THE POWER OF AN APOLOGY

THE POWER OF AN APOLOGY: Jacob and Essau were twins and Jacob was the second born. With the help of his momma he took away Essau's birthright [a very big deal] after Essau foolishly exchanged it for a bowl of lentel soup. Very interesting story and how Essau planned to kill him. The Lord was in the middle of it all and when the two met many years later Jacob was scared to death. He sent "gifts" to his brother [in an apology] who was approaching with a small army to do him in. The gifts appeased Essau and thank goodness it did for Jacob and his kids were the "fathers of Israel's 12 tribes". My point, an apology is something very simple but it can save a mountain of trouble. The next time we mess up and offend someone let's not "respond" to the folks now a bit hot under the collar but go to the Lord for help. He will for we represent Him [well] except when we are getting hot under the collar too. We must always live in Jesus as He lives in us by His Holy Spirit. PS This was written for me, one fourth of me is Greek and they all seem to come into the world fiesty. In anchant times the Greeks fought each other all the time or they could have been a very strong country [Under Alexander the Great they were for a "season". Any way please pray more for me. I am in need 24/7. I love you folks.

HOW TO AVOID HEARING THE DEVIL

Folks let me assure you, we've all heard Satan speak to us and in most cases we did what he wanted. It may have been some small thing that allowed a jealous spirit or angry spirit to mess with us. Some have stolen things that seem insignificant or told a "white" lie. I could go on with the more serious things like where a spirit of lust drew us into "deep water" trouble. But the reason for this post is to help you [and me too] tune out the devil. First understand he is always transmitting "on his frequency". Have you read the lyrics in some of the "so called" rap music? Have you gone to a R or X rated movie? Do you watch what most called garbage on TV? If you do [or have] Satan has your ear and can soon have your life. The way to not hear him is to block his frequency. We do that by dedicating our selves daily to listen to the Lord on HIS FREQUENCY. Jesus is always transmitting too but to hear it we must begin [to live a life of praise and thanksgiving]. Everyday when we awaken we can say, Bless you Lord, I'm awake and able to do your will. TRUST ME: He will have angels near by to help you get it done. The Bible calls them "ministering spirits". Satan has his, as mentioned above, but God has much more powerful ones who will help us live IN JESUS. When you and I are IN JESUS the devil has a hard time tempting us to sin. Be born again today, OK? I love you folks. Please pray much more for me. PS Avoiding alcohol and drugs will keep you on course to serve the Lord daily and in the way He wants.

POTS GREATEST DANGER

POTS GREATEST DANGER: There are countless "Christians" smoking pot and are actually at "ease" about it. Do you want to know why? Satan loves it like alcohol. He is the deceiver according to Jesus. There's nothing more than he likes than to see those for whom Jesus died losing their initative. Once he's convinced them that a physical need is being helped by pot [instead of a healing by Jesus the Great Physician] he has them "hooked", many for life. I'll never foget the talk given to the youth at St. Andrews by Dr. Jerry Swires a flight surgeon at Eglin AFB. BTW, Jerry was the flight surgeon of the year, a very bright young man. He told how the use of pot can effect someone years later from the time they last smoked it. For instance he said, you could be driving along at highway speed and all of a sudden "get high". Now you and I know we wouldn't intentionally place our family in harms way but we do if we have "experimented" with drugs. We may end up killing or injuring them severly in a wreck that "occured out of the blue [smoke]". MY ADVICE: If you've used pot or perhaps are now remember your brain is your control panel. Never do anything that might mess it up and Pot Will. IF YOU'RE ARRESTED: A record of an arrest for drugs [of any kind] it will go on your record. A click on a computer will reveal it to a company that might be considering hiring you. I couldn't hire you on EMMANUEL for the USCG wouldn't allow it. GO TO GOD ON YOUR KNEES: Ask Him to forgive you and to please cleanse your mind of any effects of unlawful substances. You know He will for you are precious to Him. He made you for Himself, never forget it. I love you folks. Please pray more for me.

