Blog

Current Location: From Jacksonville, FL over past 5 weeks to now coming to temporary rest in the Los Angeles area.

Ongoing Activities / Please pray!

I have used the past 5 weeks to re-group, rest, and recover while writing, preaching, and doing lost of driving toward the west coast. Many lives have changed, world events continue to escalate daily, and spiritual pressure in the world around us deepens. One does not have to look far to see human discouragement, uncertainty, and disorientation. 

I am flying out of LAX on Saturday November 5th to preach in the Kansas City area of several days at a church I met back in 2001 on my first walk across the USA.  The Lord has laid much on my heart to share as I revisit old and yet unmet new friends.  Please pray for God's messages to arise within and flow through my life to those who are hungry for liberty, change, and life.

I have given much thought and prayer to my days ahead over the past several months. In light of all I see going on around me and throughout the globe…I am compelled to get even deeper engaged in helping people unravel their personal worlds to achieve victory within. It is an urgent hour both social and spiritually in the world we live.

Please continue to pray for my soon completion of the book I have been writing over the past 4 plus months. I am within a couple weeks or less of completion with regard to writing time. Unfortunately, circumstances and logistical challenges have impeded my progress as of late.  Current increasing levels of opposition make the obvious rise in world unrest palpable.  Please ask God to send those who can hold my arms up in battle in all different manners necessary to my bring glory to God among the lives of those He entrusts to my care...

Please pay attention to the world around us…much is at hand that will ever-change and dismantle human existence as we know it. World events give heaven voice as they rise straight of the pages of the bible each day… Keep your eyes in the east dear friend… God’s blessings upon you!

In Christ,

Greg

BattleCry

IT IS FINISHED!

At 7:18 pm September 28, 2011…I officially finished my TransAmerican Walk at sundown at the onset of Rosh Hashanah (Feast of Trumpets) on the Hannah Park Beach in Jacksonville, Florida ankle deep in the Atlantic waters. I sounded my shofar at that precise moment with one 3 second blast toward the east, 3 broken blasts toward the south, 9 short blasts toward the west, and 1 ten second blast toward the north. Then, I prayed as God directed and made one final circuit of shofar blasts. At the end of all…I said, “It is finished” and left the beach in the dark…alone. It’s always interesting how these events in my life end…alone. I was the only one on the beach at the time of my completion.

I left Jacksonville, FL on Friday September 30, 2011 to re-trace my path westward to preach and write my book on my way toward home. Please continue to pray that the book God has inspired me to write will come together for His glory and the benefit of those who read it. I will continue to update my blog along the way…so, stay tuned. Thanks and God bless you in Jesus’ name!

In Christ,

Greg

BattleCry

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA AT LAST – WALK FINISH DESTINATION

Today on 09-18-2011, I moved my RV forward to my Trans-American Walk 2010-2011 destination city of Jacksonville, Florida where I plan to conclude walking by September 28th or before Lord willing....lots a hoofin yet to do.  I have now been on the road for 11 1/2 months. The past several weeks have been eventful, plagued by challenges, and productive in many ways. God has been good to me! Weather has been hot with occasional showers with moderate humidity.

The United Nations votes on Palestine Statehood this week. The outcome of this vote will change the course of history if Statehood is granted due to its impact on Israel’s position as a sovereign nation.   Sadly, most of the world is pro-Palestine. America’s current administration offers little or no support to Israel either…a position that will put our nation in peril if not corrected before it is too late.

I would appreciate your prayers now as I culminate my walk, finish writing my book, and make decisions with regard to my journey preaching my way home over the next few weeks. My journey has given me great opportunity to reach and minister too many. Likewise, I have encountered many who struggle with severe life issues of many types. It is my cry that God grants those help and hope amid their trying hours… Please join me as together…we remain watchful and pray. It is an urgent hour!

In Christ,

Greg

BattleCry

Area: From Marianna / Malone through Cypress, Chattahoochee, Rosedale, Quincy, Midway, Lakewood, and into Tallahassee, FL

On The Go... 

I have been on the go, walking, knocking on church doors, preaching, trying to finish writing a book, meeting people in Starbucks and on the road, staying in God’s word, praying lots, rising through dwindling funds, and keeping my eyes stayed on the mark. Though I have walked by, Tallahassee is 201 miles from the beach in Jacksonville, FL…my walk’s destination point. I arrived into Tallahassee with my RV on Thursday 09-08-2011 and parked behind a local church gracious enough to offer me hospitality.

Amid The Battle...

Please accept my apology for my delays between posts as of late. I have been both navigating the above and trying to overcome an extreme lung infection that has been debilitating at best. I am finally rising out of it and returning to full strength. The past few weeks have been a challenge as I have reached within to stay my course through it all as I near the coast bombarded by one hurricane or storm one after another. Please pray for me as I make my final approach to the coast over the next couple of weeks and do my utmost to pen the remainder of my book. It is an urgent hour within which we live as global leadership takes their stance to recognize or deny Palestine’s right to exist as a nation. The resulting outcome will likely chart an irreversible course… Please pray for our leaders as we of the world peer through the door into an approaching season foretold long ago… God’s richest upon you until later…

In Christ,

Greg

BattleCry

Area: From Loxley, Alabama to Pensacola onward to Milton, FL

FLORIDA AT LAST!

