A TRANSFORMED LIFE

A TRANSFORMED LIFE
Have you noticed the interest in President Obama’s Christianity? It seems everyone or nearly everyone has an opinion. I have one and it is simple and applies to everyone who claims to be a Christian. Is he a follower of Christ and is it evident? We can say most anything but that doesn’t make it true. The greatest test of Christianity for him or us is simple, was our life TRANSFORMED? Jesus doesn’t come to us so we can have Him and our old life too. If you are one of the majority who seem to think this way read on and discover discipleship. We may not like the word but trust me in this, only the disciples will be in heaven.
Do you recall Jesus saying we must pick up our crosses daily and follow after Him? I bet you didn’t know you had a cross but we all do. One day in while in the shower I asked the Lord, what is my cross? Instantly He said, “The difference between My will and your will.” When I shared this with my pastor he preached on it about 6 different times. It’s so important for we must see clearly Christianity isn’t a religion with a lot of rules and conditions. It’s the most important relationship any human can have, becoming a child of God. One way we might understand is to consider what happens when a couple adopts a child or baby from a foreign country. It is totally out of it’s element and is in constant need.

When you and I come repentant to God He does the same thing for us. He lifts us out of poverty and adds us to His eternal family. Our lives are transformed just as the child’s. We are now in Good Hands that will not only provide for our needs but will defend us with His Life. Now this isn’t true if we are only in the adoption process. This is where most are now. The deal hasn’t been completed. In an adoption process where a child is being brought to the United States there are many rules and regulations. The country from where the child is coming can have some very restrictive laws which are for the safety of the child. Lots of people want children and can’t have them for one reason or the other and adoption can be a good thing. It might be good if we were to add this to our prayers.
When God adopts us we are HIS and He promises to discipline us. He even says it’s a way to know you aren’t illegitimate. Can you point to His chastisement in your life? I sure hope so but if you can’t humble yourself before Him in repentance and allow God to become your Father. This can be difficult for those who have been in Church their whole lives.
I was lost for nearly 33 years and believe no male served the Lord more than me in our congregation. Many used to say, “Ben, you need to go to seminary.” There wasn’t much allowed that I refused to do. I sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, served communion at the altar, served on the vestry, read the scriptures and even gave “canned” sermons. Yet if I had died I would have been awaiting trial and sure condemnation. You might say, “Why.” In Romans 8:1 you can see it. “There is therefore no condemnation for them who are in Christ Jesus.“ I wasn’t in Him and He wasn’t in me. I wasn’t born again and we must all be to be His.
Paul tells us, “The mystery hidden from the ages is Christ within you the hope of Glory.“ A good analogy would be to see an old car taken from a junk yard given a new motor, running gear, transmission, tires and a fresh paint job. Folks, that car has been transformed from “A wretch like me” to a beautiful powerful and valuable new vehicle. If you are the same after saying, “I believe in Jesus” you need to go to the cross now. God doesn’t leave us the same. He said, “My people shall be a holy people for I’m a Holy God.” Can you give a testimony of when and where your life changed dramatically? I’m not judging you for you are examining your own life by God’s standards. Isn’t this true?
Do you have God’s peace concerning your death? Lots of Christians are scared to death of dying. They wouldn’t be if Jesus was in them for then they know they can’t die. He said, “I Am the Resurrection and the Life. He who believes in Me, even if he die, yet shall he live. Whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.“ In a single second we leave this body to inhabit one that is already prepared for us. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints (holy ones).” “To be absent from the body is to be with the Lord.“ If you don’t have this confidence, what are you waiting on, be born again and you will have it, a Transformed Life.
In His Service,
Capt. Ben Marler
captben61@gmail.com
captben61.blogspot.com

