Hello Soldiers & fellow followers of Jesus,
I'm not going to blog this weekend as we are heading off for family camp in Wasilla. I will start up blogging daily again when I return so keep checking back!
Just a quick reminder - The soldiers of Homer will still hold church services - Sunday school at the Corps at 10:00 am and holiness meeting at 11:00 am. Don't think that simply because the "officer" (pastor) is gone that the saints can't have an encounter with God in His Church - so pray for the holiness meeting in town, and all those gathering together at Family Camp too - He's the God of the double portion - we can all get blessed this weekend!
For those wanting to caravan together we will leave for camp on Friday the 31st at 8:30 from the Corps.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Witnessing to "Pirate Bob"
Hello soldiers and fellow followers of Jesus,
I just wanted to ask if you've witnessed to your "Pirate Bob" yet.
In our little town of Homer (about 5,000 people) it seems everybody know, or knows of, everybody else. This past week both Captain Michelle and I had separate encounters with who we called "Pirate Bob" (did I mention he wears an eye patch). We see him around every year, always hitch hiking or needing an "annual" clothing voucher - he is homeless and seems to disappear for the winter. Although we have helped him through the thrift store neither of us have every had personal contact with him.
This past week I finally stopped to talk with him because he recognised the uniform and asked me for help while I was out about town (NOTE TO SOLIDER & OFFICERS - wear your uniforms PLEASE they are great witnessing tools - I'll save a rant for another blog). After kneeling down to his level (sitting by some bushes at the job center in town) I took the time to ask what he needed and listen to his story for a little while. After promising to come back I went and got what I thought would at least help his immediate need a little. I had intended to dive into a spiritual conversation one way or another on my return. When I got back he was reading a small new testament (which he told me he got for free at our thrift store). To help decide where he was with the Lord I asked, "who is Jesus to you". Without going into the whole story he did have some understanding of Christ and the gospel and had made a commitment on some level to Him. In the end I know I have opened a door to future talks and at least know he's has a bible and knows the gospel message. Before I left I prayed over my brother, and mentioned the way of salvation again in prayer.
Now for you... If you are like me there are a lot more folks in town, many I see every day (could I shamefully even admit that some I interact with everyday) who haven't had me start a spiritual conversation with - convicted I'd have to say - yes there are.
So let's do something about it!
Have you witnessed to your "pirate Bob" yet? Eternity is a stake. Share the gospel with someone you care about (friend or stranger) today.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
I just wanted to ask if you've witnessed to your "Pirate Bob" yet.
In our little town of Homer (about 5,000 people) it seems everybody know, or knows of, everybody else. This past week both Captain Michelle and I had separate encounters with who we called "Pirate Bob" (did I mention he wears an eye patch). We see him around every year, always hitch hiking or needing an "annual" clothing voucher - he is homeless and seems to disappear for the winter. Although we have helped him through the thrift store neither of us have every had personal contact with him.
This past week I finally stopped to talk with him because he recognised the uniform and asked me for help while I was out about town (NOTE TO SOLIDER & OFFICERS - wear your uniforms PLEASE they are great witnessing tools - I'll save a rant for another blog). After kneeling down to his level (sitting by some bushes at the job center in town) I took the time to ask what he needed and listen to his story for a little while. After promising to come back I went and got what I thought would at least help his immediate need a little. I had intended to dive into a spiritual conversation one way or another on my return. When I got back he was reading a small new testament (which he told me he got for free at our thrift store). To help decide where he was with the Lord I asked, "who is Jesus to you". Without going into the whole story he did have some understanding of Christ and the gospel and had made a commitment on some level to Him. In the end I know I have opened a door to future talks and at least know he's has a bible and knows the gospel message. Before I left I prayed over my brother, and mentioned the way of salvation again in prayer.
Now for you... If you are like me there are a lot more folks in town, many I see every day (could I shamefully even admit that some I interact with everyday) who haven't had me start a spiritual conversation with - convicted I'd have to say - yes there are.
So let's do something about it!
- If you are a solider get your uniform on and people will come to you if you are available.
- If you are a follower of Jesus (uniform wearing or not) get bold, don't be ashamed, what can man do to us, share your faith.
- Remember it is God who makes things grow - so technically you can't mess up what He wants to do correct??? So just go plant some seeds - share your story - start a conversation - dive in and let the Holy Spirit direct the encounter.
Have you witnessed to your "pirate Bob" yet? Eternity is a stake. Share the gospel with someone you care about (friend or stranger) today.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
I should have runned away from my brain - overcoming temptation
"I should have runned away from my brain"
Quite the comment right? These are the profound words of my 6 year old right before the good spanking for disobeying (a repeat offense I might add).
