Saturday, July 25, 2009
Michael Jackson's REAL cause of death!
Of course no one but the Lord knows where Michael is right now - if he at the end of his life had complete trust in Jesus Christ alone for his salvation and repented of his sins, then he is saved for eternity, but anything less that true repentance would cause him to miss heaven and earn hell for his sins - JUST LIKE WOULD HAPPEN TO ME!
Make sure you trust in Jesus alone today, repent of your every sin. Salvation is more than just a one time prayer for Jesus to "come into your life" it is about the surrender of your life to now be lived for HIM!
10 out of 10 people will die some day - 100% of all of us will pass into eternity - make sure you are right with God today through Jesus Christ.
In John 14:6 Jesus said "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
"Soldier up" and tell everyone you care about (if you know them or not) about how to find Salvation!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Friday, July 24, 2009
Proper Crowns - a copy of an email by evangelist Mark Cahill
I had this in my inbox today and thought I'd pass it on...
Proper Crowns (from Mark Cahill Ministries - I'll note I did changed his verses to NIV from King James)
As I am sitting here watching the memorial for Michael Jackson, many things come to mind. One is how quickly life can pass. Michael Jackson is from my generation. He is just a few years older than me. Back in the day, I used to listen to a lot of his music. Now it seems people want to talk about his music, his legacy, his money; and since he died, I have only had one thing on my mind: where is he now? Where is he spending eternity? Who did he say Jesus was during his lifetime? What Christians took the time to witness to Him? I am also wondering how many Christians who crossed his path in his 50 years on planet earth, are regretting that they did not take the time to boldly proclaim Biblical truths into his life that he so desperately needed.
One of the names given to Michael was the King of Pop. We also had Elvis, who was known as the King of Rock and Roll. Now we know that kings and queens have crowns. Royalty has always liked money, power, and the things that come with it. And if you are a Bible reader, you know that God’s Word talks about crowns as well.
The word crown shows up 82 times in the Bible. You have earthly crowns like the one that is being put on Queen Esther in Esther 2:17, and you have spiritual crowns.
1 Thessalonians 2:19 says, For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you?
As a believer, our crown of rejoicing should be in the hope of the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ! There is so much hopelessness in this world we live in, and it is probably only going to get worse. We need to give people hope, and that hope is only in the Lord.
2 Timothy 4:8 states, Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Is there anyone out there that is excited about His appearing?!! We should all be striving for the crown of righteousness that He will give out, but that crown will only go to the righteous.
James 1:12 says, Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Keep fighting against temptation. Fight hard against it. Keep loving Jesus above all else in this world. The crown of life awaits those who do.
1 Peter 5:4 states, And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
God’s crowns do not fade away. Make sure you get them when you die.
Revelations 2:10 says, Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Finish well in the race towards death. Don’t give in to the things of the world. Strive to receive the crown of life!
Revelation 4:10 tells us, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne..:
I want to make sure when I die that I have got crowns to lay at the feet of our Lord on His throne. You don’t want to be empty handed on that day.
But of course, the greatest crown of all had nothing to do with gold.
Matthew 27:29 says, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said.
You see the world hates this crown. This is the one they don’t want to wear, and don’t want to live for. Most people in the world today would rather have a crown of gold that will not make it past the grave. This crown shed the blood that can wash the world of its sins. But this world lives for self. It lives for what it sees, and not for what it can’t see.
As this world drifts farther and farther away from Jesus Christ and more and more into sin, hold on very tight to Jesus. The King of Kings; the true King of the universe; the only King that matters; will be showing up pretty soon; and if you are not here for His appearing, you will be there when you appear before Him on judgment day. Make sure you are ready.
Until the nets are full,
Mark Cahill
----------------------
P.S. I love his sign off, "until the nets are full"
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Proper Crowns (from Mark Cahill Ministries - I'll note I did changed his verses to NIV from King James)
As I am sitting here watching the memorial for Michael Jackson, many things come to mind. One is how quickly life can pass. Michael Jackson is from my generation. He is just a few years older than me. Back in the day, I used to listen to a lot of his music. Now it seems people want to talk about his music, his legacy, his money; and since he died, I have only had one thing on my mind: where is he now? Where is he spending eternity? Who did he say Jesus was during his lifetime? What Christians took the time to witness to Him? I am also wondering how many Christians who crossed his path in his 50 years on planet earth, are regretting that they did not take the time to boldly proclaim Biblical truths into his life that he so desperately needed.