ALCOHOL WILL OWN YOU

ALCOHOL WILL OWN YOU: Serving God is near impossible if anything is your master. Nothing has been more detrimental to man's success as alcohol. I won't beat on this for any reasonable person will admit it with me. What God wants to do is to set folks free who is trapped by alcohol, drugs, immorality or laziness. If we fail to understand this there's a chance on Judgment Day we will suffer loss of our life. Consider what God desires for us and we'll make the right decision or should. God wants to come and live inside of us [strange as that may seem] and give us a brand new life. Satan our enemy wants the opposite. He is determined to destroy us and alcohol is his number one "drug". If you're one who "enjoys a cool one" he has you in his sights. If you are one who has a toddy or a shot at meals or elsewhere you are losing sight of the Big Prize. If you're one who is a steady customer for cases of bear or bottles of whisky I fear greatly for you. I know "Christians" who will condemn me for writing the above for they are off God's track to discipleship. They've become satisfied with the crumbs off of God's table when He wants them to "sit at table". I spent 2 years in a jail ministry and saw "some for whom Christ died caged like animals". One kill

ed a bar keep with a .357 magnum pistol that he didn't have when he went into the bar. He didn't know where it came from either. Alcohol had deadened him to the place he became a murderer. One time a drunk man pointed his pistol at me and pulled trigger at close range. Thank God he had emptied it inside his house before I arrived. No one has to drink unless drink is his or her master. I love you folks. Prepare for the return of Jesus and be sober when He comes. Please pray more for me.

LIVING WITH HATE

LIVING WITH HATE: Folks if you're hating someone, please stop. The word hate really means, "I want you to die". We know that the Lord doesn't want us hating anyone. The animals that murdered my brother were candidates for my hatred, and for a while I may have, but God had plans for me and hating folks wasn't in it. He showed me that He was going to judge them. "Vengeance is Mine says the Lord, I will repay." He means it too. So, after I became a born again Christian [41 years ago] I began to pray for them. Now: I do hate Satan and I hate Cancer too. I want them both dead. Satan will be tossed into the lake of fire and cancers can be killed now with cursing. [rev 19-22 amp] You may not believe it but that doesn't make it not true. When I pray for people who have cancer, I curse any and all cancers within their bodies. From time to time, when praying for an elderly person, the Holy Spirit leads me to curse any cancers that may be within them. I've discovered if I curse them in [Jesus Name], He will kill them. DIVORCE: The dissolution of a marriage, especially one with small children is so painful and destructive. Satan is near by and will encourage you to hate like never before in your life. NEVER FEAR: God can handle even this if you will go to Him on your knees. He knows it all so don't hold anything back, pour your heart out and let Him hold you. If you trust Him and give Him some time, He can do wonders, He should, HE'S ALMIGHTY GOD. Folks, fall in love with Jesus. I love you and need your prayers. I cherish each one.

FREEDOM FROM SATAN'S POWER

If you are addicted or one who goes around angry or upset the devil is in the middle of it. Laugh if you want but I've experienced some of his dirty work and I'm going to share how I was able to be free.
God has convinced me many times that I'm His adopted son. I'm not a sinner saved by grace or some other kind of nonsense. I'm a brand new creation for by repenting and receiving the Holy Spirit of Jesus inside me my name is in the Book of Life.
When the devil or one of his evil unclean spirits shows up I tell them or him to go FAST IN JESUS NAME.
In a crystal clear dream I had a direct confrontation with Satan himself [believe it or not]. I wrote up the account in a message THE BLACK TASSEL.
As he threatened me I told him you can't hurt me for I'm a child of God, I'm born again, I've been washed in the Blood of Jesus etc. He disappeared in a flash and I awoke.
For a long time I lay upon my pillow thanking Jesus for dying for me and how much I loved him for suffering so much.
You see, I knew who I was IN JESUS and like the members of Noah's family in the ark I was protected and so will you be [if] you know who you are in Jesus. We must be born again!
I love you folks, tons Please pray more.

