The Homer Corps Blog

A New Blog!!!

2010-10-14T16:35:00.000-08:00

Hello soldiers, friends, and fellow followers of Jesus Christ,

This is a quick note to let you know that this blog is changing hands. I will now be blogging at a new site.
http://verbalwitness.blogspot.com/

I hope you will check it out and specifically think of how each of us can better be a verbal witness for our Savior.

Lt. Jeff Josephson and his wife Lt. Michelle Josephson have not only taken over the work of Corps Officers in Homer, but they will also be taking over this blog site as well. My prayer is that you, along with them, will continue to use every means possible to encourage one another in holiness, good works, and the sharing of the gospel message that whoever will repent of their sins and turn to Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins, will be saved!

Our prayers are with God's Kingdom business from Homer to the uttermost parts of the earth.

I hope we will keep encouraging one another. Keep Lt. Jeff and Michelle in your prayers as they serve in their field in Homer. Remember Capt. Michelle and myself as we take our position as youth leaders for the state in Anchorage.

See you at the other site, and I'll be following the HomerCorps blog.

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Captain Mark Thielenhaus

Homer news article - see link below...

2010-07-03T22:36:00.000-08:00

Salvation Army in Homer sees change in leadership this week

By McKibben Jackinsky - Staff writer - Homer News
http://homernews.com/stories/063010/news_sah.shtml

After eight years in Homer, Capts. Mark and Michelle Thielenhaus of the Salvation Army are headed to other pastures. They left Monday for a new assignment as divisional youth secretaries, with duties to include running camps in Wasilla and other youth work throughout the state.

"It should be a challenge and an adventure. A lot like Homer," a laughing Capt. Mark Thielenhaus told the Homer News.

As they head north to their new assignment, Lts. Jeff and Michelle Josephson and their two teenage sons head to Homer. Recent graduates of the Salvation Army Training College in Rancho Palo Verde, Calif., the Josephsons will pick up where the Thielenhauses leave off. Their schedule had them arriving in Anchorage Tuesday, checked in by the Salvation Army divisional commander Wednesday and released to come to Homer to arrive by Sunday.

"During their two years (at the college), they had a lot of business and Bible (study) and they also have a lot of practical experience doing things you would do at a Salvation Army appointment," Thielenhaus said of the Josephsons, who are officially ordained pastors.

The community will have an opportunity to meet the couple and their sons at the Salvation Army's 11 a.m. service on Sunday.

"One of our divisional commanders, Major Sheryl Tollerud, will officially put the Army stamp of approval that they are the ones here to lead for the town of Homer," said Thielenhaus.

Looking back over his and his wife's years of service in Homer, Thielenhaus summed up what they experienced. When they first arrived, the Salvation Army Thrift Store on Pioneer Avenue was still new. Eight years later, the "store is doing fantastic. It is really what empowers us to stay in this community and serve people, thanks to folks in Homer and their giving," Thielenhaus said.

A 6,370 square foot building also was constructed on the Sterling Highway by North Star Construction during the couple's tenure. The building provides a kitchen, dining area, offices, classrooms, a chapel capable of seating 100 and storage area for stocking food the Salvation Army distributes to those in need.

Thielenhaus praised the volunteers that have supported the Salvation Army's social service program, "and then, of course, all the fantastic relationships with different service groups in town. There are just a lot of fantastic volunteers that give of their time, everything from standing kettles to giving items of food and clothes and all those things. This has just been a fantastic place to live," Thielenhaus said.

One other change in the family's life while living in Homer was the birth of their daughter Crystal, now 7. Their other daughter, Emily, is 11.

"They are excited to be able to live in camp for the summer," Thielenhaus said. "If you must leave the paradise of Homer, I guess we'll settle for a lake in Wasilla."

There is the possibility the couple's new duties will bring them back to Homer on occasion. That's a good thing, but not the most important thing, in Thielenhaus' view.

"We have so many people we consider family at this church and in this town. ... Homer is not too far away for a good visit," he said. "Ultimately, the most important thing of our entire time here is to share the love of Jesus and the message of salvation. That's why we do what we do. ... It's still the same mission of the Army, just a different role for us."

McKibben Jackinsky can be reached at mckibben.jackinsky.@homernews.com.
---------------

It has been an honor to serve the Lord and His Salvation Army.

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Sunday's sermon - Our farewell message to the Homer Corps "Be Careful"

2010-06-27T17:33:00.000-08:00

This was a very emotional day as Captain Michelle, Emily, Crystal, and I say farewell as the Corps Officers (pastors) after 8 amazing years here in Homer. May God bless what He has next for Homer, Lt.'s Josephson continuing the work here, and next things for our family in Anchorage.

May God be glorfied.

To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here.

For a basic manuscript of this message use download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.

For this sermon, past sermons, podcasting options, and countless other preachers check out the sermon site at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer

God bless your study!

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Sunday's Sermon - Get your hands up! Exodus 17

2010-06-21T13:00:00.002-08:00

To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here.

For a basic manuscript of this message use download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.

For this sermon, past sermons, podcasting options, and countless other preachers check out the sermon site at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer

God bless your study!

Live holy, preach Jesus!

The Holy Spirit at the Homer Corps today.

2010-06-20T17:00:00.000-08:00

Just a quick praise (the sermon will be posted soon)... today duirng a time of singing before the message, the Holy Spirit moved and we had a time of unprompted singing, praying, praising, lifting up voices, crying, and sensing his presence. Several minutes of the pure presence of God encountering his people in pure worship. We know and accpet by faith that God is always there among us and I am not an "emotional" person by nature, so when these special times of the Holy Spirit falling comes, they are precious to me. Thank you God for fallling afresh again, it reminds me that You are the same God who met us here upon our assignment to Homer, and You are not done advancing Your Kingdom. May You continue to move and empower and instruct. May your annointing always be here. May we always be faithful to praise and preach the Name of Jesus and encounter Your Holy Spirit. We serve a Risen Savior! Continue to bless Your Salvation Army for Your Glory!!!

Live holy, preach Jesus!

New Corps Officers appointed to Homer - Welcome Lt. Jeff & Lt. Michelle Josephson

2010-06-15T22:03:00.001-08:00

Hello soldiers, saints, and friends of The Salvation Army - Homer Corps,

For all who haven't heard yet, Michelle and I are being transferred to Anchorage Alaska to oversee youth work for the state. The good news is that God in His providential care has hand chosen the next officers to lead the work in Homer Alaska.

Lieutenants Jeff and Michelle Josephson were appointed this past Sunday to be the corps officers of our corps. We watched them and their boys, Miah & Ryan, (via streaming video) be given the appointment.

We still have little information about them at this time besides what has been noted in the New Frontier magazine in the "meet the cadets" section.

We will pass on more information about them as soon as possible. Until you know more, pray that they will have a smooth transition from the Training College to their new home in Alaska. Pray that they be shielded from any attack that would cause them doubt, fear, or worry. Pray for their ability to hear God's direction as they lead. Pray they will sense the overwhelming presence of the Holy Spirit as they move into "new things". Finally pray they be filled with boldness to share the gospel with everyone they meet from their first plane ride..... and that their boldness never cease.

We expect God to do even greater things for the Kingdom here in Homer.

Thank you God for those who have gone before us and bless the Bates and the Hoogstads in their ongoing ministry today. God thank you for calling us to what is next. Thank you for calling the Josephsons. Most importantly, although we all play a part, Thank You for making things grow.

Our prayers go out to all the officers and corps in transition.

May God be glorified.

Live holy, preach Jesus.

Sunday's Sermon - The Manna Test

2010-06-13T23:29:00.000-08:00

To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here.

For a basic manuscript of this message use download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.

For this sermon, past sermons, podcasting options, and countless other preachers check out the sermon site at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer

God bless your study!

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Sunday's sermon - A place called "Bitter"

2010-06-10T10:00:00.002-08:00

To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here.

For a basic manuscript of this message use download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.

For this sermon, past sermons, podcasting options, and countless other preachers check out the sermon site at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer

God bless your study!

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Jr. Soldier Enrollment - Cyrstal Thielenhaus

2010-06-07T21:53:00.001-08:00

Today on my daughter's 7th birthday we enrolled her as a Jr. Soldier. She has been looking forward to this for months. After completing 6 courses on our church history and more importantly basic lessons on salvation and living for Jesus, she was willing to memorize and make this pledge before God.

I asked her to recite her promise again so we could put it on-line for others to enjoy, and maybe even remember their promises (and vows) they have made before the Lord.

This is an amazing promise to make... may we all hold ourselves to this standard for our Savior Jesus Christ. Our Savior is worth it!

To hear her pledge, just click the play arrow below...

Here is the Jr. Soldier promise...

Having asked God for forgiveness, I will trust Him to keep me good.

