath. The same thing goes with drugs. If anyone thinks smoking pot is OK, they should tell it to Jesus and not to me for I know it isn’t. Satan uses these things to enslave, even some born again Christians.

It’s foolish to think that you can live without food or feeding upon the scriptures. Faith comes by reading and hearing them. We can’t please God without faith. [Hebrews 11:6] So we shouldn’t assume we can be a servant without a daily discipline of reading from His Word. If you aren’t reading, try the Amplified version of the Bible and if you aren’t pleased, I’ll buy it back from you. So far no one has been willing to surrender theirs.

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


captben61@gmail.com captben61.blogspot.com

THE IMPORTANCE OF EXPECTANCY

THE IMPORTANCE OF EXPECTANCY

Did you know Jesus said He’s coming like a thief in the night? A thief doesn’t give you a call and say, “I’m coming to your house tonight.” No, he comes to rob, steal and destroy like his father Satan. I bet you didn’t know that those who habitually sin, even though they might call themselves Christians, aren’t followers of Jesus. Please read First John 3 for an “eye opener”. We, who are expectant of the return of Jesus avoid sin like it’s a coiled up rattlesnake. Sin is from following the evil one instead of our Lord.

When a born again Christian sins, we have an advocate or lawyer sitting next to the Father in Heaven. Jesus Christ is the One who defends and discipline us. He said His discipline proves we belong to Him. I ask for it all the time for I know any sin “temporally” separates me from Him. Unless we understand how fowl and hateful sin is in God’s sight, we will be open to the devil’s suggestions. God knew we are going to “miss the mark” from time to time so He gave us the wonderful gift of instant cleansing. First John 1:9 is like a “get out of jail” card. We use it when we’re truly sorry for our actions and words that hurt Jesus.

I believe with all my heart that most folks attending worship services don’t expect God to do anything. Jesus said, “The things I do [miracles] you will do and even greater ones shall you do as I go to the Father that the Father might be glorified in the Son.“ For reasons known only to God we’ve either forgotten He said it or have chosen to ignore it. The result is often a congregation devoid of the joy and excitement that drew thousands to seek Jesus in His ministry. Do you recall Jesus fed 5,000 and 4,000 men not counting the women and children who came to be with Him? Why do you think they came? Was it not to see the cripples walk, the blind see, the deaf to hear? Of course it was. He even touched the lepers who were instantly cleansed and made whole and went away rejoicing.

Can it different now? Yes, but will we is the question. Why not begin to go to worship services or where Christians gather in the Name of Jesus “expectant” He will answer your prayers in a magnificent way? He has shown me He healed us the same day He saved us. When Jesus suffered death on the Cross His body was lacerated by a scourge. The many wounds from the beating left stripes on Him. Isaiah 53 and First Peter 2 tell us by them are we healed. It’s up to us to believe it.

We need to see His stripes as full “payment” for our illnesses and diseases. Even our injuries are covered by the stripes. He only requires us to believe it. Some might say, “I don’t have enough faith.“ My reply is you must have some, use what you have. You can even add the statement of the man who was pleading for his son to be delivered. “Lord, I believe but help my unbelief.“ Jesus instantly responded to this man’s honesty. He desperately wanted his child well and safe and believed on Jesus with what he had. Do you think he would have come had he not “known” Jesus would help him?

We Christians need to live in faith. Not a “Catholic” faith, “Baptist” faith, “Anglican” faith but a simple faith that God will always do what He’s said He would do. Dr. T.L. Osborn learned this and God used him all over the world “doing what Jesus did”. His book Healing the Sick is a classic. I’ve given away over a thousand copies where he teaches from the scriptures how God will heal and save those who place their trust in Jesus. How about you? Are you 100% sure you will go to Heaven when you die? I heard a preacher say, if you’re only 99% sure, you are 100% lost. Few seem to understand that with God it’s all or nothing. A child isn’t 99% born when it’s cord is cut. We aren’t 99% “born again” when we trust the death and resurrection of Jesus as our own we are 100% His.

If you aren’t born again “yet” what in the world are you waiting on? If it isn’t being preached or taught where you go, RUN for your life. You’ve been receiving a “form of religion” instead of the chance to become a brand new person. Once we repent and receive Jesus [His Spirit or Breath] we’ve become saints [holy ones or true believers]. We’re now enrolled in the Book of Life. Now, as a child of God we are able to serve Him by loving the lost and sharing our testimonies. We’ve become servants that actually serve or do something. Not just anything but as Ephesians 2:10 teaches, “doing the things that God Himself has planned beforehand.“ Are you willing to die your old life? Tell Jesus and ask Him to save your soul. He came to die so His Blood could wash you clean of our sins. He will also make you whole in body, soul and spirit. It’s up to you and no one else. I’m praying for you.

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


captben61@gmail.com
captben61.blogspot.com

HOW TO WITNESS IN THESE LAST DAYS

HOW TO WITNESS IN THESE LAST DAYS

Let’s begin with a strong statement from Jesus, “He who denies Me before man in this sinful and adulterous generation in no way will I acknowledge him before the Father and His holy angels.” If this doesn’t get your attention, stop reading for this will be of no use to you.

When someone tells me their relationship with God is personal I know they aren‘t born again….yet! We must be bold and courteous in our evangelism. If you practice your smile before you go, doors will open automatically to hear what you have to say. I believe Jesus smiled all the time except when being attacked by the Pharisees. These men were pretenders and refused to recognize Him and the message Jesus was delivering from the Father. Let’s decide now we will never be like them.

Unless we are willing to spend time with the Lord early in the morning before going out we won’t be fresh. Jesus is the Light of the world and when you spend time with Him your face will shine as Moses did. Let’s also remember Moses was not a good speaker but he was a man like David, a man after the heart of God.

If you are like David and Moses many will come to know Jesus by your testimony for the Holy Spirit will make a way for it. John 3:16 is a great verse in the Word of God but it can not win souls alone. If you want to see what I mean, walk up to someone and quote it smiling. Then wait and see if the person there before you accepts Jesus as their Lord and Savior. I believe you will stand there a very long time. However if you say afterwards, “May I tell you what this verse did for me?” there is a better than 50% chance they will allow you to share. Then you must make your story short and sweet unless they ask for more.

