GOING FOR THE GOLD

GOING FOR THE GOLD

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


captben61@gmail.com
captben61.blogspot.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


captben61@gmail.com captben61.blogspot.com

IS THE BIBLE TRUE

IS THE BIBLE TRUE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


captben61@gmail.com
captben61.blogspot.com

LETTER TO A PASTOR ON HEALING

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


Love you, capt ben

UNDERSTANDING ETERNAL LIFE

UNDERSTANDING ETERNAL LIFE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


captben61@gmail.com captben61.blogspot com

HUNGRY FOR MORE OF JESUS

HUNGRY FOR MORE OF JESUS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


Captben61@gmail.com
Captben61.blogspot.com

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

A GOD NOT FAR AWAY

A GOD NOT FAR AWAY

Christianity is a lot of things to many people but one thing for sure, everyone born again is alive forever. Our God lives within us for He is One with Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Jesus told Phillip, “Why do you ask me to show you the Father, do you not know I’m in the Father and He is in Me? When you see Me you see the Father. Well folks, if we are truly born again we should be able to say the same thing. Do you want to see Jesus, then look at me. Now some will get down right upset that I said that but it’s true.

When we “received Jesus” [John 1:12] His Spirit [the Holy Spirit] came inside us just as like taking a breath for He is [Breath]. You can see this when Jesus breathed upon His disciples after His Resurrection. 10 were in a small room debating what was going to happen to them now that Jesus was killed on the cross. They were frightened and wisely so. The Sanhedrin wanted them dead too for they were dangerous to their cause. By now Judas, the betrayer, had hung himself and wasn’t there. Neither was Thomas and we don’t know why but I believe God orchestrated it. For we know that later when he “finally” believed he said to Jesus, “My Lord and my God”. Jesus didn’t correct him and won’t correct us either when we proclaim Jesus as Lord and God. Romans 10: 9-10

He had boldly stated that he wouldn’t believe Jesus was alive unless he could place his finger in the holes in His hands and his hand in His side. He was offered the opportunity but fell on his knees instead to worship Jesus. Jesus commented on how blessed it was to actually see Him but how much more blessed it was to not see Him and believe. Few have seen the Lord since that day. Paul had some exciting experiences and they were enough to turn him from an antagonist to arguably the best of the disciples. His labors to the Gentiles are still bearing fruit today as we read the letters he sent to the Churches.

I saw Jesus’ form [not His face] just one time as He revealed Himself in a dream. As I knelt on the floor of our church before the altar I looked up to where a cross hung suspended on wire. All at once the cross began to turn and point towards me. I said, huh! Then it returned to the first position. Then it pointed at me again causing me to say, huhhh! Then Jesus appeared to the right of it and begin to descend to where I was kneeling. I lowered my head inches from the floor and saw His right foot come slowly around my head where He allowed the ball on His foot to graze my lips.

I felt something like electricity and said, Huhhhh! Then He withdrew His foot and brought it around again brushing them again with the same feeling. I thought to myself, He’s healing my throat [I have a speech impediment] but heard Him say, “Do Not Waste Your Time.” I awoke and was greatly thrilled for I’d been permitted to kiss His foot. Actually, I wanted to bathe both feet in kisses with tears. Like Mary Magdalene, who was also forgiven so much, I had been forgiven much. This dream was at least 30 years ago and I can still remember it like it was yesterday.

Jesus is real and very interested in every aspect of our lives. Until we surrender [die to our old life] we simply can’t have His. You can admire Him from afar, countless millions do, but He won’t come inside us until we are willing to live in Him and for Him. This is what it means to be born again of His Spirit and with God’s fire. Luke 3:16 is never preached and should be often.

“John answered them all by saying, I baptize you with water; but He Who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of Whose sandals I am not fit to unfasten. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.”

Jesus has so much for us to do after we are born again. He is going to supply the power for us to do it too. All we have to do is ask for it. He once said after listing what a father would give his child [bread and not a stone] “How much more would the Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask.”

I’ve discovered that He is willing to give us not only the power but the plan too. I challenge anyone who is born again to go before God admitting Ephesians 2:10 is for them and asking to be used. It’s like scales fall from our eyes and we can begin to see needs that He wants us to minister. I’ve used it for over 35 years now and when He takes me I will still be doing it.

Is Jesus in you? Do you want Him inside leading you minute by minute? You can have Him like millions do as I write. No religion, just intimacy with Him. Isn’t that what you really want? Go for it!

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


captben61@gmail.com
captben61.blogspot.com