TESTIMONY OF TERRY HOWLETT

Dear Ben,

I enjoyed our brief fellowship last Friday at John and Betty Moore's in Destin. I really appreciate your book, "OLD DESTIN Through the Eyes of A Child." Three of us have read it since last Friday. My mother in Virginia wants me to send it to her as soon as possible. She and Dad loved meeting you at St Andrews many years ago.

As promised, here is a brief testimony for your blog:

On a beautiful Saturday afternoon Nov 1st, 2003, I found myself laying in a ditch beside a highway near Tyler, TX in excruciating pain and bleeding to death. I had been on a long distance bicycle ride and was struck by a speeding truck. As my life blood flowed out the main artery in my thigh, a nurse stopped and began treating me for shock. She was shouting, "Terry! Stay with us!" I thought to myself, "Do I have a choice?"

At the opposite end of my excruciating pain from compound fractures to my arm, leg and ankle, I was enjoying the most wonderful presence of Lord Jesus. I was thinking, "so this is the way my life is going to end...this is REALLY going to be GOOD!" Why no fear of dying? "There is no fear in love; but (His) perfect love casts out fear." 1 John 4:18

Let's go back a few years. On May 19, 1966, I attended a Billy Graham event where I was presented God's message of his love for me in sending His only Son, Jesus, to die for me so I could have eternal life with Him. The message was, and is, very simple: God loves us, we have a problem (sin), Christ Jesus died on the cross for us, and we ask Him to forgive us for our sin-problem and come into our heart. I was instantly new-born, and you can be too! Don't miss Him!!! "He who has the Son has the Life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the Life." 1 John 5:12

I could go on and on about my life since 1966, however, I must mention the four years, 1974-1978, I was stationed at Hurlburt Field, FL, and attended St. Andrews in Destin. There I met a mighty man of God, Captain Ben Marler, a fishing boat captain who loved Jesus as much as I did. Ben understood the urgency of getting the simple Gospel of God to as many people as possible by any means possible.

I joined Ben Marler and a small group of Christians from St. Andrews who met weekly at his house to study and seek the Lord in how to be an evangelist. I remember Ben describing how the Gospel is the medicine that cures death in humanity. Imagine being in a hospital where everybody was dying of a disease, and we had the medicine that would cure them. However, we just went from person to person doing good deeds to help them feel better, but we wouldn't share the cure. How selfish!

I continued through the years with that urgency to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to everyone who would listen. I married a young school teacher, Nina Long, from Ft Walton Beach in 1976, and was soon assigned to Hellenikon Air Base in Athens Greece. There we worked with the founders and pioneers of Mercy Ships as they acquired the MV Anastasis. This was the most comprehensive way we had ever known to get the Gospel to people. This hospital ship ministry offered the two hands of the Gospel. Mercy Ships offers one hand to meet peoples physical, felt needs which opens the door of their hearts to receive eternal life through the love of God through Christ Jesus.

As I began to consider what to do in retirement, after 24 years in the US Air Force, I had many great job opportunities. However, one Sunday in our church in Montgomery, AL I announced that I agreed with Isaiah in answering God's call, "Here am I, send me." The next day I received an email from Don Stephens, Mercy Ships founder and president, asking us to come to East TX to be Director International Plans for Mercy Ships. Through the years with Mercy Ships, I was able to serve the Lord in ways that exceeded all my imagination.

Therefore, as I lay in the ditch bleeding to death, I was content to go on to eternity with Jesus as I considered the nurse's scream, "Terry, stay with us!" I had just returned from leading a Mercy Ships team to Central America where many received Christ as Savior through our ministry with the Jesus Film. A new church was starting in a hard-to-reach community in Belize. I had recently signed my will, and that morning I had paid all our bills. I was ready to go to Heaven!!!

However my wife, Nina, arrived on the scene before the medical helicopter took off. She laid hands on my head and prayed that I would live. She is a mighty woman of faith, and then I knew I would live. However, it would have been easier to die. After surviving hours of surgery, days of intensive care, weeks of hospital, and months of therapy, God had given me a testimony of hope and healing. God's love has made me fearless, even of death. My faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is stronger than ever.

Pacheco Pyle from Mercy Ships brought me the Bible on cassette tapes to listen to while recovering in the hospital. I could not tolerate television while in pain. Only God's Truth would satisfy my soul. "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of Christ." Rom 10:17.

I know that a faith that has been tested is a faith that can be trusted. 1st Peter 1:6- says, "In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ...you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory."

Of course I continue to fall short of His best. I fall short as a husband, a father, and as a Christian worker. But don't look at me! Look at the Lord Jesus Christ. He never fails. You can rest your life on His promises. He never disappoints. He loves you and me, and His grace is sufficient for however we fall short. If you don't have the faith to believe it, read His Word, and get the Truth. I pray 2nd Timothy 2:25, 26 for you that He would "grant you 'repentance' leading to the knowledge of the Truth, and that you may come to your senses and escape the snare of the devil."

On that beautiful Saturday afternoon Nov 1st, 2003, I left home for a two hour bicycle ride. I didn't come home for six weeks. I almost didn't come home at all. Life is shorter than you might think. Don't gamble and miss a relationship with the one who loves you more than you can imagine, and wants you with Him in Heaven for eternity.

In His Amazing Grace,

Terry Howlett
19 October 2011

BECOME BORN AGAIN

BECOME BORN AGAIN: All that's required is that we recognize we're sinners in need of Jesus the Only Savior. We must repent or turn from a sinning lifestyle to even be considered to become a child of God. We can, once we see Jesus hanging in our place upon the cross. God uses the scene to "tenderize" our hearts which are hard. Then we must ask for forgiveness and receive it by faith. As we do, God ...will grant us Amazing Grace [total complete forgiveness] of our sins, even those we might commit in the future. [Afterwards we use John 1:9 then as a wet wipe.] Then Praise God, we can then invite Jesus to enter our life as our LORD. He will breathe upon us with His Holy Spirit which we can inhale by faith. Now, greater is He that is in us than he [Satan] who is in the world. God not only forgives us but has the record of our sins erased from the Judgment Day Books but also casts the erasure away as far as the east from the west, saying, "I WILL REMEMBER THESE SINS NO MORE." Then He commands the angel incharge of the Book of Life to enroll our name. Then He sees Jesus who now lives inside us by the Breath of the Holy Spirit. What does it cost us, nothing but our will. Jesus can't be the Lord of folks who want to live two lives. Most Christians are doing that now and will become part of the apostacy [great falling away] when persecution comes. Please, I beg you in Jesus Name, surrender your life now. I did 40 years ago and became a brand new creation in the sight of God. Are you a brand new creation a child of God now or, are you a "sinner saved by grace"? Please remember the wages of sin is death....do you want to die two times? I've done my best here for you. Please do your best for Jesus. Please read Ephesians 2: 8-10, Romans 10: 9-10 and John 1:12. I cheish all prayers offered up for me. May God bless all who remember me.