Another very effective way to witness requires a bit more courage. After a short greeting ask this question with your best smile, “Why do you love Jesus?” Make it in a soft child like way and you are apt to get an answer. Some may stumble around trying to come up with an answer that they think will please you. If you have spent time with Jesus His Spirit is upon you so don’t panic if they can’t respond or act hostile towards you. Following is why I would rather have someone reject me than try to please me.

One morning while driving to Destin from Alabama God told me, “Provoke them to anger, provoke them to thoughtfulness and provoke them to exuberant praise.” This means we can be bold for we hold the keys to the Kingdom of God for the lost.

Our testimony with the Gospel defeats Satan and actually disarms him as a liar, thief, murderer, and accuser of the brethren. He is your opponent. We who have Jesus have His Spirit within us and He is greater than Satan who is in the world. Satan hates God and wants to do all he can to deprive Him of souls. Are you willing to let him have the souls where you live?

I’m not willing to give them up that easily and have witnessed for over 30 years to anyone standing still and to some who were walking away. Some have become martyrs doing this but after many hundreds of thousands I haven’t even been spit upon. Perhaps one day witnessing may cost me my earthly life, but it sure can’t cost me my eternal life nor can it yours. If you are born again your name is enrolled in the small Book of Life. If you are only a religious person you are already in real danger. If I were you, I would go to my knees now and ask the Holy Spirit to take me to the cross.

Then while looking up at Jesus, drink in the level of brutality He suffered for you. Let it continue to sink in until you love Him more than anyone you know. Now tell Him how you feel about your sinful past. He already knows it but admitting it will set you free.

Now ask Him to forgive you and His response will always be YES! Then humbly ask Him to come into your heart as your Lord. Now inbreathe His Spirit by faith. As you do you become a brand new creature, no longer deserving death as a sinner but now a saint of God living in a mortal body. God has adopted you and you are now a member of His family too. Ask the Lord to lead you to a pastor who can baptize you. He will also watch over you as you grow in Jesus. Glory Hallelujah! God is so Good!

If you want more help, write to me real soon for time is short now.

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


Captben61@gmail.com
captben61.blogspot.com

GOD AND THE FATHER LODE

GOD AND THE FATHER LODE

Every prospector who risked his life in the wild and dangerous areas of the world had a single goal, to find gold, silver or other precious metals and become rich. History tells us only a few ever did but they all held to a confidence they were only a shovel or pick axe away from the “mother lode”. They reasoned that when they found it, they would be fixed for life and would never have to spend another day seeking riches. The sad thing is many who found their “pot of gold” ended up wasting it on women and strong drink. Some lost everything to card sharks and con artists.

The message here is for those who are seeking riches beyond their wildest dreams, and it exists. God has prepared a city for us where the very streets are paved with pure gold. We don’t have to labor to have our place within it for Jesus took our sins to Calvary where He hung on a rugged cross dying for us in order to make us rich. His Blood spilling from His wounds were the full payment for the sins of the whole world. Your sins and mine were heaped upon Him as He became sin for us. How we respond to this Truth determines where we will go at our death.

Let me assure you, no church or religion can give it to you. This may sound strange but the Truth is, only Jesus is Life. He is eternal Life. He is the Father Lode we must discover and to cling. There’s an interesting verse that always helps me to stay on course and it will help you too. “I Am the Resurrection and the Life. He who believes in Me, even if he die, yet shall he live. Whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.”

When Jesus spoke these words he was standing just outside the tomb where Lazarus had been buried four days earlier. When He told them to remove the stone blocking the entrance Martha objected, But Lord, he stinks now. Jesus knew better, and when it was removed, He said “Lazarus, come forth.” When he did, there was a gasp from the onlookers as he walked out still wrapped in the burial linens. Jesus said, Remove the cloth and free him.

Lazarus wasn’t the only one to be raised by Jesus. He raised up the daughter of Jarus, the leader of the synagogue. What’s interesting, the “professional” mourners were laughing at Jesus until this “dead” girl came walking out of the room. Then there is the raising of the widow’s only son, as he was being carried to the cemetery. It is my favorites because the Bible says, Jesus was moved by compassion. When he stopped the procession and gave back this mom’s son He gave her the only “old age security” she had.

How about you, are you compassionate? If you are, I suspect you know Him or you are very close to knowing Him. This is the Eureka discovery of all riches, coming to know Jesus. For nearly 33 years I knew about Him but had never surrendered my life completely to Him. This kept me on the trail but I wasn’t in fellowship. By amazing grace I found Him on May 23rd in 1971 and it became my second birthday. Thank you Lord!

Do you want the Father Lode? Please don’t say you have it until you can give a testimony of being born again. Many don’t like this term for they don’t understand it. You can’t have Him inside you until you are dead inside to your own will. No one can live two lives. Consider this, Judas lived very close to Jesus for about 3 years eating what He ate, sleeping where he slept, listening to the teachings and never came to know Jesus. His lack of trust and obedience in the end caused him to betray Jesus.

Did you know that in the end times many will deny Jesus? Jesus warned us and said, “He who denies me before man, in this sinful and adulterous generation, in no way will I acknowledge him before the Father and His holy angels.” Do you believe Him? Are you witnessing as to why you love Jesus? Do you recall the two great commandments? We are to love the Lord our God with all of our hearts, souls, minds and strength. And equal to it, to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Folks, the love He demands is material. Please read Matthew 25 today and you can see it.

God has shown me His love is a verb or action word. When we truly understand this, we’ve struck the Father Lode. He said, “Give and it shall be given to you packed down even spilling out of your cup into your lap.” God loves through us and no one else. Are you His child? Are you a giver? If you are, prepare to dance upon the streets of gold in the New Jerusalem. Angels will move out of our way as we celebrate Jesus forever and ever with shouts of joy and praise. I can’t wait! Maranatha! [Come quickly Lord Jesus.]