Because Jesus is my Savior from sin, I will be His loving and obedient child and will try to help others to follow Him.

I promise not to use intoxicating drink, harmful drugs and tobacco.

I promise to pray, to read my Bible, and, by His help, to lead a life that is clean in thought, word and deed.

-----------
Live Holy, preach Jesus!

Sunday's Sermon - To and through the Red Sea

2010-05-23T18:35:00.000-08:00

To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here.

For a basic manuscript of this message use download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.

For this sermon, past sermons, podcasting options, and countless other preachers check out the sermon site at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer

God bless your study!

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Sunday's Sermon - Unchanging facts about change

2010-05-16T14:46:00.000-08:00

To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here.

For a basic manuscript of this message use download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.

For this sermon, past sermons, podcasting options, and countless other preachers check out the sermon site at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer

God bless your study!

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Receiving Marching Orders / New Appointments

2010-05-15T16:38:00.000-08:00

Hello to Soldiers & Friends of The Salvation Army Homer Corps,

For those who haven't heard yet, my wife Michelle and I have been given marching orders and will be transferred to D.Y.S. (Divisional Youth Secretaries) for Alaska. We have about 6 weeks to pack our personal belongings and make arrangements for those coming after us to continue the work in Homer. Our corps here in Homer does not currently have someone appointed to it, so we can assume that we will be getting a new Lieutenant fresh from the College for Officer Training. I believe a fresh set of officers ready to take this community for Jesus, working in conjunction with a corps of soldiers and members of like mind, will make an impact for God's Kingdom. Know that our hearts will always have a special place for this amazing community.

I now would ask you as soldiers and saints to keep our corps family in prayer as they transition to "next things".

I covet your prayers for Michelle and I as we learn a new ministry with a different type of congregation as we will be involved with helping to train up the soldiers of today and tomorrow through camps and support to the field.

Please pray that we would be bold with the gospel as we enter the next phase of our ministry.

I will plan to keep posting for this blog until our transfer (as time allows), and the next officer may continue the site, and I may continue from another, we will see.

My prayer for the Salvation Army as this next phase of new appointments is upon us, is that every "move" and every "stay" will result in a great harvest of souls won to God's Kingdom.

1 Corinthians 3 speaking of following men in positions of earthly leadership says... What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building.

May God Bless His Salvation Army in Homer.

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Sunday's Sermon - A message for the stressed.

2010-05-02T16:39:00.000-08:00

To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here.

For a basic manuscript of this message use download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.

For this sermon, past sermons, podcasting options, and countless other preachers check out the sermon site at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer

God bless your study!

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Jr. Soldier warfare prayer

2010-04-28T13:35:00.002-08:00

Just a quick blog to brag on what the Lord is doing in my daughter Emily's life.

May every Salvation Soldier be motivated to see everyone they meet come to Jesus Christ.

I recently found this prayer request in the offering plate, (I've changed her friends name below)...

Dear Jesus,
I would like to pray for "Sarah" to come closer to You, and to love you so much she'll brag about you so much it will drive the devil crazy. Amen . Emily

I think that's a pretty good warfare evangelism prayer!

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Sunday's Sermon - Is the sermon done yet?

2010-04-25T20:01:00.002-08:00

To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here.

For a basic manuscript of this message use download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.

For this sermon, past sermons, podcasting options, and countless other preachers check out the sermon site at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer

God bless your study!

Live holy, preach Jesus!

One Lord Sunday Meeting this Sunday

2010-04-13T07:57:00.000-08:00

Hello Salvationists, Saints, and Friends of The Salvation Army of Homer,

1st - greetings from all the saints and salvationists who met for the Alaska Congress in Sitka Alaska. Congress was an amazing time, I hope to write more on it later, if not I'm sure it will be mentioned in the New Frontier in coming days.

2nd - Captain Michelle and I are leaving for a memorial service in Kansas and will be gone another week, but the corps programs will continue and God's Army marches on in our absence - and Lord willing in Kansas too. (Please pray for us that we will have chances to share the gospel with people every leg of our trip as well as at the memorial activities).

3rd - Here is the special service announcement. This Sunday is One Lord Sunday when many churches all have a meeting together and agree it's not about our "denominations", it's about Jesus Christ our Risen Savior! This Sunday we will have Sunday School and Bible study early at 9:15 am and the we will join with the believers of Homer at Homer High School at 11:00 am.

Lord willing I will start posting better once we are back from our trip.

We are looking forward to being home at the Corps with you all in another week.

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Sunday's Sermon - What if Jesus didn't rise again?

2010-04-04T19:16:00.001-08:00

To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here.

For a basic manuscript of this message use download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.

For this sermon, past sermons, podcasting options, and countless other preachers check out the sermon site at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer

God bless your study!

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Western Youth Institute 2009 video testimony

2010-04-01T19:02:00.000-08:00

This is a video of a young blind woman who perhaps sees more clearly than I do. This was the high point of WYI for me, not only a great song, but the Spirit moved while she sang and I was brought to tears considering the wonderful love of Jesus.

Listen to her short testimony and her song.

WYI09: Paradox - Leslie's Song (11) from SayTV on Vimeo.

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Sunday's Sermon - Jesus and the Health Care Bill

2010-03-28T20:57:00.000-08:00

If you're reading this on facebook... For this sermon, past sermons, podcasting options, and countless other preachers check out the sermon site at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer

To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here.

For a basic manuscript of this message use download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.

God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!

Sunday's sermon- What to pray when you're at war

2010-03-21T20:37:00.000-08:00

Emily's Testimony

2010-03-21T19:01:00.001-08:00

Today my daughter Emily (who is 11 years old next month) had her Jr. Soldier renewal day (when she renews her vows to live for God as a Jr. Soldier in The Salvation Army. She asked if she could say something about witnessing, so she gave a short preachamony (part testimony, part preachin'). We had recently talked about the events of Columbine High School and Rachel Scott and what it means to be a Martyr. May this be one of many messages she gives, inside the church, and without!

(If you're reading this on facebook - go to HomerCorps.blogspot.com to listen to her testimony)

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Sunday's Sermon - Pray like you're at war

2010-03-14T20:46:00.001-08:00

Sunday's Sermon - The weapon of The Word.

2010-03-07T16:15:00.001-09:00

Why does bad stuff happen?

2010-03-05T11:48:00.001-09:00

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Commissioners Knaggs appointed to succeed Commissioners Swyers - USA West

2010-03-02T13:39:00.002-09:00

COMMISSIONERS JAMES AND CAROLYN KNAGGS, officers of the USA Eastern Territory, currently serving as territorial leaders of the Australia Southern Territory, are appointed as territorial leaders of the USA Western Territory. Commissioner James Knaggs is appointed as Territorial Commander, USA Western Territory, and Commissioner Carolyn Knaggs as Territorial President of Women’s Ministries. They will succeed Commissioners Philip and Patricia Swyers who will be retiring from active service.

Here is a link to a short biography on Commissioners Knaggs.

http://salvationarmy.org.au/about-us/history-and-heritage/profiles-of-individuals/commanders-of-the-salvation-army-australia-southern-territory/commissioners-james-and-carolyn-knaggs.html?s=727422602

On a personal note I have follwed some of Commissioner James Knaggs messages at different times this past year. Each time I was encouraged that he appeared to be a man of vision and a desire to see Kingdom growth happening in The Salvation Army.

May God bless His Army, and may we bless God as we are obedient to Him in all things, primarily the bold proclamation of the message of salvation found in Jesus Christ alone.

To God be the Glory - and continue to pray for our Army, it's leaders, it's soldiers, & it's mission!

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Junk-mail evangelism - no postage necessary?

2010-03-01T17:48:00.003-09:00

Hello all,

Here's a simply evangelism idea I started doing this week. Every time you get one of those annoying junk mail, or credit card offers, just save the envelopes (you know the kind that are no postage necessary).

This week instead of ripping them up, I simply put a gospel tract or two inside, seal it up, (no postage required), and drop it in the mail when I swing by next time.

It's an interesting thought that a company has paid for the United States Postal service to hand deliver a gospel message right into the hands of one of their employees.

It's not near as bold as an open air, or sharing with your friend, family, co-worker, school mate, or stranger you meet during your day (WHICH YOU MUST DO), but it takes just a much time to throw the envelope away, and you never know what God can do with a simple gospel tract opened by the right person, at just the right time.

If companies will spend tons of money to sell you something you don't even need (or want), certainly we can pass on the amazing offer of eternal life through Jesus Christ to someone who is dying to hear it.

Just another way I want to encourage you to share the gospel with everyone you know before Easter! Take the challenge and drop me a line as to how you are doing.

Live holy, preach Jesus!

This is a test to post to facebook

2010-03-01T15:58:00.001-09:00

I am trying to automatically post my blog posts to my facebook account. Thanks for your patience.