LOTHAR'S TESTIMONY

Dear Ben,

our church in Germany has 48 members, every sunday at 10 we have our worship, during the week we have several home groups
where we pray and dig deeper into the word of GOD. I preach ones a month and do the home group.

about me? how I became saved? Thats a long story, I will try to make it short.
I grew up in a christian home and was raised christianly but God doesnt mean to much to me, when I was 15 there was an evangelization in Munich ( I guess it was Billy Graham but I am not quite sure anymore) and my Mother was almoust begging me to go with her, I did, at the end of the preach when the preacher called for commitment I went to the stage and gave my live to Jesus- I doubt that I did it for real at this time.
But it didnt last very long and I fell back into my old life hanging around with my old friends and did stupid things and no interest in Jesus. When I turned 18 my father died - and God said to me what would it be when you would be here instead of your father.
That realy scared me and I said again, please Jesus take my whole life. I didnt last very long this time either.
I fell back in my old life again things got wilder ... I had a heavy motorcycle and car accident with intensive care - GOD saved me all the time but I didnt realise.
At the age of 26 I met my future wife, you met her at the Bass Pro shop, she didnt believe in Jesus at all but that was okay to me.
For my mother it was terrible - her son doesnt believe and now he lives together with a girl who doesnt believe either. When we were visiting my mother she always tried
to talk about Jesus - it went that far that I said to my mother- Mom if you dont stop to talk about Jesus I wont come anymore.
But what I couldnt prevent was praying for us when she was alone.
At the age of 28 I said to my mother, Mom I am gonna marry Elke. Elke was catholic - but I didnt care.
So we married.
Our first kid Markus was born on May 5 1990 - and he was baptised catholic - I will never forget my Moms face when that took place - tears in her eyes and full of no understanding.
At the age of 36 I had a very heavy car accident again - on our highways I overlooked a traffic jam and crashed with 100 miles an hour right into the jam, the car flipped over
several times and landed finally on the roof - I was hanging it my seatbelts like a bat - the only thing what happend to me I cut my finger on the broken window glass when I crawled out of the car. When the police came they asked me if I know anything about the people in the car - I told them its me - They couldnt believe it.
Nobody was severly injured - not the cars I ran into, not me.
After that - I got home and said to my wife - Elke I think GOD is talking to me again and I think its the last time he will talk to me - We have to change our lifes.
So we prayed to GOD to find the right church for us - GOD gave us a small baptist church close to us - The preacher his name is David Stevenson he spent alot of time in Destin
he went to the high school in Destin I guess and his father was in the Airforce - maybe you know him.
So Elke and I went to that church, we took Markus out of the catholic school- my mother was so happy to hear that and 2 years later Elke said she wants to be baptised.
(Elkes parents are strong catholics and it was a nightmare telling them she converts-but this is a different story)
And nowadays the whole family believes in Jesus - he is our all in all - finally we made it home.
I thank GOD that he didnt drop me - I thank my mother for all the prayers, that she kept on praying all the time for us didnt get tire praying.
It is so important that parents pray for their kids.

GOD bless you Ben

GOING FOR BROKE

GOING FOR BROKE: I'm not a gambler and hate the practice for it's destroyed countless lives and families. However, I know this term used by some. "Going for broke". It's when all someone has is placed on the line in a wager; if they lose they're broke. Going for broke with JESUS is a sure thing. Placing your life on the line for His isn't a gamble. You win eternal life, who can beat that?
Hopefully someone who's into gambling will relate to the illustration above. Refusing to receive Jesus as your Lord is a slam dunk too. But, in a horrible way for those who do it are lost forever. Check out hell in the Bible and see if th...at's a good win. Lord No! Hell was created for the devil and his rebellious angels. It's a horrible place but will be filled to the brim due to absolutely lousy preaching of God's Word. The Word of God is more powerful than all the most powerful weapons combined. It alone can open a person's heart to receive the Good News or Gospel. Please pray with me for a great revival where millions and millions will come to Christ right here in our area. It can happen! Please pray for me.

GOD HATES VIOLENCE

GOD HATES VIOLENCE: He destroyed the world the first time with a flood due to violence. There's far more now and all over the world. America is a country where violent acts occur with such frequency we don't get upset anymore when we see it on TV. Muslims live and die with violence just as the Koran teaches. It isn't a "peaceful religion". We must pray for them; Jesus loves them like He does everyone
Our flesh being "sinful" is prone towards violence. Christians I know and respect would demonstrate it in a heart beat if pushed to the breaking point. We must die to this "old" nature and begin to live [in Jesus] who tells us to "turn the other cheek". I hope I can do it when pressed. Please pray for me. Be born again today....time is running out. Trust me Please.

NO JUSTIFICATION FOR SIN OUTSIDE OF GOD'S FORGIVENESS

Stop making excuses for breaking God's law, it won't "fly". We Christians [disciples] know instantly when we sin and should immediately use 1 John 1:9 for God's instant forgiveness. If we realized how much He loves us and how much our sinning hurts Him we can stop! Sinning is giving into temptations....Only "in Jesus" are we safe. Please pray for me.
Did you know Jesus said that angels will come one day to separate the sheep from the goats? Why did He choose these two aniimals? Look at their God given nature and you can see one is meek and follows along after his shepherd. The other must be driven by the goat "herder". Which one best describes you RIGHT NOW? Only Jesus can turn a goat into a sheep, He did that for me just over 40 years ago, I wish it had been over 60 years ago. Thank you Jesus. Please do it for those in need now.

SALVATION FOR YOUR FAMILY

Paul told the Phillipian jailer: "Believe upon the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved and your whole house." Lets believe that the Lord wants every single person in our family as His child [John 1:12]. Let's live the life of Jesus before them so they learn more about... Him. If He's in us, it's a slam dunk. If He's not in us YET why not surrender your will [life all of it] to Him right now? You will receive instantly the most wonderful gift, "The Peace that passes all understanding." The Holy Spirit is now within you filling you up to be a vessel of His eternal love. Let's pour Him out today for there are so many who are thirsty for Christ. Let't remember what Jesus said to the woman at the well in John 4. OK? I'm going to have a ton of fun today..Glory!