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


captben61@gmail.com
captben61.blogspot.com

　

POLISHING THE YACHT

POLISHING THE YACHT

When Joan and I had Emmanuel constructed in Ft. Meyers in 1990 we’d started a project that would take us through many ups and downs. An all fiberglass Catamaran was new to our business. All the other vessels had been carefully made from wood. Fiberglass offers many advantages over wood, and if you look about you’ll see nearly all new craft are made from it.

This project placed us “over a barrel”. It was very expensive and the bank was going to make sure they were covered when they gave us a loan. Our home which was paid for, bless the Lord, was the first thing we had to place in jeopardy. Then we had to make some serious promises based upon some business criteria projections. The builder was not really into building a vessel I wanted but one he knew would be more “cost effective”. In other words, he wanted to make himself more profit from the deal. This created a constant pressure on me and I made 18 trips from Destin to keep an eye on our new fishing vessel. This amounted to 18,000 miles just back and forth.

Before it was over we had spent our savings too. We were totally at the Lord’s mercy which I didn’t mind since He had given me the name on the way down on the fifth trip. Emmanuel means God with us! Allow me to say He is and always will be for He’s very faithful. If you are in the midst of a project submit it to Him and as He says in Proverbs, “Commit your way unto the Lord and it shall be established.“ I know He’s saying this to all born again Christians for at our new birth we became His child. Please make sure you’ve experienced the new birth today, if you haven’t already.

When we were nearing completion the project manager had a worker polish the fiberglass for days on end. His labor sealed the glass as well as bringing it to a shiny brightness, one he wanted when we sailed away to Destin.

Jesus used parables while teaching and while at the gym this morning I believe He gave me this one for the fisher folk. Consider yourself as a yacht ordered by a very wealthy man. He’s making you unique in every way. The very best equipment is going to be installed along with brand new engines. Nothing will be left out, and when done, you’ll be His prized possession. When He placed the order He had great plans for you. He’s planning to spend some quiet time where the two of you could enjoy each other.

He’s contacted the builder and learned you were nearing completion and by weekend all should be done except for the “sea trials”. He tells the builder He wants to be aboard during the trials. So the plan is for the owner to come in on Wednesday to take possession. The work on the boat was finished on Friday afternoon after many months of careful labor. What do you think the workers will do from Monday to Wednesday? If you say polishing and cleaning every speck of the vessel you’re right on.

Now lets apply this to you. God chose you “to be built”. You didn’t choose Him. He spent the most valuable Thing to purchase you, the Blood of Jesus. He is by His Holy Spirit constructing you for His service and fellowship. His great plans for you are coming to pass. The moment you were “born again” you were built. Now, like the workers who spent a great deal of time polishing and cleaning before the Owner arrives, you’re being dealt with to make you “shine”. When you shine the Lord can reflect His love from your countenance. Have you met Christians that glow? I met a young woman serving in the military yesterday who had His shine, what a blessing!

If God is polishing you, my advice is to never complain for you’re no longer your own but the Lord’s. The Bible tells us we’ve been purchased and are immortals who’ll spend eternity with God in Heaven. Our polishing must occur for we still have some worldly attitudes that hinder the reflection God requires. If you want to get it over with, and we all should, go to your Heavenly Father and ask Him to finish you. Ask Him to give you the desire to complete His labors as revealed in Ephesians 2:10. Change your prayers as much as possible into words of praise, no longer begging God but blessing Him for His faithfulness. Finally, become a witness He can use to bring the lost to the Master yacht builder, the Holy Spirit.

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


captben61@gmail.com
captben61.blogspot.com

ALMOST A CHRISTIAN

ALMOST A CHRISTIAN

When I ask folks if they are a Christian many are confused as to what they should reply. Some say, “Yes” but I don’t go to church as if that going could make them legitimate. Or others say, “I’m a Baptist or Catholic” or some other denomination. This message should help folks to see the Truth. Our job once saved, is to go into all the world making disciples.

I would like to offer a few thoughts here as to what I believe God says about Christians. The scriptures tell us that the disciples were first called Christians at Antioch. It shouldn’t be lost on us that these were folks who disciplined themselves to follow the teachings of Jesus. This begs the question, are we disciples like them? If we aren’t, why are we accepting their label on ourselves? I believe it’s because we have grown fond of being comfortable within our fellowships where very little is demanded from us.

How in the world we reached the place where we don’t care a rip for the lost is beyond me. Again, please allow me to ask, do you awaken with the desire, I want to tell someone today why I love Jesus? I hope, with all my heart, you do but if you don’t, are you really doing God’s will? I don’t think so, for witnessing for the Lord is a privilege given to us. Few Christians whom I’ve met seem to understand what a privilege it is to say His Name.

The bottom line with God is are we born again. In many congregations they never hear that term. Jesus told Nicodemus we MUST be born again to see the Kingdom of God. Do we believe Him? I sure hope so for hell will last as long as Heaven and no one should want to go there. When we humble ourselves before God and repent [turn from our sins with remorse] God will forgive us instantly when we ask. But there’s more, He washes our hearts with the Blood of Jesus so we are as clean as new snow. When we invite Jesus into our hearts [lives] He now has a clean place to reside. God does one more thing. All of our sins, which have been recorded to be used against us on Judgment Day, He orders erased and then throws the erasure away as far as east is from the west. Then He says, “I will remember them no more.”

Most folks haven’t experienced this “new birth” or they could tell you when it happened and where they were, even when it happened many years ago. Can you do that too? If you can’t, get with it for we are running out of time.

God is no respecter of persons and we are sinners until we do. He says the wages of sin is death and He isn’t kidding. Jesus said there would only be a few in Heaven with Him for the road to death was wide and many would go that way.

If you’re a disciple, Heaven is your home and nothing can keep you from God through out eternity. He said, “Eye has not seen nor has ear heard all that God has prepared for them that love Him.” Do you love Him, really love Him? I tell folks I don’t love Jesus anymore for I’ve fallen in love with Him, a huge difference. At first I loved Him on my terms but after seeing Him crucified in a vision I’m in love with Jesus. All I want to do now is please Him. He’s blessed me more than I can say and far more than I could ever deserve.