One of the names given to Michael was the King of Pop. We also had Elvis, who was known as the King of Rock and Roll. Now we know that kings and queens have crowns. Royalty has always liked money, power, and the things that come with it. And if you are a Bible reader, you know that God’s Word talks about crowns as well.
The word crown shows up 82 times in the Bible. You have earthly crowns like the one that is being put on Queen Esther in Esther 2:17, and you have spiritual crowns.
1 Thessalonians 2:19 says, For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you?
As a believer, our crown of rejoicing should be in the hope of the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ! There is so much hopelessness in this world we live in, and it is probably only going to get worse. We need to give people hope, and that hope is only in the Lord.
2 Timothy 4:8 states, Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Is there anyone out there that is excited about His appearing?!! We should all be striving for the crown of righteousness that He will give out, but that crown will only go to the righteous.
James 1:12 says, Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Keep fighting against temptation. Fight hard against it. Keep loving Jesus above all else in this world. The crown of life awaits those who do.
1 Peter 5:4 states, And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
God’s crowns do not fade away. Make sure you get them when you die.
Revelations 2:10 says, Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Finish well in the race towards death. Don’t give in to the things of the world. Strive to receive the crown of life!
Revelation 4:10 tells us, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne..:
I want to make sure when I die that I have got crowns to lay at the feet of our Lord on His throne. You don’t want to be empty handed on that day.
But of course, the greatest crown of all had nothing to do with gold.
Matthew 27:29 says, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said.
You see the world hates this crown. This is the one they don’t want to wear, and don’t want to live for. Most people in the world today would rather have a crown of gold that will not make it past the grave. This crown shed the blood that can wash the world of its sins. But this world lives for self. It lives for what it sees, and not for what it can’t see.
As this world drifts farther and farther away from Jesus Christ and more and more into sin, hold on very tight to Jesus. The King of Kings; the true King of the universe; the only King that matters; will be showing up pretty soon; and if you are not here for His appearing, you will be there when you appear before Him on judgment day. Make sure you are ready.
Until the nets are full,
Mark Cahill
----------------------
P.S. I love his sign off, "until the nets are full"
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Captain's meditation on Jeremiah 1:4-10
This scripture passage is the call of God to Jeremiah to be His prophet.
Jeremiah 1:4-10 says... 4 The word of the LORD came to me, saying, 5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." 6 "Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child." 7 But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD. 9 Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, "Now, I have put my words in your mouth. 10 See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant."
Just a couple of thoughts... (not original to me, but profound to me)....
The first is proclaim God's Word - the gospel - that salvation is only through trust in Jesus alone who lived, died for our sins, and rose from the dead. Do not be afraid of anyone or anything because He will deliver if necessary - but most of the time it just costs us discomfort and not our lives - so share the message of Jesus.
Listen to Catherine Booths comment on this passage... "I am tired of hearing the words 'I can't'. Jeremiah said, 'I am a child'; but the Lord didn't pat him on the back and say, Jeremiah, that is very good, I like that in you; your humility is beautiful.' Oh no! God didn't want any such mock humility. He reproved and rebuked it. I do not like the humility that is too humble to do as it is bid. When my children are too humble to do as they are bid, I pretty soon find a way to make them. I say, 'Go and do it!' The Lord wants us to 'go and do it'." - Catherine Booth
The second thought is that God will put His Word into our mouths - so when we speak God's Word (although it is with our voice and "sounds" like us - it is actually Him). God has given us His Word, His gospel, and our voices for the furtherment of His Kingdom - get out there and share with the world.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Jeremiah 1:4-10 says... 4 The word of the LORD came to me, saying, 5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." 6 "Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child." 7 But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD. 9 Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, "Now, I have put my words in your mouth. 10 See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant."
Just a couple of thoughts... (not original to me, but profound to me)....
The first is proclaim God's Word - the gospel - that salvation is only through trust in Jesus alone who lived, died for our sins, and rose from the dead. Do not be afraid of anyone or anything because He will deliver if necessary - but most of the time it just costs us discomfort and not our lives - so share the message of Jesus.