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ANGELIC LANGUAGES

ANGELIC LANGUAGES: Some call it speaking in tongues. Read from 1 Cor. chapters 12-14 and St. Paul will explain it for you. It's not "the" evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, THAT'S POWER TO BE A WITNESS. Most, but not all disciiples, baptized by Jesus [Luke 3:16] can receive a "private communication link" to the Father by asking. Paul say's it edifies the speaker or build them up.....He's right.

The full list of gifts are Wisdom, Knowledge, Faith, Healing, Miracles, Tongues, Interpretation of tongues, Discernment and Prophecy. The Holy Spirit is in charge of them and can use any disciple He desires to display them for the Glory of Almighty God and in the Name of Jesus. Please notice Peter and John on the way to the Temple to pray, and what happened to a lame man AFTER they were anointed on Pentecost. It can be found in Acts 2.

New book visits old Destin | visits, book, destin - TheDestinLog.com

New book visits old Destin | visits, book, destin - TheDestinLog.com

DON'T FEAR YOUR FEELINGS

DON'T FEAR YOUR FEELINGS: If you don't have any, you need Jesus big time. Do we remember, "Jesus wept" is the shortest verse in the Bible? He was grieving because the people didn't recognize Him. Have we truly recognized Him? Is He really our Lord? Please turn all prayers into Praise and let's adore Him as we should. Don't stop tears when they come, God wants to bottle them.

DO YOURSELF A FAVOR

DO YOURSELF A FAVOR: If you're born again every sin you've committed has been erased from the Books to be opened on Judgment Day and, erased from the mind of God. Why not ask the Holy Spirit to help you forget them too? Jesus said, "Once you put your hand to the plow, don't look back for if you do, you aren't worthy of the Kingdom of God." Experience true freedom today, be born again.

VICTORY IN JESUS

VICTORY IN JESUS: Do you have it or do you stand fearfully before circumstances? You must be extremely honest for the Lord can't help us when we aren't honest. If we are in Jesus, by being born again, what can harm us? We are safe in His eternal promises, isn't this true? You betcha....now if we are only "believers" without adoption we better get at it. For almost 33 years I was fearful too, but no longer.

Billions need adoption right now and can have it by simply laying down their life in total surrender. Do we think for a moment we are saved by God without it? No way, the Lord has experienced revolution in Heaven with Satan and his rebellious angels. Lay your will down and allow God to reign in your life. I have a 40 year testimony that He is FAITHFUL AND TRUE. One day my eyes will close on earth and I will see Jesus face to face. "To be absent from the body is to be with the Lord." "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints [true believers]."

John 1:12, John 3:16, John 3:36, Luke 3:16, Romans 10:9-10 and all of First John should be enough to bring anyone into the family of God. There are more verses like Ephesians 2:8-10 too. Please read them prayerfully and the Holy Spirit will help you. He sure helped me.

Joyce's Testimony

I felt it was more appropriate here.
I was saved at the age of 13 at a church youth camp. I vividly remember walking up to that little alter in that camp church and accepting my Lord and Savior. I was 14 by the time I was baptized at the UMC in FWB. I stayed in the church until I left for college 5 years later.
I am basically very shy so that was my great excuse for not finding a home church after I moved. Then I started nursing school, and all those science class..... Then I married my high school sweetheart who happened to be an atheist. I really didn't get that separation of the yolk thing back then! So, as time pasted with these factors in place I drifted away from the church. I never drifted away from my basic beliefs, but I certainly did not walk it or talk it!
Had two kids and 14 years of marriage and it was time for a divorce. This was very hard for me. I married in my home church for all the right reason and for life, but, I divorced for all the right reasons also. For the next 8 years it was me and my kids. But, as we know God is always at work in our lives even if we have not even asked Him to if we have once accepted Him as our Savior.
In the job I had I had to travel, so my kids would stay will a friend of mine who actually worked for me for about 8 years. Unbeknown to me, she would occasionally leave my kids with her brother. When I finally found out it was because he and his family were taking my kids to church with them. My kids did not have a strong father figure so this could be ok, a strong Christian man in my kids life.
Well.... come to find out the wife was not walking the walk and they separated. After the divorce papers were filed the sister ( which remember I had known for many years) suggested her brother give me a call. He did. We stated dating. They come from an old Strong Christian family. Old fundamental Baptist, worked the farm all their lives, you get the picture. So Randy and I are having a conversation one night, he says things like I can't see the wind but I know it's there, etc. Finally he says, give God 50% chance and give science 50% chance and see what happens. Being an open minded person and having our Savior somewhere down in there anyway... And God had always place strong Christian women in my life for me to turn to. So, one day I drove to the beach ( where else would I go ;-) God and I spent some time together and I knew I had to make a major move to bring him back into my life.
My son who was 15 had walked to the alter with Randy standing at the alter as a Deacon before I had even started going back to church. My son was saved without me being there. We were attending a Baptist church which baptized differently than the Methodist church does, I decided to be re- baptized with my son. So on Feb. 6, 2000 I rededicated my life to Jesus, and on March 8, 2000 I was submerged baptized with my son. The only thing better than that was watching my daughter be baptized on May 2, 2001 at the age of 18.
This time it was different, I truly surrendered. What a difference. There are so many stories of how God has worked in my life since then.
By the way, Randy and I stopped dating but remained friends. You see I knew how much I loved him, he just had not figured it out yet, and he was just divorced. But, 5 years latter we started spending time together as friends, staring at my new born granddaughter, and in 2006 we were married. ;-) So, now I am married to a strong Christian man, we still have some big problems at times, the difference is we have God on our side this time.
I read a story you wrote about witnessing to a Jewish person. The very first test God put in front of me after my rededication was to witness to a Jewish man. I had known and worked with this man for 10+ years, he a physician , me a nurse. He was dying of liver cancer, I was taking care of him at home.....so of course I am pleading with God " isn't there somebody else I can do my 1st witness to?" and of course His answer was a resounding "NO". So, I got some materials together, made my nursing visit, and as I sat on the edge of this man's bed I witnessed to him. He could actually See the difference in me, so he was very interested in what I had to say. He wanted the written material I had brought and we left it that he would think about it. I know that some people plant the seed, some water it, and some help it bloom. I don't know what my part was in his life, he died shortly after that, someday I will know what he decided. But, for me, the biggest part was following through on God's request for me to do something that was VERY uncomfortable for me, and the filling of the Holy Spirit for doing so. It still brings tears to my eyes.
Two years ago I had to leave my work and go on disability due to continuous migraines. I tell people I thought I had walked in faith before, but when God truly humbles one, takes everything away that you are used to having, then I really learned to walk in faith. There are so many times now I wonder how the next bill is going to get paid, but I don't fret over it like I used to, I do what I can and I KNOW God will provide a way in His time. It will be just enough, and in His time. The A/C went out in my 2001 truck, in the summer, augh, just at the time my disability checks were changing. There just was not an extra $500.00 to fix the A/C, then of course, something comes in the mail, an opportunity for me to cash out a few small shares I have in something, and there it is, A/C money.
I have not made a mortgage payment since I went on disability in May 2009. My home went into foreclosure, I hired an attorney only because there were some property line issues. When it came time to go to court, the bank had fired their attorney so no opposing attorney came to court and the case was dropped. Capt. Ben, I have been living in my home for 2 years without making a payment! Now, I don't believe I will grow old here, God is just giving me time for something else to work out. Mind you I have lived in this house for 21 years so it's not like I haven't been paying someone for this house ;-).
There's an incredible story behind my granddaughter. She has been blessed from the moment she was conceived. My daughter is not married, I have some property so decided to clear some land and make a place for them to live. Someone cleared the land for free, someone gave us a trailer for her to live in, people donated time, labor, equipment to finish clearing the land, do the electric, do the plumbing (Randy) on and on. It still cost me a great deal, but without all these gifts we never would have had their home ready by the time Kenlee was born. I worked at a Christain community at the time and one of the pastors even used Kenlee as the basis of one of his sermons that life throws us curve balls, but with God we can be ready to catch them.
I know this is so much more than what you wanted, but when it comes to singing God's praises I can get carried away sometimes.
God has been so good to me. I have given up on being amazed at His greatness, I am only human, of course I can not grasp His greatness. So I just sit in awe, am thankful for His Grace, ask to be filled with His Holy Spirit everyday, and pray that my walk will be a witness to someone whether I know about it or not.
I so want to be at your book signing to meet you and celebrate with you, but unless God has another surprise for me I just don't think Randy and I are going to make it, so please know we are there with you in spirit in every way!
Again, I apologize for the length of this but I am just not good at the Reader's Digest version of things. ;-)
Thank you for your time, and your prayers. I will keep you and yours in my prayers and God Bless you and yours.