True Christians are generous people for they’ve become stewards of their possessions. Sharing them is natural and exciting. Now we’re in a difficult time in America and our gifts are even more meaningful to those who receive them. One thing I’ve noticed, the more I give the more I have to give. It’s a great feeling to be used by God in this way. Are you generous? I’m not speaking of huge gifts but is your heart thankful and open to God’s commands to give. If it is I’d bet you are a disciple.

A final question: If you were to die right now are you positive you would go to Heaven? Some say yes but then try and qualify why by adding good works or something. I hope you can say, “I am because I’m born again of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. I’ve placed all my faith and trust in Him to save me when I stand in Judgment.” Where He will say, “Father, this one is Mine.“

Then He will say enter now into the Joy of Your Master. Why, for we obeyed Him in doing the “works” given to us by the Father. We fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, clothed the naked, invited in the stranger as He has led us. Please read Matthew 25 prayerfully and you’ll see it.

You won’t be “almost a Christian” but an adopted servant and child of God. Now submit to the Holy Spirit for instructions as to what He wants you to do. I use Ephesians 2:10 for my commitment. I’ll see you in Heaven.

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler

captben61@gmail.com captben61.blogspot

DESTINATION HEAVEN

DESTINATION HEAVEN
In Matthew 25 we see Jesus calling the virgins waiting on Him one of two names, prudent and foolish. The difference was their relationship with Him. Those who had become born again [filled with His Spirit] were allowed into the Wedding Feast. Those who had refused, and were comfortable without a relationship, were called “foolish“. Why in the world would anyone be so foolish? Simple, they loved the world and what it offered more than Him.

There will be anguish on the day God separates the sheep from the goats. The Bible tells us there will be weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth.

This message is to help you to not be one of them in such despair. If you are willing to accept what it’s going to teach you’ll be as safe as the people and animals in Noah’s ark. Do you remember the story of how God destroyed the earth with a flood? Please read the account in Genesis. There are several very important things to notice. First, the world had become very wicked [like it is now]. Two, God had a plan of redemption but it required a faithful man [Noah] to obey Him [like we must now]. Three, God closed the door to the ark before the rain began [Jesus closes the door to the foolish]. It won’t be opened again either until the storm is over.

God has warned us that He will not strive with man forever. If you’re refusing to surrender your life to Jesus, He’ll bar the door to you. If you accept His Lordship, He will say, “Well done My good and faithful servant, enter now into the Joy of Your Master.”

He calls us servants for our hearts were changed at our new birth and became those who fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, clothed the naked, and showed hospitality to the lost and homeless. We obeyed without being prodded for the Spirit of Jesus was inside us. His Love was flowing like a spring of living water to those who would drink from it.

Are you willing? Tell Him, and you’ll find more JOY than you can handle. But remember, it’s only a taste of what’s yours throughout eternity in Heaven. Want to know more? Captben61.blogspot.com

In His service,

Capt Ben Marler

ABOUNDING IN FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE

ABOUNDING IN FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE
While praying this morning I asked for abounding faith to come to some for whom I was praying. I was surprised later while reading the second chapter of Colossians to see Saint Paul praying in a more profound way. I was so struck by what the Lord was saying through him I copied it for you.

If you aren’t familiar with the Amplified Bible perhaps these few verses will encourage you to obtain one. I call it “Miracle Grow” for your faith will grow super fast since it teaches as you read.

2[For my concern is] that their hearts may be braced (comforted, cheered, and encouraged) as they are knit together in love, that they may come to have all the abounding wealth and blessings of assured conviction of understanding, and that they may become progressively more intimately acquainted with and may know more definitely and accurately and thoroughly that mystic secret of God, [which is] Christ (the Anointed One).

3In Him all the treasures of [divine] wisdom comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God) and [all the riches of spiritual] knowledge and enlightenment are stored up and lie hidden.

4I say this in order that no one may mislead and delude you by plausible and persuasive and attractive arguments and beguiling speech.

5For though I am away from you in body, yet I am with you in spirit, delighted at the sight of your [standing shoulder to shoulder in such] orderly array and the firmness and the solid front and steadfastness of your faith in Christ [that leaning of the entire human personality on Him in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness].

6As you have therefore received Christ, [even] Jesus the Lord, [so] walk (regulate your lives and conduct yourselves) in union with and conformity to Him.

7Have the roots [of your being] firmly and deeply planted [in Him, fixed and founded in Him], being continually built up in Him, becoming increasingly more confirmed and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and abounding and overflowing in it with thanksgiving.

8See to it that no one carries you off as spoil or makes you yourselves captive by his so-called philosophy and intellectualism and vain deceit (idle fancies and plain nonsense), following human tradition (men's ideas of the material rather than the spiritual world), just crude notions following the rudimentary and elemental teachings of the universe and disregarding [the teachings of] Christ (the Messiah).

9For in Him the whole fullness of Deity (the Godhead) continues to dwell in bodily form [giving complete expression of the divine nature].

10And you are in Him, made full and having come to fullness of life [in Christ you too are filled with the Godhead--Father, Son and Holy Spirit--and reach full spiritual stature]. And He is the Head of all rule and authority [of every angelic principality and power].

11In Him also you were circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, but in a [spiritual] circumcision [performed by] Christ by stripping off the body of the flesh (the whole corrupt, carnal nature with its passions and lusts).

12[Thus you were circumcised when] you were buried with Him in [your] baptism, in which you were also raised with Him [to a new life] through [your] faith in the working of God [as displayed] when He raised Him up from the dead.

13And you who were dead in trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh (your sensuality, your sinful carnal nature), [God] brought to life together with [Christ], having [freely] forgiven us all our transgressions,

14Having cancelled and blotted out and wiped away the handwriting of the note (bond) with its legal decrees and demands which was in force and stood against us (hostile to us). This [note with its regulations, decrees, and demands] He set aside and cleared completely out of our way by nailing it to [His] cross.

