HARVESTING FOR THE LORD

Did you know the Lord likes to farm? His field hands are very effective bringing in a harvest. I can’t remember a single sermon preached from this passage from Mark 4: 14-20. Holy Spirit please preach it now.


14The sower sows the Word.

15The ones along the path are those who have the Word sown [in their hearts], but when they hear, Satan comes at once and [by force] takes away the message which is sown in them.

16And in the same way the ones sown upon stony ground are those who, when they hear the Word, at once receive and accept and welcome it with joy;

17And they have no real root in themselves, and so they endure for a little while; then when trouble or persecution arises on account of the Word, they immediately are offended (become displeased, indignant, resentful) and they stumble and fall away.

18And the ones sown among the thorns are others who hear the Word;

19Then the cares and anxieties of the world and distractions of the age, and the pleasure and delight and false glamour and deceitfulness of riches, and the craving and passionate desire for other things creep in and choke and suffocate the Word, and it becomes fruitless.

20And those sown on the good (well-adapted) soil are the ones who hear the Word and receive and accept and welcome it and bear fruit--some thirty times as much as was sown, some sixty times as much, and some [even] a hundred times as much. Amplified Bible

Hopefully every Christian would identify with the good soil group. If they do, isn’t it obvious the Lord is “expecting” them to bring the lost to Him? I suppose those who “just” love Him would be satisfied with 30 but those who “really” love Him would want at least 60. However, those who’ve spent time with Jesus at His Cross and have “fallen in love” with Jesus want 100 at the minimum. How about you? How many do you want to bring?

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


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

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

A MILK CARTON CHRISTMAS

A MILK CARTON CHRISTMAS

About 35 years ago Joan and I loaded our Bronco with our two daughters, a load of donated clothing and an expensive guitar amplifier and headed to Mexico. Brother Jarvis, a Baptist pastor with a heart for the poor, wanted the things for Jesus Aldaba Chavez who’s ministry he supported.

We rented a camper in San Antonio and headed for the border. We had been briefed on what to expect and got on our way with Jesus riding with us. Had He not been there, we might still be in Mexico trying to get home. All kidding aside, it was an experience that none of us will ever forget.

Arriving safely in Carderete, where Brother Aldaba lived, I could breathe deeply again. No one drove as they should for the roads were pockmarked with huge holes. All the vehicles seemed to be old; only the Lord knew how they were still able to go. Pulling the pop out trailer made our trip harder but since there were no motels, it was a necessity. We were told to place it on the sidewalk just outside the door. I kept thinking the police would make us move it. I guess the Lord blinded them to it being there.

Their house was over a hundred years old with walls at least 18 inches thick. The narrow interior walls didn’t reach to the ceiling and were more like barriers with curtains for doors. We had met some of the family about a year earlier when they visited our church in Destin. They were still the same, humble, loving and very kind. They knew and loved our Lord Jesus.

After unloading the gifts, with the family all looking to see what we brought, we prepared for the night. It was an adventure for someone walking down the street hit Joan on the b-hind while she slept. Her rear made a nice target as it rested against the canvas. Surely most of the dogs in Mexico lived near by and talked to each other all night long. When morning came the roosters awakened it like only they can. It sure was exciting.

We came to work for the Lord and soon found ourselves going to La Florida and other places where Brother Aldaba ministered. He would begin to sing with his accordion with the guitars adding to the flow of praise. It wasn’t long and the folks came out and were blessing the Lord in their simple and faith filled way. It wasn’t like the $50,000 organ in our church back in Destin but they surely created equally delightful music to the Lord’s ears.

One day we went to the market in Monterey where folks bought their necessities with their meager funds. We spotted a piñata and decided that with all the gifts removed we could bring it back to show the folks at home. When the Aldaba’s discovered it we were asked if the small children could destroy it to get the candy inside. These children were so poor they had never been able to break one of their own. So we gave them ours to enjoy.

You may have seen this in the movies where the kids are blindfolded and given a stick. The piñata is hung by a rope and when the kids swing it is lifted just out of range much to the delight of the onlookers. Before long it is lowered so contact can be made and candy goes flying. It was fun to watch and besides no one back home would probably care anyway.