HOW DOES OUR FAITH WORK

HOW DOES OUR FAITH WORK
This message is going to surprise the majority of folks who read it. First of all God gives us His definition of faith in Hebrews 11:1, “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for the conviction of things not seen.“ When I became born again I found a discipline that led me to read 10 chapters a day from my Bible. It was divided into sections where two chapters were rotated everyday, Hebrews 11 [the faith chapter] and First Corinthians 13 [the love chapter]. Only the Lord knows how many times I’ve read them but I followed the discipline for decades allowing me to operate on a high level of faith.
Now this shouldn’t be confused with the “mustard seed” faith Jesus said that would move mountains and have trees uprooted and cast into the sea for I’ve never done that. I suspect that’s a “special faith” given by God for momentary use. By the way, it’s very important we understand we can’t measure our faith nor that of anyone else. God is the only “Faith Broker”.
I find it useful in thinking of faith as money. When we need something from God we must spend what we have. This may be why a lot of folks are disappointed. They come to God needing something but only use part of their faith. You can read in chapter one of James what He has to say about “wishy washy” faith.
One day I asked God for a simple definition for faith and He said, “Faith is knowing Jesus.” That is simple and profound. Do you remember how God said He made the Gospel simple to confound the wise? He’s insistent that we not use our intellect when dealing with Him. He said we must walk by faith and not by sight. Not many of us are willing to do that. How about yourself? Are you walking by faith? If you are, God’s works are getting done. Jesus said, “You can do nothing apart from Me.” Why do you think He said that? Could it be that we want to do things our way? You betcha!
Another major block is our lack of understanding in the use of the Name of Jesus. His Name is above all names and every knee will bow one day by everyone above, beneath and on the earth. All power in Heaven is given in His Name. We don’t understand it for if we did we would be very careful how we pronounce it. God doesn’t use irreverent people and if He does it’s in ways they wouldn’t enjoy. There are times in the Bible where God uses folks in ways that didn’t benefit them like Pharaoh. If you recall he drowned along with his army in the Red Sea while pursuing Moses. God gave him faith to go after the Israelites during the Exodus but it wasn’t for his good.
Lets look at faith and see how we can use ours and see God move in our behalf. First of all, we need to be born again. This means we gave up our life [will] and accepted God’s will as our own. I’ve used Ephesians 2:10 for over 35 years now to accomplish what He has planned for me. I offer myself each morning according to this verse. I know it isn’t the only way but if it wasn’t right for me, He surely would have stopped me long ago.
God’s will is a “slam dunk” when we’re moving with the Holy Spirit who lives in the hearts of all born again Christians. If He isn’t in us, we’re still lost! No one wants to hear that but the Bible tells us it’s true. In First John 5 God says, “Those who have Jesus have eternal life and those who don’t have Him don’t have eternal life.“ Is that true or false? Of course it’s true, and if you aren’t born again now, what are you waiting on?
One thing I’ve learned, God will honor what faith we have and we must use it with every request. We might think that God isn’t listening when we pray, but He is, and longs to do for us. He’s a very Good Father who sees us as children regardless of our age. It’s good we always remember it for it‘s difficult to get caught up in pride if we remember it. Isn’t a child always dependent upon it’s parents? Lord help me to remember this.
I can’t believe He’s allowed me to live 72 plus years. There were a number of times when I should have left for glory. Today I was sharing how Joan, our small daughter Athena and I nearly lost our lives in a small plane I was flying from Tallahassee to Destin. Pilot error can do you in, but when God has plans for your life, miracles will happen. I also told them God saved me to help them. My faith confirms it. Perhaps it’s why you’re reading this message. Shouldn’t we use our faith and offer our lives to Jesus each morning? If we do, we can get busy with His business, Amen?
In His Service,
Capt. Ben Marler
captben61@gmail.com
captben61.blogspot.com

THE ULTIMATE COMMANDER IN CHIEF

THE ULTIMATE COMMANDER IN CHIEF

As an American I’m very grateful to our military and will not pass one without telling them how much I appreciate their service. I couldn’t do this with the present Commander in Chief for I don’t see him as a patriot. He has followed a well laid out plan to disarm America and will accomplish it if God Himself doesn’t intervene. I lived through WW2, Korea, Viet Nam and countless other wars and conflicts and have never been so discouraged by the leadership. Having read the Bible I know there is an end time coming and it can’t be too far away. Just this morning I read Mark 13 where Jesus tells of what the conditions will be like and we must be prepared.

This message should do that for you and whoever you might share it. Jesus is coming on a white horse with all His Kingly Glory to rid the world of all that’s hateful. Many don’t want to read the Book of Revelations and it’s a shame for in the last three chapters we can see Heaven displayed for those who choose to follow Jesus. It will also reveal who isn’t going to be there. Please notice the “gay” folks are included. We must warn the lost to repent and seek God’s face while they can. When He comes the angels will separate His from those who have chosen the world and the devil.

The word Lord is very important today and we must understand it means a lot more than leader. It is the perhaps the most used term for God in the Bible. In Romans 10: 9-10 we can see that Jesus must be proclaimed “our” Lord to be saved. If you haven’t surrendered to Him see yourself standing on very thin ice. If you have then see yourself dancing before Him on the streets of pure gold with millions like yourself. Jesus warned that only a few would be saved. The majority will not enter through the door [Himself] not because they wouldn’t if they met Him but because we have become apathetic about the command to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

If you are refusing to acknowledge Him when you can how can you say He’s my Lord? You can’t and if you’re wise you will memorize Mark 8:38.

For whoever is ashamed [here and now] of Me and My words in this adulterous (unfaithful) and [preeminently] sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when He comes in the glory (splendor and majesty) of His Father with the holy angels. Amplified Bible

Can you see the warning God is giving to us? If you can’t I feel for you. Please don’t think for even a second that you aren’t an evangelist. If you were you would be out bringing the lost to Christ by the droves. If you have received the New Birth [Born Again] you have a testimony. This includes your state of mind when the Lord confronted you with your sins

. How you were impacted by it and what you did following. I’ve heard a lot of testimonies and would willingly walk a mile to hear a real one. I’m so inspired by the story folks tell of how they came to know Jesus as their Lord. In most cases it happened when they were young [Thank you Baptist] but for others like myself it was later in life. I was nearly 33 even though I had spent my life “in church”.
A conversion “experience” is the one thing that‘s common within them. Please don’t let anyone tell you that a baby being born doesn’t experience a huge change in it’s life. It has left a warm and comfortable place to where folks start messing with it and they don’t like it. For us who experience the New Birth it’s the opposite experience. We have left a world of anxiety and fear to one of total exhilaration. I can remember “my day” some 39 plus years ago if it happened yesterday. Tears poured as the Holy Spirit washed out my filthy heart. When my pastor led me in prayer and I asked Jesus to forgive me I felt [actually felt] guilt leave like it was as heavy as a VW.