15[God] disarmed the principalities and powers that were ranged against us and made a bold display and public example of them, in triumphing over them in Him and in it [the cross].

Please read Matthew 25 and the Book of First John today for God is preparing the Bride for Jesus. If you’re a Christian these passages will help you to be ready. Remember, we must be without spot or blemish “not sinners saved by grace“. In 1st John chapter 3 you can see what God has to say about sin. Please remember, the wages of sin is death!

You might understand if you see sin as a highly infectious disease. God isn’t going to allow disease in Heaven. We must be as pure as He is, and we are, when Jesus lives in us by our being born again of His Spirit. Paul says, “The mystery hidden from the ages, Christ within you the hope of glory.” Please pray with me for the Bride.

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


captben61@gmail.com
captben61.blogspot.com

GOING FOR THE GOLD

GOING FOR THE GOLD

Don’t we just love winners? We treat them like they were royalty in most cases. At the Olympics we give the best a large gold medal proclaiming they are the best. Those of some what lesser ability are awarded a silver or bronze medal.

I have good news for you. The very second you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord, God awards you a special gold medal. Now the really good part is you didn’t have to work up a sweat to receive it. Jesus did, and he gave far more for it than sweat. If you read the scriptures His crucifixion was horrible. After the Romans nearly beat Him to death with a scourge they beat a crown of thorns into His scalp. Then with reviling, cursing and spitting they tried to humiliate Him. Later while near death He said, “Father forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing.”

When the nails were driven into His hands and feet the pain must have been excruciating. When the cross was erected the crowds could see Him and their jeers and rejection must have been the most painful of all. Not one realized that this was God Himself giving up His life and Blood for them.

Only Jesus could win this battle against the forces of evil which led man and woman to sin against God. When Jesus said, “It is finished” it was the most important moment ever. He had won the gold for everyone who would place their full trust in His victory over the devil and sin.

Do you know that the first person to receive their medal was hanging on a cross next to Him? One of the two criminals executed along side Him realized that this was no ordinary man dying next to Him. As his partner in crime joined in the verbal assault on Jesus, he told him to shut up, we deserve our punishment but He is innocent. They he looked over to Jesus and said, “Lord, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.“

Jesus instantly told him, “Today you shall be with Me in Paradise.“ Glory Hallelujah! This criminal who was so bad he that he is being executed was forgiven and given assurance that he would soon be with his Master in Paradise. I believe with all my heart Jesus was hoping the other man would also ask but it didn’t happen. The purpose of this message is to point out the sad truth; at least half who read it will probably refuse the gift of eternal life too.



For 39 years God has led me to serve Him as an evangelist-encourager. My heart actually hurts for those who refuse to accept the free gift of eternal life offered by God. I’m sure there are many reasons for the rejection, on Judgment Day all who do will receive the same thing, death.

Surrender your life to Jesus today and discover the joy of salvation. There isn’t anything like it anywhere. In my case, I literally felt a heavy weight taken from my back as I invited Jesus into my heart. There were so many tears that I still don’t know from where they all came. I suspect God gave me extra ones to wash out my filthy heart.

Can you believe that Jesus wants to live within a dirty place by His Holy Spirit? I don’t, and still wonder why some folks say that when they received Jesus there was no sign of emotion. I guess they lived lives so near perfection that they didn’t need it, but I sure did. I tell folks the main reason I love God is that He has forgiven me for so much.

I have a gold medal won for me by Jesus. I can not tell you in words, and I’ve probably written a million in the last 35 years, of how much I appreciate Jesus taking my sins to the cross. While He hung dying for me I was being loved even though I wouldn’t be born until nearly 2000 years later.

You know your sins were on Him too and He wants to know how you feel about it. He wants to know if you want to live with Him in Heaven. If you do, and you aren’t saved, you should take care of it right now. Turn from your old lifestyle and tell Him what the Holy Spirit places within your heart.

“All who call upon the Lord shall be saved.” What a great promise. If you need more help, please write.

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


captben61@gmail.com
captben61.blogspot.com

WHEN ALIVE ISN’T LIVING AND DEAD ISN’T DYING

WHEN ALIVE ISN’T LIVING AND DEAD ISN’T DYING

My good friend Greg O’neal asked us to pray for his mom who is in the ICU. I did and continue to uplift her to the Great Physician. This morning while at the gym the Lord spoke again to me about eternal life. His mother is alive but not really living with all the tubes and medical gadgets attached to her. She is “hanging in there” while the Lord uses the finest medical team in her world to keep her going. Greg is a great evangelist who has taken the Good News to many countries where thousands have received the assurance of eternal life. He knows his mom is “safe” but only Jesus knows she’s saved. He’s lived the life of Jesus before her as well as “preached” it as well. Surely she has made her peace with God who loves her.

How about you? Do you have the assurance that if you were to die today you would spend eternity with the Lord in Heaven? Either you do or you don’t. Either way, this message is for you. If you are alive in Jesus you can’t die. Jesus said this while standing at the grave of Lazarus. Then He raised him to life while the throng gathered there, gasped. Jesus Christ is God and has made promises that we must hold onto in order to be with Lazarus, and others who placed their full trust in Him. If you tell me you have done that, please don’t be offended if I ask you to prove it. If you have you will take delight in my challenge. If you have only partially placed your trust in Jesus, you’ll want to argue with me.

How do I know this? Simple, I’m always presenting Jesus to somebody. Those who have Him light up like a bulb. It’s as if I clicked a switch inside them and they begin to glow. Why, once they were the walking dead but now they are eternally alive in Him and know it. Salvation isn’t us stating some “facts” about Jesus. If you think so, please continue to read and see that our faith in Jesus is just the key to life. Once we say we believe in Him we should remember the devil does too. We must believe that His death on the cross was our death and His resurrection was ours before we can really make the eternal connection by being born again. Salvation is the result of our willingness to die to our will and surrender to Jesus Christ who is Lord. I will not argue with anyone on this for it would be a waste of my time.

Religion has overtaken the Good News and because of it, billions are now enslaved by rules and regulations not directed by the Holy Spirit. If you’ve submitted to them, I fear for you. You must break free and see Jesus dying for you personally and appeal to Him for His forgiveness.