Please forgive my delinquent update…but, a lot has been happening around me on multiple fronts... I arrived into Florida on Thursday 08-25-2011. It was nice to finally be in my last state prior to walk completion. It has been a long journey…

My reason for delayed update stems from being surrounded by and trying to process all happening around the world. I believe it possible that September 2011 may mark a pivotal month in many areas while world events loom large on the horizon. For instance…September marks the United Nations Grand Assembly held between the 15th and 28th during which a vote will be taken on whether or not to validate Palestine’s existence as a nation. If this occurs, it will have deep-reaching consequences in Israel’s future. Likewise, we have another Supermoon that will occur on September 27 similar to the one which immediately followed the March 2011 8.9 earthquake in Japan. Also, we have just experienced Hurricane Irene doing great damage up the east coast and are seeing an upsurge of storm activity in prior US regions previously devastated. I have been studying earthquake incidence, doing historical comparisons on hurricane magnitudes and paths, looking at this year’s tornadoes, and am doing my best to see how they may correlate with other converging events.  Studying the names attached to hurricanes is interesting in their biblical contexts.

Meanwhile, I am trying to finish my book by walk’s end in late September as well. As I review prior persoanal journals penned during extended fasts at key junctures in my life…I am discovering many similarities in today’s surrounding events that line up with a prior seasons and dates. So, the above have otherwise occupied my time pulling me away from writing this blog.

In closing…please know dear friend that many things now occurring upon the earth very much resemble what was foretold in Scripture. We cannot know the day or hour of His return…but, we can know the season. Therefore, please be watchful and pray as we keep our eyes on Israel, Palestine, the United Nations, natural disasters, and other vocal aspects of daily life. Until later…God bless you in Jesus’ name! 

In Christ,

Greg

BattleCry

 

Copyright protected worldwide / BattleCry Ministries - Greg Benner August 2011.  These materials may not be used or distributed without written permission.    

Area: Slidell, La to Diamondhead, Gulfport, Biloxi, De’Iverville, Ocean City, MS...walking toward Mobile, Alabama

Weather: Mid to upper 90’s humidity medium to high

Yea...Mississippi!

Sorry for the delayed update...I've been walking and hiding to write my book...  As I came out of New Orleans through Slidell, LA...my passage marked a real shift in weather, culture, and church dynamics as I came into Gulfport, Mississippi back on Thursday August 11.  While in New Orleans, thunder and lightning hammered hard…rain pelted…and people scurried for cover.  My passage over long bridges across the end of Lake Pontchartrain was not permitted on foot, but resumed on other side.  As I crossed the Louisiana-Mississippi border highway scenery changed from dense undergrowth to road’s edge to grasses and a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees.  And highways especially…were smoother missing all the thump-a-thump-a-thump cracks across Louisiana I was blessed to discover a church (Pass Road Baptist) in Gulfport, that was both equipped for and willing to allow me to park my RV for the entire time I was in the area walking and writing on my book.  As I write, I have walked onward well toward Mobile, Alabama where I'll be parked tomorrow Lord willing...

Gulf Beaches

Finally landing on beaches was one of the greatest treats after more than 2,200 miles on foot across inner cities, suburbs, wastelands, deserts, metropolitan areas, bayous, swamps, and multi-flavor spiritual dynamics.  Upon my arrival and connection to power at the church…I commenced to review book notes I had been gathering since the onset of my trek last October 2010 and began putting chapters in final written form.  I walked, talked to those I met on the street, beaches, in coffee shops, and in churches I visited looking for venues to preach.  Those I met on beaches were a diverse bunch coming from all over the central and southern United States for a time of relaxation…to ponder the jobs they had either lost or were interviewing for…climbing out of hate’s maze after serving murderous tours in Iraq during some of its bloodiest battles…or to live beneath a bridge homeless due to their recent release from 8 year prison stint as a 26 year old man.   All-tolled, I found people to be warm, open, inviting, and yet searching for internal refuge from the escalating storms brewing in America’s economy, society, and spirituality winds.  Most were somehow caught in life’s crossfire uncertain as to the ensuing outcome…

Encounters

I was truly inspired to write as I walked the beaches, said hello to passers-by, prayed with the unknown, and stood to gaze out over gulf water’s expanse as mild breezes blew and ripples lapped at the shore.  My mind meandered through places I’ve been, weather I’ve endured, people I’ve met, and insights about myself and the world around me God had given…  Some made me smile, others made me cry…but, all marked me for life…  My encounter with America’s wandering condition has delivered me to realizations most in our great land will never have opportunity to see.  Though our America has long-offered home to the brave and land to the free…my frame is pierced by what I see looming on her horizon…  As with mates in love with each other and parents who love their kids…one sense of danger and desire to defend rises up when threat knocks at the door…  Sadly, many live detached lives buried in the mire of declining morals, social tension, rising debt, growing unemployment, and unawareness of what is occurring in the lives just over the fence.  Likewise, many good people have lost tether to true reality as technology’s bombardment with fantasy, spun media, and artificial economic rallies paint a picture of reality that doesn’t exist.  I am concerned as I watch those I love and those I meet wade across the resulting river hoping they make their way safely to its other shore…  Dear friend…our individual, corporate, and national future is on the line.  Please…take note, listen carefully, and pursue the Master of your souls Who loves you while He still may be found...  His name is Jesus, the yet Living and Loving Lord…  Please remember, “None of us” is assured of tomorrow…

 

One Step at a Time,

Greg

BattleCry

Area: Broussard-Lafayette to Baton Rouge to New Orleans, LA

Weather: Hot and humid…in mid to high 90’s with heat index up to 114 F.

Meeting People

I love meeting and getting to know people…it is one of my favorite adventures! Every person we meet becomes one more colored thread woven into the fabric of our lives that ultimately unrolls the tapestry we portray to others. Do you want your life to reveal a masterpiece? Well then…meet people, get to know them, and share your lives for each other’s good!  