Sunday's Sermon - Put on your thinking cap (helmet of salvation)

2010-02-28T17:39:00.001-09:00

Evangelism challenge for LENT

2010-02-22T15:44:00.002-09:00

Here's a challenge for you for the lent season....

You could give up something up for lent (40 days from Ash Wednesday this week and continues until Easter Sunday - April 3rd).

You could give up something like fasting from food or a specific thing like coffee, or chocolate, or you could give up television or face book. Of course there's no brownie points just for giving stuff up for God, unless you are redeeming that time or money to put into bettering His Kingdom. Also, of course, if anything is more important than God in your life - it is idolatry, so make sure everything comes after Him.

How about this year for lent, you commit to share the gospel message with absolutely everyone you know before Easter Sunday.

What if you sent everyone on your facebook friends list an email with the gospel message?

What if you told everyone you work with, every family member, everyone you regularly "bump into" the gospel message?

What if you just were obedient to Jesus command to preach the good news to all creation for the next 40 days leading up to Easter Sunday?

What if you determined in your heart, fully dedicated to your Savior from Hell and sin, that you would take every opportunity to start a spiritual conversation with everyone you met?

How many people would you get to share with in the next 40 days?

Everyone you can think of will die and pass into eternity and they will spend it one of two places, heaven or hell, and heaven is only for those who have repented of their sins and placed their trust in Jesus Christ alone.

If you will step out in faith and do it, I challenge you to shoot me an email or a comment and let me know of some of your encounters or conversations.

How about this year instead of just giving something up - although that may be right to do - how about we actually obey the Lord's instructions to "go and be my witnesses"?

Sounds like a Salvationist goal to me.

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Sunday's sermon - Faith that works

2010-02-21T21:33:00.001-09:00

Got Eternal Life? Do you know for sure that you will have eternal life in Heaven with God?

2010-02-20T21:12:00.001-09:00

Got Eternal Life? Do you know for sure that you will have eternal life in Heaven with God?

Sunday's Sermon - The Shield of Faith part 1

2010-02-17T11:31:00.004-09:00

Guns for Bibles - From Captain's Blog

2010-02-12T07:46:00.003-09:00

Thanks to Captain Rob Reardon - his link is on the left "Captain's Blog". Here is a re-post of his article. God is good!
---

Salvation Army Helps Tribes in Papua New Guinea Exchange their Guns for Bibles
Wed at 9:17am

TWENTY-SIX years of tribal fighting in a remote region of Papua New Guinea have been brought to a close thanks to a Salvation Army programme that involved warriors swapping their guns for Bibles.

The fighting, which began after an accusation of sorcery, took place between two groups of Zugu, Taro and Tawansaru villages and the Amusa, Tarotu, Fusa and Takaitu villages of Okapa District. Because of the area's remoteness, government authorities, community leaders and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) were unable to bring peace. The only people who could enter the villages were pastors from various churches.

Male children were raised to fight. Mothers were frustrated and saddened by giving birth to baby boys and raising them, only to find that later in life they would take up arms and fight like their fathers. Some even took the drastic step of killing male babies in the hope that this would stop the endless fighting.

In recent years the warring tribes heard about The Salvation Army Community Advancement and Reform Enhancement (CARE PNG) programme operating out of its Misapi outpost. The officer (minister) from Misapi, Captain Michael Hemuno, and CARE field officer Danny Glendumu visited the warring area and raised awareness of the possibility of peace.

In November 2008 The Salvation Army arranged a week-long peace training programme, facilitated by students from Divine Word University. Some 40 men and women leaders from both tribes attended. They all stayed in the same house for seven days and nights, eating, talking and sharing together. It was a challenging test for the beginning of a new era. Active warriors and the most influential Okapian sorcerers were among the group.

The leaders ended the training with a Highlands mumu, symbolising an end to fighting and beginning of peace. This was the start of the peace process involving each tribe deciding whether or not to have peace.

Almost a year later a peace ceremony was held, signifying a final end to the conflict.

Salvation Army leaders travelled to the ceremony by helicopter – the only realistic way to get to such a remote setting. Luggage was very limited so 300 Bibles were delivered by villagers from Misapi via a three-day foot journey.

Guests of honour were Lieut-Colonels Hans (Chief Secretary) and Marja van Vliet. They were accompanied by Major James Cocker (Secretary for Personnel), who had previously walked to the village on another visit, and Major David Temine, the divisional commander in charge of Salvation Army work in this portion of the Highlands.

More than 1,000 people made their way to the ceremony, some travelling for days.

Lieut-Colonel Hans van Vliet told everyone that this was a fresh start for the region, but that laying down weapons and items used in sorcery was not enough. 'You know what tribal warfare is all about. Many relatives have died,' he said. 'Leaders, you are making the promise not only in front of us but also in front of God. You must change within your mind, heart and soul.'

He said the new chapter in their lives should be one of love and care for their neighbors. Then two live pigs were presented, one to each of the warring groups as a token of appreciation for their peace efforts.

During the exchange process, one man accompanied his young son, who was carrying a gun. The man explained with tears in his eyes that he did not want his son to have to use such weapons and live the kind of life he had experienced, but he wanted him to be able to live in peace with other tribes. Both father and son left with a Bible.

Tribal leaders from both factions called on the national and provincial governments to allocate their share of development funds to the three main churches in the area – New Tribes and Lutheran churches and The Salvation Army – with the idea that these could build health centres and schools for the local people.

---
Thanks Rob, thanks for sharing. God is amazing!

Ephesians 2:13-17 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.

Take the message of peace with God through Jesus Christ - to someone at war with Him today!

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Sunday's Sermon- Footwear for taking a stand

2010-02-07T20:42:00.001-09:00

Sunday's Sermon - Do you own a bullet proof vest?

2010-02-02T11:09:00.001-09:00

Don't Cry - He is Risen!

2010-01-26T09:36:00.002-09:00

This passed on to me by Captain Rob Reardon via Eric Himes, thanks men!

Although some of the lyrics include the words "don't cry, He is risen" I know that it referred to sorrow, but as I listen I wept with joy, for He is risen indeed!

OH YEAH!!!!! Sidenote - Samuel Ljungblahd is a Salvationist AND he's wearing a SA high collar uniform!!! REPRESENT!!!!

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Sunday's Sermon - Don't forget to buckle up

2010-01-25T06:00:00.001-09:00

No Sunday's Sermon - Just Praises

2010-01-18T07:52:00.002-09:00

Hello soldiers, friends of The Salvation Army Homer Corps, and fellow followers of Jesus,

This past Sunday I took some young adults to a youth discipleship retreat and Captain Michelle stayed behind to lead our worship service and holiness meeting. In the end she was led to make it a day of singing, praise, and testimony.

Since everything was a little different we did not get an audio of the day, so join us again next week for our sermon series on the armor of God.

To hear past sermons just visit...
http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Updates on Haiti & The Salvation Army relief

2010-01-13T15:56:00.005-09:00

For updates on Haiti please visit....
http://blog.salvationarmyusa.org/
OR
http://www.salvationarmyhaiti.org/
OR
http://www.expectchange.dreamhosters.com/

God please come along side all those who are mourning, hurting, and serving in your Name.

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Sunday's Sermon - Christianity is a battleground not a playground

2010-01-10T17:45:00.003-09:00

Letter from the General - "Beginnings"

2010-01-08T11:06:00.001-09:00

PASTORAL LETTER SEVENTEEN (from the office of the General)

BEGINNINGS

Dear Fellow Salvationists,

Through this first Pastoral Letter of 2010 I greet you warmly in the sacred name of Jesus. In these opening weeks of the New Year I lift you up to God in prayer. May the Divine Presence be very real to each one of you at this time of new beginnings. May you sense the Lord's nearness day by day, moment by moment.

The theme of this 17th Pastoral Letter is 'Beginnings'.

Another year is a gift from God to each of us. The very newness of it causes us to pause and take stock of our lives. It is good to do this from time to time.

We can, first of all, cast a backward glance over our shoulders to review the year that has just closed. Can you see the gracious hand of the Lord in it: in the things that have happened in your life, and in the events impacting the lives of your loved ones and friends? It is a time to pause and give thanks to Almighty God for his promised presence with us through all the days of 2009. He has been there in the good and in the bad times. He has seen us through. He has been faithful.

Next we look ahead. It is a very great mercy that the future is veiled. This prompts our hearts to reach out still further to God as consciously we put our trust in him for the unknown days ahead. A time of new beginnings is a time also for new trust.

Let us find a quiet moment in which to tell the Lord that we do indeed love and trust him. It is a very great help to our souls to do this deliberately, with full intentionality. This quiet moment of rededication will become perhaps a source of great strength, of great grace, in the days ahead. Let it be a renewing of your love for God, a renewing of your devotion, a renewing of your willingness to serve him and to be seen and known by all as his disciple.