Then when I asked the Lord Jesus to enter my heart I “experienced” a joy that has remained constant during all these years. Let me assure you I’ve needed “the peace the passes all understanding”. Jesus lives in my heart and also in the hearts of all who have been adopted by God. We are assured of our Salvation and live in His victory over the devil. We can resist Satan “in Jesus’ Name” and he will promptly flee from us. I’ve had this happen a number of times. Satan isn’t afraid of me but he sure is afraid of Jesus.

Satan knows Jesus is the Ultimate Commander in Chief. He is Almighty God in flesh not human flesh anymore but in His Glorified Flesh. Many years ago He appeared to me in a dream. I couldn’t see His Face but I could see the outline of His Body. His torso is much larger than ours but so gentle. As He brushed the ball of His foot against my lips energy flowed like electricity against them. I thought He was healing my vocal cords [I have a speech impediment] but instead He said, “DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME.” If you hear this, get busy sharing your testimony.

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler

captben61@yahoo.com captben61.blogspot

OUR EVAPORATING FAITH

OUR EVAPORATING FAITH

At the condo where I live the sprinkler system will leave small lakes of water when it cycles. The mourning dove love them and will fly down and bathe and drink their fill until the morning sun’s heat makes them disappear. Our faith is like that unless we keep the water coming. I bet you’ve never thought about it, but our faith isn’t static. Not for even the most powerful Christians, those whom the Lord uses to do mighty works. I can remember a preacher who would be on TV about the time our deep sea fishing vessels left for the snapper banks. After filling them with passengers our captains would leave with them; then I’d go to my mom’s for her to fix my breakfast.

When she’d come to get me tears were often coursing down my face. The anointing on the man filled my heart to overflowing. He later fell into a terrible sin which caused his downfall. I believe the devil constantly looked for a weakness in him and when he found it the “game” was over. Let me assure you he’s after you and me too. I can’t say who’s saved nor can I measure any man’s faith but I can tell you when he doesn’t have any by his actions. Anyone worrying all the time is carrying their own load. Jesus said for us to cast our burdens upon Him. Do you do it? Only a very few do and then most take it back. You see, those who do it have evaporating faith.

This may be normal but we don’t have to end up dry. Nothing is more important than feeding and drinking from the Word of God. Nothing but the Bible can do that for us. If we lack discipline in eating food we’ll soon become weak and possibly ill too. I can guarantee anyone who doesn’t read daily from the Bible will be weak and spiritually sick too. Illness is the result of our immune system breaking down. When we are exposed to viruses, which is a 24/7 thing, our God given immune system goes into high gear and defends us. Poor nutrition weakens it, Amen? A balanced diet is like good insurance. In America we have it all and should constantly thank God for it.

Did you know that you can live perhaps a month without food but only about a week without water? Our bodies and our blood are made from mostly water. If our blood gets out of balance the organs, especially the kidneys, can fail leading to death. The Bible tells us, “The life is in the Blood.” Spiritually this is True for it’s the Blood of Jesus that cleanses us so God can impart eternal life into us by His Holy Spirit. Our physical bodies must have blood that is balanced and even more important, oxygen.

Without going too far into my simple understanding of biology we know that oxygen feeds our brains and heart muscles. If our blood level gets so low it can’t flow, we die. God in His mighty smarts gave us a way to keep the blood oxygenated by simply breathing air. Shouldn’t we appreciate trees from whose leaves do the work? If you travel to a place where the oxygen level is low, like in the mountains, you’ll get a headache.

God in His Mighty Smarts gave us the gift of pain to tell us things aren’t right. When I used to fly small aircraft I knew to keep it below 10,000 feet for that reason. Our modern airliners are “pressurized” to keep the oxygen level at a comfortable setting so we don’t pass out at 31,000 feet. Do you remember seeing our fighter pilots, especially in WW2 aircraft donning their oxygen masks as they climbed higher up? I believe the Holy Spirit is our Oxygen. Without Him inside us we will die a physical death followed by a second death where we’re be cast into hell.

If you’ve read this far I would hope you will heed God’s warnings and experience the new birth so you can’t die. Jesus said, “I Am the Resurrection and the Life. He who believes in Me, even if he die, yet shall he live. Whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.“ If your faith has evaporated these words are meaningless to you. God the Holy Spirit living in our hearts gives them their life, even eternal life. Few today in the churches have eternal life and can’t demonstrate the peace of Jesus which it affords. Do you have His peace? Be very honest for your future depends upon your answer. You can experience the new birth by repenting and receiving Jesus. Then you will live in Him and His peace. John 1:12

One thing for sure, you’ll always have a measure of faith if you prayerfully read the Holy Scriptures. God promises us more faith when we do. Please memorize Hebrews 11:6 to help you stay in harmony with Him. He wants to use us daily. A flowing faith will assure us of being ready.

If you know someone who’s faith is weak please share this message for Jesus. He has tons to give us so He can get His work done. Ephesians 2:10

His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


captben61@gmail.com
captben51.blogspot.com

HEAVEN‘S LANGUAGE AND OURS

HEAVEN‘S LANGUAGE AND OURS

Do you use “bad words”? Would you say them if you were looking at Jesus? If the answers are yes and no this message is for you. I hate to admit my past behavior but I came from a four year stint in a Military Academy where ugly language was often the norm, I conformed to it.