It’s between you and Him. Think of a marriage, isn’t it between the man and his wife? Their union isn’t between them and their “family tree” of relatives. Having said that, allow me to say, Jesus adds us to the Body of Christ at our being born again of His Spirit. Do you understand that His Holy Spirit comes inside us when we’re Saved? It’s He who binds us to other born again Christians. His Body is world wide, not in a building or even a denomination. When I was young I was told by a priest in the Catholic Church, if I wasn’t a Catholic I’d go to hell. With many tears I told him that I was an Episcopalian and I was going to heaven. He believed his position and I definitely believed mine but we were both wrong.

Jesus didn’t go into all the world and make Catholics and Episcopalians, Baptist or any other denomination. No, He said go into to all the world and make disciples. Now lets let some rubber hit the road, are you a disciple? I wasn’t until I was almost 33. I could hold my own with anyone who wanted to compare our labors in our church fellowship. There wasn’t much I hadn’t done or would be willing if asked. The problem, as I learned later my service was always on my terms, and not God’s.

This changed after my wife met Jesus in 1971. Six weeks or so later I met Him in my pastor’s office. This “experience” is still with me. That night the Holy Spirit came to my bed where I lay praying. He covered me from my tip toes to my head with His power to witness. I haven’t stopped as you can see reading this message. You can also receive the same power by reading Luke 3:16, understanding what is being said and then asking the Lord to come upon you so you can be a witness too. If you love Him and are afraid to tell others why, this may be the reason. You have been trying to do it in your power and not His.

Once you‘re engaged with the Lord nothing is better. You can see He’s using you to bring dead folks to life; where their life will never end, even if they should experience a physical death. Sound exciting? You bet and you can start right now. Jesus hangs out at the cross. Go and tell Him how you feel about Him dying for you. Ask Him to forgive you, then ask Him to save your soul. He Will!

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


captben61@gmail.com captben61.blogspot.com

IS THE BIBLE TRUE

IS THE BIBLE TRUE

Some folks think it is and have surrendered to the Author. It saddens me to say that the majority don’t believe it’s the Word of God. I know Satan is behind this and will in the end have more humans in hell than God will have in Heaven. Jesus said only a few will be saved for we must go through Him, who is the Door. He said the majority will go the wide way into destruction. Why should you be one of them? I’m assuming you have refused to become a born again Christian. If you’ve already become a child of God are you reading daily from the Bible? If you aren‘t why not?

Let me make a guess as to why the Bible rests upon a table instead of in the hands of Christians. First of all, most think they know what’s in it. After reading almost daily for 39 years I can assure you I don’t. You see, it isn’t like a normal “text” book where you can gain knowledge with your intellect. The Holy Bible is alive and sharper than any two edge sword. It must be “Spiritually” discerned or explained by the Holy Spirit. He makes it applicable to our life especially when we’re in difficult times. He confirms the Author is the One who came to save sinners. The Holy Spirit, unlike the evil one, never condemns us. His purpose is to bring us under conviction where we are exposed as a sinner. Once we grasp this Truth, we instinctively know we need a SAVIOR, Jesus Christ.

The Holy Bible reveals Jesus in both the Old and New Testaments. You may remember He revealed Himself in the scriptures after His resurrection to two men who were walking to a town named Emmaus. They didn’t recognize Him until He broke bread, and then their eyes were opened to see it was Jesus. You can read the full account in Luke 24:13-53. In those days, when faced with questions concerning the scriptures, men were often of two opinions even in the Sanhedrin. We have to make up our own minds, and hopefully we will before taking our last breath, dead people are doomed to darkness if not born again. Jesus said this in John 3. You must read First John soon. There are only five chapters, each one is like dynamite that can destroy any religious nonsense in a hurry.

In First John 5:10-12 you can see one of the most important statements in the Bible. “Those who have Him [Jesus] have eternal life. Those who have not Him have not eternal life.” Please notice, it doesn’t say those who believe in Him.

Salvation faith is far more than making a statement or assertion of a known fact. Of course Jesus is God, He is Lord and He is the Savior of the world. Saying all this doesn’t mean you possess Him any more than me saying I believe in a billion dollars and therefore it’s in my account. I would have to know what money is before I could desire it. In the same way, we need to know about Jesus before we can desire Him. Are you starting to see we aren’t speaking of religion? Religion is man’s idea, life in Christ is God’s.

“God made the Gospel simple to confound the wise.“ From the very beginning Satan has been tempting folks to stray from what God has said. The number of Christian denominations confirms this. Then you can add to it all the world religions. God’s intention was for the disciples to take the Good News to the whole world. In the beginning they did; you can read about Paul’s work in the Book of Acts. Afterwards men went astray from being God’s servants to being His helpers. I don’t believe He needs our help only our obedience. Have you read Ephesians 2: 8-10 as a package? Lots of preachers omit verse 10 and doing so deprive their congregation the doing God’s deeds and receiving the Joy that follows them.

We first need to be born again or we’ll get “hung up” on something where God can’t use us. Always look at Jesus, He alone is our Guide. See how He came to do the Father’s will and how dependent He was upon Him. Jesus told His disciples, “You can do nothing apart from Me.“ But, don’t we try almost daily? You bet, and it’s because we don’t believe Him. The Bible is Jesus speaking to us. If you say you love Him, why not give Him the first part of each day reading it prayerfully to see what He’s saying to you?

Are you trying to be faithful? I sure hope you are so God can reward you. I love Matthew 25 for the Lord is speaking specifically to us today. When you read it, prepare for what’s coming our way. He will either confirm us or deny us. We get to make a choice of surrendering to Jesus or not. I’ve made mine. If you need help go to captben61.blogspot.com or write to me.

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


captben61@gmail.com
captben61.blogspot.com

LETTER TO A PASTOR ON HEALING

Dear Brother Billy, I haven't seen you in a long time but the news letter sent to me tells me you are still serving Jesus to the best of your ability. I would bet your congregation has been infected with the same desire.