WHAT ARE WE HOLDING AGAINST GOD

WHAT ARE WE HOLDING AGAINST GOD: Before you say nothing stop and think for a moment. Do you think God is unjust? Do you think he doesn't care? Are you sometimes jealous of some who are more beautiful or handsome? How about those who seem to have more of the world's goods? Surely there's some who are wishing they had been born of a different race, in a different place or to different parents. I'd like to offer some serious advice, please take it. You aren't an accident, God wanted you. He could have changed all the circumstances about your life but His ways are much higher than ours. He loves no one more than you. The reason some don't experience it is obvious, they refuse to receive Jesus and eternal life. No one is too bad, most are "too good". Why not go to the Lord today and repent of what's been between you and Him? If you do, the angelic host that surrounds Him will go into high praise. You see, when Jesus was dying on the cross you were on God's mind [along with the rest of us]. At last the suffering Jesus suffered for you personally was worth it. His Blood has been applied and you are now a full fledge member of His family, an inheritor of all Jesus earned by His obedience. Will you come today to the cross and allow the Lord to embrace you? I had a day like his 41 years ago, the very best day of my long life. I love you folks, please pray more for me.

TESTIMONY OF JERUSHA ESTEP

The fish symbol is seen in the Greek word for fish (ichthus, spelled: Iota Chi Theta Upsilon Sigma). That is an acrostic which has many translations in English. The most popular appears to be "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior"

My Christian testimony has many facets. One of the pinnacle moments was on an early Houston morning before the sun had risen. I was working as an Interior Designer at a design firm run by Christians. It was an incredible experience but I believe Satan found it threatening...so he attacked... The stress in my life was so great that my body was showing signs of a brain tumor. (I had an appt. to get into to The Neurology Center of Houston.)

I awoke without an alarm at 5:30 in the morning (if you know me....this is highly unlikely.... I usually hit the snooze button at least 3 times before awaking! ) I felt wide awake and didn't know what to do with my extra time. I decided to take a hot bath and listen to a new cd that my sister in law Joanna DeHoyos Estep had given me months before. The cd is called Hymns: Ancient and Modern by Passion. A particular song made an impression on me. So I put it on repeat and meditated on it. The song is this: Phos Hilaron (Hail Gladdening Light). After later research I find it to be the oldest recorded hymn in Christianity. Written in the 3rd century At that time in Jerusalem a lamp was kept perpetually burning in the empty tomb of Christ, its glow a symbol of the living light of Jesus. As Christians gathered to worship the hymn was sung and, in a tradition known as the lighting of the lamps, a candle lit from the lamp was brought forth from the tomb, its bright, solitary flame calling the church to celebrate the Risen Lord.

As I listen to these words over and I knew the Spirit of God was at work.

The next morning I was awakend again at exactly 5:30AM. Again no alarm. I sat up straight in bed and thought Lord what do you have for me today? I decided to go outside as I often did to check the weather so I would know what to wear that day. The temperature was slightly cool. The sun had not yet risen. But the Son had risen. Shining on the back fence was the ichthus, the sign of the fish, the most early symbol of Christianity. I put out my hand and shouted "Wait right there" Grabbed my phone and snapped a photograph. In that brief moment I knew I was going to be okay. That God had amazing plans for my life and would not let me perish from a Brain Tumor. The MRI results showed a very healthy brain. I suppose one day I will know if my Savior healed my brain that day. But I will always know that to be the day that he healed my Heart. Thanks be to God.

Hail Gladdening Light
Of His pure glory poured
Who is the Immortal Father, Heavenly Blest
Holiest of Holies, Jesus Christ our Lord
Now we are come to the sun's hour of rest
The lights of evening 'round us shine
We hymn the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Divine
Worthiest art Though, at all times to be sung
With undefiled tongue
Son of our God, Giver of life alone
Therefore, in all the world Thy glories Lord
Thine own — with Ben Marler.

I AM NOT ASHAMED OF (You Need This Book!) JESUS: "Awesome and Stirring"

I AM NOT ASHAMED OF (You Need This Book!) JESUS: "Awesome and Stirring": Just want to say that I am not a reader but I could not put this book down. Awesome and stirring. Thank you for this book. My sister Belinda...