When I arrived at FSU I found the language used in a men’s dorm horrible, making the words at the Academy mild in comparison. Sadly, I conformed again to fit in. I can’t tell you how much I hate now that I did. Filthy language always makes us dirty and unaccepted with good people. Let me add, I never used this “second” language around a female, smart me.

My Joan, whom I met there, soon separated me from the ugly words by her sweet spirit. She was, and is now, a devoted Christian who honors the Lord by how she lives. Where “bad company corrupts good morals” her innate goodness accomplished the opposite for me. It wasn’t long before the Lord brought me to where I hated curse words even more. I would never allow anyone to use them in her presence.

When Christians use stinky profane language he or she isn’t making the Lord look good. I’d hope they would stop calling themselves a Christian for I don’t believe they really are. Paul was right when he said, “The mystery hidden from the ages is Christ within you the hope of glory.” He couldn’t say this until after he was born again and neither can we. Are you born again? Be honest for it’s important.

Some major denominations, including the largest, doesn’t teach or preach these words of Jesus. He said we must be born again in John 3. Did you know He said we can’t enter into the Kingdom of Heaven if we aren’t? If you didn’t know it before, you do now.

Also, in First John 5 He tells us that those who have Him, have eternal life and those who don’t have Him, don’t have eternal life. Since death is like a flying bullet don’t you think we should take all of His Words seriously? You bet, and today is the day of salvation for countless thousands who have ears to hear. If you want to learn about being born again read from my blog.

Can you imagine Jesus using foul language? Jesus always represented His Father well and we should too, don’t you think?

What if you’re well versed in Satan’s language and it comes out “automatically”? What should you do? Tell Jesus how ashamed you are and ask Him to save you. This is called repentance, or changing your mind for the Lord. Few seem to realize, once we surrender to Jesus as Lord, He commits to saving us on Judgment Day. Did you know you will be judged? I bet you didn’t know Christians will stand before the Lord and give an accounting. At this time the Lord will reward us for our obedience, and we will also have to give an accounting for our words. I don’t know about you but this isn’t comforting to me. Thank you Jesus for your Blood.

Here’s the secret to a clean mouth. Turn your prayers into praise. Read the psalms and use them when you can. I love Psalm 100 the most for it tells me how the Lord loves for us to approach Him. Once we start, we’ll find His presence upon us. When you can feel Him, I guarantee you a “clean” mouth. Think about it, if Jesus was standing a few feet away would use profanity? Of course not, and we shouldn’t when He is even closer, in our hearts by His Holy Spirit. We must never forget who we are once we’ve repented and received Jesus as our Lord. John 1:12

Did you know God has appointed us as Ambassadors? We’ve been authorized to use the Name of Jesus in setting captives free. Everyone enslaved with sin, sickness, disease and hateful living can be released by the Name of Jesus. Read Acts chapter one and you can see Peter and John releasing a cripple. This man soon had them in trouble for he went into the Temple leaping and praising God. How could he not, having been crippled from birth? It was Peter and John’s faith in the Name of Jesus that freed Him. Do you have that faith too? If you do, it’s a gift from God, use it.

I’m using one of my gifts writing this message for you. Can you find a word in it that wouldn’t be welcome in Heaven? Of course not! Let’s begin to speak as if we‘re already there, OK? Isn’t Jesus listening and aren’t His angels recording our words? You betcha!

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


captben61@gmail.com
captben61.blogspot.com

HEAVEN‘S LANGUAGE AND OURS

HEAVEN‘S LANGUAGE AND OURS

Do you use “bad words”? Would you say them if you were looking at Jesus? If the answers are yes and no this message is for you. I hate to admit my past behavior but I came from a four year stint in a Military Academy where ugly language was often the norm, I conformed to it.

When I arrived at FSU I found the language used in a men’s dorm horrible, making the words at the Academy mild in comparison. Sadly, I conformed again to fit in. I can’t tell you how much I hate now that I did. Filthy language always makes us dirty and unaccepted with good people. Let me add, I never used this “second” language around a female, smart me.

My Joan, whom I met there, soon separated me from the ugly words by her sweet spirit. She was, and is now, a devoted Christian who honors the Lord by how she lives. Where “bad company corrupts good morals” her innate goodness accomplished the opposite for me. It wasn’t long before the Lord brought me to where I hated curse words even more. I would never allow anyone to use them in her presence.

When Christians use stinky profane language he or she isn’t making the Lord look good. I’d hope they would stop calling themselves a Christian for I don’t believe they really are. Paul was right when he said, “The mystery hidden from the ages is Christ within you the hope of glory.” He couldn’t say this until after he was born again and neither can we. Are you born again? Be honest for it’s important.

Some major denominations, including the largest, doesn’t teach or preach these words of Jesus. He said we must be born again in John 3. Did you know He said we can’t enter into the Kingdom of Heaven if we aren’t? If you didn’t know it before, you do now.

Also, in First John 5 He tells us that those who have Him, have eternal life and those who don’t have Him, don’t have eternal life. Since death is like a flying bullet don’t you think we should take all of His Words seriously? You bet, and today is the day of salvation for countless thousands who have ears to hear. If you want to learn about being born again read from my blog.

Can you imagine Jesus using foul language? Jesus always represented His Father well and we should too, don’t you think?