Listen to Catherine Booths comment on this passage... "I am tired of hearing the words 'I can't'. Jeremiah said, 'I am a child'; but the Lord didn't pat him on the back and say, Jeremiah, that is very good, I like that in you; your humility is beautiful.' Oh no! God didn't want any such mock humility. He reproved and rebuked it. I do not like the humility that is too humble to do as it is bid. When my children are too humble to do as they are bid, I pretty soon find a way to make them. I say, 'Go and do it!' The Lord wants us to 'go and do it'." - Catherine Booth
The second thought is that God will put His Word into our mouths - so when we speak God's Word (although it is with our voice and "sounds" like us - it is actually Him). God has given us His Word, His gospel, and our voices for the furtherment of His Kingdom - get out there and share with the world.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
a phrophetic word
Hello soldiers, Friends and fellow followers of Jesus,
I just wanted to pass on this prophetic word given to me at camp this past week. Another salvationist (a new friend) prayed over me while feeling ill and I felt the best I had in weeks (praise be to God). In addition to that amazing relief from my illness he told me of a dream in which we had over 100 people coming to our corps. He then said, "are you ready?" and that it was to happen within a year! AMEN and "Let it be so Lord Jesus". May God by His power at work within His church and His saints accomplish this.
Just wanted to pass on the encouraging word - do you have doubts about this fellow saints of Homer? Remember that with God all things are possible - nothing is impossible with God - He can do immeasurable more than all we ask, dare, hope or imagine - if we abide in Him we will bear much fruit (because we are connected to the vine).
May God completely shatter what we have come to believe is "rational" growth. Lord give us a supernatural increase not because of us, but for YOUR GREAT NAME.
Now - to my soldiers and friends abroad we covet your prayers.
To my soldiers and fellow saints in Homer - preach the good news that Jesus died for the sins of the world, He rose again, and offers salvation to all who will repent of their sins, turn to Him alone and believe. Go live a transformed life of pure holiness unto the Lord. Then keep your eyes wide open looking for both opportunities and GROWTH for HIS KINGDOM.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
I just wanted to pass on this prophetic word given to me at camp this past week. Another salvationist (a new friend) prayed over me while feeling ill and I felt the best I had in weeks (praise be to God). In addition to that amazing relief from my illness he told me of a dream in which we had over 100 people coming to our corps. He then said, "are you ready?" and that it was to happen within a year! AMEN and "Let it be so Lord Jesus". May God by His power at work within His church and His saints accomplish this.
Just wanted to pass on the encouraging word - do you have doubts about this fellow saints of Homer? Remember that with God all things are possible - nothing is impossible with God - He can do immeasurable more than all we ask, dare, hope or imagine - if we abide in Him we will bear much fruit (because we are connected to the vine).
May God completely shatter what we have come to believe is "rational" growth. Lord give us a supernatural increase not because of us, but for YOUR GREAT NAME.
Now - to my soldiers and friends abroad we covet your prayers.
To my soldiers and fellow saints in Homer - preach the good news that Jesus died for the sins of the world, He rose again, and offers salvation to all who will repent of their sins, turn to Him alone and believe. Go live a transformed life of pure holiness unto the Lord. Then keep your eyes wide open looking for both opportunities and GROWTH for HIS KINGDOM.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Captain's meditation on Revelation 3:14-22
I have preached on, and heard many sermons and studies on the Laodicean church, but a comment in a sermon called "lukewarm no more" by Mark Cahill really touched me yesterday.
Go ahead and look up Revelation 3:14-22 and read God's Word for yourself.
After mentioning the words of Jesus, that because He knows their deeds and that they are neither hot nor cold he is going to spit (or vomit) them out of His mouth, we are reminded that this rebuke is because Jesus says I LOVE YOU.
I won't preach the whole passage now - but you really should read it.
After mentioning to this lukewarm church about how they make Jesus sick we read these lines...
verse 17 You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. 19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. 21 To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."
Even when I make Christ sick with my "lukewarm" living - He still loves me. I know this through and through, but as I considered the aspects of my life that are lukewarm and was convicted that He deserves so much more (and hotter) from my life - again I hear the reassuring words of God's love to me.
Today, if you are truly saved by trusting alone in Christ as your Savior, and have proof of your salvation seen in a life change and words and deeds to reflect what He has done for you,... and if you know you are lukewarm (perhaps in personal out-loud hot evangelism - or on fire holy living seeking only His glory in all things)... and if you feel conviction for it - know this - God's conviction, even rebuke, is a call from a Loving God who is calling you back to higher and "hotter" living.
Receive the loving call of Christ to return to being "fired up" for Him.
Let's live on fire for Christ today.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Go ahead and look up Revelation 3:14-22 and read God's Word for yourself.
After mentioning the words of Jesus, that because He knows their deeds and that they are neither hot nor cold he is going to spit (or vomit) them out of His mouth, we are reminded that this rebuke is because Jesus says I LOVE YOU.