Capt. Ben releases third book | third, book, capt - TheDestinLog.com

Capt. Ben releases third book | third, book, capt - TheDestinLog.com

Pandora Radio - Listen to Free Internet Radio, Find New Music

Pandora Radio - Listen to Free Internet Radio, Find New Music

PRAISE MUSIC STATION

A New Book by Capt. Ben Marler for Timid Christian Folks

Available at Lifeway Christian Stores, Amazon.com, CreatespaceDirect.com, and notashamedofjesus.blogspot.com

All profits go to the Old Destin Fund charity giving food and other assistance to the hurting.

4 o'clock in the morning, by Capt. Ben Marler: 24 hours to go before Booksigning at the Museum

4 o'clock in the morning, by Capt. Ben Marler: 24 hours to go before Booksigning at the Museum: (DESTIN) DON'T FORG'T TO COME SEE ME TOMORROW! 4:00 - 5:30 PM SEE YA!

JESUS CHRIST IS THE SAME JESUS

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever! Hebrews 13:8
This, my friend, means that the same Jesus that forgave the whorish woman of all of her sins in Luke 7 still will forgive the most vile sinner today, if they will only ask Him to with a sincere heart. It also means that the same Jesus who healed the woman that had been disease with an issue of blood for twelve years, found in Mark chapter 9, and disease that no doctor could cure, still heals every disease thought incurable by medical science in 2012. The person needing healing must only believe, and reach out to touch Jesus by their faith, just the same as she did. This same Jesus who provided the money supernaturally for His disciples to pay the government their taxes still provides supernatural money to His disciples to day who serve Him. Jesus Christ is still the same today as He was yesterday, and will be the same forever. The same Jesus who walked upon the shores of the Lake of Galilee, healing all who were sick and afflicted, still exercises the same glorious healing ministry today. The same Jesus who cast the demon out of the woman's daughter in Matthew Chapter 15 will set your child free in 2012 just the same, if you will exercise the same earnest faith for your child or children that this woman did for hers. She refused to be denied. So the compassionate Lord granted her the petition she requested. He will do the same thing for you. You must believe that Jesus is for you. He is not against you. He suffered and bled and died upon the cross for your sins. And if He is for you, who can be against you. You are more than a conqueror through Him that loves you. But you must believe that this Jesus who was crucified for your sins rose again, and now ever lives to make intercession for you. Jesus is not dead! He is alive forever more! And He is the same yesterday, today, and forever! And He loves you very much. Will you open up your heart and receive the miracle that He has for you--and not for you alone, but for everyone who will believe? Tomorrow morning I will be ministering the word of God at 209 Main St., Destin, Fl, at the Miracle Prayer Center. Please come and receive what the Lord has for you. Exercise your faith by coming, and show God that you believe His word, and allow Him to bless you, to change you, and to help you in every situation. That is what Jesus has come to do. But we must have faith, because without faith it is impossible to please Him. He has made it very simple for us to receive. We must make the decision, though, to believe! May God bless you very much spiritually, physically, and financially as you put your faith in Him. His word says for us to cast out cares upon Him, for He cares for us! (1 Peter 5:7)
We are living in the very last days. Won't you come and give your life in helping us to reach souls for Christ with the power of the gospel that is very effective in changing lives? I hope to see you in the morning with a car load of people seeking after an encounter with this Jesus who is the same yesterday, today, and forever!
your servant in Christ, Pastor Isaac Prather
about an hour ago