Later we were taken out into the country where it was terribly cold. My heart melted when we passed what looked like an igloo made of brush and clay. Just outside the small door a child about 18 months old sat on the hard ground playing with a wooden block. She had no clothes on except for a thin shirt which offered no warmth at all. I began to see why Mexicans came to America for there was so little for them in Mexico. After driving a bit further we set up the amplifier and the music began. The folks began to come to sing and hear about Jesus. I was greatly moved for it was very cold. Our church buildings are heated and air conditioned but often empty.

On Christmas Day we watched the Aldaba children receive their gifts. A cardboard milk carton had been carefully fashioned into a truck. It only held some candy, nuts. one orange and a small toy. This was their only gift but it was appreciated. The family had Jesus, He was always their special gift. We watched in amazement for we knew back home under our tree there were many gifts of “stuff”. Any one of them was worth more that the total value of theirs. Truly we had way too many to appreciate each one as we should.

When we crossed back into Texas the girls asked me to stop for they wanted to kiss the ground in the USA, and they did. I know they have never forgotten what it meant to be in a country so poor and in so much need. Like the Aldaba’s we also had Jesus as our best Christmas Present. God still offers Him to all who will receive Him. Will you today? John 1:12

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler

Captben61@gmail.com captben61.blogspot.com

A TRAIN LOAD OF EXPLOSIVES

A TRAIN LOAD OF EXPLOSIVES

During WW 11 I was a youngster living south of Eglin AFB here in NW Florida. My boat captain dad had the honor to carry some of Jimmy Doolittle’s flight crews fishing while they prepared for the mission that brought them fame and the undying love of Americans. Their strike against Japan from a small aircraft carrier in B-25 bombers may have been the most daring of the war. We who lived through that time and afterwards have seen many movies and news cast replays that demonstrated the bravery and outstanding patriotism of our men and women who dared to resist evil that was abounding everywhere.

One captivating scene was to see a pilot, of perhaps a P-51 Mustang, strafe a train with his 50 caliber machine guns blazing. As the incendiary rounds landed the high explosive ammo within the cars created a huge explosion flinging debris high into the sky where the pilot must fly. He must have survived for the gun cameras recording it were later unloaded and the film developed for us to see. God was surely with him as He definitely was with the Doolittle Raiders. Some of them were lost during their dangerous missions but many survived against terrible odds. Until the Lord comes we must remember their sacrifices as they paid a huge price for us to live free here in America. I thank every person in uniform I see for their service.

The Bible is more than an accurate history book, it’s the Living Word of God. Like the train described above it is explosive and when we penetrate it, it will explode in us and fling us upward towards God. This neat illustration was given to me as I lay in my bed meditating upon God’s love for me and my family. Of course He loves everyone and proved it by allowing every sin committed, even those that still will be to be plastered like filth upon Jesus as He died for us.

If you don’t understand anything else please grasp this, you’re not too bad for Jesus to save your soul. He came to do that, and when you go to the cross, you’ll always find Him near to help you gain your freedom. Jesus sets us free from a sinful life to live a brand new one by giving us faith to not only believe in Him but to “receive” Him inside of us. “The mystery hidden from the ages is Christ within you the hope of Glory“ was written by Paul for all of mankind. There’s a danger, you may not do the receiving part by a deceptive belief that religion can save you. There’s nothing we can do to save ourselves except one thing, surrender to Jesus. This means we take our will [our precious will] and surrender it to Jesus our Lord God who is Emmanuel. Many have missed this and believe all kinds of things which can not lead them to freedom, keeping them enslaved.

As a boat captain I needed to know many things to receive my license. This included extras like first aid with CPR, safe navigational skills, the rules of the road, weather and many more. I couldn’t just go aboard the boat and invite folks to come along unless I wasn’t charging them. This wasn’t possible for Emmanuel cost over $500,000 and was owned mostly by my bank and the Lord. The operating expenses were huge making the financial side of the business a headache most of the time. I figured out that my pay was to share Jesus with my customers. I loved it and they obviously loved receiving His love. Many wouldn’t board without a hug. I miss them a lot.