My trail has crossed with many great people like YG a joy-filled quad amputee in Wes Covina…Dallas the wandering young musician in Montclair…Kimberly the Christian taxi driver in Palm Springs…Joseph the displaced pastor and publisher from Mississippi God was talking to about Israel amid the California dry lands…Mike and Linda feeding the homeless for 23 years in Quartzite…Ex-biker Mark and wife Thelma doing street ministry in multiple cities…Pastor Ron planting six new fellowships on his home church turf in Phoenix…Petor from Poland on his 20,000 kilometer walk around the world for peace…Pastor Bob hacking out a new church in Arizona’s darkest region…Juan in Starbucks confessing his bitterness and need for Jesus… Colonel George (87) who braved 3 tours to Korea and Viet Nam on submarines, in fighters, and as a test pilot who saw his plane disappear mid flight at 28,000 feet… Texas Eddie who was beaten for leaving national biker gang leadership in his pursuit of Christ…Don (83) and Beverly traveling from Texas to Argentina to pray for people…Del the Christian country music entertainer of the year award-winner…Tyrone (64) traveling on bicycle throughout CA-AZ-TX on faith…Marlon putting on Last Days For Christ in Texas and Louisiana… Jessica the IHOP waitress chasing God in faith…Prayer warrior Karen blessing others as she fought through cancer at the cost of her life…Blake and Nichi who pour their lives into Louisiana marriages… Pastor Jacob embracing God’s vision to plant 100 churches and raise young leaders in Louisiana…and many others I have mentioned in past posts. 

During my journey…I have sat, talked, and prayed with homeless people, leaders, senators, gang members, rising musicians, single moms, police officers, drug addicts, grieving families, thugs, women of the street, people in the hood, governors, voodoo shop owners, businessmen, exchange students on beaches, cab drivers, convenience store clerks, reporters, and others untold…. My life fabric is taking on new texture each day… Who knows those I am yet to meet…and why? God’s perfect will is indeed an adventure!  Curious?  Read more below..

Area:

From Texas-Louisiana border past Sulfur through Lake Charles through Jennings into Lafayette to land temporarily in Broussard, LA.  Moving RV forward to Baton Rouge soon...

Wind and Rain

It is always interesting waking up to ever-changing weather each day.   Many times, I find weather patterns shift from normal to out-of-the-ordinary as I walk into different areas. This is not about me…it is about going into all the world in Jesus’ name. On my last walk in 2001-2002…I was amazed walking through Kansas in December in 60 degree F temperatures, when it would normally be in the 20’s. It was commonplace for me to see a hole in the clouds over my location on Doppler weather reports being televised.  It was even stranger to fly out to speak elsewhere and see the hole in the clouds disappear, temperatures drop to the 20’s, and then watch temps rise back into the 60’s with the hole re-appearing upon my return. This walk has been no different, except for the type of weather extremes I experience.  I explained some of this on my last blog post.

The presence of God in His people always goes before us to antagonize and dispel darkness wherever the two collide in Jesus’ name. Truth offends the lie…light pierces darkness…and life resurrects that which is dead if invited in. All darkness must bow beneath the name and Lordship of Jesus Christ…end of subject.

Air Waves

As I also mentioned…the presence of darkness affects things in the physical realm. Remember, satan is the prince of the power of the air. Likewise; cell phones, air cards, pagers, etcetera operate through “air waves” within the physical realm Gad gave satan a level of dominion over. As a result…my cell phones and mobile internet services were curtailed the deeper I walked in to Louisiana oppression comprised of many specific strongholds. Please understand…this is not a negative statement about Louisiana. This explanation merely describes how the presence of darkness opposes God's superior light as satan does his best to fight the inevitable…his own destruction.   God is a God of contrast…He is the Great Painter if-you-will. Therefore, any region that resides beneath more powerful principalities has increased potential to beam forth with greater levels of God’s glorious light revealing Him to a lost world! 

Light Out of the Darkness

Though much of my journey has taken me through places and people bombarded by the economy, fear, and violence…I do find areas where life, love, and liberty shine forth brightly. Many people or groups within what calls itself the church have fallen prey to religious exercise, conjuring up glory, rebuilding past moves, and withdrawing behind their walls at this critical juncture in human history just prior to Christ’s return. Based on Scripture, we know scoffers will ask “where is this coming.”  But, Jesus told us we could recognize the season of His return based on signs and events unfolding around us. Dear friend, it’s here! Everything foretold by Jesus and other gospel writers is occurring all over the globe. Yet, religionists and the lukewarm fight for the upper hand in their persecution of heaven's rising bride of Christ (church) now emerging out of current church culture in America.  Their hopes are miss-guided as they do their best to purchase deception's grip on an empty and lifeless religion without power. Sadly for those so inclined…Truth is still embodied in Jesus Who radically declared that an entirely different approach to God was required for one to gain entrance into the banquet hall at the wedding feast of the Lamb. With this in mind, what kind of people ought we to be? 

I am encouraged every time I find bastions of light and love evidenced by lifestyle shining out of people's surrounding darkness. It fuels my faith that God will surely reign victorious in His people called according to His purpose, when and “if” they pursue Him with whole hearts (Jeremiah 29:13). God feeds hunger, transforms thinking, restores wholeness as He loves the unlovable and forgives the unforgivable like you and me. If you are hungry, confused, and feeling isolated amid life's battle…hope is on the way in Jesus’ name! More later… 

In Christ,

Greg

BattleCry

 

Copyright Protected Worldwide / BattleCry Ministries – Greg Benner July 2011. These materials may not be distributed or used without permission.

Area: Time in Beaumont onward through Vidor and Orange, TX and across the Louisiana boarder…yea!

Weather: 99 – 103 degrees F, 75 – 90% humidity, 108 – 112 degree F heat index, some rain.