Then having placed our lives afresh before him in this manner, we can place our loved ones again into his loving care and protection.

For example, how good it is to pray for one's spouse, to speak aloud the name of a husband or a wife in prayer. The best marriages, marriages that endure, are built on such foundations. How helpful it is when a husband and wife can sit quietly together to pray aloud for each other and for the whole family circle. It is especially important to do this at a time of new beginnings and before the gentle, calm blessedness of Christmas has faded.

How good it is also to pray for one's children, naming them aloud before the Throne of Grace. God hears these prayers. They are never wasted. God's ear is inclined toward those who seek his guidance and protection for their children. Christian parents often make such prayers, as do Christian grandparents and Christian aunts and uncles. I say again: these prayers are never wasted.

This season of new beginnings allows us to place before the Lord also the hopes we have in our hearts concerning our daily work. Many of you reading this are Salvation Army officers making plans for the spiritual advancement of those you lead and those you serve in Christ's name. I say to you, 'May God bless those plans, those sacred ambitions for the souls of others.'

Many of you are local officers in the Army, holding sacred hopes that 2010 will see your service more fruitful for God than ever before. I join you in that good hope and I share the Spirit-prompted ambitions for your Kingdom-work.

I know also that many of you have influence over our young people in the Army. God bless you for that! I pray that you will be guided in all things by the Holy Spirit and that you will be given wisdom to lead many a young person into a new beginning with God.

Finally, I request that you continue to pray for me as we enter 2010. I need your prayers. Please pray for wisdom from God to be my portion, and also for physical strength to be granted day by day.

Commissioner Helen Clifton joins me in greeting you as we commend you each one to the matchless love of the Saviour.

God be with you.

Yours in Christ

Shaw Clifton
General

---------
Live holy, preach Jesus!

Sunday's Sermon - New Year's resolutions from the wisest man who ever lived.

2010-01-04T06:00:00.001-09:00

Reading your Bible Facts... not enough time?

2010-01-01T11:40:00.003-09:00

Did you know it takes very little time in God's Word each day to read it through each year.

· If you read 1 chapter each weekday (m-f) you will read the whole New Testament in one year
· If you read just 2 chapters a day you would read all of the New Testament, Proverbs, and the entire book of Psalms in one year
· If you committed 3 chapters a day a day and 5 on Sundays, you will read the the whole bible through completely every year
· If you will give God and yourself the privilege of 4 chapters a day, you could read all of the Bible through as well as either the Psalms or the whole New Testament a second time, EACH YEAR.

God has written out instructions for you to govern your life by, has advice for everything relating to life and godliness, speaks to all situations, and promises that if you apply it you cannot help but be blessed. MAKE TIME FOR HIS WORD THIS YEAR.
-------

Some Bible trivia - the middle Chapter of the bible is Psalm 118 (there are 1189 chapters in the Bible). Psalm 118 is after 117 (which is the shortest chapter in the Bible) and is before 119 (which is the longest chapter in the Bible).

The middle verse of the Bible is Psalms 118:8 which reads... It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.
-----------

Enjoy God's Word this year!

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Quote by J.C. Ryle passed on by my friend Bryan Lowe...

2010-01-01T10:39:00.003-09:00

Amidst the flood of dangerous reading, I plead for my Master's book, I call upon you not to forget the book of the soul. Do not let newspapers, novels, and romances be read, while the prophets and Apostles be despised. Do not let the exciting and sensual swallow up your attention, while the edifying and the sanctifying can find no place in your mind. --J.C. Ryle

------------

It's a new year - pick a bible reading plan - Any bible reading plan - and start reading daily to do whatever you read.

---------------

Live holy, preach Jesus!

C.S. Lewis Quote...

2009-12-31T11:33:00.001-09:00

A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word, 'darkness' on the walls of his cell.

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Sunday's Sermon - Ending the new year with advent faith!

2009-12-27T16:39:00.001-09:00

Make room!

2009-12-24T11:23:00.003-09:00

Make sure you take time to seek a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ this Christmas.

Remember that when we read "there was no room for Mary and Joseph in the inn", it wasn't that there was actually no room, it's that they didn't MAKE ROOM. Had Herod arrived and demanded a room, people would have thrown out other guests in order to make room, even given up their own room for him... once you realize that Jesus is both Lord and Savior you must repent of your sins and make room to put Him first in all things and every area of your life in order to claim His promise to abide with you and you in Him.

Put Jesus first - because He is and will not settle for second place in your life, "Jesus is either Lord of all, or He's not your Lord at all".

Seek the Christ we celebrate at Christmas.

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Sunday's Sermon - The gifts of the first Christmas celebartions.

2009-12-21T20:03:00.001-09:00

Forwarding this from a friend ... Improv Everywhere: Guerrilla Handbell Strikeforce

2009-12-18T11:10:00.003-09:00

You've got to wonder what this bell ringer what thinking??????.... enjoy....

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Kettle Cartoon

2009-12-15T16:00:00.000-09:00

Live holy, preach Jesus.

Sunday's Sermon - How Bethlehem missed Christmas

2009-12-14T06:00:00.001-09:00

To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here.

For a basic manuscript of this message use download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.

For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer

special note... Much of this sermon was from a sermon by Andy Cook of LifeWay - originally published in Proclaim Online. Original sermon & powerpoint at http://www.lifeway.com/article/?id=166513

God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!

Classic Christmas message - Luke 2:8-20

2009-12-13T06:00:00.000-09:00

Charles Schulz found the gift of Christmas, coming to faith in Christ as a child, and returning home after service in World War II with very strong Christian beliefs. For a while, even worked as a writer for a Christian magazine. But he found fame, of course, as the creator of “Peanuts,” the most famous comic strip in history. Ironically, in 1965, television producers almost turned away the Shultz’ most successful project of all. When the first screening of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” was seen, executive producer Lee Mendelson says that CBS network executives hated the show. "They said it was slow," says Mendelson, who, along with animator Bill Melendez, told Schulz, "You can't read from the Bible on network television." Schulz's desires prevailed, however, and the simple cartoon special garnered an unbelievable 50 percent of the nation's viewers that first year. It went on to win both an Emmy and a Peabody award. Pop Culture experts affirm that the program, now considered an icon, draws strength from its back-to-the-basics approach. The ironic thing is that the program, which intentionally turned away from a materialistic view of Christmas, has become a huge corporate moneymaker. During its 40th broadcast, it won its timeslot in terms of total viewers (15.4 million), and led all adult, teen, and children's demographics. It also earned over $6 million in ad revenue, as companies paid over $200,000 for each commercial airing with it. Schulz's widow, Jeannie, is not surprised that the show has earned such large profits, saying, "[Charles] said there would always be a market for innocence." (Source: Bill Nichols, "The Christmas Classic That Almost Wasn't," USA Today, December 6, 2005, pp. 1-2A; "You're a Good Magnet for Holiday Ads, Charlie Brown," LATimes.com).

------------------------
Take time to seek the Christ of Christmas this holy season.

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Homer News Report of Holiday efforts

2009-12-10T20:08:00.002-09:00

Here is a story about our local Salvation Army in the paper this week.

Read the whole article here...
http://www.homernews.com/stories/120909/news_1_008.shtml

Blessings,

Live holy, preach Jesus.

Sermon Audio Problems fixed!

2009-12-07T20:25:00.002-09:00

Hello soldiers and friends,

Special thanks to Craig for telling me of the audio problem with my last 6 entries. They have all been corrected and should be fine from here on out. Please let me know if there are any further problems, but hopefully the bug is fixed.

You can go back and listen or download them again and they should be fine.

Thanks for listening and remember... we will try to keep my voice as clear as possible, but make sure you can here HIS.

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Sermon audio problems???? Past 5 Sermons & soldier enrollment

2009-12-07T19:00:00.004-09:00

Hello to all those who listen to my sermons on-line,

Right now there is an audio problem with my past 5 sermon (and soldier enrollment) audio files, I'm sorry for the problem and hope to have them fixed shortly. If there are any others that aren't working correctly please let me know.

Thanks for listening, and God bless.

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Sunday's Sermon - The Church Leaders who missed Christmas

2009-12-07T06:00:00.001-09:00

To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here.

For a basic manuscript of this message use download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.

For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer

special note... Much of this sermon was from a sermon by Andy Cook of LifeWay - originally published in Proclaim Online. Original sermon & powerpoint at http://www.lifeway.com/article/?id=166511

God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!

Salvation Army red kettles now accepting prayer requests

2009-12-04T21:29:00.002-09:00

Great story from my fellow comrads in Spokane.

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Captain's meditation on Luke 11:28

2009-12-03T06:00:00.001-09:00

Luke 11:27-28 27 As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, "Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you." 28 He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."

