This is Penn Jillette, a well known comedian / magician, and also an self-proclaimed athiest who hands down says there is no God, but listen to his opinion of someone who tried to share a bible with him, and what he thinks of those who do or don't share their faith.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Captains Verses for the day.
Time to SOLDIER UP!Romans 12:9-20
Put this on your duties for the day & do it with zeal!
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Captain's Holiness verses for today.
Job 28:28 says... 'The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.' "
Lord give me the ability to have a holy reverential fear of you alone, and the desire to live right for You, for me, and for those around me.
Hebrews 12:14 [ Warning Against Refusing God ] Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
The greatest way to empower your verbally sharing the gospel, is to back it up with a holy life. Without holiness no one will see the Lord - with the witness of a transforming life of holiness, someone may find the Lord at work in you today!
John 5:19 Jesus gave them this answer: "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.
Here's a prayer we can pray from Jesus's teaching - Father, help us to see what You're doing and do what we're seeing.
Lord give me the ability to have a holy reverential fear of you alone, and the desire to live right for You, for me, and for those around me.
Hebrews 12:14 [ Warning Against Refusing God ] Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
The greatest way to empower your verbally sharing the gospel, is to back it up with a holy life. Without holiness no one will see the Lord - with the witness of a transforming life of holiness, someone may find the Lord at work in you today!
John 5:19 Jesus gave them this answer: "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.
Here's a prayer we can pray from Jesus's teaching - Father, help us to see what You're doing and do what we're seeing.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Soup, S.O.A.P., Salvation Meeting - Wednesday
Hello Corps members,
Just a reminder that Wednesday night is SOUP, S.O.A.P., & SALVATION MEETING from 6:00 - 7:30 PM. This will be IN PLACE OF THURSDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY.
We will provide a very light meal (like soup), have a time of S.O.A.P. (what we have each personally found as we read our bibles this week - Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayers), and last we will share our Salvation sharing experiences (how did sharing your faith go this week).
We will keep it an informal and family atmosphere so invite friends even just for the meal and sharing - who knows someone might come to Jesus this tonight!
Hope to see you there!
Just a reminder that Wednesday night is SOUP, S.O.A.P., & SALVATION MEETING from 6:00 - 7:30 PM. This will be IN PLACE OF THURSDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY.
We will provide a very light meal (like soup), have a time of S.O.A.P. (what we have each personally found as we read our bibles this week - Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayers), and last we will share our Salvation sharing experiences (how did sharing your faith go this week).
We will keep it an informal and family atmosphere so invite friends even just for the meal and sharing - who knows someone might come to Jesus this tonight!
Hope to see you there!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Sunday's Sermon - "Father forgive them"
To listen to this past Sunday's sermon, just click the play arrow here for audio or download options. This week I am also posting sermon notes with a blank and answer page, just see the full size sermon player at the bottom of this blog page. Next to today's title is a PDF button if you'd like to take notes. God bless your study!
To listen to past sermons see the full size sermon player at the bottom of this blog page. Note it may several seconds to start below.
To listen to past sermons see the full size sermon player at the bottom of this blog page. Note it may several seconds to start below.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Spend some time with God, then have a rest!
This is a reminder to spend some time in the presence of Jesus today. Make sure you take time not just to be blessed by God, but to worship in such a way that you will bless Him.
Receive the fact that God has made available everything you need for salvation, life, and godliness.
Recommit to living your life as a holy offering for the One who gave His life for you. Spend some time today keeping your repentence "up to date". Confess your every sin.
Resolve to walk in the enabling power of the Holy Spirit that you might have no "known sin".
Renew your desire to be a soldier of God, who will not be ashamed to boldly declare the Truth found in Jesus.
Rest in this word from God, spoken through the prophet Isaiah (30:15)... This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength,...
In case you don't know how this verse ended for the people of Isaiah's day, he concluded God's message this way...."In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength,... but you would have none of it."
How about spending some time with God today, then have some rest.
Receive the fact that God has made available everything you need for salvation, life, and godliness.
