Tag Archives: Pirate Gospel bible lessons for kids

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Start Yer Morning With Prayer ter Skipper

The Pirate Gospel: Mark 1:35-37

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. (Mark 1:35)

Start Yer Morning With Prayer ter Skipper

Tha Son made it a habit ter rise early and get off by himself so he could enjoy a chat and morning prayer with the Father, his Pop and ours. We don’ know what the Son and Skipper discussed. Could be they chatted ’bout the upcoming day. Perhaps they reflected on the day befer. Maybe Skipper whar giving the Son a list of folks who would be coming ter him with thar needs, worries, and wounds. But we kin be sure of one thing: the Son felt in necessary ter start his day with a morning prayer with the Father.

Ways Some Begin Thar Morning Prayer

A good many do they same these days. When they lie down at night they kneel side thar bunk or lie in thar hammock and thank Skipper fer all that went on during the that day, both good and ill. They ‘ill praise him fer the daily provision they enjoyed, the folks they met, thar own needs met. In the morning befer thar feet hit the deck they ‘ill silently thank Skipper fer a good night’s sleep and the dreams he give ’em. Then they ‘ill ask Skipper ter hug ’em close and bless ’em, provide fer thar daily needs, ter watch over ’em, and keep his arm ’round thar shoulder. All this they do befer they get out of the sack.

Getting Off Alone in the Morning ter Pray

Aboard ship you ‘ill often find folks up early in the morning ter go off and pray. Kneeling near the rail of a vessel with heads bowed, lips moving, tears trickling down cheeks, they ‘ill pray ter our Father in heaven. This be the model fer prayer given ter us by the Son. We be called ter get away from folks in order ter spend time alone with Skipper. When we pray, we ought ter go into a small room or closet, close the door, and pray to our Pop, who be unseen. Then Skipper, who sees what be done in secret, ‘ill reward us.

Thing be,  it kin be hard ter rise early and find a quiet spot ter pray. The Son knowed a little ’bout this fer he made the village of Kephar Nahum (Capernaum) his home port and because he did, folks whar constantly looking ’bout fer him.

Now some smart fellers say that “kephar” be a Hebrew word that means “ter cover,” “ter purge,” “ter make an atonement fer,” “ter make reconciliation fer,” “ter cover over and make atonement fer sin.”  “Nahum” means “our comforter.” So right off we might see why the Son picked this village fer his base, fer Skipper’s one and only boy come ter comfort us and reconcile us ter the father by paying the price fer our sins.

Getting up early might uncomfortable fer some—perhaps most—but that be the example the Son set fer us. And it is in our troubles and times of discomfort that the Son comforts us.

Blessings of Prayer

Whilst in tha Garden of Gethsemane tha Son prayed, “Abba (Pop), Father, for you all things are possible. Remove this cup from me. Yet, do not do what I want, but what you want. Do your will.” The Son prayed this at night, in the dark, alone. But we kin imagine he spake the same at other times fer he knowed well in advance how his end would come. And even though he knowed his Father’s will, the Son still prayed ter be spared the scourging that whar ter come. He prayed ter be spared from the mocking and humiliation of folks. He prayer ter be spared the torturous death planned fer him.

Now we may wonder how the Son knowed what whar ter come. The answer be in these words ter his disciples.

“Very truly I tell you, 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.” – Jesus (John 5:19-20)

While in prayer, while listening ter the Holy Spirit of Truth, Skipper spoke ter the Son. The Father showed the Son his perspective of things. In response, the Son did those same things during the days that followed. Perhaps you recall that the Son taught his disciples ter pray like this.

Say, “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” – Jesus (Matthew 6:10)

When we get Skipper’s view from atop the mast, we kin stand our watch and carry out our tasks. Still, that don’ necessarily make it easy ter rise early.

Whilst We Be Looking ter the Father Others be Looking fer Us

Simon and his companions went to look for Jesus. When they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” (Mark 1:36-37)

Of course all in Kephar Nahum whar looking fer the Son. He healed folks, cast demons out of folks, fed folks. All who come ter him whar blessed. The Son be thar answered prayer, as it whar.