DANCING IN THE SPIRIT

Let's do some dancing before the Lord today. I'm not suggestion out in the public, but were we live. As we dance let's sing praises to Jesus. I suspect most of the time Christians forget we're to live in the Joy of the Lord. Do we remember when David did it he was in the street and without underwear or so we are led to believe? His Joy was so great he "uncovered himself" in jubliation. Please don't do that unless you are seeking a jail ministry, only kidding. One way to begin, go before a mirror and look at yourself and say something like, "You know, Jesus loved you enough to take your sins upon Himself on the Cross. God loved you enough He drew you to Jesus by His Holy Spirit. Not only that, but at your new birth He had your name enrolled in the Book of Life. And don't forget God, has mercifully erased the record of your sins from the Books to be opened on Judgment Day and Bless Him, He forgot them too as He tossed them away as far east is from the west. Realize you are now His adopted child and will live in Heaven forever. Now rejoice daily in His incredible Amazing Grace that He has provided all of the above for you." Will we dance now in the Joy of our Master since He has redeemed us with the Blood of His Son. I love you Lord Jesus. Allow these words you've given me help those who are without a relationship to seek one today. Please pray for me. I love you folks.

WHO SAID YOU CAN’T GO TO HEAVEN

WHO SAID YOU CAN’T GO TO HEAVEN
One thing for sure, it wasn’t Almighty God. Did you know Jesus came to save sinners? We’ve all sinned and fallen short of His Glory but that can change in a few minutes. God requires us to become born again and it’s not complicated at all. He said He made the Gospel [Good News] simple to confound the wise. Now if you’re wise, this may be more difficult for you but definitely not impossible.
Jesus died on a cross at the command of His Father, Almighty God. Why, for He loves everyone and wants all of us to repent [turn away from sinning] and to receive Jesus into our hearts so He can adopt us into His family. God allowed Roman soldiers to whip Jesus with a terrible whip called a scourge that nearly killed Him before He died upon the cross. The wounds from the beating give us a place to look when we need healing in our bodies. He said, “By His stripes are you healed.” When Jesus died every sin, sickness and disease was upon His body. All God requires is we believe it.
Salvation faith isn’t common or ordinary instead it requires much more from us. God wants us to die to our will first and this is really difficult for some. Jesus is Lord which means the One who is God Emmanuel [or with us]. He isn’t someone whom we can argue with but the One whom we obey as we live daily in His care. To make it possible He’s given to us His Own Holy Spirit inside us. As we live in Him the things we read of Jesus doing in the Bible, we will do. I’ve seen the mighty works of God and in some cases been involved in them.
Will you surrender to Jesus today? There isn’t a single “good” reason not to for you were born to live eternally with Him. He tells us only a few will be saved. The fact you’ve read this far is proof to me you are one who can become a child of God. Please turn from all religion for it’s not of Him. Relationship is of Him and He wants you to have it so you can become a trusted and valuable servant for Him. Don’t turn Him down for if you do He can’t save you. The decision is always ours. He made His decision for you the same day you were conceived in your mom.
Right then He said, “I love you and I’m giving you gifts, talents and abilities which no one can take away from you. To prove they are from Me, I’m giving you finger prints that are yours alone.”
“Don’t doubt me for a second, look around and see my handiwork. I created it all for you to enjoy. Look up and see the Heavens above for this is where your future lies. The earth upon which you stand will be removed by a terrible fire. Everything on it will be destroyed not one thing will survive. In its place I’m going to recreate it in perfection. Then I’m going to lower down the great city, The New Jerusalem. You and I will live in it with all those who love Me. My city is 1500 miles cubed with streets of pure gold.”
“Your new body is already prepared for you and it is perfect and beautiful too. You will never hunger, thirst or suffer pain with Me. I will be all you need forever. Today is the day of salvation, please don’t refuse my offer. I paid a huge price for you by allowing my Son Jesus to die in your place. Understand His death was important for then I could raise Him back to life. His resurrection will be yours as you receive Him into your life. Many millions have before you and millions will afterwards. I want you to be My child today.”
In His service,
Capt. Ben Marler
Captben61 .blogspot.com

The Testimony of David Mann

I am amazed at the transforming power of God. 5 and 1/2 years ago I was a miserable suicidal drug addict and college dropout, I hated to read and the bible was the dustiest book in my room. I had no care of God at all, I was fat, lazy, and addicted to video games. I was the epitome of a loser. But I praise God that He calls the weak and foolish of this world. Since June of 2006, God has changed every aspect of who I am. I have lost 100 pounds, maintained a straight A average at college and consider those the least of the changes, I devour the bible daily and love to study and learn of God. God has given me joy and peace and has granted me everlasting life through his immeasurable grace. Yet, the sweetest thing of all, he took this miserable wretch of a man who deserved nothing less than His fierce anger and furious wrath and died for him in his place by his insurmountable love. I was heading straight to hell, but God intervened. Oh how amazing is His grace that set this captive free. Praise be the name of God forever and ever. Worthy is the Lamb who was slain. Worthy are you O Lord of honor, glory, and praise.