Recommit to living your life as a holy offering for the One who gave His life for you. Spend some time today keeping your repentence "up to date". Confess your every sin.
Resolve to walk in the enabling power of the Holy Spirit that you might have no "known sin".
Renew your desire to be a soldier of God, who will not be ashamed to boldly declare the Truth found in Jesus.
Rest in this word from God, spoken through the prophet Isaiah (30:15)... This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength,...
In case you don't know how this verse ended for the people of Isaiah's day, he concluded God's message this way...."In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength,... but you would have none of it."
How about spending some time with God today, then have some rest.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Why social services? Holistic Ministry?
To my fellow Salvationists and those of us who try to help meet people's physical needs in Jesus name,.... Let's make sure we actually mention His Name.
I read a "William-Boothism" that said, “I must assert in the most unqualified way, that it is primarily and mainly for the sake of saving the soul, that I seek the salvation of the body.”
One of my constant concerns is that we can get so good at "cranking out food boxes" that we forget WHY we are doing WHAT we are doing.
To invest such time, energy, money, and resources into paying an electric bill this month, or giving out a food box, and not take the time and opportunity to witness about Jesus Christ, is shameful and heartbreaking.
I hope our love for Christ always compels us to meet human needs without discrimination, but if we are just busy "cranking out food boxes" and building up our stastistics, and if we are just staying busy fund-raising, serving, and reporting, then I begin to believe we are motivated more by our love of the work, or the approval ratings, than we are motivated by our love for Jesus and our concern for our clients eternal destiny.
Please mention the Name of Jesus every chance you get today - for there is no other Name under heaven given to men by which they must be saved.
Can we call it "Holistic ministry" if we seek to save a client from hunger or homelessness, but never seek to save them from Hell for Heaven?
Can we call it "Holistic ministry" if we never see a client "made whole"?
I read a "William-Boothism" that said, “I must assert in the most unqualified way, that it is primarily and mainly for the sake of saving the soul, that I seek the salvation of the body.”
One of my constant concerns is that we can get so good at "cranking out food boxes" that we forget WHY we are doing WHAT we are doing.
To invest such time, energy, money, and resources into paying an electric bill this month, or giving out a food box, and not take the time and opportunity to witness about Jesus Christ, is shameful and heartbreaking.
I hope our love for Christ always compels us to meet human needs without discrimination, but if we are just busy "cranking out food boxes" and building up our stastistics, and if we are just staying busy fund-raising, serving, and reporting, then I begin to believe we are motivated more by our love of the work, or the approval ratings, than we are motivated by our love for Jesus and our concern for our clients eternal destiny.
Please mention the Name of Jesus every chance you get today - for there is no other Name under heaven given to men by which they must be saved.
Can we call it "Holistic ministry" if we seek to save a client from hunger or homelessness, but never seek to save them from Hell for Heaven?
Can we call it "Holistic ministry" if we never see a client "made whole"?
Friday, February 13, 2009
Be Careful, the prisoners are watching.
They're Always Watching and Listening - written by Os Hillman (excerpt from 02-12-2009)
"About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them" (Acts 16:25-26).
When Paul and Silas were in prison their lifestyle of worship and prayer in the midst of the horrible conditions of a dirty prison stood out in stark contrast to their circumstances. They didn't pray and sing to impress their cellmates, they simply did what was natural to them. Still, "the other prisoners were watching and listening."
No matter where you are, others are watching you to determine if your faith is real or if you're an imposter. The world is looking to discredit your faith. You are a witness always whether you choose to be or not.
"The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, 'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?'" (Acts 16:29-30). When you begin to reflect the love and power of Christ in your life you won't have to have an evangelism program to win others into the Kingdom. It will be a fruit of your life. The "fish" will actually jump into the boat!
Beware how you conduct your life today. Because the prisoners are watching and listening.
This article came from "Prime Time with God" devotional email, to sign up you visit - http://msg1svc.net/servlet/FormListener?Y2dpOjE6TE4=
"About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them" (Acts 16:25-26).