I got up an hour earlier each day to put some rounds in “that train” where reading 10 chapters was common. The Holy Spirit was always waiting at the table and opened my eyes to see the Truth in God’s Word. Some 35 years later I still meet with Him but now at my recliner, old folks need more comfort.

I invite everyone to try the Amplified Bible if you aren’t reading your Bible daily. My daughter Athena gave me one after my New American Standard version was misplaced during a move. At first I was stubborn and wouldn’t read it, but as my hunger grew I opened the pages and was thrilled. It was as if a great Bible teacher was opening the verses for me. I used her gift for 14 years. I recently purchased a new one with large print making my daily devotions with the Lord easier on my eyes. Buy one, you’ll love it!

Do you want God’s Word exploding in you too? It’s up to you and no one else. Begin reading today and bless the Lord for He has much for you. Ephesians 2:10 is what I use in my commitment. His Joy is never ending…….

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


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

WHY DOES GOD LOVE US?

You may be the meanest person you know and have done things that you are so ashamed of but trust me in this, God never stopped loving you. He is Agape or unconditional love. He created you from the “ingredients” supplied from your mom and dad. When they united He began to knit you together in her womb and the first thing He told you was, I LOVE YOU! He didn’t whisper it either. With great joy He embraced you in His love and gave you everything you needed to survive outside the womb. While in there He watched over you as you began to come to the image of God Himself.

Even if your parents wanted you with all their hearts and even prayed long and hard for you to arrive you were always God’s idea. Hold on to this truth so the world can not steal you from Him. As you know by now Satan runs this world and we are like pawns between him and God the Lord. Satan will use every trick in the book to deceive you. He is a liar, thief, murderer and accuser who wants you dead. He has been very successful and the vast majority of people born have died and are facing judgment. I can make you a promise you won’t be with them if you care to believe Jesus came to die for you. When you fall in love with Him and receive Him into your heart [life] you have become an immortal. His Life in you is eternal and now you are too.

There is a cost that I’ve discovered. First and most important we must give up this life to have His. No one can live two lives with God. Many try and fail for Jesus can’t be your Lord until He is inside you. You can try and follow Him but you will fail over and over until you must give up. Jesus doesn’t come to us to argue. He is Emmanuel or GOD WITH US. Until we understand this we will be subject to every religious spirit that comes our way. In Romans 8 God tells us, “The sons of God are those who follow the Spirit of God.“ From experience permit me to tell you, until He is the Lord of your life you can’t follow Him.

The Word of God tells us that God doesn’t share His Glory with anyone. He is Almighty God and millions and millions of angels are at the Throne worshipping Him all the time. He isn’t someone to ignore or dismiss as “The man upstairs.” He has also told us that He won’t strive with man forever. He has a plan for everything and this includes our life but He will not force us to love Him which really means “obey Him”.


Hopefully with this settled allow me to tell you something that most Christians don’t know. God has a divine plan for your life and it is beyond your wildest imagination in scope. God loves us so much He allows us to do the things He can do by simply speaking them. He wants us to be just like Jesus as strange as that may sound. If that is in your heart too then there is a time coming when He will say to you, “Well done my good and faithful servant, enter now into the joy of your Master.“ Matthew 25

His love grows and grows for us as we walk in obedience with Him. Do you recall how He said, “David is a man after my own heart for he wants to do my will”? You may recall God had David anointed by the prophet Samuel so that God’s power would rest upon him. When Goliath stood there cursing David he was also cursing the Lord. When the stone left the sling it went right between his eyes knocking him to the ground. God didn’t need David to knock him down but he was lifting David up before the whole army of Israel. When David took Goliath’s sword and took off his head it was for our benefit. The devil is God’s enemy and with the sword of the Holy Spirit [the scriptures] we can also take down Satan.

God loves us so much we have a written record of His will in the Bible. In America we have millions that have never been opened. Until we open ours and begin to feast upon it we can not inwardly digest it. Once inside us the mighty things of God are not only possible but a sure thing. I have some testimonies to back this up. Will you allow God to use you? If you will then go to the Bible for instructions. As you do the Love of God will come over and within you to flow out like a river of life to a world that needs a refreshing drink of Jesus. Will you do it? If you won’t, prepare to give God a very good reason why you didn’t. He will still love you but I’m not sure he will be real happy. Let’s live daily to make Him smile at us. OK?