What if you’re well versed in Satan’s language and it comes out “automatically”? What should you do? Tell Jesus how ashamed you are and ask Him to save you. This is called repentance, or changing your mind for the Lord. Few seem to realize, once we surrender to Jesus as Lord, He commits to saving us on Judgment Day. Did you know you will be judged? I bet you didn’t know Christians will stand before the Lord and give an accounting. At this time the Lord will reward us for our obedience, and we will also have to give an accounting for our words. I don’t know about you but this isn’t comforting to me. Thank you Jesus for your Blood.

Here’s the secret to a clean mouth. Turn your prayers into praise. Read the psalms and use them when you can. I love Psalm 100 the most for it tells me how the Lord loves for us to approach Him. Once we start, we’ll find His presence upon us. When you can feel Him, I guarantee you a “clean” mouth. Think about it, if Jesus was standing a few feet away would use profanity? Of course not, and we shouldn’t when He is even closer, in our hearts by His Holy Spirit. We must never forget who we are once we’ve repented and received Jesus as our Lord. John 1:12

Did you know God has appointed us as Ambassadors? We’ve been authorized to use the Name of Jesus in setting captives free. Everyone enslaved with sin, sickness, disease and hateful living can be released by the Name of Jesus. Read Acts chapter one and you can see Peter and John releasing a cripple. This man soon had them in trouble for he went into the Temple leaping and praising God. How could he not, having been crippled from birth? It was Peter and John’s faith in the Name of Jesus that freed Him. Do you have that faith too? If you do, it’s a gift from God, use it.

I’m using one of my gifts writing this message for you. Can you find a word in it that wouldn’t be welcome in Heaven? Of course not! Let’s begin to speak as if we‘re already there, OK? Isn’t Jesus listening and aren’t His angels recording our words? You betcha!

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


captben61@gmail.com
captben61.blogspot.com

THE MOST IMPORTANT WORD IN THE WORLD

THE MOST IMPORTANT WORD IN THE WORLD

I asked a man today if he knew the most important word in the world, after a few seconds of thought he said, “Why”. He wasn’t an atheist for when I told him the word he said, “you’re right“. There are many people in this world who can’t or won’t pronounce this word. In some places it could get them killed and that may even happen here in America later on.

Few seem to know the future which has been revealed clearly in the Bible. God wants to inform us for we are to be His workers. Yes workers or servants if we choose to be one. Are you a servant of the Lord? If you aren’t I trust this message will cause you to want to be His best servant.

There are countless words in the Bible that are very important and we should know them like forgiveness, compassion, kindness, goodness, peace, love and joy. The word that I know is the most important is the Name of the Lord, JESUS. Did you know you must confess His Name to be saved? In Romans 10:9-10 we see it. Please memorize these verses.

Because if you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe (adhere to, trust in, and rely on the truth) that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

For with the heart a person believes (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Christ) and so is justified (declared righteous, acceptable to God), and with the mouth he confesses (declares openly and speaks out freely his faith) and confirms [his] salvation.

How could this verse “work for you” if the Name of Jesus was omitted? It couldn’t and we must never forget it. One time a man, whom I love, chastised me for how I pronounced the Name. He mocked me because I said it softly and reverently. To this day I don’t know He has surrendered to Christ but when He does I’d bet he will also say His Name with love. How do you pronounce it? I hope it is with great care for at the Name of Jesus every knee will one day bow, on the earth, above and under it too. Did you know Jesus is God for He said, “I Am One with the Father“?

Did you know the angel Gabriel who spoke to Mary told her His Name? He told her His Name would be Emmanuel or God with us, and He would be the Savior of the World. Did you know that Jesus came to die for us? He was always doing the Father’s works and He is still doing them.

Ephesians 2: 8-10 should also be memorized.

For it is by free grace (God's unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God;

Not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law's demands], lest any man should boast. [It is not the result of what anyone can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to himself.]

For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]. Amplified Bible

Do you see that God’s gift of salvation leads to our doing the “works” prepared by God Himself for us? Are you offering to do them? If you aren’t, why don’t you start and discover the Joy of the Lord. God tells us in Peter He wants us to have His Joy. Do you have it? You can!

If you’re born again you know the Joy of the Lord for it never leaves us or at least that part we received when the angels in Heaven danced at our salvation. Did you know they celebrated our salvation? They reflect the face of God and He was thrilled you gave up your mortal life for His eternal life. Nothing is more important than for us to be born again.

Those born again are recorded in the little “Book of Life”. If our name isn’t in it we can’t enter Heaven. Read Revelations 20-22 to see who will be allowed and who won’t be. Once we’re born again we are witnesses for Jesus. Are you witnessing? Let’s get started so folks can come to know Jesus too.

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


captben61@gmail.com
captben61.blogspot.com

FEAR NOT...EMMANUEL GOD IS WITH US

http://www.zazzle.com/mens_tee_emmanuel_god_is_with_us_tshirt-235436408435713580

From a prophetic vision painted by Athena Marler Creamer in 1996 of JESUS over the Destin bridge, cleaning and protecting the city of Destin (symbolized by a small white cross) from some horrible pollution--the BP oil spill. Available from www.zazzle.com on a tee shirt, poster or postcards.