I won't preach the whole passage now - but you really should read it.
After mentioning to this lukewarm church about how they make Jesus sick we read these lines...
verse 17 You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. 19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. 21 To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."
Even when I make Christ sick with my "lukewarm" living - He still loves me. I know this through and through, but as I considered the aspects of my life that are lukewarm and was convicted that He deserves so much more (and hotter) from my life - again I hear the reassuring words of God's love to me.
Today, if you are truly saved by trusting alone in Christ as your Savior, and have proof of your salvation seen in a life change and words and deeds to reflect what He has done for you,... and if you know you are lukewarm (perhaps in personal out-loud hot evangelism - or on fire holy living seeking only His glory in all things)... and if you feel conviction for it - know this - God's conviction, even rebuke, is a call from a Loving God who is calling you back to higher and "hotter" living.
Receive the loving call of Christ to return to being "fired up" for Him.
Let's live on fire for Christ today.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Sunday's Sermon - live and die with joy
Sorry that the audio is a little poor this week because of a recording error - it should be back to normal next week.
To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here for audio or download options.
For a simple fill in the blank page and a written outline of this message see the full size sermon player at the bottom of this page - next to today's title is a PDF of my preaching notes.
For past sermons or podcasting see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page. Choose a message by title OR click the podcasting icon at the bottom of the sermon player.
You can also access my sermon player (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here for audio or download options.
For a simple fill in the blank page and a written outline of this message see the full size sermon player at the bottom of this page - next to today's title is a PDF of my preaching notes.
For past sermons or podcasting see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page. Choose a message by title OR click the podcasting icon at the bottom of the sermon player.
You can also access my sermon player (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Have a blessed Sunday! - A Camp Report
Hello soldiers, Friends, and fellow followers of Jesus Christ,
A great report having returned from camp. We had 90 kids between S.A.Y. (7-12 year olds) and Teen camp (13-18). Some interesting challenges - yes. Many troubled kids - yes. (This was not just for Salvation Army youth, but open to all the communities of Alaska).
I was only really a part of Teen Camp, but saw many make recommitments, heard many truly considering the things of Christ, saw an acquaintance from long ago (who has been away from "the church") come back with her family and even have the chance to minister to a young person. Her quote was "that young 13 year old girl has no idea how much she blessed me". What an amazing thing when God restores us both to Him and also to His service. I also got to see someone who Michelle and I have invested a lot into over the years serving beyond her comfort zone (after some time away from "the work").
Although physically and emotionally draining being right with the teens 24 hours a day - there were great opportunities and victories. One of my favorite quotes from camp was from a young man in my cabin asking if I was going to read again from the Bible before they went to sleep.
God is so good, the ministry of The Salvation Army King's Lake Camp was great, and the standard at how safe the camp was for everyone involved (on a child safety level) was extraordinary.
May God continue to bless the "camp" experience and produce fruit from all the seeds planted.
For your Sunday today - make sure you take time to read from His Holy Word, to seek Him in prayer, to lift up your voice in a time of Praise and Thanksgiving, and share His gospel with someone you care about (friend, family, or stranger) today.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
A great report having returned from camp. We had 90 kids between S.A.Y. (7-12 year olds) and Teen camp (13-18). Some interesting challenges - yes. Many troubled kids - yes. (This was not just for Salvation Army youth, but open to all the communities of Alaska).
I was only really a part of Teen Camp, but saw many make recommitments, heard many truly considering the things of Christ, saw an acquaintance from long ago (who has been away from "the church") come back with her family and even have the chance to minister to a young person. Her quote was "that young 13 year old girl has no idea how much she blessed me". What an amazing thing when God restores us both to Him and also to His service. I also got to see someone who Michelle and I have invested a lot into over the years serving beyond her comfort zone (after some time away from "the work").
Although physically and emotionally draining being right with the teens 24 hours a day - there were great opportunities and victories. One of my favorite quotes from camp was from a young man in my cabin asking if I was going to read again from the Bible before they went to sleep.
God is so good, the ministry of The Salvation Army King's Lake Camp was great, and the standard at how safe the camp was for everyone involved (on a child safety level) was extraordinary.
May God continue to bless the "camp" experience and produce fruit from all the seeds planted.
For your Sunday today - make sure you take time to read from His Holy Word, to seek Him in prayer, to lift up your voice in a time of Praise and Thanksgiving, and share His gospel with someone you care about (friend, family, or stranger) today.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
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