When Paul and Silas were in prison their lifestyle of worship and prayer in the midst of the horrible conditions of a dirty prison stood out in stark contrast to their circumstances. They didn't pray and sing to impress their cellmates, they simply did what was natural to them. Still, "the other prisoners were watching and listening."
No matter where you are, others are watching you to determine if your faith is real or if you're an imposter. The world is looking to discredit your faith. You are a witness always whether you choose to be or not.
"The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, 'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?'" (Acts 16:29-30). When you begin to reflect the love and power of Christ in your life you won't have to have an evangelism program to win others into the Kingdom. It will be a fruit of your life. The "fish" will actually jump into the boat!
Beware how you conduct your life today. Because the prisoners are watching and listening.
This article came from "Prime Time with God" devotional email, to sign up you visit - http://msg1svc.net/servlet/FormListener?Y2dpOjE6TE4=
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Scripture thought for the day.
John 15 Verse 5 - Jesus said, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
On this subject of relying on our human strength, Watchman Nee wrote:
I believe many people are so rich and strong that they give no ground for God to work. I frequently recall the words, "helpless and hopeless." I must tell God, "all that I have is yours, I myself have nothing. Apart from you I am truly helpless and hopeless." We need to have such a dependent attitude toward God that it is as if we cannot inhale or exhale without Him. In this way we shall see that our power as well as our holiness all comes from Him. Oh how God delights in seeing us coming hopeless and helpless to Him. A brother once asked me, "What is the condition for the working of the Spirit?" To which I replied that . . . the Holy Spirit must first bring us to a place where we can do nothing by ourselves.
Lord help me realize my absolute dependence on you for doing anything of any value today.
On this subject of relying on our human strength, Watchman Nee wrote:
I believe many people are so rich and strong that they give no ground for God to work. I frequently recall the words, "helpless and hopeless." I must tell God, "all that I have is yours, I myself have nothing. Apart from you I am truly helpless and hopeless." We need to have such a dependent attitude toward God that it is as if we cannot inhale or exhale without Him. In this way we shall see that our power as well as our holiness all comes from Him. Oh how God delights in seeing us coming hopeless and helpless to Him. A brother once asked me, "What is the condition for the working of the Spirit?" To which I replied that . . . the Holy Spirit must first bring us to a place where we can do nothing by ourselves.
Lord help me realize my absolute dependence on you for doing anything of any value today.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Corps Members - Don't forget tonight!
Hello Corps members,
Just a reminder that tonight is SOUP, S.O.A.P., & SALVATION MEETING from 6:00 - 7:30 PM. This will be IN PLACE OF THURSDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY.
We will provide a very light meal (like soup), have a time of S.O.A.P. (what we have each personally found as we read our bibles this week - Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayers), and last we will share our Salvation sharing experiences (how did sharing your faith go this week).
We will keep it an informal and family atmosphere so invite friends even just for the meal and sharing - who knows someone might come to Jesus this tonight!
Blessings and see you Sunday!
Just a reminder that tonight is SOUP, S.O.A.P., & SALVATION MEETING from 6:00 - 7:30 PM. This will be IN PLACE OF THURSDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY.
We will provide a very light meal (like soup), have a time of S.O.A.P. (what we have each personally found as we read our bibles this week - Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayers), and last we will share our Salvation sharing experiences (how did sharing your faith go this week).
We will keep it an informal and family atmosphere so invite friends even just for the meal and sharing - who knows someone might come to Jesus this tonight!
Blessings and see you Sunday!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Quote of the Day
There are two kinds of people: Those who say to God, “thy will be done,” and those to whom God says, “all right then, have it your way.” - C.S. Lewis
Monday, February 9, 2009
Sunday's Sermon - "At the feet of Jesus"
To listen to this past Sunday's sermon, just click the play arrow here.
To listen to past sermons see the full size sermon player at the bottom of this blog page. Note it may several seconds to start below.
To listen to past sermons see the full size sermon player at the bottom of this blog page. Note it may several seconds to start below.
What is a "Corps"? Booth's answer...