INTO LOUISIANA - YEA! 

My path left Texas behind as I walked across the Louisiana State Line today on 07-15-2011 trading desert dryness for high humidity. Translation: more sweat and more water…

Along the Way 

Thus far, my trek across our great nation has been both arduous and exciting. I meet people of all types, backgrounds, nationalities, and beliefs at every turn. Daily logistics are ever-changing as I move from low elevation to high, dry climate to wet, populated areas to remote, solid ground to swamps, and from hot to hotter weather. Besides walking: I meet pastors, people in Starbucks, convenience store clerks, auto part specialists, homeless people, and the occasional divinely dispatched repairman who comes to help me get my RV back on course.   On the way down from Washington back in October 2010, I blew a hydraulic fan coupling. In Phoenix, my windshield began letting go. In Chandler, AZ…my power inverter died. In Channelview, TX…my rear suspension broke loose. And in Beaumont, TX…my windshield gasket finally forced me to have my glass R & R’d. I’m not sure what is more challenging…walking a continent or keeping an RV to live in while doing it…on the road. Either way, God has been faithful and I have been privileged to meet a wonderful group of people He sent at strategic moments to get me back in the game.   "Read more" below to see how He carries me out of the desert into new frontiers...

Area: From Austin onward toward Houston, Channelview, Highlands, Baytown, Cove, Wallisville, Stowell, Winnie, Fannet, Beaumont, and on onward to the Louisiana border.

Weather: 95-99 F, 44-50% humidity, 101-106 heat index.

Ever Amazed

My path will cross the Texas-Louisiana border over the next few days...Lord willing.  With each passing step, I find myself more aware of physical, cultural, and spiritual shifts in the environment I encounter day-by-day.  Some shifts are subtle, while others stick out like a sore thumb.  Some shifts express themselves through town layouts…others through social bias.  Other shifts make themselves known through cultural uniqueness…others through local laws.   Some shifts openly declare themselves on billboards or the militant voices of their wayward supporters. Either way, I see a daily and ongoing contrast between beauty or brokenness…happiness or horror…dignity or disgrace…abundance or affliction…love or legalism…empowerment or exploitation…peace or peril…mercy or malice…faith or fantasy…giving or greed…success or shame…blessed or busy…inspired or indoctrinated… Thus far; my journey has carried me from seashore to inner city, from tropical to desert, from peaceful to violent, from metropolitan to remote, and from multi-cultural to purist communities. I never cease to be amazed by whom or what crosses my trail! 

Perspective

Please realize that my vantage point flows from the pages of the bible…  Though God loves us deeply not wanting any to perish…He is holy.  Too often, we look away from self we see in His mirror to set our sights on the failures of others who do not know Him.  Yet, the Apostle Paul calls us back to God’s reality when he asked and declared, “What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church?  Are you not to judge those inside?  God will judge those outside. Expel the wicked man from among you” (I Corinthians 5:12).  Simply put…we will never change what we refuse to identify and own within our inner hearts.  We cannot produce what we are not nor lead where we will not go.    Therefore, we must search our own hearts with God’s help before we will ever become “instruments for noble purposes made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work” (II Timothy 2:21).  Short story…we must be authentic to produce fruit that lasts (John 15:16)! 

 Fellow Travelers

I have been privileged to meet many wonderful people!  Some are on streets, others at Starbucks, a few in police cars, while others are in churches.  Wherever I meet whomever I meet…life uncertainties bombard them all…including me.  Everywhere I turn…people struggle to rise above the economic, relational, physical, and spiritual challenges threatening to erode or destroy their purpose in life.  Fortunately, one finds a grid of well-founded people strategically positioned to love those going down for the count in life…  I have met pastors standing strong to lead their people, while others withdraw into secondary non-essentials.  Likewise, I have met both prosperous businessmen and others going broke. And, I have met the emotionally stable and others needing Love’s transfusion.  Amid it all…I am thankful for those who rise above moral mediocrity, while hurting for those shredded by hell’s hopelessness.  Sadly, despite the many great one’s I meet…America has cut loose from truth’s anchor to drift like a ship filled with castaways in a category five social and spiritual storm.   Our great land has lost her way as she stands at the crossroads of decision wondering which way to turn.  Without apology…we need God’s direction and mercy NOW before passing the point of no return…  

Running The Race

Have you ever noticed how competitive and in need of recognition we are as human beings?  It’s as though our birth enters us in a race for position, power, and personality among our peers.  Simply put…human nature wants to be accepted, validated, honored, and empowered at any cost.  Likewise, we hang labels on ourselves that portray how we want others to see us, but rarely reveal the truth about who we are within.  Yet, our methods, motives, and madness will ultimately determine what our efforts will produce in the lives of others entrusted to our care.  As I have walked through literally hundreds of rural or metropolitan communities over the years…I remain dumbfounded by the crazy things I see.  I find people declaring themselves to be regional spiritual leaders on business cards, ministry media, and church signs.  In other areas; I encounter the race between churches revealed in first, second, third, and fourth Baptist, Assembly, Nazarene, Presbyterian, and beyond.  The bible is clear…those ordained to lead are called to be servants of all, not immortalized above others like kings.  Those wired to prophesy or foretell are too busy trying to survive the task God gave them to do too worry about labels.  And, those fixed on human approval, rather than heaven’s victory, are dangerously adrift… 