SHOULD A CHRISTIAN BUY GOLD

SHOULD CHRISTIANS BUY GOLD
God tells us to not lay up treasure here on earth where rust and moth can corrupt and thieves can break in and steal. There are some good reasons too. How can we minister to those in need when we've turned our resources into gold bars and coins? Are we going to hand a man on a corner a coin worth hundreds of dollars to get a meal? There is a time coming when anyone with a gold chain will be in real danger. The Lord said, No, we should lay up treasure in Heaven where it can't be molested.

If our "religion" isn't teaching us these principles it would be smart to take a quick walk to the door. I'd bet they don't teach we must be born again too. Once "in Christ" by receiving His Spirit [Breath] the things of this world lose much of their luster. We should be looking forward to dancing with our loved ones upon streets of Gold. If you'll read Revelations 19-22 you will receive much comfort and advice. Read there who will not be with us on the streets of the New Jerusalem. There may be some in your family who need to repent right away. Please tell them that Amazing Grace isn't a permanent gift from God. He said, "I will not strive with man forever."

We who have Jesus [1 John 5:12] have eternal life and have been left here to give it away, "Freely you have received, freely give." We can do this daily by seeking the anointing of the Holy Spirit [When the Holy Spirit comes upon you then you shall receive power to be my witnesses.....etc]. He will open our eyes to see those whom He has prepared to hear our story of salvation. If you don't have one, get on it now! Read Romans 10: 9-10, Ephesians 2: 8-10, John 1:12 and John 3:16 plus John 3:36 a warning.

Be baptize in Jesus Name like in the Book of Acts, He is God, Emmanuel. If you want more, please read from my blog. captben61.blogspot.com

In His Service,

Capt Ben Marler captben61@gmail.com

MY ONE MINUTE TESTIMONY

My testimony: I believed in Jesus but didn't have an intimate relationship [born again] until Joan's encounter with Him in our living room. She "lit up". Within no time I realized all I had was religion. About 6 weeks later I surrendered m...y life [ALL OF IT] and received Jesus into my heart in the midst of a million tears. When I repented and received Jesus I literally felt a heavy load of guilt leave my back. Never in my 32 years did I have such JOY in my heart. That night the Holy Spirit came to my bed and anointed me with a wonderful angelic language pouring from my lips. Dreams and visions followed that placed me into God's jail house business. He directed me to write a 52 day series WALKING WITH JESUS for the Daily News. A "million" words have followed extolling the Goodness of the Lord. On this May 23rd I will celebrate 40 years of freedom from Satan's power and adoption by God and claimed as a son. Anyone can be saved for Jesus suffered for everyone, spilling His Blood to wash us clean as new snow. If you want more from me, ask and you shall receive. Please pray for me.

My testimony: I believed in Jesus but didn't have an intimate relationship [born again] until Joan's encounter with Him in our living room. She "lit up". Within no time I realized all I had was religion. About 6 weeks later I surrendered m...y life [ALL OF IT] and received Jesus into my heart in the midst of a million tears. When I repented and received Jesus I literally felt a heavy load of guilt leave my back. Never in my 32 years did I have such JOY in my heart. That night the Holy Spirit came to my bed and anointed me with a wonderful angelic language pouring from my lips. Dreams and visions followed that placed me into God's jail house business. He directed me to write a 52 day series WALKING WITH JESUS for the Daily News. A "million" words have followed extolling the Goodness of the Lord. On this May 23rd I will celebrate 40 years of freedom from Satan's power and adoption by God and claimed as a son. Anyone can be saved for Jesus suffered for everyone, spilling His Blood to wash us clean as new snow. If you want more from me, ask and you shall receive. Please pray for me.

JESUS, THE LAST SUPPER AND CHRIST CRUCIFIED

EMERSED INTO JESUS CHRIST

EMERSED INTO JESUS CHRIST

Have you been baptized? Most have who claim to be Christians. But have you been baptized into Jesus Christ? Here lies the problem as to why folks are not walking in the Spirit. I would bet that the majority of folks who claim to be a child of God have never been adopted by Him. I base this on the evidence I see "in the world" of His influence changing others for Him.

Christianity is a life changing experience when we are baptized by Jesus. Most of the folks "hoping" they will go to heaven "one day" don't know the Lord and for good reason, they've been fed religion. Man is very creative and can take a verse or two and become an authority on God. Folks, Jesus said He made the Gospel simple to confound the wise. He knows and we don't, unless we hang upon every Word He's spoken.