Just a quick thought as we enter the Holy Season of Christmas...

What an amazing thing for God to choose Mary herself to be so privileged as to give birth to God incarnate - Immanuel. But Jesus Himself says, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."

Would you like to be as blessed as Mary???? Read God's Word... Hear God's Word.... and do what it says.

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Quote from Samuel Logan Brengle

2009-12-02T06:00:00.000-09:00

Someone recently passed this great quote to me, apparently from Brengle...

Samuel Brengle (Salvation Army) said, "The axe cannot boast of the trees it has cut down. It could do nothing but for the woodsman. He made it, he sharpened it, he used it. The moment he throws it aside, it becomes only old iron. O that I may never lose sight of this."

Live holy, preach Jesus!

No special emotional feelings, just faith in God. Oswald Chambers Luke 11:13

2009-12-01T06:00:00.000-09:00

I wanted to pass on this great illustration from SermonCentral.com and their daily sermon illustrations they send me free by email...
-----

As a young man, Oswald Chambers, who wrote the materials that became My Utmost For His Highest, battled a persistent sense of barrenness in his Christian life. He finally wrote: "I was getting desperate. I knew no one who had what I wanted; in fact I did not know what I did want. But I knew that if what I had was all the Christianity there was, the thing was a fraud.

"At a little meeting in Dunoon, a well-known lady was asked to take the after-meeting. She did not speak, but set us to prayer, and then sang, 'Touch me again, Lord.' I felt nothing, but I knew emphatically my time had come. I rose to my feet. Then and there, I claimed the gift of the Holy Spirit in dogged committal on Luke 11:13. I had no vision of heaven or of angels; I had nothing. I was as dry and empty as ever, no power or realization of God, no witness of the Holy Spirit. Then I was asked to speak to a meeting, and forty souls came out to the front!

I came to realize that God intended me, having asked, to simply take it by faith, and that power would be there. I might see it only by the backward look, but I was to reckon on the fact that God would be with me.

"From that point on, Oswald Chambers ministered with extraordinary power. His words and writings touched people around the world, especially when he taught, as he frequently did, from his favorite verse, Luke 11:13. And when Oswald died at an early age in Egypt during World War I, an old Australian soldier whom he had led to Christ had a Bible carved in stone for his grave. Its pages were tuned to Luke 11:13.

Contributed by: A. Todd Coget

-------------

Luke 11:13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Sunday's Sermon - The King who missed Christmas

2009-11-30T06:00:00.001-09:00

To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here.

For a basic manuscript of this message use download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.

For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer

2 special notes...
1. Much of this sermon was from a sermon by Andy Cook of LifeWay - originally published in Proclaim Online. Original sermon & powerpoint at http://www.lifeway.com/article/?id=166510

2. The pictures I mention in the sermon are at the end of my manuscript - you can download it and increase their size if you would like to view them.

God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!

To Rock the boat

2009-11-27T06:00:00.000-09:00

I wanted to pass on this great illustration from SermonCentral.com and their daily sermon illustrations they send me free by email...

To Rock the Boat

Survivor Eva Hart remembers the night, April 15, 1912, on which the Titanic plunged 12,000 feet to the Atlantic floor, some two hours and forty minutes after an iceberg tore a 300-foot gash in the starboard side: "I saw all the horror of its sinking, and I heard, even more dreadful, the cries of drowning people." Although twenty life-boats and rafts were launched—too few and only partly filled—most of the passengers ended up struggling in the icy seas while those in the boats waited a safe distance away. Lifeboat No. 14 did row back to the scene after the unsinkable ship slipped from sight at 2:20 A.M. Alone, it chased cries in the darkness, seeking and saving a precious few. Incredibly, no other boat joined it. Some were already overloaded, but in virtually every other boat, those already saved rowed their half-filled boats aimlessly in the night, listening to the cries of the lost. Each feared a crush of unknown swimmers would cling to their craft, eventually swamping it.

"I came to seek and to save the lost," our Savior said. And he commissioned us to do the same. But we face a large obstacle: fear. While people drown in the treacherous waters around us, we are tempted to stay dry and make certain no one rocks the boat.

Contributed by: Ryan Johnson
----

Live holy, preach Jesus!

7 ways you say thank you to God…

2009-11-25T06:00:00.000-09:00

This is a note I found tucked away with some Thanksgiving items...

7 Ways you say thank you to God…

1) When Spend time with Him daily (not just on Sunday)

2) When you forgive others

3) When you serve in His church

4) When you reach out to hurting people

5) When you share His Plan of salvation

6) When you give God the best of your time, talents, and treasures

7) When you praise Him enthusiastically from the heart

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Sunday's Sermon - 5 Commands of thanksgiving

2009-11-23T06:00:00.001-09:00

Soldier Enrollment of Michaela Franklin

2009-11-22T18:38:00.003-09:00

Our Corps was privileged today to have Michaela Franklin choose to become a soldier of Christ in The Salvation Army. Listen here for her enrollment.

Here is a copy of the promises one makes when the become a Salvation Army Soldier...

The 'Articles of War' or "The soldier's covenant

HAVING accepted Jesus Christ as my Saviour and Lord, and desiring to fulfil my membership of His Church on earth as a soldier of The Salvation Army, I now by God’s grace enter into a sacred covenant.

I believe and will live by the truths of the word of God expressed in The Salvation Army’s eleven articles of faith:

We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God: and that they only constitute the Divine rule of Christian faith and practice.

We believe that there is only one God, who is infinitely perfect, the Creator. Preserver, and Governor of all things, and who is the only proper object of religious worship.

We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead—the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost—undivided in essence and coequal in power and glory.

We believe that in the person of Jesus Christ the Divine and human natures are united, so that He is truly and properly God and truly and properly man.

We believe that our first parents were created in a state of innocency, but by their disobedience they lost their purity and happiness; and that in consequence of their fall all men have become sinners, totally depraved, and as such are justly exposed to the wrath of God.

We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has, by His suffering and death, made an atonement for the whole world so that whosoever will may be saved.

We believe that repentance towards God, faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and regeneration by the Holy Spirit are necessary to salvation.

We believe that we are justified by grace, through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ; and that he that believeth hath the witness in himself.

We believe that continuance in a state of salvation depends upon continued obedient faith in Christ.

We believe that it is the privilege of all believers to be wholly sanctified, and that their whole spirit and soul and body may be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We believe in the immortality of the soul; in the resurrection of the body; in the general judgment at the end of the world; in the eternal happiness of the righteous; and in the endless punishment of the wicked.

THEREFORE I will be responsive to the Holy Spirit’s work and obedient to His leading in my life, growing in grace through worship, prayer, service and the reading of the Bible.

I will make the values of the Kingdom of God and not the values of the world the standard for my life.

I will uphold Christian integrity in every area of my life, allowing nothing in thought, word, or deed that is unworthy, unclean, untrue, profane, dishonest or immoral.

I will maintain Christian ideals in all my relationships with others: my family and neighbours, my colleagues and fellow Salvationists, those to whom and for whom I am responsible, and the wider community.

I will uphold the sanctity of marriage and of family life.

I will be a faithful steward of my time and gifts, my money and possessions, my body, my mind and my spirit, knowing that I am accountable to God.

I will abstain from alcoholic drink. tobacco, the non-medical use of addictive drugs, gambling, pornography, the occult, and all else that could enslave the body or spirit.

I will be faithful to the purposes for which God raised up The Salvation Army, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, endeavouring to win others to Him, and in His name caring for the needy and the disadvantaged.

I will be actively involved, as l am able, in the life, work, worship and witness of the corps, giving as large a proportion of my income as possible to support its ministries and the worldwide work of the Army.

I will be true to the principles and practices of The Salvation Army, loyal to its leaders, and I will show the spirit of Salvationism whether in times of popularity or persecution.

I now call upon all present to witness that I enter into this covenant and sign these articles of war of my own free will, convinced that the love of Christ, who died and now lives to save me, requires from me this devotion of my life to His service for the salvation of the whole world; and therefore do here declare my full determination, by God’s help, to be a true soldier of The Salvation Army.

-----------

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Captain's meditation on Luke 10:38-42

2009-11-20T11:06:00.003-09:00

Luke 10:38-42 At the Home of Martha and Mary
38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" 41 "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

Jesus Himself was in their home. That is an amazing thought by itself. Make sure you realize that God Himself through His Holy Spirit is with you everywhere you go today (your home included). It's also important to realize that they opened their home to him. He is always wanting to come close to you, but you must be open to receive Him. During this busy season, it is right to serve the Lord by serving the "least of these". Touch others in His name, do "intakes", make food boxes, prep the chapel, prepare bible studies, plan services, plan holiday meals, do street ministry, etc., etc., etc., but make sure that you don't leave Him sitting there while you run around busy. Make sure you have opened yourself to be beside Him throughout your day, and also be sure you spend some time alone .... ... still... ... sitting at the feet of Jesus.