WHAT ONLY GOD CAN SEE IN US

WHAT ONLY GOD CAN SEE IN US
You are about to read a most interesting and encouraging word from the Lord so prepare yourself to enjoy it. Not one person has been born by accident. When a man and a woman join their bodies in intimacy [hopefully after holy matrimony] God takes the substances within her and begins to fashion a human being into His likeness. He uses the chromosomes from the mom and dad to give the child some of its features and traits. Then He imprints their identification upon their fingers with prints that are theirs alone. He’s never used them before nor will He ever use them again. This alone should make us all feel “special”.

Many believe nothing is more valuable than a diamond and they might be right. Let’s use the analogy of us being one. Right off the bat at our birth we’re admired, and in many cases, treasured by our parents. One thing for sure, we certainly are all treasures in God’s sight for He’s invested a lot for us. Not only has He taken the time to “knit us together” in our mom’s womb but He’s made some executive decisions as well. Within us He’s placed special gifts, talents and abilities that no one can take away. They are almost like the medulla oblongata or that lower portion of our brain that is programed to help us breath without conscious effort along with some other “automatic” functions that help us survive.

Once we’re old enough the Holy Spirit sets about liberating us from the curse of sin for it dwells within everyone, or in our lower nature. He begins by allowing us to understand the Gospel message as revealed in the Bible. It says we’ve all fallen short of the glory of God and unless “modified” can’t spend an eternity with Him in Heaven like He desires. So He brings us under conviction by the Holy Spirit who works in our consciousness. We need to recognize the guilt feelings when we do wrong are also a gift for then will we seek relief from God. He’s tells us the Truth, Jesus came to save sinners and we’re in need of Him. Once we understand God’s plan of salvation and submit by receiving Him into our hearts, placing our full trust in Jesus and His work on the cross, God will send His Spirit within us to stay.



But let’s not get excited for He’s still at work in us. We’re still much like a rough and very valuable diamond, but not yet a “gem stone”. For example, after a long time of inspection a diamond cutter will locate the flaws before he very carefully breaks a stone. To do this he uses a chisel that’s been set in a heavy block of wood and a special mallet. He’s marked the exact spot on the diamond using a microscope and where he will perfectly rest the stone. Then with ever so much care he strikes it with his mallet, not too hard or too light.

Then he chooses the best part to begin the process of creating a valuable gemstone. We are like the diamond and should expect God to whack us at some time in the early process. He will not allow any part of this world’s effects to remain on us. With great care the gem cutter removes more and more of the stone until one day He says, I’m satisfied. But He’s not done for now comes the time of polishing the stone to a luster worthy of His Glory.

Can you see God’s plan from the beginning was to have us as His own? Once we’ve received Jesus the process began and throughout our life God has been at work. This is why the scripture tells us to “rejoice in all things”. Some things that happen were extremely hard and we wondered as to way we were going through them, now you know.

After Michangelo finished his sculpture of David most who’ve seen have said it’s perfect. One man asked him how he was able to do it. His reply is like the one God will use if we ask Him about ourselves. He said, “I simply took everything away from the stone that wasn’t David.” Once we’ve received Jesus by faith God is going to do the same thing, everything about us that isn’t Jesus, He’s removing. Let’s thank Him even before He’s finished. If we do, the cutting and wacking may not be so painful.

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler

OLD DESTIN THROUGH THE EYES OF A CHILD
(photo shared from Chiceaux's Photostream)

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!

.