On May 23rdin 1971 I received Jesus into my heart making me a brand new person in the sight of God. The wonderful experience of being forgiven and to have Jesus actually come inside me, by His Holy Spirit, hasn't left me. He had a plan for my life before I was born just like he had for each of us.Thank God for my wife who had an encounter with Jesus some 6 weeks before in our living room. What I saw in her is what I'd always wanted, a real intimate relationship with Jesus. The night He filled me He came to my bed and anointed me with the Holy Spirit so I could serve Him.Did you know, God is no respecter of persons, what He did for me He will do for anyone who will love Him with all of their heart, soul and mind? Does this describe you? If it does, go for it. There isn't anything more important than becoming born again and Spirit filled. God has an enormous amount for us to accomplish and every day we have less time to get it done.

Please call on me if you need help.

Luke 3:16, Acts 2:38, 8:16, 10:48, 13,5 and 22:16.In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler captben61@gmail.com captben61.blogspot.com

THE POWER OF GOD FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD

THE POWER OF GOD FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD
Are you a frustrated Christian, be honest now? If you are, there's a very good reason. Every Christian knows John 3:16 by heart for it's been preached on at least a million times. Have you ever heard a message preached on Luke 3:16? The odds are you haven't. There's another good reason, the Holy Spirit hasn't encouaged it. Why? I believe there aren't many folks who've actually surrender their "whole life" to Jesus. Sure, uncounted millions believe in Him, but only to a point.
We can learn a lot by listening to folks for before long, what's hidden in their hearts will escape through their lips. If they have an intimate relationship with the Lord they will "automatically" share it with any who'll listen. We've been set free from the devil's power to make us sin and now enjoy the freedom of walking out our lives in the fear and admonition of the Lord.
We can see this best by looking at Paul in the Bible. He was an enemy to Jesus until they met on the way to Damascus. Before long, the power of God was on Paul and his life was changed dramatically. A large part of the New Testament was written by him for the churches he founded. In First Corinthians 12-14 you can read what he telling the folks there about the power of God which the Lord had given them. They needed teaching and we are also beneficiaries.
Satan doesn't want us to have it for it can destroy what he's worked so hard to build. I saw this in the county jail at Crestview during a two year ministry. I'm still pumped from what I saw Jesus do there. Jesus set the captives free saving some, healing others and delivering even more. The shocking thing, He used a fisherman and a salesman from a marina to do it. In obedience to Him we went and HE WORKED.
Are you interested in joining the Lord's work force? Become born again, and then simply ask Jesus to baptize you in His Holy Spirit. Expect Him to use you "in His time". Feed daily upon the Word of God as your spiritual food. It's very important to say what He said and do what He did to see the results He desires. It's all for His Glory and Honor. Need more help?
In His Service, Capt. Ben Marler captben61@gmail.com

THE TESTIMONY OF

It was the last day of January 2010, my Wife and I had been visitin g Miami and Boynton Beach,Florida. We had stopped in Boynton Beach to visit my Daughter and her Family. On Sunday, as we were heading to I-95 for the return trip to Tallahassee, I had a tighness in my chest and a cold sweat. My wife is an X-ray techn ician and she told me to drive to the emmergency room(according to the sing about a mile) no argument from me for a change. I got out of the car and walked to the emergency room without any problems or pains. About this time all was back to normal or so I thought. The ER tech nician started to do an EKG but saw something that was not right and said "let us get you over to the Heart Insttitute (Bethesda Heart Institute of Boynton Beach, Florida. Upon arriving at the Institute, the Doctor told my wife that I had a major Heart attack but I did n ot believe it and so it was told to me again by the attending Doctor. To make ti short look at these points:
1) I was less that a mile from one of gthe best Heart programs in South Florida.
2) The Doctor assigneds to do the surgery (Dr. Samatha Kwon introduced herself and asked me if she could Pray for me..At that point I knew it was of tghe Lord.
3) The Surgical Staff were all Born Again Believers.
4) I would not have made the trip back to Tallahassee.
5) Gode restored me back to good with no comp[lications in order to resume Teacing and Speaking in his Name.
Finally; If you let God order your steps and direct your path then your trials will be your testimony

(I had a quad bi-pass surgery but thanks to God it was only a bump in the road...To God be the Glory..

Testimony of Burnett Smith and E J Smith

Athena, These two are some of my favorite folks on the planet...love you tons

Testimony of Burnett Smith and E J Smith
E. J. and I had been going to church pretty regular for some time. We would go to Revivals at most of the local churches. One night at a revival I felt I needed to make a commitment but wouldn’t go forward because I wanted E.J. to go with me. I could not sleep that night. I cried into that night and the next day. I wanted so much to be saved. We still went to church on Sunday.

E. J. took pneumonia and he thought he was near death. While he was in the hospital and could only look up. He realized he needed a Savior. As soon as he got out of the hospital we went back to church. When Brother Jerry gave the invitation that night, E. J. did not tell me what he was going to do, but looked at me and said are you ready? I said, YES!

We almost ran down the isle that night. We both asked Jesus to forgive us our sins. Praise God, I have the Holy Spirit living in me. We were baptized or born again on June 22, 1986.

I love testimonies and would walk a mile to hear a good one like Burnett’s. If you are under conviction by the Holy Spirit please do as they did. Ask God to forgive you and receive His Holy Spirit into your heart. E. J. is now in Paradise with his Jesus. Burnett has all the peace she needs to know she will join him there.

I love these folks and will dance with them on the streets of gold one fine day. Would you like to be with us?

AVOIDING THE APOSTACY

AVOIDING THE APOSTACY

The great falling away will happen and we can count on it. When God says something will happen you can be on one side or the other. I have chosen like Joshua who drew a line in the sand with his foot and said, “As for me and my family we will serve the Lord.” The rebels had a choice to go with their leader or return to slavery in Egypt. How soon they were falling away from God who had taken them from the whips of the Egyptians and led them to the Promised Land.

If you know the story of the Exodus you remember that when Joshua sent men into the land to scout it only two came back saying lets get it done. The others began to complain that the people were like giants and the cities impossible to breach causing the people to revolt against Joshua. They paid a huge penalty for God led them back into the desert where he allowed a 40 year time of elimination by death. He didn’t completely give up on them and fed them for 40 years with manna from Heaven. But it was their children who now grown crossed the Jordan River.

Folks the Promised Land is the NEW JERUSALEM, a immense city made by God for us. It is 1500 miles cubed with streets of pure gold. Read in Revelations 20 and 21 to see where you will live if you aren’t part of the apostasy. Jesus said only a few will be saved, will you be one of them?

This message is being supplied to you so you can have BLESSED ASSURANCE. God is very serious and to live with Him we must be too. He has a plan which He isn’t going to change for any of us. We are the ones who will change or be lost. Now change can be a good thing and in this case the best thing in the world for us. If you can’t recognize you are a sinner in God’s sight I understand. In most churches today it isn’t even mentioned. So allow me to tell you what sin is and how to live free.