I leave you with these words from the song by John Wesley...
LO! I come with joy to do The Master's blessed will;
Him in outward works pursue, And serve his pleasure still;
Faithful to my Lord's commands, I still would choose the better part,
Serve with careful Martha's hands, And loving Mary's heart.

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Tis the season to be busy and focussed.

2009-11-17T15:52:00.003-09:00

To all our soldiers and freinds of The Salvation Army Homer Corps,

I just wanted to mention that during this Holy season I will be busy, but more than just busy I want to stay focussed on Christ. It will be my goal to update the blog as I am able, but instead of posting daily (as was my habit), I will most likely only post my sermons and possible one other a week until the new year. I had hoped to continue daily, but we'll see what the Lord allows. SO - Keep checking in for the sermon, and to see what comes next. I will plan to be faithful to God honoring blogs in the New Year.

During this season take every opportunity to point people to Christ.

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Sunday's Sermon - Don't miss miracles for "stuff"

2009-11-16T06:00:00.002-09:00

To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here.
Note: Low volume from 3.46 - 4.39 as a 2nd speaker speaks

For a basic manuscript of this message use download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.

For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer

God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!

Video - John Piper, "Make War"

2009-11-14T06:00:00.000-09:00

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Sunday's Sermon - Does the grass grow on your path? Prayer

2009-11-09T06:00:00.002-09:00

Have a blessed Sunday - Is grass growing on your path?

2009-11-08T06:00:00.001-09:00

I read this article from "Today in the Word", June 29, 1992.

Early African converts to Christianity were earnest and regular in private devotions. Each one reportedly had a separate spot in the thicket where he would pour out his heart to God. Over time the paths to these places became well worn. As a result, if one of these believers began to neglect prayer, it was soon apparent to the others. They would kindly remind the negligent one, "Brother, the grass grows on your path."
-----

So my friends, does the grass grow on your path? How are you doing in time with the Lord? Are you spending adequate time for your soul in His Word, and in prayer with Jesus? If not, intentionally make time today. He's waiting to talk with you.

God bless your Sunday,
Live holy, preach Jesus!

The Salvation Army responsding to Fort Hood

2009-11-07T06:00:00.002-09:00

This article from The Salvation Army - Southern Territory - Released 6 November 2009
http://uss.salvationarmy.org/uss/www_uss.nsf

SALVATION ARMY PROVIDES PASTORAL CARE AT FORT HOOD

The Salvation Army is responding this morning to an urgent request from the State of Texas to report to Fort Hood near Killeen, Texas, site of the tragic shooting incident of Thursday afternoon, to provide pastoral care and counseling to first responders, family members and children affected by this horrific tragedy.

Salvation Army Officer from Waco, Texas, Captain Russell Czajkowski, a former United States Marine, will be overseeing The Salvation Army’s pastoral response efforts on site with direction from Major James Taylor, The Salvation Army’s Divisional Secretary for Texas.

The Salvation Army is answering the call immediately and will report to the base to provide spiritual care today and through the weekend from 9:00a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Salvation Army has a long history of meeting not only physical needs of people in the aftermath of tragic events, but also emotional and spiritual needs.

“We are honored to answer this call and to provide what comfort and counseling we can to our brothers and sisters during the aftermath of this horrific day,” said Major James Taylor. ---end

------------------
May God show Himself mightily to all involved in this tragic incident. Our hearts and prayers go first naturally to those who lost loved ones, the wounded, the men and women of Fort Hood, and their families. Next although harder to do, I am reminded that Jesus said to love our enemies and even pray for those who persecute us, so although it is not natural to do, I agree I must also remember Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan in prayer that he might have a true encounter with the One True God through the person of Jesus Christ.

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Songbook Song 415 "From every stain made clean"

2009-11-06T06:00:00.001-09:00

Read carefully and meditate on these fantastic promises and declarations from our Salvation Army Songbook written by Herbert Howard Booth ...

1. From every stain made clean, From every sin set free;
O blessed Lord, this is the gift That thou hast promised me.
And pressing through the past Of failure, fault and fear,
Before thy cross my soul I cast, And dare to leave it there.

2. From thee I would not hide My sin, because of fear
What men may think; I hate my pride. And as I am appear,
Just as I am, O Lord, Not what I'm thought to be,
Just as I am, a struggling soul For life and liberty.

3. While in thy light I stand, My heart, I seem to see,
Has failed to take from thy own hand The gifts it offers me.
O Lord, thy plenteous grace, Thy wisdom and thy power,
I here proclaim, before thy face, Can keep me every hour.

4. Upon the altar here I lay my treasure down;
I only want to have thee near, King of my heart to crown.
The fire doth surely burn My every selfish claim;
And while from them to thee I turn, I trust in thy great name.

5. A heart by blood made clean In every wish and thought,
A heart that by God's power has been Into subjection brought,
To walk, to weep, to sing, Within the light of Heaven;
This is the blessing, Saviour-King, That thou to me hast given.

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Life speeding up? Slow down.

2009-11-05T06:00:00.000-09:00

Just passing this on for my soldier & officer friends as we approach the busy and holy time of Christmas. With all the extra Salvation Army duties I thought this was appropriate.

This was taken from an email "Church leaders intelligence report".
----------------
When Things Speed Up, Leaders Should Slow Down

Leadership development consultant Brad Lomenick suggests that when facing times of great intensity and pressure, leaders should:

Always over-communicate.
Be methodical and calm, not intense and short.
List out priorities, so as to not be overwhelmed by the small things that seem to be incredibly urgent, but really aren’t.
Seek out quiet moments for prayer, reflection and thinking. During times of pressure, that is when we need those quiet moments the most.
Resist the urge to let things slide or just settle for something average because of the pressure to get it done. Keep your standards and levels of excellence at their highest—don’t compromise.

Brad Lomenick, On the Journey
-----------------------

Live holy, preach Jesus!

A pro-life praise report of God touching lives

2009-11-04T06:00:00.005-09:00

Just a great report of a Planned Parenthood leader who converts to a pro-life position and resigns after watching the ultrasound of an abortion. She said, “I just thought I can’t do this anymore, and it was just like a flash that hit me and I thought that’s it.” - God is good!

I had a problem with adding the video here, so to see the original news site just click this link for the story...
http://www.breitbart.tv/planned-parenthood-leader-resigns-after-watching-ultrasound-of-abortion-procedure/

---

Update... Here is more of the story from http://www.onenewsnow.com/Culture/Default.aspx?id=752102

The director of Planned Parenthood in Bryan, Texas, has resigned after a spiritual experience.

Abby Johnson spoke with local television station KBTX and said she threw in the towel after viewing a sonogram of an unborn baby in September. It was that moment that brought the former director to a realization. "I can't do this anymore," she remembers thinking. "It was just like a flash that hit me, and I thought, 'That's it.'"

Johnson worked at Planned Parenthood for eight years, two of which she spent as director. She says the organization was changing, and that was something she realized when she was instructed to get more abortions to the facility, apparently for financial reasons. This was something she could not do because she felt that God changed her heart.

"I feel so pure in heart. I don't have this guilt," she is relieved to report. "I don't have this burden on me anymore, and that's how I know that this conversion was a spiritual conversion." Johnson adds that she now supports the Brazos Vally Coalition for Life and other volunteers to pray with the group at the Planned Parenthood, just as volunteers in the past had prayed for the babies' lives. She is also encouraging them to pray for a change in the heart of Planned Parenthood's employees.

Associated Press is reporting today that Planned Parenthood has filed a temporary injunction to prevent Johnson from teaming up with the Coalition for Life to release records from her eight years of work at the clinic. Johnson says she never planned to release the records.

Shawn Carney, director of the Brazos Valley Coalition for Life, says Johnson experienced "a religious change of mind or change of heart and it has nothing to do with documents."
----------------------

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Sunday's Sermon - Overcoming Sinful Addictions, pornography

2009-11-02T06:00:00.000-09:00

To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here.

For a notes page followed by a manuscript of this message use download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.

For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer

God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!

Blessed Sunday, White Ribbon Against Pornography (W.R.A.P.)

2009-11-01T06:00:00.002-09:00

Check in tomorrow for a post of my sermon on the topic of "overcoming sinful addictions".

This past week has been a focus on White Ribbon Against Pornography. For those wanting more information about the actual campaign and what you can do - visit http://www.moralityinmedia.org/

Other great sites for those needing help and freedom from pornography there is a great site called... http://www.settingcaptivesfree.com/ They have free interactive, Christ-centered, accountability bible studies on a range of topics.