In Matthew 25 Jesus tells us that only the "servants" are rewarded. Many seem to think that showing up for a worship service is one and the same thing. I call my time in worship a time for thanking the Lord for what He had planned for me last week [Eph. 2:10] and a time for blessing and loving on Jesus for what He has coming up this week. Glory Hallelujah!


The main thing I wanted to share with you and your flock is something the Lord has shown me recently. Looking at the news letter I see 44 needing prayer for healing and there are probably a lot more who have given up asking. So let me share with you the "secret" to getting all of them well. First, the children's bread [healing] belongs to the "born again" children of God [John 1:12].


Those who are church going like I was for nearly 33 years are "safe" but not saved until they are willing to die to their own will and become "saints" by receiving Jesus into their hearts as LORD.


Lots of folks want Jesus to be their Savior for they don't want to be cast into hell. But it doesn't work that way. If He isn't LORD, there is no way He is going to say to the Father this one is MINE. In Matthew 25 50% of the virgins are rejected. Had I died prior to May 23rd in 1971 I would be headed to hell.


When Forrest Mobley prayed with me as I literally melted in tears before Jesus I "experienced" a release from my back that felt like a VW being lifted off of it. Then, when he had me ask Jesus into my heart as LORD I "experienced" a joy that has never left some 39 years later. I'd never felt so good in my life. [I believe it is horribly wrong to down play a sinner's "experience".]


If folks tell you they didn't feel anything, I believe they haven’t repented as they should. Giving up our will [Life] isn't an easy thing to do. But when we do, it becomes the most wonderful thing in the world for we've opened the way for God to adopt us as one of His children.


Billy, I've learned to hate religion for it's been able to take away from those who need Jesus' intimacy with a "form of worship" which is mostly dead. You can see this by watching folks leave afterwards. If there is intimacy there is going to be a glow and a strong desire to share the Good News with someone, anyone. It's the Presence of Jesus within them by His HOLY SPIRIT that's in charge. "The sons of God are those who follow the Spirit of God." Amen?


Now to healing: We shouldn't ask God for what we already possess. We go clamoring to the Lord for healing when all we need to do is use the faith "He's given us" to look back upon the stripes of JESUS. Isaiah 53 and First Peter 2 proclaim God's Truth and you know it well. "By His Stripes are we (were we) healed."


We see this in Acts where Peter and John are on their way to pray see a cripple that Jesus surely walked by numerous times [I believe He was saving him for that moment]. They didn't say, "Hang on a minute man and we'll seek the Lord's healing for you." They said, "What we have...."


As you know what they had was the BREATH of God "within them" plus the ANOINTING of the HOLY SPIRIT "upon them". Jesus was ALIVE in them; they didn't have to go anywhere but to say what the HOLY SPIRIT prompted them to say. The result: They got into a lot of trouble for this "blabber mouth" went into the Temple and jumped and shouted that God had touched him and made him whole. Do you want some "blabber mouths" to be doing it too? Of course, but make sure you have lots of parking available first for you are going to need it.


God said He made the Gospel simple to confound the wise, aren't the wise those who want to spiritualize the scriptures? Let's just go with what Jesus said and do the works He did as He said we would, and we can if we're one of His DISCIPLES.


Billy, I'm no longer trying to make folks into "Christians" but a child of God. So many denominations are trying to build their base instead of bringing the lost to the CROSS so Jesus can save them. I believe, with all my heart, JESUS hangs out at the CROSS. Anyone who'll go there and see their SINS upon Him will be touched by the HOLY SPIRIT.


The reason few are being saved is we save the preaching of the cross for the Spring Time or Easter time. What a shame.


By the way, The Lord has shown me the CROSS is like a plow. Sometimes the ground is so hard the plow must be taken over it many times before the "seed" can find it's way inside. Please plow often and try my opinion on this; no one but Jesus knows for sure who's saved.


I can believe my wife is, but only He knows. She has much fruit of His Spirit but He KNOWS, not me. I know I am for He gave me "experiences" that hold me to the Cross. I find that I need 1 John 1:9 less often but still use it as a "wet wipe".


Lord knows, I hate to use it. When Obama is gone I'll need it even less.


Having offered you all of this I trust you will carefully pray over what I believe "with all my heart" the Lord has given me for you. When He begins to respond to the faith of those who are looking back to the cross for their healing please give me a call or write to me.


If you want to see some of what I've been writing check out the blog, captben61.blogspot.com My daughter Athena started it up for me, or should I say the Lord.


May He give you constant favor and health as you faithfully serve Him and for praying for me.


Love you, capt ben

UNDERSTANDING ETERNAL LIFE

UNDERSTANDING ETERNAL LIFE

If everyone understood what it means there would be such a desire nothing else would really matter until it was secured. The Bible is our source for TRUTH because Jesus said it through those who penned it. It is His Written Word. Fail to grasp this and you will never experience eternal life and the freedoms that come with it. Jesus came to set an enslaved people free. We can see in the scriptures the freeing of the Israelites by Moses when the Lord sent him to do it.

One of the greatest motion picture films of all times was The Ten Commandments. You may remember Charlton Heston in the role. He would approach Pharaoh and say with much authority, “SET MY PEOPLE FREE“. Today all those not yet born again are as enslaved as Israel’s descendents. Jesus said all those who sin are slaves to it. You can argue with me if you like but aren’t those using drugs enslaved? How about those caught up in pornography? There are crime rings that are devoted to stealing everything they can get their hands upon. Even the local burglar ring is ready for their next “heist”.

Those who read this message may think it doesn’t apply to them, but we should remember some other words by Jesus like, “those who lust after a woman are as guilty as if they committed the act.” Or, those who judge others are sinning, for judgment belongs to the Lord. He said judge according to how you want to be judged. How does He know if I’m doing that? I’ll let you in on a little secret, angels are watching and recording our sins for JUDGMENT DAY. Do you know all the things you thought were secret will be revealed before the whole world? If you didn’t you do now. So, what should you do? Go to the Cross and see Jesus paying for them. As He was dying on it the sins of the whole world were heaped upon Him. Mine and yours were there bringing such shame and suffering.