Sin is the result of us “missing the mark” or using our will to do what is the opposite of God’s will for us. Look at the 10 Commandments [not suggestions] and you will see the Lord knows us and our sinful natures. There are things we must do and things we must not do. These rules are for our good. Now no one can keep them and our Heavenly Father knew it. During the time in which Moses revealed them the people had been in slavery for over 400 years. They didn’t know the God who had claimed them as His own.

The people being led by Moses had experienced some of the “fireworks” from God when His Presence covered the mountain in their sight. It frightened them and they asked Moses to ask God to speak only to Moses. And yet they were a still very disobedient group.

There are born again Christians living today as if nothing happened to them when they trusted in Jesus. Some of the more famous ones have found themselves ridiculed in the press and on TV. It saddens me when these leaders are exposed for their fall hurts the cause of Christ. I’ve asked God to kill me before I would do anything that would bring shame on the Name of Jesus. He knows I mean it too. I have made a very important decision, I am not going to be part of the apostasy. Jesus paid too much for me as He hung in my place upon His cross. The shame has been paid along with all the acts of rebellion for all of us.

Now if you want to be sure you won’t fall away, fall in love with Jesus. Now if you don’t understand this don’t despair for the Holy Spirit is here to help you. He can take you to the cross where He will allow you to comprehend the depth of God’s love for you. Gaze upon Jesus hanging in your place. See the anguish upon His face. He didn’t have to die for you but He chose to do it in obedience to the Father. His death caused His Blood to be spilled as the Only sacrifice acceptable to God for your sins. Do you care? If you do then it is up to you to tell God with a true remorse for your sinful past.

God always looks at the heart and if it is honest He knows it. As you experience some of the pain suffered for you rejoice for God is granting you what you need to avoid the coming apostasy. No one who has this experience will fall away. Now that you have it begin to live a life of Joy and Freedom. Live life to the fullest for God and not yourself and you will have a ball! Better yet, many will come to trust Christ through your love.

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler

captben61@gmail.com captben61.blogspot.com
　

　

　

　

AVOIDING THE APOSTACY

The great falling away will happen and we can count on it. When God says something will happen you can be on one side or the other. I have chosen like Joshua who drew a line in the sand with his foot and said, “As for me and my family we will serve the Lord.” The rebels had a choice to go with their leader or return to slavery in Egypt. How soon they were falling away from God who had taken them from the whips of the Egyptians and led them to the Promised Land.

If you know the story of the Exodus you remember that when Joshua sent men into the land to scout it only two came back saying lets get it done. The others began to complain that the people were like giants and the cities impossible to breach causing the people to revolt against Joshua. They paid a huge penalty for God led them back into the desert where he allowed a 40 year time of elimination by death. He didn’t completely give up on them and fed them for 40 years with manna from Heaven. But it was their children who now grown crossed the Jordan River.

Folks the Promised Land is the NEW JERUSALEM, a immense city made by God for us. It is 1500 miles cubed with streets of pure gold. Read in Revelations 20 and 21 to see where you will live if you aren’t part of the apostasy. Jesus said only a few will be saved, will you be one of them?

This message is being supplied to you so you can have BLESSED ASSURANCE. God is very serious and to live with Him we must be too. He has a plan which He isn’t going to change for any of us. We are the ones who will change or be lost. Now change can be a good thing and in this case the best thing in the world for us. If you can’t recognize you are a sinner in God’s sight I understand. In most churches today it isn’t even mentioned. So allow me to tell you what sin is and how to live free.

Sin is the result of us “missing the mark” or using our will to do what is the opposite of God’s will for us. Look at the 10 Commandments [not suggestions] and you will see the Lord knows us and our sinful natures. There are things we must do and things we must not do. These rules are for our good. Now no one can keep them and our Heavenly Father knew it. During the time in which Moses revealed them the people had been in slavery for over 400 years. They didn’t know the God who had claimed them as His own.

The people being led by Moses had experienced some of the “fireworks” from God when His Presence covered the mountain in their sight. It frightened them and they asked Moses to ask God to speak only to Moses. And yet they were a still very disobedient group.

There are born again Christians living today as if nothing happened to them when they trusted in Jesus. Some of the more famous ones have found themselves ridiculed in the press and on TV. It saddens me when these leaders are exposed for their fall hurts the cause of Christ. I’ve asked God to kill me before I would do anything that would bring shame on the Name of Jesus. He knows I mean it too. I have made a very important decision, I am not going to be part of the apostasy. Jesus paid too much for me as He hung in my place upon His cross. The shame has been paid along with all the acts of rebellion for all of us.

Now if you want to be sure you won’t fall away, fall in love with Jesus. Now if you don’t understand this don’t despair for the Holy Spirit is here to help you. He can take you to the cross where He will allow you to comprehend the depth of God’s love for you. Gaze upon Jesus hanging in your place. See the anguish upon His face. He didn’t have to die for you but He chose to do it in obedience to the Father. His death caused His Blood to be spilled as the Only sacrifice acceptable to God for your sins. Do you care? If you do then it is up to you to tell God with a true remorse for your sinful past.

God always looks at the heart and if it is honest He knows it. As you experience some of the pain suffered for you rejoice for God is granting you what you need to avoid the coming apostasy. No one who has this experience will fall away. Now that you have it begin to live a life of Joy and Freedom. Live life to the fullest for God and not yourself and you will have a ball! Better yet, many will come to trust Christ through your love.

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler

captben61@gmail.com captben61.blogspot.com
　

　

PAT'S GIFTS FROM GOD

Dear Pat, Thank you so much. I will put it on my blog...I'm sure folks in many countries will read it and draw some comfort and faith. May God continue to use you as we look for the shout....When I come back to Tallahassee I'll look you up the Lord willing. love you capt ben Google captben61.blogspot.com and you will find lots of messages [over 100] that might be of help to you.