You can also put free accountability software on your comupter like... http://x3watch.com/

And at least have a free internet filter and parental controls for the kids computers - we just installed K9 Web Protection at http://www1.k9webprotection.com/

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Carmen video – Witches invitation

2009-10-31T06:00:00.000-08:00

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Hate crime vs. Free speach

2009-10-30T06:00:00.002-08:00

Here are some thoughts after Wednesday night's bible study at the corps...

First let me share this report from Jim Brown taken from OneNewsNow.com - 10/29/2009 8:30:00 AM
-----------------
Hate crimes law - ungodly, unconstitutional, unnecessary

A Christian evangelist who was once arrested, jailed, and charged under Pennsylvania's hate crimes law says the federal hate crimes bill signed into law by President Obama is one of the most dangerous laws in the history of the United States.

With the stroke of President Obama's pen yesterday, the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act became law. It creates additional penalties for violent crimes motivated by the victim's "actual or perceived" gender, "gender identity," sexual orientation, or disability.

Michael Marcavage, director of Philadelphia-based Repent America, was one of 11 Christians who were jailed and charged with a hate crime for carrying Bible verse banners and preaching at a 2004 homosexual pride event in Philadelphia. The charges were later dismissed -- and in 2008, the state's Supreme Court ruled the law had been passed illegally by the Pennsylvania legislature.

Marcavage says the new federal hate crimes law is yet another move by the federal government to "silence Christians." "What this bill does is [seek] to shut down those who dare to speak against the sin of homosexuality with the hope and freedom that is found in Jesus Christ," says the Christian activist.

"Having been charged under a hate crime, I'm definitely moved with compassion on those who the government is trying to silence us from reaching out to," he continues, "but we're going to continue to do as we have been doing, and ministering to those trapped in the bondage of this lifestyle."

Marcavage offers three reasons why he opposes the new law. He says it is ungodly because it "seeks to shut down the gospel of Jesus Christ"; unconstitutional because it violates the equal protection guarantee of the 14th Amendment; and also unnecessary because there are already laws on the books that punish violent crimes.
-----------------

No matter what your understanding of this current new hate crime law is... we as believers in Jesus Christ all understand this... that the world would like to silence the message that all sin is sin, it is offensive to our Holy God, and that Jesus Christ is the only way to be forgiven of our sinfulness. Only by repentance and faith in Jesus Christ can we be forgiven and empowered to now live a holy life as directed by the Bible and be fit for heaven.

1 Corinthians 1:18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Here is the truth...
1. we currently have freedoms of speech unparalleled by other places in the world.
2. Our freedoms are currently being taken by law or societies requirement to be "tolerantly politically correct."

What must our response be... Whether we are approved by law, or accepted by society, we must continue to preach the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

Acts 4:12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."

Go be bold in your declaration that Jesus is the Savior from sin and death.

Here is some of our portion of study for next week...

Acts 4 Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin 1 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand. 5 The next day the rulers, elders and teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and the other men of the high priest's family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: "By what power or what name did you do this?" 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 He is " 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.' 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." 13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16 "What are we going to do with these men?" they asked. "Everybody living in Jerusalem knows they have done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name." 18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. 20 For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." 21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old. 23 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. 25 You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: " 'Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One.' 27 Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. 29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." 31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Live holy, preach Jesus!

To do halloween or not???

2009-10-29T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hello soldiers, freinds, and fellow followers of Jesus Christ,

Just a reminder that this year our Corps will not be hosting a halloween alternative carnival. Although we have enjoyed the fun in past years and always gave some form of gospel presentation, we couldn't justify the cost and man-power for such little turn-out and no real corps growth.

SO NOW WHAT DO YOU DO???... Halloween options abound....

This year several church have combined for a united outreach for a safe alternative if you want to join with them.
You might want to go trick or treating and give out tracts, invites to church, or do one on one evangelism.
You could open your home to give out treats and also give out gospel information, church invites, etc...
You could go find a scary part of town and do street witnessing to those who are out and about.

Whatever you do, make sure you use this time of year to speak with people about what they believe about eternity, and then love them enough to share the truth about Jesus Christ. No one will join God Almighty in heaven for eternity without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. No one will be a ghost and hang around, you won't come back for another try, there is only the fact of a place called hell that will be far worse than any haunted house turned reality you can imagine. Jesus Christ was crucified and rose from the dead to defeat sin and death for us. Why not take His offer of eternal life and forgiveness and pass it on to those around you.

Live holy, preach Jesus!

How to set up the "Sermon.net" tool on your blog.

2009-10-28T12:17:00.002-08:00

Hello friends (and specifically pastors today),

A few people have asked for how to post my sermons on-line. So here it is...

There are a few steps in the process, but all in all it's virtually free, so if you don't mind a couple steps it's a great way to keep the corps up to date with a series, or just to let your sermons live forever after you preach them.

Here is the website to my free sermon site...
http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer

Just click in the top corner to "Join sermon net" and go to "contributor sign-up". After you register you can get all the "free stuff". There is a small cost for the bells and whistles, but I don't need them here yet. Sign up first and they may walk you through better than I can. Since I can't recall here is what I do....

You will also need a way to record your messages. Since we have no "sound" person I do everything myself. I bought a small cheap RCA digital voice recorder that holds about over 15 hours of recording for about $30. I paid another $15ish for a lapel mic. I just put the lapel mic on the same clip as my wireless mic at the corps and remember to turn on the recorder as I start each message.

If I recall right, Sermon.net will give you a basic walk through the process of posting your messages some, but if not, here is what I basically do....

After church I download from the "voice recorder" to my computer. (I know fancy corps record right to digital or a laptop, but we aren't fancy yet)
I use the program with the recorder to save it as a "WAV".

Then I drag that file into a free program you get on the web called "Audacity 1.2.6" here is the link... http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

Once in Audacity you can listen to the whole sermon and cut (even copy and paste) all the "UM's" or "sneezes" or "added comments yelled by kids in the meeting". If you're brave enough you can skip any editing and just go as is.

When it's ready you save that project as a new "WAV" file.

Next you use the "converter" that comes when you sign up with "sermon net". This will convert your WAV to an MP3.

Then log into sermon.net - put in the information for your new sermon (all easy and self-explanatory after you're signed up) and then "Upload your converted message" and any written notes (it will automatically change your Word notes into a pdf for you).

Last it will give you an embed code to past where ever you want - like your blog or web page.

Sermon net also has the code to paste into Blogger that will show the "sermon player" I have at the bottom of my blog.

I know it sounds like a lot of work, and I learned everything by trial and error. I'm sure there's some fancy programs that might cut out a step, but this way works. Hopefully your Corps has a tech / sound wizard who can help.

If I've scared you off completely - it's really less work than it sounds. Feel free to write for more specifics or find a local techie to get you started the first time.

PS. If you know an easier faster way or a better system, a tool that helps me skip a step, etc... please give me some tips.

Blessings,
Captain Mark Thielenhaus

Sunday's sermon - Wartime living, submit and resist

2009-10-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here.

For an outline of this message, download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.

For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer

God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!

A prayer from one of my youth group...

2009-10-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

Today I'm passing on a prayer written by one of my youth group... hear the heart, the need, the surrender... and make sure you take the time to regularly pour out your heart to God today as well.

"Dear God, Please save me, from myself.
You Yeshua, explained the way. Explain my way!
I want to Yearn for You, and ONLY YOU!
For You're my only hope.
All my other paths are hopeless, and reckless.
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Maker of Heaven and Earth, Holy One, Saving Son.
MY SAVIOUR. I've turned away for far to long.
Now, I'm nothing without you.
I have NOT patiently waited, but I'm crying out now!
Please lift me out of my pit, the one I dug for myself.
I was blaming others for my mistakes.
This was all me. I am the disobedient one.
Please oh God, take from me anything that is displeasing.
I lay at Your feet everything I have put before You.
You and only You are my life, my strength, and my love.
My whole life belongs to you. Clean me lord. Search me!
Take me apart. Everything unclean, please take away, and throw away.
I know now, that you are the only reason for living.
The worldly things seem so good, from far away.
I let myself get caught up in everything I knew was wrong.
You Lord, are my everything. All mighty and powerful.
Heavenly Father, help me through all my troubles.
While through the whole thing being glorified.
Help me glorify you through my words, my thoughts, everything.
You deserve more then I can ever give you.
Words are not enough.
Through everything tomorrow, and everyday Lord, give me the words to speak.
In every situation, I need you with me.
Thank You for being with me, the whole time.
Even when I didn't want to know.
You are my strength, I need You.
Amen "

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Revival Hymn Redux

2009-10-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Generalisations - from "officer magazine"

2009-10-23T06:00:00.002-08:00

This quote from General Paul A. Rader....