Though we justify our wayward pursuits…God holds an entirely different view on the matter.  On the heels of His story (parable) about workers in the vineyard, Jesus said, “…the last will be first, and the first will be last” in Matthew 20:16.  This said…it is time for us to erase our labels, re-paint our signs, and to do what God called us to do for His glory…not ours?   Jesus set the example… He did not hire the Goodyear blimp or local radio stations, papers, or painters to declare Himself God.  Instead, He pulled out all the stops to launch heaven’s epoch picture with special affects splashing intrigue, betrayal, violence, and blood across reality’s screen…personally dying on a cross to unconditionally love and forgive the wayward…like you…like me.  You see, our race in life is not against each other or the church down the street.  Instead, our race is to “…throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and to run with perseverance the race marked out for us…as we fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross…” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

The Plan Stands

As I walk past billboards, glance at newsstands, and scan book titles on the shelves of coffee shops along the way…it is painfully obvious that our reeling culture is comprised of diverse interests, idealisms, and inspirations.  As my journey thumbs me through materials I encounter…a melting pot filled with a stew of human wisdom or delusion is revealed.  Upon investigation; one can find books, web-sites, DVD’s, MP3’s, and the occasional soapbox orator declaring agendas originating from sources found anywhere between common sense and sheer stupidity.  While society drifts dangerously close to lurking distinction…God’s word the bible champions His plan to love, forgive, save, and deliver humanity from itself.  As special interest groups driven by selfish ambition sever their tie to Truth by ridding our courts, schools, and airways of the Ten Commandments, religious freedom, and moral compass…unwitting members of both social and spiritual communities buy into ever-deepening deception lock, stock, and barrel.  Yet, Jesus says, “…not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of the pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished” (Matthew 5:18).  Jesus is that fulfillment of God’s law, Whom moved man’s motivation to know and serve Him from Old Testament duty to New Testament appreciation for all He did that we could never earn or deserve.  Though we carelessly cast God’s law aside on the roadways of life one letter at a time…His plan will not be thwarted… 

Love Letters

Personal injury, bankruptcy, and divorce attorneys cry out from America’s billboards along the highways and byways crossing the home of the brave and land of the free.  Yet; horns honk, anger flares, and fists fly in cars that roar by fueled by impatience because someone pulled out, was going to slow, or crowded another’s personal space.  Sirens blare, blue lights flash, and guardrail crews repair the damage to barriers caused the night before by people who had one too many drinks before hitting life’s wall.  And, cities die from their heart out as heaven’s Church runs from inner city turmoil toward suburban safety in its retreat from darkness, thereby shelving its role as God’s emissary of light.  Friends, we are God’s ambassadors of reconciliation as though He is making His appeal to lost people through us (II Corinthians 5:17-20)…we are the salt of the earth who changes the flavor of humanity’s soup and the light of the world who illuminates others with hope (Matthew 5:13-16)… and, we are God’s love letter to our world and are called to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-41).  Our lives were designed to extend God’s loving reach to a dying world.  Sadly, many have “…exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator…” (Romans 1:25) casting God’s love to the ground to be trampled by men…  When was the last time God’s love protected, trusted, hoped, and persevered through you to another who had not yet proven themselves worthy?  In a nutshell dear friend, ”…love never fails” (I Corinthians 13:7-8). 

Proper Dependence

Walking a continent gives me a lot of time to observe, think, and pray.   Like everyone else, my perspective is colored by physical facts, life experience, core beliefs, and personal thought which fuel my efforts to embrace the world around me.   When I filter people and my surroundings through fallen human eyes and intellect, my emerging opinions are often misguided at best.  Yet, if I view my surroundings and those around me through God’s eyes with the mind of Christ…it causes me to reach to others in truth with compassion, mercy, and love in Jesus’ name.  As I have rattled through bible pages for the past forty years in my quest to know Jesus face-to-face, I have realized more than anything…that I am absolutely “dependent” upon Him for love, life, and liberty.  Proper dependence upon God, the Father of Jesus Christ, empowers our weakness and makes us strong (II Corinthians 12:9).  Sadly, our founding fathers wrongfully declared independence, which by its very essence, implies that we are under no governing authority.  It was a poorly defined, yet binding vow...  It was one thing to flee tyranny to find free expression of spiritual conviction.  It was entirely another to allow our expression of that freedom to cut us loose from the Author of eternal truth. 

Our nation's pursuit of God could have been better served had we humbled ourselves to champion "proper dependence" upon God declared openly to be the Father of Jesus Christ, rather than some great...but, generic architect.   As a result, we who call ourselves a godly nation have become the most religiously diverse culture on earth who is plagued by lawsuits, hostile takeovers, divorce, church splits, cults, situational ethics, and conditional commitment.  Why?  Because independence cannot walk agreed...cannot submit (Romans 8:7).  Independence always pits one human will against another until one ultimately dominates, violates, or isolates the other into submission.   What is it in our culture that devides countries, allies, governments, businesses, churches, marriages, and relationship?  The answer is...independence.  What got satan thrown out of heaven?  His independent desire to rise "above" the most high (Isaiah 14:13-14).  If we are honest deep down in our hearts...our desire to rise above others in some fashion wars within us at every turn (Romans 7:21-25).  This tendency reveals man's fallen nature...  It is only through submission one to another out of reverence for Christ and our proper dependence upon the One True God that holds us fast.

Most Americans will only stay in life’s game with a partner God’s way as long as personal benefit outweighs downside cost amid our "me-oriented" culture.  Truth be told, most of us hold onto our right to express personal independence with an iron grip, rather than yielding our lives as living sacrifices to God and others as our act of spiritual worship (Romans 12:1-3).  Why?  Because we have been "educated" for years to celebrate our independence as a great freedom, while being being blind to the spiritual limitations it imposes upon our lives in the unseen realm.   The enemy of our souls comes disguised as an angel of light to convince us that things are okay, when in reality, they are not.  He covers his strongholds in our thinking in order to maintain an open door into our lives through which to deceive, exploit, and destroy us.    Independence from sin brings life...independence from God brings death.  At first glance, some may think my view is unpatriotic.  Yet, true patriotism upholds freedom based on eternal truth...not fallen idealisms.  As believers, we are called to speak the truth in love (Epheisans 4:15-16, 25) to one another, while knowing that "love always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres (I Corinthians 13:7).  