RESCUED FROM THE JUNK YARD

RESCUED FROM THE JUNK YARD
Some valuable cars have come back to life after being spotted in a junk yard. In their “day” they weren’t necessarily the best being built but there was something very attractive about their lines. I have a grandson-in-law that wants to rebuild one he found that looks like it should have stayed in the yard. He can see past the rust and missing parts to where it can be restored to where it will be very valuable to a collector.

If honest we must admit we too are like that old car. We came into the world nice and shiny being praised by everyone who saw us as a “keeper”. Boat captains have grown fond of that term since all the new fishing rules demand that we return most of our catch back to the gulf. But when we were born we were God’s gift to mankind. We had arrived with built in values like gifts, abilities and talents unique as our fingerprints. God can be considered our “Manufacturer“. Actually He is for the Bible tells us He knitted us together in the womb. I bet most folks don’t know that. If you think about it for a second you will begin to think more highly of Him. All our moms and dads provided was the “raw” material and then God continued creation His favorite thing to do.

We all have a special mission while here and if we are raised in the fear and admonition of the Lord we are more apt to accomplish it. Lots of kids aren’t for some don’t know who their father might be for he is never there. Sometimes mom makes a huge mistake in trusting a man who deserts her when she finds the Lord is at work in her womb. Those who have their child, not aborting it, will be rewarded for the right choice. Some of their offspring end up as outstanding citizens and wealthy too. The vast majority say the first thing they’re going to do is buy their mom a house. I love these folks and God does too.

Of course not all will turn out this way but in God’s economy the rest are just as valuable to Him. He has ways to prove it and they center around the Gospel message. Jesus is the Savior of the world and there isn’t anyone else who can present us to the Father on Judgment Day. Many others are members of religions that are hostile to God’s plan. Some are so hostile they want to kill all the Jews and Christians and will one day bring a horrible time to our planet. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to know this for it’s on the TV newscasts almost daily.

These folks have a God and it isn’t our Heavenly Father but the One whom Jesus called a liar, thief, murderer and accuser of the brothers. Satan is the god of this world and he never sleeps. I can only speak for myself and must admit he led me to do some really bad things in the first part of my life. I’m one the Bible mentions when it says, “Those who have been forgiven much, love much.” You see I was very much like the car Sean wants to rebuild. I’m not sure he ever will but I can say God has done a number on me, Bless Him. I’m so thankful He is still at work for there are still some attitudes within this flesh that won’t fly in Heaven.

The good thing about our God, the Lord Jesus, is He is the Master Rebuilder. He has no problem in remaking us into His image for He has kept all the blueprints in His mind. He has loved us from before the very beginning of creation. In His foresight and planning we have been part of a grand scheme to become part of an eternal family. Glory to God!

You may or may not feel as I do and the reason could be your lack of time spent at the cross. On a day planned by His Father Jesus lay down and allowed Roman soldiers to nail him to a cross with hateful spikes. These weren’t little nails but cruel pieces of iron forged to kill humans. The wounds were large and bloody. The Blood that flowed from Jesus was used by the Father to wash those of us who would confess our sins, repenting of them with remorse. It was very difficult for God to see His Son Jesus hang there with a mock crown made of long thorns. To see the spit and grime on His Body along with many bruises from slaps and blows from the fists of His tormentors. At one point God even turned His Face away as our sins were heaped upon Him. Yes, mine and yours were added to the heap.

What few seem to preach is the horrible beating Jesus bore for us with the scourge so we could be healed as we place our trust in them. The stripes on Him remind us of His love when we are hurting. He is so Good.

If we accept Him and His sacrifice in our behalf God will choose us for restoration with a brand new motor too, The Holy Spirit. Become born again today and let Him remake you into one of His favorites.

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


captben61@gmail.com captben61.blogspot.com

NOT A SECOND TO SOON AND NOT ONE TOO LATE

NOT A SECOND TO SOON AND NOT ONE TOO LATE

I don’t know about you but I long to go to my Heavenly home. I can see in Hebrews 11 God says He is ashamed of those who don’t want to live there. If you haven’t read this chapter you should for it’s called the Faith chapter. You will see God lists the name of some of His “hero’s”. It also contains one of my favorite verses. “For without faith man can not please God for we must believe that HE IS and that HE IS a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Do you seek God? If you don’t please begin now. He loves you “unconditionally” which means your past is insignificant to Him if you surrender your life to Jesus. If you refuse you will face all the sins He was willing to forgive. All of them are recorded in the BOOKS.

One of the most difficult things we will all face is the “loss” of a family member or loved one. When my dad left suddenly with a massive coronary in 1970 I was crushed. My dad and I couldn’t have been closer and the sudden loss of His love was almost too much. At his funeral service God spoke to me through these words, “I Am the Resurrection and the Life. He who believes in Me even if he die, yet shall he live. Whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.” It was if there was a click in my heart for I knew my daddy was now with Jesus. Since this experience I’ve wanted to go too.

I began to pray for my mom for she wanted to go so badly she actually became down right “mad” at God. I told her, Mother you can’t be mad at God. She said, “I can and I am.” For six months she was estranged from Him. Slowly she began to recover from the shock of seeing him fall right before her while they sat in a restaurant. Plus, she knew what I did, Daddy loved God the way all of us should. The Lord always came first with Him. I could list a lot of things he did in obedience to the Holy Spirit but just trust me the list would be long and impressive. His works didn’t save him but defined him just as our works will do for us.