The first time she expressed the concept of temptation she said "her head told her to do it" and she said, "no, I'll get in trouble". She told me this conversation went back and forth about 3 times (word for word) and then... "I did it".
We discussed the greater biblical concepts of taking your thoughts captive, running away from sin, that you will always get caught eventually, and the inevitability of consequences (not with all those big words of course - but she got the point).
After that first time, following discussing, and punishment there was sorrow, forgiveness, and restoration.
Just a couple days ago she did the same thing again and as I pulled her aside for "the talk" (the kind she knows comes before a spanking) and she started off with with that great phrase, "I should have runned away from my brain".
Wow... out of the mouth of babes, so easy an adult could get it.
Here are two verses for you to recall the next time you need to tell the devil to flee - or to run away from "your brain".
1 Corinthians 10:12-13 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! 13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
James 1:13-15 When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
For your own good and the glory of God - don't forget to "runned away from your brain" if you need to today.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Quite the comment right? These are the profound words of my 6 year old right before the good spanking for disobeying (a repeat offense I might add).
The first time she expressed the concept of temptation she said "her head told her to do it" and she said, "no, I'll get in trouble". She told me this conversation went back and forth about 3 times (word for word) and then... "I did it".
We discussed the greater biblical concepts of taking your thoughts captive, running away from sin, that you will always get caught eventually, and the inevitability of consequences (not with all those big words of course - but she got the point).
After that first time, following discussing, and punishment there was sorrow, forgiveness, and restoration.
Just a couple days ago she did the same thing again and as I pulled her aside for "the talk" (the kind she knows comes before a spanking) and she started off with with that great phrase, "I should have runned away from my brain".
Wow... out of the mouth of babes, so easy an adult could get it.
Here are two verses for you to recall the next time you need to tell the devil to flee - or to run away from "your brain".
1 Corinthians 10:12-13 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! 13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
James 1:13-15 When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
For your own good and the glory of God - don't forget to "runned away from your brain" if you need to today.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Sunday's Sermon - live a life worthy of the gospel
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!
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 26, 2009
Have a blessed Sunday - Faith for Greater things!
My prayer for you, is the same for me, that God would increase our faith - and give us faith for greater things.
On Wednesday night our Corps has a meal and study (currently focused on one to one evangelism) and I mentioned the prophetic word I was given at camp this past week (see the post on July 22nd). When I mentioned it there was an immediate "out loud" praise by several that were there, obviously ready to accept God's Word that growth should be a part of every Christian Community, church, and Corps.
Lord give us faith to believe that if we will do our part (obedience) that you will be faithful - not because we did anything great, but simply to exalt Your Name. Lord give us faith for greater things.
In our Salvation Army Songbook #769 Albert Orsborn penned these words...
What a work the Lord has done
1. What a work the Lord has done by his saving grace;
Let us praise him, every one, in his holy place.
He has saved us gloriously, led us onward faithfully,
Yet he promised we should see even greater things.
Greater things! Greater things!
Give us faith, O Lord, we pray,
Faith for greater things.
2. Sanctify thy name, O Lord, by thy people here,
For the altar or the sword! Save us from our fear
When the battle rages fast; Help us in the fiery blast,
Let us not be overcast, Prove thy greater things.
3. Every comrade, Lord, we pray, Thou wilt richly bless;
Lead us forth into the fray, One in holiness,
One in faith and harmony, One in perfect charity;
Then we know that we shall see even greater things.
On Wednesday night our Corps has a meal and study (currently focused on one to one evangelism) and I mentioned the prophetic word I was given at camp this past week (see the post on July 22nd). When I mentioned it there was an immediate "out loud" praise by several that were there, obviously ready to accept God's Word that growth should be a part of every Christian Community, church, and Corps.
Lord give us faith to believe that if we will do our part (obedience) that you will be faithful - not because we did anything great, but simply to exalt Your Name. Lord give us faith for greater things.
In our Salvation Army Songbook #769 Albert Orsborn penned these words...
What a work the Lord has done
1. What a work the Lord has done by his saving grace;
Let us praise him, every one, in his holy place.
He has saved us gloriously, led us onward faithfully,
Yet he promised we should see even greater things.
Greater things! Greater things!
Give us faith, O Lord, we pray,
Faith for greater things.
2. Sanctify thy name, O Lord, by thy people here,
For the altar or the sword! Save us from our fear
When the battle rages fast; Help us in the fiery blast,
Let us not be overcast, Prove thy greater things.
3. Every comrade, Lord, we pray, Thou wilt richly bless;
Lead us forth into the fray, One in holiness,
One in faith and harmony, One in perfect charity;
Then we know that we shall see even greater things.
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