God's love in and through us "is" motivated to redeem and bring freedom to those entrusted to our care (John 17).  When we see those we love heading for disaster...we sound the trumpet to save them from harm even when it makes us unpopluar.  Friends, it's time we stop floating free in relativism comparing ourselves to one another on our way down...and instead, return to the Author of eternal truth by comparing ourselves too and embracing His loving example portrayed through Jesus His Son.  My views no more flow from criticism, than a mother who runs into the street to grab Johnny by the scruff of his neck before he gets hit by a racing car...  Simply put...I care  more than people understand.  So, the next time someone tells you something "real" or doesn't play life's game your way…think twice before grabbing your marbles and running home to be king of your own hill.  America means “freedom.”  Sadly, to many lives are caught in the crossfire between self indulgence or putting the welfare of others ahead of themselves (Philippians 2:3-5).  Therefore, we must renounce our independent spirits and whole-heartedly declare our proper dependence upon God through how we live…not what we say in Jesus' name.  Empty words are dead  (James 2:14)...   

God’s Faithfulness

Though my journey has crossed trails with adversity on numerous occasions…God has been and remains faithful at every turn.  In recent days, He sent me a Christian brother who welded my RV frame that had broken…another who R & R’d my tires so repairs could be made…another who took me under his wing to bless me in Jesus’ name…and multiple other people whom He compelled to lighten my financial load some.  Is everything perfect, paid, or pristine in my world without emeging or ongoing challenge?   No!  But, in the day-to-day unfolding of life and circumstance…God’s reaches deep as He personally reveals His love and extends His mercy in ways far beyond imagination.  Why?  So, I can give hope to a lost world every day for the rest of my life as I testify to all Jesus has done! 

Despite those realities addressed in my words above…God’s power reigns with dominion over the defeated enemy of our souls...  God is with a big “G” and satan is a little “s.”   Yes, I grow weary and even discouraged some days after the 29th door of the day slams in my face.  But, as I walk away praying for God to bless the one who slammed it…Jesus floods my soul with peace that surpasses understanding and reminds me of His unconditional love and mercy toward me that ever stands in the heart of my Living Lord...for me.  Our Father God is not a fleeting idea or passing fancy conjured up by intellectual champions, theological giants, or the name it-claim it-frame it prosperity crowd chasing His hand of provision.  Instead, He promises to be our ever present help in times of trouble as we lift our mortal gaze toward His glorious face to lock eyes with Him in humility evidenced by our loving others in Jesus' name.  God is real, faithful, loving, and a Friend Who sticks closer than a brother when it counts…a Heavenly Father Who keeps His promises even when it hurts…and the Lover of our souls amid our wayward humanity when we deserve it least.  And to make God even more amazing…He chose to hand-craft us all into living masterpieces created in His image to do good works that He prepared in advance for us to do for His glory and the good of others.  Only an incomprehensible God could dream up such an out-of-the-box plan…WOW!

Winds Of Change

Some call me negative, others critical, and still others think me misguided as I share what I see and experience along my way.  Occasionally, a few see me as enlightened...  No matter what they think...God's love always protects as it compells us all to be honest and help those around us escape what will rob them of life.    Despite people's projections...I do not form people’s ideas, chart their course, forge their character, or form their conclusions…they do.  I merely encounter, observe, and walk through life each day shaken by the declining condition of America and God’s people along this race God set before me to run.   Despite people’s varied opinions, prophetic events unfurl like a once-stilled flag being stretched forth in heaven’s gale to call God’s army to attention NOW in history’s eleventh hour. Heaven’s Bridegroom, Jesus…is coming back for a radiant bride...not a wayward wife, saying "bless me" as she goes her own way…   Battle lines have been drawn…armies of the earth are gathering…and heaven’s wedding invitations have been mailed calling Jesus' bride (Church) to make herself ready (Revelation 19:7).  We must preach the gospel through lifestyle truth, love, Spirit, glory, and worship God’s way...not words...   Otherwise, we will not find our seats at the banquet table now being set for the wedding feast of the Lamb. 

Please listen as heaven’s hurricane begins to blow!   Heaven's mansion hall has been prepared...Rose of Charon collected...Living Bread baked...choicest wine delivered...bridal attendants stir...virgin's lamps trimmed...angelic voices rise...doors swing open...and our white linen dress awaits...   Prepare yourself...heaven's feast is being set before us...Eternity's hour glass grows empty...our Bridegroom waits with anticipation as we make ourselves ready...and His white-gloved hand will soon draw us into heaven's first dance to become one with our King?  Oh dear frriend...keep your eyes eastward on heaven's mailbox... 

Awaiting My King,

Greg

BattleCry

 

All rights reserved worldwide.  Copyright BattleCry Ministries / Greg Benner 07-09-2011.  These materials are not to be used or distributed without written authorization.

Area: Eastern Outbound / Houston, TX / Approximately 80-90 miles from Louisiana 

Choosing God

On the heels of choosing God’s work over monetary gain this morning…everything came unglued. First, the lower portion of my RV windshield dropped out of the channel making it necessary to have the windshield removed and re-installed with a new gasket…will have to wait until blessed with funds. Re-setting the windows is no easy task on older large-sized panels of glass. Next, as I was driving to my next temporary parking spot…I heard a noise coming from the rear of my RV. I pulled over along the highway and got out to investigate. Upon my inspection, I noticed dripping fluid and found the rear drive train trailing arm assembly had broken off of the frame rail due to poor factory welds. My rear axle was out of line and will need to be pulled back into shape. Tires will need to be removed; the unit jacked back into place, preparation and welding done, tires re-installed, severed brake line replaced, and…continue onward. 