Mon, Feb 21, 2011 at 10:07 PM, pat hodges wrote: Ben it was my pleasure to meet you, here is my testomony
i was going through a difficult divorce and had moved out.i was tired and i had given up i had everything laid out and i was going to commit suicide. had clothes laid out, plastic mat in my chair and the pills that i was going to take i had quit on life and i was tired. on the way home on that november day 12th, 1997 i said i didnt deserve what was going to happen, i said lord i have always believed in you but had never given it to you so its yours if im worth saving then save me but if im not then throw me to the curb as im already there. all i ask if im worth saving then please put someone in my life that can help me to get over all of this. that was on a friday and the next monday the divorce was going to be done. up till this point everytime i saw my soon to be ex she would cuss me accross stores, parking lots everytime i had to lower my head.this is why i had called it quits on myself. the day of the divorce my ex and i were talking with no cussing or yelling and the judge said it looked like all we needed was a little counseling we both looked at eace other and then the judge and said please sign the papers,he didnt want to but he did. we left the court house and parted ways as friends and not enimenes i know god made it that smooth there was no other way it could have been that way. within a week i met my now wife of 14 years and how god was able to send marie into my life it could only be a merical. i feel that my wife got cheated in the marriage she could of done better than me but whom am i to question god. over the next 2 weeks god put so much into my life that i was over welmed it seemed that everytime i thanked god for something he gave me twice more than i could have ever wanted..this one day i was going through a dollar general store and i felt the urge to go down this row where the cleaning supplys and there was these huge cans of bg dissifectant spray and bg carpet fresh for a dollar so i bought 2 of each. i was a 3 1/2 pack a day smoker and on the last day of november, 1997 i said god, i have a bigg one for you. i said i wanted to quit smoking but i was to weak a person but with everything you have done over the last couple of weeks i figgured i would give you the habit and walk away, well guess what thats just what i did i gave it to god and walked away from the smoking habbit he got me through it. the funny part is that there was just enough dissenfect and and carpet fresh to clean my appartment and truck not any left, that was gods doing. god knew that i was going to ask him to quit smoking. god had plans for me before i knew of them. in the 60s and 70s i had a drug problem and untill almost 9 years ago i had an alchoal problem but now im clean, no smoking, no drugs, no booze a great wife, 5 kids, 5 grandkids god had plans for me, big plans and he is not done with me yet. i will have to say if i died now before i complete this letter and i saw god i would have to tell him that with all the problems he allowed me to live through i would be able to tell him thanks for everything as it could have not been a better life, i love you lord for everyone and everything as i am total blessed.

THE CLASHING OF THE KINGDOMS

THE CLASHING OF THE KINGDOMS

“Thy Kingdom come Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven” is a very familiar statement. Anyone who has uttered the “Lord’s Prayer” has spoken it. If we really meant it the kingdom of darkness wouldn’t be so powerful today. Satan has this kingdom under his control and if you doubt it, turn on your TV. Violence is the mainstay of his kingdom. God hates violence so much that in Genesis we see Him destroying the world with a flood. I believe today’s violence is far worse than of that time.

God has told us in the Bible what He did and what He is going to do. This message is to provide you the information so you can be safe. Noah’s family escaped the flood for they obeyed God. I hope you will read the account of him building this 450 foot long barge. It was also 75 feet wide and 45 feet high. There’s no way it had a bow like we see in pictures. It wasn’t going anywhere under its own power. It was just going to float until and to where the Lord wanted it to stop, on Mount Ararat.

Noah and his sons only had the most primitive of tools but they had God who helped them and made it possible. The animals and birds came to it, for God sent them. The food that was gathered for them was also provided by God. What God didn’t provide were the hecklers who made sport of them, Satan did that. When the rain began they stopped laughing and wanted to come inside but the Bible tells us that GOD SHUT THE DOOR, and they all drowned. [Genesis 6:13-7:16]

If you doubt that Satan has kingdoms read the Gospels. Right after the baptism of Jesus He was led by the Holy Spirit on to a mountain were He fasted and prayed for 40 days. When He was weak Satan came and tempted Him. One of the temptations was for Jesus to bow down, just one time, and Satan would transfer all the kingdoms in the world to Him. He couldn’t have offered them if they weren’t his to grant. The sin of Adam and Eve made it possible for Satan to claim them.

Now let’s place some rubber on the road, we all live in one or the other. If you haven’t surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, and been born again of His Spirit, you are not in God’s ark. Jesus is our ARK and because He is, we can live forever with Him just as Noah and his family. We have made a choice and God has accepted us. The real truth is first God chose us for if He hadn’t we couldn’t have responded to His overtures.

He won us with His agape or unconditional love. Not one of us, including some like the Reverend Billy Graham, deserve to be chosen. I’ve wondered about this and have come to the conclusion that since God knows us intimately He alone knows if we will be obedient in Heaven. God has had it with insubordination and rebellion. It is up to us for He isn’t going to make robots of us.

I believe our reaction at learning of the obedience of Jesus to go to the cross for us personally is the most important thing the Lord is concerned with. How we feel about the horrible price He paid at the hands of the Romans is vitally important to Him. Now some have not heard the message from a man or woman under the anointing of God’s Spirit. It isn’t a message that needs to be shouted or spoken in a theatrical way. It must be revealed just as God wrote it for us. When we hear it we will respond with sorrow or we won’t. If you are one who isn’t born again please go to the cross and spend some time there. If you are being drawn there by God’s Spirit you will be moved.

Look at the crude spikes that nailed Jesus to the cross. They had been used many times before. The crown of thorns beaten into His scalp left streaks of dried Blood upon His face. Gaze at the wounds upon His back, chest and legs. The horrible scourge took bits of flesh with each crushing blow. Jesus was earning our freedom by accepting such abuse. You see we all were of Satan’s kingdom before receiving Jesus as our Lord. Yes He is also our Savior but that is later when we stand before the Father. At that time because we surrendered our lives to Jesus He claims us bringing us Salvation. We must abide in Jesus and He in us to serve Him. This is possible only by His Grace or undeserved mercy.

Have you received it and if you have why are you still on earth? Is it not to become a servant of the Living God? We are to take the Gospel [Good News] to the lost and make disciples of them. We will be transferring them from the kingdom of Satan to the Kingdom of Almighty God. We aren’t saving them only Jesus can do that but we can help them see He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Now that He lives with us we have the hope of Glory. We have been included into God’s own family. Rejoice!

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler

captben61@gmail.com “google” captben61.blogspot.com

CURSING CANCERS AND SAVING LIVES

CURSING CANCERS AND SAVING LIVES

God hates cancer like we do. He is a Loving God and proved it by allowing Jesus to be flailed by the Romans using a scourge. Few seem to preach on the scriptures in Isaiah 53 and First Peter 2, “By His stripes are we healed.“ Isn’t it time we start hearing of the Lord’s passion more than just on or around Easter? You bet, and when we do, there’ll be more testimonies of God’s healing of His children. Why do folks think God owes them anything including to heal them when they’ve rejected the gift of eternal life? I blame it on religion. Have you ever been to a funeral and where someone asked the folks to pray “The Lord’s Prayer”? I have, for few are saved. It’s responsible for keeping folks lost in their sins. If you doubt me read on.