But he came not simply fer folks in Kephar Nahum but fer folks all over. Left on our own we might settle in a port. And perhaps Skipper wants us ter settle fer a spell. But like a ship at sea the Son whar always on the move.

Get Up and Get Moving

This also be our model fer prayer. Regardless of yer circumstances and needs, get off alone with Skipper—and the earlier in the day the better. Our Comforter, the one who makes attornment fer our sins, rose early ter be with his father in prayer. Later our Comforter was lifted up on a cross in order that our sins be covered by his blood. Three days afterwards, the Son once more rose early, only not in his old earthly shell of a body but from the grave in his new glorified body. The first of its kind. A body that could travel about through time and walls.

A life of rest and relaxation might be the thing we wish fer, but if we are ter follow the Son thar i’ll be days of discomfort from simple daily living.

When you get off with the Father, cry out ter him. Plead with him. Listen ter him. Recite back his words, promises, blessings. Share yer fears with him. Praise him fer listening, caring, loving ya, and sending his Son ter die so ya could sit in his lap. End by asking Skipper ter glorify himself through you by yer thoughts and actions. Then make sure you ask him ter show you what he wants you ter do that day.

Do all this and then when you stand yer post you ‘ill ‘ave a better gauge of how best to carry out Skipper’s commands that day. If the Son of Skipper found it necessary ter get away with his Father early in the morning, we might ought ter rise early and do the same.

Parroting the Prayers of Skip’s CrewParroting the Prayers of Skip’s Crew

Oh Lord, help me to hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for it is in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go this day, for it is to you that I lift up my soul.(Psalm 143:8)

Pirate Facts

Perhaps you ‘ave heard the phrase, “Red sky in the morning, sailor take warning.” A red sunrise might mean that a high pressure system with its good weather done already passed on, leavin’ behind an a storm system of low pressure. In the Northern Hemisphere weather moves from west ter east so a morning sky that be a deep, fiery red can indicate that thar be high water content in the atmosphere and a squall below the western horizon. If you awake ter a red sky morning make it yer task ter batten down the hatches.

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Scared Straight and Healed

The Pirate Gospel: Mark 1:21-28

A man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” – Mark 1:23

Scared Straight

Think on this a wee little bit: the devil’s demons know all thar is ter know ’bout the Son. Know and be terrified.

Fer example, demons know that:

* The Son be in thar midst in order ter conduct Skipper’s business.

* The Son be from Nazareth.

* The Son be intent on destroying unclean spirits and the power the devil’s darkness holds over folks.

* The Son be of a holy nature.

Such unclean spirit knows all this but do we?

A good many smart folks who know all ’bout the Son and Skipper and study with earnest energy in seminaries  but hain’t got nary a clue as ter the real power and authority of the Son and his Spirit. Listen ter what that great prophet Malachi says:

You who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. (Malachi 4:2)

The Son be the Sun: the one who be righteous. And because the Son be righteous through and through no spirit of sickness, no unclean spirit of perversion, wickedness, or torment kin remain in his presence. All such vile spirits must flee. That be why that filthy spirit living inside the man from the synagogue feared fer its existence. The Son brings healing and wholeness.

The Son’s command ter all such filthy spirits be this: “come out!”

When we come face ter face with the Son and see him fer who he really be, we ‘ill get scared straight. We ‘ill fall ter our knees in fear. We ‘ill ‘ave deep respect or admiration fer him on account of we see the glory of his holiness.

If you hain’t nary enjoyed such an encounter, if you hain’t nary been humbled in the presence of yer Lord, then ask Skipper ter introduce you proper like ter the Son. An invitation of this sort ‘ill always be one Skip ‘ill confirm. And when you come inter the presence of the Son, his righteousness ‘ill flow inter you. Soon as it does you can rest assured all unclean spirits ‘ill begin ter tremble in fear.