What is a Salvation Army Corps? To this I reply, that it is a band of people united together to attack and Christianize an entire town or neighborhood (William Booth, Salvation Soldiery). We are sent to war. We are not sent to minister to a congregation and be content if we keep things going. We are sent to make war – and to stop short of nothing but the subjugation of the world to the sway of the Lord Jesus (William Booth, The Words of William Booth, Cyril Barnes).
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Corps program updates
Hello Homer Corps,
I want to udate you on two special upcoming events...
1. We have at least one person ready for Soldiership classes. Contact me right away so we can schedule times and locations for as many as possible.
2. Don't forget our Safe From Harm Training from 9 a.m. - 12:00 noon on February 29th. We are inviting all the churches, schools, concerned parents, and anyone wanting to better protect children in our community. It's free so invite everyone. It's a great way to bring people into the Corps and explain that everything we do is motivated by our love for Jesus and a desire to worship and serve Him!
Blessings and see you Sunday!
I want to udate you on two special upcoming events...
1. We have at least one person ready for Soldiership classes. Contact me right away so we can schedule times and locations for as many as possible.
2. Don't forget our Safe From Harm Training from 9 a.m. - 12:00 noon on February 29th. We are inviting all the churches, schools, concerned parents, and anyone wanting to better protect children in our community. It's free so invite everyone. It's a great way to bring people into the Corps and explain that everything we do is motivated by our love for Jesus and a desire to worship and serve Him!
Blessings and see you Sunday!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Good video on the War College in Canada
These are a couple of girls with The Salvation Army "War College". They live incarnationally with the people in the worst part of town (a modern day version of the "slum sisters"). They go out nightly to be with the people on the streets and are met by Michael Collins (a video with Him in a blog below) and other corps members who bring the canteen to feed the homeless and hungry.
Save souls, Strengthen saints, Serve the suffering. God Bless His Army!
<br/><a href="http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?vid=475cb976-d41f-4185-a1fb-6faa130b4a7e" target="_new" title="The War College on Global News Feb 09">Video: The War College on Global News Feb 09</a>
Save souls, Strengthen saints, Serve the suffering. God Bless His Army!
11 Questions from William Booth
William Booth had 11 Questions for the Weekly Self-Examination of the Soul.
How must you answer them before God?....
“Examine yourselves to see whether you are holding to your faith. Test yourselves.” (2 Corinthians 13:5 RSV)
1. Am I habitually guilty of any known sin? Do I practice or allow myself any thought, word or deed that I know to be wrong?
2. Am I so the master of my bodily appetites as to have no condemnation? Do I allow myself any indulgence that is injurious to my holiness, growth in knowledge, obedience, or usefulness?
3. Are my thoughts and feelings such that I should not be ashamed to hear them published before God?
4. Does the influence of the world cause me to do or say things that are unlike Christ?
5. Do my tempers cause me to act, or feel, or say things that I see afterward are contrary to that love that I ought to [show] always to those about me?
6. Am I doing all in my power for the salvation of sinners? Do I feel concern about their danger and pray and work for their salvation as if they were my children?
7. Am I fulfilling the vows I have made to God in my acts of consecration or at the penitent-form?
8. Is my example in harmony with my profession?
9. Am I conscious of any pride or haughtiness in my manner or bearing?
10. Do I conform to the fashions and customs of the world, or do I show that I despise them?
11. Am I in danger of being carried away with worldly desire to be rich or admired?
Selected material from: Chosen to Be a Soldier - Orders and Regulations for Soldiers of The Salvation Army 1977 (pp. 17-18)
How must you answer them before God?....
“Examine yourselves to see whether you are holding to your faith. Test yourselves.” (2 Corinthians 13:5 RSV)
1. Am I habitually guilty of any known sin? Do I practice or allow myself any thought, word or deed that I know to be wrong?
2. Am I so the master of my bodily appetites as to have no condemnation? Do I allow myself any indulgence that is injurious to my holiness, growth in knowledge, obedience, or usefulness?
3. Are my thoughts and feelings such that I should not be ashamed to hear them published before God?
4. Does the influence of the world cause me to do or say things that are unlike Christ?
5. Do my tempers cause me to act, or feel, or say things that I see afterward are contrary to that love that I ought to [show] always to those about me?