God the Father was overwhelmed by the stench and turned away. Jesus knew it and cried out, “My God, My God why have you forsaken Me?” At His cry the Father gazed back upon His Only Begotten whom He had sent to die for us. You might say, “Why would He do such a thing?” There is only one reason, God loves you and me and everyone else too. He sent Jesus to rescue us from a lifestyle of sinning, to set us FREE. We are no longer under the bondage of sin when we give up the sinful life. This comes by repentance or telling God how we feel about our past and our desire to go the other way.

In my case, tears were flowing like a spring. I had so much to repent for, I was “bad”. When I asked Him to forgive me and He did. He gave me HIS SPIRIT as proof. When I asked Jesus to come into my life I experienced a release that I can still remember 39 years later. It was as if a heavy weight left my back. When the Lord came in me I experienced a JOY that has never left. Some tell me they haven’t experienced anything like it. I can’t argue with another man’s experiences for that’s between him and the Lord, but I’m truly grateful for mine. I’d came from a liturgical background where I was taught how to say all the right things but my life hadn’t changed, but it sure did on May 23rd in 1971.

After becoming “born again” God revealed part of His plan for my life through dreams. After one vivid dream I began serving Him at the county jail where He sent me to “set the captives free.“ One day as I walked in the woods hunting He told me, “Tell them I want to set them free but unless I I set them free in their hearts they will continue to be behind the iron bars.“

What He said is true, for those who refuse to surrender to the Lord continue to be slaves to crime and the iron bars of jails and prisons. One man who listened paid for his crimes and then came out to study in a Bible College in Pensacola. He invited me to his graduation where God launched him into a full time prison ministry. Reconciled Ministries have been ongoing for a very long time now. Jim Britnell has been extremely effective, somewhat like a modern day Moses.

We must be set free to become God’s servants which will continue forever. Do you want to know true freedom? It comes when we confess Jesus as our Lord and discipline our lives to obey Him, like we learn in John 3:36.

And he who believes in (has faith in, clings to, relies on) the Son has (now possesses) eternal life. But whoever disobeys (is unbelieving toward, refuses to trust in, disregards, is not subject to) the Son will never see (experience) life, but [instead] the wrath of God abides on him. [God's displeasure remains on him; His indignation hangs over him continually.] Amplified Bible

Is this what you want? It’s free but only at the cost of Jesus’ death for us.

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


captben61@gmail.com captben61.blogspot com

HUNGRY FOR MORE OF JESUS

HUNGRY FOR MORE OF JESUS

Do you recall Jesus said, “You must eat My flesh and drink My Blood” when speaking to the multitudes? Some standing near by were turned away for they didn’t understand He was speaking of His Spirit. His disciples were offered the opportunity to go too. Peter said, “Lord, where would we go for you alone have the Words of Life.“ Peter and the others had seen enough of the power of God flowing from Jesus to know that He was the Lord. Do you know that too? I’m convinced that the majority in the church don’t realize Jesus is THE LORD.

He told His disciples, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” He only gave them two but later added another one that we must keep as well. “Love everyone as I’ve loved you so those who know you will know you are My disciples.“ This begs another question, are you and I doing that? Probably not and there’s a very good reason or two. First if we aren’t born again there isn’t anyway He sees us as a disciple. He may see us in love with our denomination or religion but not Him. Secondly, unlike Him we judge folks left and right. I struggle with this for I care a lot for America and I see a political party that has chosen a President that is dismantling it. I know there were lots of so called “independents” who joined with them. So I have to watch myself when I see Him on TV. I generally change channels before I get in trouble.

This message isn’t about him but you and me and our need to stay satisfied. This is an impossibility for when we give Jesus away we need more of Him. Did you know He and His Word the Bible is one and the same? Most don’t for if they did they would find a way to spend more time with Him in it. If there’s an explanation for me it comes from my discovery of a discipline where a plan for reading the scriptures ten chapters a day was offered. I liked it for it allowed me to read from the Old and New Testament at the same time. There were columns where some portions were read more often than others. For instance, Hebrews 11 and First Corinthians 13 were read every other day. Faith and Love, Faith and Love, Faith and Love over and over. These two chapters are the foundations stones for serving Jesus.

I can provide the discipline to anyone wanting a copy but I doubt many will commit to read 10 chapters from the Bible daily. So, if you are hungry for more of Jesus why not start with the Faith and Love chapters for a week or two and see how your life changes.

I’d bet this laptop you’ll be a different person before long. I’m assuming you want to be changed. Most folks declaring themselves to be a Christian are satisfied with where they are now, if you’re one of them I can’t help you.

If Jesus came to Destin today, and you knew where He was staying, would you go there? As close as possible right? I suspect the house would be so crowded some would want to break through the roof to get in like in the day He walked in Israel. Do you remember what happened? Four men had an invalid on a stretcher and went up on the roof made of tiles. After removing enough they lowered the cripple before Jesus. He seeing “their” faith told the man on the stretcher that his sins were forgiven. The religious leaders inside the house were judging Jesus with blasphemy. He asked them what is more easy for Him to say, “Your sins are forgiven you or to take up your pallet and walk?“

If you recall the cripple got up and walked to the amazement of everyone there. Then Jesus added, “Go and sin no more less anything worse fall on you.” This is our Lord Jesus speaking today as well as when this happened. Do you believe it? If you don’t the Faith and Love discipline will help you in no time. When I read of these acts of compassion and mercy often tears flow. Jesus is here with us by His Holy Spirit. He is next to the Father in Heaven interceding for us when the devil comes calling. Aren’t you glad He is? Once you begin to grasp that He allowed your sins to be added to Him as He died on the cross you will fall in love with Him, guaranteed.

It’s our time now to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick and imprisoned and take care of strangers for He tells us for the least of these “His brothers” are Him. Please read Matthew 25 now. You’ll be forever glad you did. Soon you’ll seek more of Jesus to share with the world. Your worship will become far more exciting too. Let’s go and tell the world OK?

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


Captben61@gmail.com
Captben61.blogspot.com