When we choose to do what God calls us to do…the enemy of our souls gets a wee bit irritated and fights back. Yet, what most would view as frustrating, inconvenient, or unfair…I have learned is merely God putting us in step to intersect with someone we are supposed to meet.   How we view the unexpected when it occurs determines whether it will be productive or lost for God’s glory and the one we were to encounter.   Remember, being in step with God sometimes looks different than we imagine… Please pray for me…that God will give me eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart that understands all I need to know to complete His work. Blessings on you! 

Chasing Jesus,

Greg

BattleCry            

Area: Houston, Texas

Weather: High 90’s with high humidity…or in other words…curly hair weather

Thump Thump

No, it is not one of my walking shoes going flat… In realty, I am referring to the annual watermelon festival held in Luling, TX each year when their big juicy melons come off the vine. The local community gathering akin to a county fair of sorts comes complete with watermelon eating and seed spitting contests. You can find vendor booths, watermelon smoothies, seed necklaces, melon-mentioning bumper snickers, and even the local water tower painted up like a watermelon…   Luling's Watermelon Thump Festival reminds me of my farm town community days as a kid. On another note…  

Luling may be the origin point for Texas crude surfacing in the USA wearing its badge proudly in the form of backyard oil wells bobbing up and down 24/7.  The smell of oil is ever-in-the-air…kinda homey if you know what I mean…

Area:  Kerrville to Seguin, TX

Weather:  98 t0 105 degrees F with increasing humidity. 

Changing Winds

The past few weeks have been hot pushing mercury up the vial to 105 degrees F accompanied by rising humidity as I approach the gulf coast. My ongoing pathway carrying me through difficult arenas defined by various forms of human and spiritual disarray has been long…until, I walked into Kerrville weeks ago. There, I found richness in the time I was privileged to spend with pastors and emerging new friends filled with a very different life and spiritual outlook shaping their expression of God’s goodness. It was both unexpected and refreshing to encounter amid such a long trail to the contrary. Kerrville was God’s gift to me given when my refreshing was needed most... Leaving Kerrville felt like vacating one’s home filled with family and friends… Spiritual winds shifted drastically after leaving the brief oasis returning to different flavor of dark entrenchments that I encountered in days past over some 1,500 plus miles. Frankly, I meet both wonderful and not-so-great people everywhere I go. Some are full of life rising into their God-given potential, while others around them tumble headlong into despair-filled fragmentation fixed on hopeless views of God, people, and the world around them. Personal perspective ramains the single most important factor determining their destinies through which they will leave their mark on those they encounter in life…either good or bad.

Area: Through Fort Stockton, Ozona, Sonora, Junction, and into Kerrville, TX on way toward San Antonio

God Lives In Kerrville! 

Smiles, kindness, conversation, and open hearts met me as I entered Kerrville, TX late yesterday.  I was blessed beyond measure after trekking through so many heavy-hearted areas.  My first encounter with greatness came as God honored me to meet, talk, and pray with Pastor Chris at a local Baptist Church. He was refreshing, real, and radically filled with God’s presence and grace. I found him open, determined to preach God’s love, and absolutely at peace with letting the Holy Spirit bring much-needed life and change in his church people that only God can affect.  After months wading across the open deserts, through brief encounters, knocking on closed doors, and echoing God’s grieving question of “whether He would find faith upon the earth"…new hope re-kindled within. God’s adventure did not end there as I ventured onward to another local church where I met a vibrant young pastor cut from non-typical cloth…

Area: From Las Cruces, NM toward San Antonio, TX

Israel’s 63^rd Anniversary!

Today marks Israel’s 63^rd anniversary of becoming a nation. Arabs all around the Middle Eastern region and beyond are protesting this historical event. Though the world openly questions and speaks out against Israel’s right to exist based on Scripture…we as believers in Jesus Christ know that God’s unfolding plan is tied to Israel’s re-formation as a nation.   Its true significance is caught in the crossfire of theological and religious debate as people untold ponder how Israel’s re-birth coincides with issues like the rapture, tribulation, and Christ’s approaching return. Regardless of one’s view…God will not be mocked as He arrives just on time amid this once-in-human history season He declares that we can recognize. Israel’s re-emergence as a nation 63 years ago merely marks one of many signs Scripture says will reveal the season of Christ’s return. In this light…what type of people should we live to be… 

Devine Encounter

About ten days ago, I had occasion to wander through Starbucks near Las Cruces, NM where I met this great young couple.  As we began to talk a bit...we soon found ourselves engaged in conversation in which this transparent young man began sharing his battle with unforgiveness openly.  It was truly a privilege of honor to share the love and hope of Christ with him with regard to his battle.  As the two of us continued our interchange...his lovely young lady friend chimed in along the way affirming his efforts to rise out of bitterness to freedom and life.  This young man had gone through divorce a year or so earlier.  Likewise, he had toppled from the top of his professional field to a place of uncertainty.  And yet, he was genuinely more concerned about his spiritual condition than his financial success.  Finally, he admitted that he was not yet in personal relationship with Jesus, but had been reminded often by family that he needs to be.  As our time together drew to a close, I encouraged him to ask God to help him let go of past, to embrace the present, and to liberate his future with heaven's help.  I could see that his pathway was being re-directed to a collision course with the Lover of His soul...Jesus.  They took my card, we shared parting words, and we went our separate ways in faith...that God was up to another miracle one life-at-a-time.  Please pray for this young man and woman.  God will indeed finish the work in response to this young man's hungry heart!  I wish I could say working with others who see themselves as saved was so life-giving...