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Parroting the Prayers of Skip’s CrewParroting the Prayers of Skip’s Crew

Lord, I know “you are the Holy One of God” (Mark 1:23). And because I believe in your healing power and authority I renounce all spirits of death and sickness coming against me and my loved ones. I declare that such unclean spirits be cast out, bound, and cast into the abyss where they will be held for the day of your judgement. Lord, you came to set the captives free. By your power and nature those I name are set free from the bondage of perverse spirits. May we be free indeed! Amen and amen.

Pirate Facts

Julius Caesar whar captured by pirates when he be but 25. While prisoner, he told the fellers he would come back and kill ’em all. And in time he did jest that.

After becoming leader of ancient Rome and by expanding Rome’s geographic reach and establishing its imperial system, Caesar transformed his small kingdom inter what they called the Roman Empire. By 31, Caesar had been in several scrapes and whar finding his footing, as it whar, in Roman politics. After making several alliances and gaining military victories, the rascal became dictator of the Roman Empire, a title that lasted for just one year before he went ter Davy Jones.

Julius Caesar . . . once a pirate, always a pirate.

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Put Out Inter Deep Water

The Pirate Gospel: Mark 1:16

Jesus said to them, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” (Mark 1:16)

Whilst tha Son walked about on shore he saw two brothers casting nets inter the sea. Right off he seen that the pair be hard workers, fer as we well know, fishing not be an easy chore. Catching a meal kin some times take all day, weeks some times.

He saw Simon and Andrew and said to them, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. “Follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you become fishers of men.”  (Mark 1:16) (Luke 5:4-6)

But as soon as the Son called the pair, they cast down thar nets and followed him.

Put Out Inter Deep Water

Now it could be the brothers may ‘ave thought: Anything be better than fishing with Pop. We keep doing this we ‘ill die hunched over and broken old men with hands so calloused we kin sand a plank with our bare palms.

More ‘n likely, the brothers seen that the Son be well versed in Skipper’s Code of Conduct. Most all lads in them days be required ter read and memorize the first five books of Skip’s Code. From thar they moved on ter learnin’ ’bout the Prophets. The pair likely knowed some of Skip’s Code, but had ne’er been picked ter train under a real rabbi. Perhaps they also be in the crowds when the Son preached on the arrival of Skip’s kingdom and wanted a share of any prize thar might be fer them working fer Skip’s crew.

But probably the biggest factor in ’em up and leavin’ the fishin’ business be the great catch of fish they caught when the Son told ’em ter toss thar nets over the side once more.

Without the Son, no fish. With the Son so many fish they couldn’ haul ’em all in the boat. That be the power and authority and presence of the Son in our lives.

After he went down the shore a ways, the Son spied two other fellers mending thar nets. Like with Simon and Andrew, the pair be working hard, not lounging about waiting fer good luck ter find ’em. Soon as the Son hailed fer the pair ter join him, them sons of Zebedee, James and John, left thar pop with his hired servants and took off ter follow this fisher of men.

Now think on this a wee little bit: Simon and Andrew left thar vocation in order ter learn another trade: fishing fer folks. James and John also left thar vocation in order ter follow tha Son. Nary a one hemmed and hawed, made excuses, asked if they might ‘ave a few days ter consider his offer. None went home ter discuss any of this with the misses. They simply dropped what they whar doing and went off with the Son.

Be that the way we act when the Son calls us ter a new task? Doth we act with such conviction and obedience that we ‘ill stop in mid watch, come about, and sail off on a new heading without knowing what tomorrow ‘ill bring?

Them four fishermen became the core of the Son’s crew. You find ’em near ’bout always right close ter the Son and the Son right close ter them.

Obedience ter the Son comes with a cost, but we get the blessing of his fellowship in return. This day if you hear the Son calling you, if you be reading Skipper’s Code of Conduct and hear his voice asking you ter change course, ter put out in ter deep water,  do as commanded. Doth not delay. Might be his call be the chance of a lifetime fer you.

The Son came fishin’ fer folks—not jest some but all. Make it yer task ter get caught in the Son’s net of Love.