6. Am I doing all in my power for the salvation of sinners? Do I feel concern about their danger and pray and work for their salvation as if they were my children?
7. Am I fulfilling the vows I have made to God in my acts of consecration or at the penitent-form?
8. Is my example in harmony with my profession?
9. Am I conscious of any pride or haughtiness in my manner or bearing?
10. Do I conform to the fashions and customs of the world, or do I show that I despise them?
11. Am I in danger of being carried away with worldly desire to be rich or admired?
Selected material from: Chosen to Be a Soldier - Orders and Regulations for Soldiers of The Salvation Army 1977 (pp. 17-18)
Friday, February 6, 2009
How is your obedience quotient?
Strange Instructions, by Os Hillman
"And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands" (2 John 6).
A distinguished Indian evangelist named Sadhu Chellappa was on a mission trip to a village north of Madras, when in the middle of the night he suddenly sensed God speaking to him: "Leave this house quickly and run away!"
Not exactly a convenient thing to do. But Chellappa was accustomed to accepting even strange instructions from the Lord without debate, so he dressed quickly and ran into the darkness.
After a while, he was in open country. As he passed beneath a large tree, he felt God tell him, "Stay here and start to preach!" Now, even for an experienced evangelist, this was puzzling--because there was no one to be seen. Why did God want him to preach to an empty field in the middle of the night? But he stopped under the tree and began to preach the gospel.
Finally, he reached the point at which he called on his unseen listeners to give their lives to Jesus. He was surprised to hear a voice from the top of the tree and see a man climb down, crying. The man tearfully gave his life to Jesus. When Chellappa asked why he was in a tree out in the middle of nowhere, the man admitted, "I came out here to hang myself."
How is your obedience quotient? God calls us to be obedient to that small voice inside that can direct us to sometimes do strange things. Jesus was obedient in ALL things. "For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous" (Rom 5:19). God can do exceedingly great things through one man or woman who is willing to be obedient to God's voice. Ask for His grace today to be obedient to His voice.
This article came from "Prime Time with God" devotional email, to sign up you visit - http://msg1svc.net/servlet/FormListener?Y2dpOjE6TE4=
"And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands" (2 John 6).
A distinguished Indian evangelist named Sadhu Chellappa was on a mission trip to a village north of Madras, when in the middle of the night he suddenly sensed God speaking to him: "Leave this house quickly and run away!"
Not exactly a convenient thing to do. But Chellappa was accustomed to accepting even strange instructions from the Lord without debate, so he dressed quickly and ran into the darkness.
After a while, he was in open country. As he passed beneath a large tree, he felt God tell him, "Stay here and start to preach!" Now, even for an experienced evangelist, this was puzzling--because there was no one to be seen. Why did God want him to preach to an empty field in the middle of the night? But he stopped under the tree and began to preach the gospel.
Finally, he reached the point at which he called on his unseen listeners to give their lives to Jesus. He was surprised to hear a voice from the top of the tree and see a man climb down, crying. The man tearfully gave his life to Jesus. When Chellappa asked why he was in a tree out in the middle of nowhere, the man admitted, "I came out here to hang myself."
How is your obedience quotient? God calls us to be obedient to that small voice inside that can direct us to sometimes do strange things. Jesus was obedient in ALL things. "For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous" (Rom 5:19). God can do exceedingly great things through one man or woman who is willing to be obedient to God's voice. Ask for His grace today to be obedient to His voice.
This article came from "Prime Time with God" devotional email, to sign up you visit - http://msg1svc.net/servlet/FormListener?Y2dpOjE6TE4=
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Aggressive Christianity Preaching
Great preaching by Australian Salvationist Soldier Michael Collins.
It takes a little time to load, but well worth it. Enjoy!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Quote of the Day
There are many who are interested in the cause of Christ, and who are pleased to see it prosper in their corps, their church, their city, their country. But there are few who bear the burden of the world upon their souls day and night, who make His cause in every clime their very own, … who feel it an awful shame and a consuming sorrow, if victory is not continually won in His name.
– - Samuel Logan Brengle
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