Area:  Passing through Vail, Benson, Wilcox, AZ...Lordsburg, Deming, and into Los Cruces, NM

Ever Onward

Adventure never ends along the highways and by-ways of life. As I pass through different towns, cities, and metropolitan areas…physical, social, and spiritual patterns emerge among those people I meet each day. While walking Arizona…physical conditions included lots of desert, closed businesses, and people of all walks of life caught in the crossfire of their life realities. Social conditions included people of all statures who have encountered recent economic downturns, ethnicities, and elevated crime associated with drug and human trafficking. And spiritual conditions included everything from God’s presence, varied levels of complacency, to wayward depravity.

Common Threads

As I entered New Mexico, I continued to find trends much the same as Arizona with 50-60 % of church buildings locked a vacant when I came to knock on them…the type of welcome I received from warm to detached…and people’s perspectives spinning as individual people do their best to cope with and adjust to quickly changing economic, employment, social, and spiritual conditions around them. Either way…people in general are struggling on most fronts.

Where: Near New Mexico border on way toward Texas

God Is Good!

Praise God from Whom all blessings come! Though people’s needs and my own challenges have been beyond description…God is good…all the time! Weather has been in the 90’s, opportunity to get a good tan more than adequate, and the road before me long……..

Stepping Onward... 

Passing through Tucson, AZ was an interesting experience as I visited with many pastors of numerous denominations.   As I sat with them at length in different settings…I was able to ask questions about their cities, churches, callings, and visions. Some leaders were discouraged, others hopeful…but, most held perspectives aware to varied degrees that world events are growing more troubling each day. Their answers revealed the challenges they face as individual shepherds, the hunger levels of their people, and how far all of us must travel in our relationships with Jesus Christ prior to His return. Moving through Vail on toward Benson, AZ was much the same.  Reality unfolds one step at a time...

Near Tuscon, AZ 

Divine Delays

The last twelve (12) weeks have been punctuated by human need, demonic opposition, and my deep ongoing reach for solutions in prayer. God’s prior directive which brought me out of California into Arizona was defined by specific passages of Scripture that ultimately landed me in Glendale the week before Christmas 2010. Every passage God took me too pointed me toward “wintering in Phoenix.” At first, I was puzzled by this one somewhat out-of-the-ordinary facet of God’s direction. But, I learned it was definitely from Him as heaven’s details unfolded before me over subsequent weeks following my return to Arizona after the Christmas holidays.  From my vantage point, I thought my return to the southern deserts of Arizona would resume my walk following my Christmas time with family. Yet, I soon learned that God had other plans….

Walk Update / Thursday 02-24-2011

Location: Still in central Arizona

God Is Moving! 

God is on the move! Over the past 2 plus months, I have experienced and witnessed more miracles in direct response to my prayers in than in the last 10 years.   At the same time, I have plunged deeper into God’s unknown in faith on behalf of others in hope He will save those I am unable to reach without His mercy. God has caused me to linger in central Arizona to help others bound by debilitating strongholds longer than I first intended.  I'm weary...  That said, the time has come for those of us numbered among His people to prepare ourselves for the wedding feast of the Lamb as we help others meet Christ face-to-face. Why now?

The Battle Rages / Prayer Needed!

The past nine weeks have taken me into heaven’s halls and among hell’s hordes on behalf of others bound by life-destroying strongholds, caught in the grip of despair, and who are crying out for God’s merciful liberation. They are in over their heads, dying an inch at a time, and in need others to lower their shattered lives through a hole in heaven's ceiling to enter the presence of a Loving Savior. I need help to keep my arms raised for victory. Please pray dear friend…

God said...

Scripture foretells that a time will come upon the earth when delusion will blind the minds of people, selfishness will devour people, rebellion and anger will divide people, and that these people will perish because they refuse to love the truth and so be saved. Today, many ask how a loving God could possibly allow people to die beyond His grasp. And yet, God forces no one to bow their knee to Him…He gives us free choice. For those of us calling ourselves believers…we remain commissioned to go into all the world (and our homes) to make disciples baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit teaching them to obey everything Jesus commanded us to do (Matthew 28:19-20).

Tension In The Air

Yesterday, I was probing ahead of my current walk point looking for a place to move up too.  As I traveled south, I became aware of an intense aggression in the air.  Everywhere I looked...people were scowling, honking horns, making gestures at others, yelling at clerks, and stomping off to go there own way after threatening those they met.  I noticed myself becoming impatient, a bit up tight, and somewhat uncaring until...I recognized the type of spiritual arena I had entered.  As I concluded my business and drove northward again...the tension in the air subsided and peace returned. 

This morning as I logged on to my email...I noticed the cover story telling about violence which had occurred some 75-90 miles below where I had traveled too yesterday.  As I've mentioned in some of my posts...the areas God has called me to impact constantly carry me toward things most hope to avoid in life.  That said...please pray for me as I do my all to hear God's voice and do what He says.   Urgency is ever-in-the air as we look at unfolding world events and the destinies of others who desparately need a Savior.  Currently, I am seeking God's direction to see where He will lead my next steps before proceeding.  Meanwhile, it is my hope to meet and bless the lives of those I encounter.   More later...  Blessings!

Hanging Onto The Master,

Greg

BattleCry Ministries

www.battlecry.org

www.battlecry.org/blog

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Copyright 2010-11 / BattleCry Ministries-Greg Benner.  All rights reserved worldwide.  These materials shall not be used or distributed without written permission.