There isn’t anyway God is going to adopt us and add us to His family until we repent of our sins and accept His forgiveness after confessing them. We aren’t saved by simply saying, “Save me Lord.” If we say it the Holy Spirit will begin the process. For instance, one criminal on his cross dying next to Jesus repented first. Jesus was listening to see if the other man would also repent [admit his guilt] but his heart was so hard he couldn’t.

I met folks in a jail ministry that would make granite look like a marshmallow. Some had killed and raped without remorse. Each time they committed a crime it was as if another layer of hardness was added. Did you know that most folks in jail are repeat offenders? Some have “rap sheets” a mile long. I will never say they couldn’t be saved for some have and I’ve met some people who would make a pirate look like a preacher.

All prisons are cancerous. Death is everywhere and in some cases inmates especially the older prisoners will go to “unmarked” graves with no one weeping for them. Did you know Jesus said, “When I was hungry, did you feed Me? When I was thirsty, did you give Me drink? When I was naked did you clothe Me? When I was sick or imprisoned, did you visit Me? When I was a stranger, did you invite Me in?” He asked these questions in Matthew 25 the most important chapter in the Bible in my opinion.

It’s vital we read, mark, learn and inwardly digest the Word of God for when we do Jesus can use us to curse cancers as if standing in our shoes. We must remember, Jesus came to bring life and He gave it to those who came to Him. Not everyone did for we see in the Scriptures the Sanhedrin condemned Jesus and asked Pontius Pilot to kill Him.

We must see that cancer is the work of the devil. He had infected the religious leaders with hate [all hate is a cancer] for the Savior of the World.

We need to confront hate when we see it or in some cases inside us. If you’ve ever met someone filled with hate you can see the devil. If hate is left unchecked it can lead to murder. Do you remember Cain killing Able?

There is only one cure for hate and that’s a surrendered life to Christ. Jesus loves unconditionally and once He’s inside us we can’t hate folks anymore. I had great reason to hate the murderers who blew my brother to bits with a bomb. Their hatefulness left his wife and four children without a dad who loved them and provided for them. For a very long time I harbored anger but when I surrendered my life to Christ it wasn’t long before I was asking the Lord to bring them to repentance.

What happened is the Bible became my food. I learned reading that God had said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay.” I could see that any action I might take against them [I had an opportunity one day] would ruin my life.

They deserved hell, but I do too. My sins, even though no where as horrible as theirs, was more than enough for God to condemn and sentence me to a hell. Did you know even one sin is enough? “The wages of sin is death.”

Only one thing can remove our sins, the Blood of Jesus.“ God will not apply it to anyone until they come repentant to Him. If we should try any other way we will remain lost. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. He alone is the Door. Please come to Him today and avoid the cancers that can destroy you.

If you should be infected with cancer curse it in the Name of Jesus and rest while He removes it. Don’t wait until a doctor is operating on you. Please bless the Lord for doctors trained to treat cancers for some folks won’t come to the Lord repentant. Let’s tell them about Jesus today, OK?

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


captben61@gmail.com
captben61.blogspot.com

DID THE STORK DROP YOU

DID THE STORK DROP YOU

Good Heaven’s no, you didn’t fall from the sky you are God’s idea and before you argue with me, allow me to tell you how I know. When your mom and dad came together in intimacy two very tiny beings were united. At once God, using His mighty talents, began to knit you together. He used parts of your mom and dad which were contained in the egg and sperm to do it. As He worked He decided to bring you into His world as a boy or girl. He also endowed you with many gifts, talents and abilities unique to you alone. For instance, how many Einstein’s do you believe God made? One, and just like him, you’re special too.

As He made you He kept saying how much He loved you and has proven it by giving you “special” fingerprints. If you and I knew just how much He loved us, we would be so different. When God created us He said, “I’m going to make you in my image”. Some don’t understand this so allow me to explain what I believe He was saying, “I‘m giving man and woman creative minds which are so creative, I’m typing this message on a lap top computer using a writing program that boggles my mind. I have very little understanding how electricity works except I know it works “if “ I’ve my plugged my device into a socket where it’s available. I also know it can hurt me for I’ve been shocked a number of times. My dad nearly lost his life two different times from electrical shock.

God was with him each time and both of his rescuers were told by the Lord to go and save him. Jesus was told by God to come to earth and save our lives too. You and I like everyone else have rebelled against God and He calls it sin. Sin is the most awful thing on earth, the “fruit” of it is death. God hates sin more than anything else. You and I are polluted and must be cleansed or our filthiness will prevent our living with God forever.

Unless you are living on an island somewhere I would bet you’ve heard the Gospel message many times. Some folks turned it off due to it being couched in religion, and I don’t blame them. God said He made the Gospel simple to confound the wise and you can bet your home those trying to induce you to their brand of religion are not stupid. Billions have been deceived and if you are one of them, this is your ticket to freedom. Jesus said that there are two commandments, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind. Love your neighbor as you do yourself.” He added, “Upon these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

Man is very creative in making ways to worship God too. Some of it is led by the Holy Spirit and when we are engaged in it our lives are enriched. If you and I are worshipping God and nothing is happening to us we need to meet Jesus. He is always hanging out at the cross where He gives us an understanding as to the level of abuse He suffered for mankind. Years ago the Lord allowed me to see Him crucified in a vision. The two women I was ministering to had our life’s changed forever. As I shared what I was seeing with them tears poured from our eyes. Afterwards, I stood up hugged them and left the room fully in love with Jesus.

If you’re not in love with Him, go and ask to see Him crucified. You’ll never be the same. The movie “The Passion of the Christ” is priceless for it depicts scourging like it was done by the Romans. The beating was so vicious Jesus barely made it to Golgotha where he died. If you refuse to go you will miss out on what God has for you, relationship wise. We who’ve been forgiven much, love much just as Jesus said. If you don’t feel forgiven there is a very good chance you haven’t been. In this state you are in grave danger, no pun intended. We are forgiven when we repent, turn from our sinful life and tell God how we feel that Jesus paid for our sins on the cross.

God wants us to believe, really believe on Jesus. If you miss out on the facts of Who He Is, how in the world can you believe He is God? Wasn’t He born to a virgin and lived a perfect life or else He couldn’t be the Lamb sacrificed for us? Wasn’t He raised from the dead by God ensuring that, we who believe on Him, will be raised on the last day? We must confess Him as our Lord, not just Savior. Of course He’s our Savior, but we will know that on the day we’re judged. Right now, it’s an honor to be one of His servants. Look at Ephesians 2:10 and you can see it. I’ve used this verse over 30 years now in a daily commitment to serve Him.

You can begin today. Will you?

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


captben61@gmail.com captben61.blogspot.com