God led me to begin to pray for my mom with these words, “Lord, please don’t let Mother die until the very second you planned when You created her, not one second early and not one second late. He was faithful to His promise and He told me I would be holding her hand when “I take her”. He entered her hospital room in 1995 and gently lifted her up to Himself as I was holding her hand, right on time. Since then I’ve asked the same thing for my wife, daughters, grandchildren and now great grandchildren. I’m confident He has heard me and when we’re done “up we’ll go.“

Do you have the same confidence in the Lord? It’s so important that you answer honestly for it reveals your relationship with Jesus. There are millions sitting in church buildings every Sunday that are “Christians” but not born again. If you aren’t now, I can’t over stress how important you become one of God’s children right now. The instant you surrender your all God will have your name enrolled in the small Book of Life. The Bible tells us these are the ones who will actually live in Heaven.

Please allow me to encourage you to read Matthew 25 and First John. These 6 chapters will make a huge difference in your life if you’ll prayerfully read them. It’s so important that you ask the Holy Spirit to help you for the “Word of God” is spiritually discerned. Untold millions read it without His help and find it’s like eating food without nutrients. I read my Amplified Bible early in the mornings considering it my spiritual breakfast. It’s also the time I lift up to God a whole bunch of folks for whom I’ve promised to pray. I sure hope they are doing the same for me. Jesus said, “You can do nothing apart from Me.” If you’ve been struggling perhaps you have been working on your own.

Please just commit your life daily using Ephesians 2:10 for a new and very rewarding experience. For 35 years I’ve been doing it and wouldn’t stop for it’s where God has hidden His joy. Go for it.

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


captben61@gmail.com
captben61.blogspot.com

GOD’S VIEW OF HOMOSEXUALITY

GOD’S VIEW OF HOMOSEXUALITY

Unless we can agree that the Holy Bible is the Word of God there isn’t any reason for some one involved in abnormal sexual activity to continue reading this message. It isn’t a “hate piece” but an attempt to reach those who are being led to “experiment” or check out sex outside of marriage. All sex outside of marriage is not approved of by God. Did you know He calls sexual intercourse by unmarried folks fornication and outside of one’s marriage vows adultery. You may recall that adultery is one of His Big Ten.

Homosexuality isn’t a new phenomena. From history we have learned that the ancient Greeks and Romans among others were caught up in it. It is a terrible thing in God’s sight and the penalty will fit the sin. I believe AIDS [acquired immune deficiency syndrome] can be directly related to unclean sexual activity. This grieves God who loves everyone the same and allowed Jesus to die for everybody’s sins so we won‘t be cast into hell. There seems to be a special clause in His grace for the Bible tells us he gives those who do these things over to a “depraved mind”. I understand this to mean a person can’t come back to reason for this sin is an “abomination” to God. [some say they have returned to normal but only He knows]

Watching them on TV I tend to believe it for they have become flagrant in their demands. Many even stage large marches that flaunt the Church. Haven’t we seen them in mock dress of priests and nuns? I feel they’ve almost declared war on God and His people. It makes me wonder if they ever studied biology in school. God knows what He’s doing and isn’t going to change His mind. Adam was given a woman named Eve by God and before long Cain and Able appeared through their union.

Do you believe this could have happened if God had given him a “partner” named Steve? Of course not, and two men or two women can’t produce a child either. What’s sad is they now want to marry and adopt children so they can teach them their repugnant life style. We can only pray this won’t happen. America is quickly becoming a decadent society and much suffering is on the way. Do you want to do something about it?

Go to the Lord in prayer and ask Him to use you. He has ways and means beyond our understanding that can slow down the devil’s victories in men’s and women’s lives. I believe we’ve already passed the tipping point and are headed towards judgment.

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

GOD’S VIEW OF HOMOSEXUALITY

GOD’S VIEW OF HOMOSEXUALITY

Unless we can agree that the Holy Bible is the Word of God there isn’t any reason for some one involved in abnormal sexual activity to continue reading this message. It isn’t a “hate piece” but an attempt to reach those who are being led to “experiment” or check out sex outside of marriage. All sex outside of marriage is not approved of by God. Did you know He calls sexual intercourse by unmarried folks fornication and outside of one’s marriage vows adultery. You may recall that adultery is one of His Big Ten.

Homosexuality isn’t a new phenomena. From history we have learned that the ancient Greeks and Romans among others were caught up in it. It is a terrible thing in God’s sight and the penalty will fit the sin. I believe AIDS [acquired immune deficiency syndrome] can be directly related to unclean sexual activity. This grieves God who loves everyone the same and allowed Jesus to die for everybody’s sins so we won‘t be cast into hell. There seems to be a special clause in His grace for the Bible tells us he gives those who do these things over to a “depraved mind”. I understand this to mean a person can’t come back to reason for this sin is an “abomination” to God. [some say they have returned to normal but only He knows]

Watching them on TV I tend to believe it for they have become flagrant in their demands. Many even stage large marches that flaunt the Church. Haven’t we seen them in mock dress of priests and nuns? I feel they’ve almost declared war on God and His people. It makes me wonder if they ever studied biology in school. God knows what He’s doing and isn’t going to change His mind. Adam was given a woman named Eve by God and before long Cain and Able appeared through their union.