"Is my approach to holiness total enough? Is our holiness too therapeutic in its emphasis? There are dangers of beginning with our human problems instead of God's purpose. Is my approach to holiness sometimes too cosmetic? Holiness deals with the essential inner orientation of the personality. The self dies hard. The cross is painful and total. I must confess that I have sometimes had cause to wonder if the holiness I profess and proclaim has made me tender enough. The truth is that we live in an age that is seductively desensitising us to evil. What once might have appalled and embarrassed us, perhaps even angered us, now only makes us sad. What does it take to make us cry out in indignation? What miscarriages of justice, what indifference to standards of integrity, what crass immorality would move us to tears and stir us to action? How much do I care about purity, justice, and integrity? Finally, is my holiness telling enough? Our age cries out for men and women of God whose lives stand in stark contrast to the darkness that surrounds us.

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Generalisations - Quote from "Officer Magazine"

2009-10-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

This first quote from our founder General William Booth...

"It is a charge brought against us by some that we make a hobby of the subject of holiness - that like Paganini with his violin, we are always fiddling on one string. If it were so, I suppose he would have replied, or someone like him, that he was able to bring more music out of his one string than his rivals could bring out of their four. And if it is true that are too frequently engaged on this one topic, I think there are a good many who can bear witness that there has been brought out of it - some music wonderfully enthralling, which music has been make a wonderful blessing to them, and to many who are round about them. But I take exception to the correctness of this charge. I say, varying the figure, we re running our 'Hallelujah Express' to Heaven not on one line, but on three. The first line of these rails we call pardon, and I am sure we very often talk about that. The second we term purity - a clean heart, with a clean life. The third term is sacrifice."

Tell someone of about pardon, purity, and sacrificial living today.

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Tortured for Christ

2009-10-21T06:00:00.001-08:00

Hello Soldiers, freinds, and followers of Jesus,

Just a quick comment that I recently finished reading the book "Torutured for Christ" by Richard Wurmbrand (the founder of the Voice of th eMartyrs). I was a different kind of read, but it was easy to read, kept my attention, and most importantly reminded me of my responsibility to pray and support the persecuted church, as well as my need to use my current liberties to proclaim with boldness the full gospel message of Jesus Christ.

This is a must read for all christians living in the west.

PS. You can request a free copy at this web addresss...
https://etools.ncol.com/a/tfc/bg_vomtfc_cw-tfc-flash-email_309.html

Live holy, preach Jesus!

A word of encouragement

2009-10-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hello soldiers, friends, and fellow followers of Jesus,

Just a quick reminder to have you encourage someone today. This past Sunday right after our holiness meeting we had someone (not normally part of our Church services) stand up with a word immidiately following our closing prayer. He basically said he appreciated that the Word of God was taught and spoken at the corps, and that at many other places he just hears "fluff" and a shying away from the whole gospel. Needless to say his word of encouragement was for me that day. God is good.

Hebrews 3:13-14 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.

2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

Why not give a word of encouragement to someone you know today.

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Sunday's Sermon - Come near to God, James 4

2009-10-19T06:00:00.001-08:00

Quick testimony / gospel shot.

2009-10-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

Just bragging on God's work in a corps member... I had a corps member say the "light came on" that salvation is so much more than something that happens the day you die, but that it is something that start right now.

We had a chance to say that in The Salvation Army we might call that "Full-Salvation", not just saved from hell to heaven on the day you die (although praise God that is absolutely true), but that Jesus wants to save us from sin, sinful, and hellish living now, for a life of holiness and heaven-like living NOW.

2 Corinthians 6:1-2 1 As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. 2 For he says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Onward Christian Soldiers... Annual Report

2009-10-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

The Salvation Army Annual Report: Commissioner Israel Gaither

Live holy, preach Jesus!

St. Augustine's words about prayer.

2009-10-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

St. Augustine, the early church father and theologian, described prayer as like a man in a hapless boat who throws a rope at a rock. The rock provides the needed security and stability and life for the helpless man. When the rock is lassoed it’s not the man pulling the rock to the boat (though it may appear that way); it is the pulling of the boat to the rock. Jesus is the rock, and we throw the rope through prayer.

Have you spent time in prayer today? Honest, real, warfare, intentional, time searching the heart of God, time spent in quietness to hear the voice of God... PRAYER?

Take some time - right this second to pray - then devote some real time to pray intentionally and uninterrupted today.

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Just in need of more prayer. KNEE DRILL!

2009-10-14T21:30:00.000-08:00

Hello soldiers, friends, and fellow followers of Jesus,

This is a call for additional Knee Drills.

Many prayer requests at the corps right now, so just asking everyone to "amp" up the prayers.

Ephesians 6:11-13... 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Live holy, preach Jesus!

The movie 2012 (part 2)

2009-10-14T06:00:00.001-08:00

This trailer for the movie "2012" says... How would the governments of the planet prepare 6 million people for the end of the world…? Answer…. “they wouldn’t” … "find out the truth"

I agree (not that the world will end in 2012) but it will end as we now know it eventually, and whether you are around to see the end of the world or not, 10 out of 10 - 100% of us will all die someday and have to face a holy God on judgment day. The trailer is right, the government won't help you, the only thing that will matter will be "the truth".

John 14:6 records the words of Jesus saying... Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

It's not what the government says that will matter, it's not even "what you believe", what will matter is "do you believe the truth" or not. It doesn't matter if you believe you can fly - if you jump off the empire state building without a means of safely getting to the ground, you will still die with your wrong beliefs. The "trailer" is right (not about the date) but that you need to find the truth found only in a personal relationship with Jesus. Without the cleansing blood of Jesus forgiving you, made possible by your accepting Him by faith, with repentance, your sins will wash you away.

Live holy, preach Jesus!

The movie - "2012" (about the end of the world)

2009-10-13T06:00:00.005-08:00

The "sponsored add" next to my "home page" on Facebook reads this...

“2012” In Theaters 11/13 Get ready for the biggest event in history – the end of time. How will you survive?...

Next they totally skip your answer and ask a survey "What do you do now if 2012 is the end? Spend time with family, Max out my credit cards, Pursue my crush?...

If you've only got 2 years left before the end of the world, ask yourself their 1st question, how will you survive? To be saved for heaven and avoid hell we must put our faith in Jesus as evidenced through repentance.

Give up your life to live for Jesus and He will take care of where you spend your eternity. If you only have 20 years, or 2 years, or 2 days (no one is promised tomorrow)... get right with Jesus, live holy for Him, and tell someone about Him today... they aren't promised tomorrow either.

2 Corinthians 6:1-2 As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. 2 For he says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Sunday's Sermon - Are you washed? Keeping your repentance up to date.

2009-10-12T06:00:00.001-08:00

Scripture alone today... Psalm 51

2009-10-11T06:00:00.001-08:00

Just getting back from Officer's Councils, so no extra posts yet, until I'm back on track here is some profound scripture from Psalm 51. Meditate on it by reading it slowly several times over, first asking the Lord to speak to you through it. Consider what it is to need forgiveness, to confess and repent, and find forgiveness through the shed blood of our resurrected Savior, Jesus Christ. Use this Psalm as an outline for your praying and keeping your repentace up to date today.

Remember as you read... Sin is falling short of God's perfection. Iniquity is our depravity that is always inclined to sin, and the resulting guiltiness that leaves us in. Transgression is the intentional breaking of God's law, it is rebellion when we do what we know God has said not to, and not doing what we know God has said to do.

Psalm 51 For the director of music. A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba. 1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. 5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. 6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts ; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. 7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. 10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. 13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. 14 Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. 15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. 16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. 18 In your good pleasure make Zion prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem. 19 Then there will be righteous sacrifices, whole burnt offerings to delight you; then bulls will be offered on your altar.

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Today just something fun

2009-10-10T11:52:00.002-08:00

This is just a funny video sent to me by Rob Reardon.

Sally Back - Parody of Sexy Back by Justin Timberlake
Source: www.youtube.com

This is a Salvation Army (Sally Ann) parody of the popular song by Justin Timberlake Featuring Timbaland - "SexyBack". I created this video for the Salvation Army National School of Music at Jackson's Point this summer. ...

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Gone to Officer's Councils

2009-10-05T13:00:00.000-08:00

Hello Soldiers, friends, and fellow followers of Jesus,

Just an update that both Michelle and I will be away at officer's councils today through Friday. We will resume our regular programs next week (including Commodities feeding) so we look forward to our time together next week, as well as thank you in advance for your willingness to help cover things while we are gone.

Keep all of us in your prayers as we get together with all the officers of the State up in Anchorage. Pray for traveling mercies, refreshment, productivity, and the Fire of the Holy Spirit to fall afresh!

Live holy, preach Jesus!

Sunday's Sermon - The Saints in Caesar's House (Nero)

2009-10-05T06:00:00.001-08:00