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


Captben61@gmail.com
　

　

THE MOST DEADLY SIN

THE MOST DEADLY SIN

To reject His offer of forgiveness by faith is “unforgivable”. God isn’t offering us religion but an intimacy beyond our wildest imagination.
Every sin was paid for when Jesus shed His Blood for mankind. Even so there’s one sin that God can’t forgive, and the vast majority of people on earth have committed it. We should realize that every sin is heinous to God. He sees sin as a deadly virus and it will cause death in humans faster than anything else. What’s even worse, it can bring the sinner to the Great White Throne judgment where everyone before it is cast into hell. If God the Father can cry, this is the day He will.

Unless we understand that all love evolves from Him we can’t even begin to understand Him. When He created the earth it was perfect in every way. When it was done He created a man named Adam. From Adam’s flesh He created Eve a woman. From the two He began to produce more and more humans using the “ingredients” they produced from their bodies when drawn into intimacy. He alone can do this for we are helpless to create life.

I know some folks claim they’ve produced life in a test tube but they didn’t start with air. God knits us together in our mom’s womb with the chromosomes supplied by the woman’s egg and the man’s sperm. He was wise doing this for the child will have “features” drawing us into an even greater love for it. Sometimes the likeness is astounding, especially when the mom is a beauty. Sometimes her children are almost exact copies. I have a special toe on each foot that is just like my dads. I wish I was also as handsome as him. I’m just to keep on going with what the Lord made.

Hopefully having settled the fact that we didn’t come by way of a stork we need to look further into our nature. Due to the sin of Adam and Eve we have inherited a sinful nature. Sin is ugly and we see it everywhere but not as well as God. He can look into our hearts for He is everywhere and all knowing. His angels write down sins when they see them. The Books to be opened at the Great White Throne contain them with one exception. The sins of the redeemed have had their sins erased by God’s command. There is no way He is going to send His children to Hell.

This begs the question, are you a child of God? If you aren’t no one can help you on the day you stand before God. Becoming one of His children is the most important thing in the world. Do you want to become one?

　

If you do, consider Jesus died on a cross after being lacerated with a Roman scourge. Battered and bruised beyond recognition He bleed from the many wounds. The nails were actually spikes that ripped large holes in His hands and feet. The ugly crown of thorns had been beaten into His scalp causing blood to course down His face. After being beaten He was made to carry His cross until He fell. Then, He received some help from a stranger.

When He was thrown down to be nailed He willingly stretched out His arms for He had come to die. His birth by Mary was God’s way to receive a human body, but Jesus was always Emmanuel, God with us. When His cross was set in it’s hole verbal abuse continued from the bystanders and also from the two criminals dying beside Him. He took all of this suffering and abuse for you and me.

Before it was over one of the criminals came to his senses. He’d observed Jesus hanging in agony, not complaining but enduring death as his Messiah. Finally, he looked at his partner in crime and told him to shut up. Then he began to repent by saying, “We deserve what we are receiving but this Man has done nothing wrong.” Then he looked over to Jesus and said, “Lord, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” He realized Jesus was his LORD and appealed to Him. Jesus instantly said, “Today, you shall be with Me in Paradise.“ A life time of sinning was instantly forgiven.

The second man committed the “worse sin of all“, he refused to do the same. God can’t forgive those who won’t repent and surrender their lives to His Son Jesus. It doesn’t matter who we are or who our relatives might be.

To reject His offer of forgiveness by faith is “unforgivable”. God isn’t offering us religion but an intimacy beyond our wildest imagination. I’ve enjoyed it for 39 years now. With my last breath I’ll be trying to get someone else to surrender to Him. Will you do it now?

John 1:12, John 3:36, Romans 10: 9-10, Ephesians 2: 8-10 and the Book of First John will help you. Please read [ captben61.blogspot.com ] for help.

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


captben61@gmail.com