Do you believe this could have happened if God had given him a “partner” named Steve? Of course not, and two men or two women can’t produce a child either. What’s sad is they now want to marry and adopt children so they can teach them their repugnant life style. We can only pray this won’t happen. America is quickly becoming a decadent society and much suffering is on the way. Do you want to do something about it?

Go to the Lord in prayer and ask Him to use you. He has ways and means beyond our understanding that can slow down the devil’s victories in men’s and women’s lives. I believe we’ve already passed the tipping point and are headed towards judgment.

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

What Is A Born-Again Christian?

What Is A Born-Again Christian?

A recent national survey found that about fifty percent of the American population claimed to be "born-again Christians." What is meant by the term "born-again Christian," and what is the understanding of those people who call themselves "born-again Christians?"

What Is a Christian?

The term "Christian" comes from the Greek word "christianos," which means Christ-man, or an adherent of Jesus Christ. In the Bible, this word was first used as a nickname, a term of reproach, because the believers must have given others a feeling that they were absolute for Christ. The apostle Peter used it later to remind the believers to stand firm for Christ and not be ashamed. Thus, a Christian is a person who is totally full of Christ, occupied by Christ, living for Christ, living out Christ to express Christ, and even living Christ. By this definition, most people who call themselves Christians actually are not. They might have believed and received Christ, yet they are not living as adherents of Christ.

Who Is Christ?

The name "Christ" (translated from the Hebrew word for Messiah) means the anointed One. Christ was anointed with a special commission. In Genesis, God had created man to contain Him as life and to be one with Him. However, instead of taking God as life, man took in Satan and was defiled, corrupted, and condemned to die eternally. The Old Testament progressively reveals that, because He loved the man whom He created, God wanted to redeem man from the righteous judgment due to sin, save man from the corruption of Satan in his nature, be man's life, and build man up as His living house, His dwelling place in spirit, so that God and man could be one forever. Christ was anointed to accomplish this commission. A Christian is part of Christ, His continuation and increase. A Christian is someone who has been anointed together with Him to fulfill His commission in union with Him. Together, all Christians corporately are the enlarged Christ.

Who Is Jesus?

The Bible tells us that, in fulfilling this commission, Christ became a man named Jesus approximately two thousand years ago. "Jesus" means Jehovah our Savior, our salvation. "Jehovah" is the ever-existing God. Jehovah is the name God used before He became a man. After He became a man, He used the name Jesus. To us, Jehovah is the God of heaven sitting on the throne, whereas Jesus is Jehovah becoming a man to be our Savior, not only to die for us on the cross, to save us from our sins and from eternal perdition, but also to save us as our life inside from the corruption of Satan, saving us into Himself as our salvation and our dwelling place. The Christ into whom Christians believe and to whom they are joined as one is this crucified, resurrected, and exalted God-man, Jesus.

What Did Jesus Do for Us?

Christ Jesus lived a genuine and perfect human life to express God. He went to the cross to die for man because He was the only man throughout history qualified to be a substitute. The righteous One died for the unrighteous ones. He also crushed Satan to free man from his power of darkness. He resurrected on the third day to become a life-giving Spirit. He prepared Himself and made Himself available to man as life. He removed the sin that man should not have had. He redeemed man and prepared him as a cleansed vessel. Now He wants to give man the life he needs. All man has to do is to receive His salvation and take Him as life.

First Birth versus Second Birth

From our physical birth by our human parents, we have a dying physical body; a corrupted psychological organ (the soul), consisting of the mind, emotion, and will; and a spirit that is dead and incapable of contacting God. By receiving Christ as our Savior, we are born of God. The Spirit of God comes into our human spirit to regenerate it, enliven it, with the life of God. This is to be born again. First we are born of our parents, then we are born of God. The first birth gives us the opportunity to have the second birth. The first birth produces us as a dirty vessel; the second birth cleanses us and fills us with the divine and eternal life of God. The first birth destines us to die; the second birth results in life eternal. In the first birth we are cursed, but in the second we are blessed, not with material riches but with God.

A born-again Christian, therefore, is a person who has made his beginning, receiving Christ as his new life in his spirit. Every genuine Christian is a born-again Christian, and once a person has been born again he can never lose this divine life within him. As he continues by living as a Christ-man, his thoughts, his speech, and his deeds become those which are out from Christ, in Christ, for Christ, and expressing Christ.

How to be Born Again

If you sense the oldness and deadness, the emptiness and vanity, the confusion and frustration, and the tragic destiny of the first life, you need Jesus. Only He can enliven you by bringing the life of God into you to give you a new birth, a new life. Only thus can you be born again to be a Christian, a Christ-man, an adherent of Jesus Christ, full of life, Joy, peace, rest, purpose, and fulfillment in God.

Say to Him boldly, "Lord Jesus, I need You as my Savior. Save me from eternal death. Give me God's life. I want to be born again of God. Make me a Christian." Then you will receive the life of God to make you a born-again Christian.

Jesus breathed on His disciples after His resurrection. We must also receive His Breath [Holy Spirit]. Seeing Him crucified in our place prepares our heart to receive Him. Spend time at the cross and discover His personal love for you. Confess your sins and ask for His forgiveness and you shall have it. Humbly invite Jesus to come into your life as your LORD.

Please read John 3:36 “

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

Capt. Ben Marler captben61.blogspot.com

captben61@gmail.com