Parroting the Prayers of Skip’s CrewParroting the Prayers of Skip’s Crew

“Lord, as the Father has loved you, so you ‘ave loved us. Bless us ter remain in yer love always.” (John 15:9)

Pirate Facts

The Doldrums be an area of calm winds often found a wee bit north of the equator and between the two belts of trade winds. It be widely assumed that the phrase ‘in the doldrums’ be derived from the name of this region, but it whar actually the other way ’round. In the 19th century, “doldrum” whar a word meaning “dullard; a dull or sluggish feller.” This most likely came from “dol” and “dolt” with its meaning eventually becoming “dull.”

Others contend doldrum means “dole out the rum.” Whar ya come down on this probably depends on the vessel you sail and spirits you hang out with.

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The Lord Loves the Contrite in Spirit

Isaiah 66:2

The Lord Loves the Contrite in Spirit

The Lord loves the humble.

The Lord loves the contrite in spirit.

The Lord loves those who tremble at his words.

(Isaiah 66:2)

Lord, show me my sin. Help me ter see the scruffiness of my actions with the spyglass vision ya use. Well I know when I see myself the way you spy me, my spirit ‘ill break and sorrow fer what I done ‘ill drive me ter my knees. In humility I ask ya ter inspect me from the tip of my mast ter the bottom of my keel. Point out ter me my barnacles and rot so I ‘ill beg you ter fix me good as new.

Yer words clap with the power of thunder, this well I know. Tremble I do when you speak harsh words ter me. Beg you I do, Lord, be gentle with this old soul. If not, my feeble heart ‘ill fail.

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Yer Fruit Comes From the Root in Ya

Sow Seeds From Skip's Holy Spirit of Truth, Not Seeds From Yer Carnal Flesh

Yer Fruit Comes From the Root in Ya

Think on these words of Saul Paul a wee little bit:

The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. (Galatians 5:6)

Only do not use your freedom in Christ to indulge the sinful nature of your flesh. Instead serve one another humbly in love. (Galatians 5:13)

All of God’s law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:14)

Know this: if you continue to bite and devour each other, you will be destroyed by each other. (Galatians 5:15)

With these wise words from Saul Paul, and the Son as our guide and example, make it yer task ter live by the Holy Spirit of Truth. If ya do this, ya ‘ill not gratify the sinful nature of the flesh. Ya may lay ter this: the sinful nature of the flesh fights agin the Holy Spirit of Truth. If ya live by Skip’s Spirit you no longer be under the curse of his Code of Conduct with its requirements ter obey ever single law in order ter be saved.

Now if ya not be sure which spirit ya following, look at the fruit ya be producing.

The spirit of the flesh produces a harvest of sexual immorality, impurity, drunkenness, debauchery, idol worship, witchcraft and devil worship, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits and fists of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, orgies and the like. Of this ya kin be sure: those who live in such a manner ‘ill not inherit Skip’s kingdom.

The spirit of Skip produces a harvest of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness ter Skip and his Son, gentleness and self-control — humility, righteousness, truth-led living, compassion, fergivenss, thankfulness and purity. (Ephesians 4:2, Colossians 3:12-15, 2 Corinthians 6:6) Those who sow ter please the Holy Spirit of Truth ‘ill, from the Spirit, reap eternal life.

Should ya spy a mate living by the spirit of the flesh restore him gently, ne’er harshly.

Finally, do not become weary doing good ter all, especially them who be in Skip’s crew. In this way we kin encourage and build up Skip’s crew. If we ‘ill deal with the root of sin in our flesh, we ‘ill harvest good fruit.

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Accept This Gift From God

Ecclesiastes 5:19

Accept This Gift From God

Wealth and possessions, this is a gift from God. The ability to enjoy wealth and possessions, to accept our lot and plot, to be happy in our toil—this too is a gift from God. (Ecclesiastes 5:19)

Lord, thanks fer the station aboard ship ya ‘ave assigned me. Thanks fer the good things that fall inter my lap without any hard effort on my part. Thanks fer the work joy I find in the lift and fall of this vessel, the laughter of the crew after a good day’s work, fer how the tasks assigned ter me strengthen my muscles and grow gray matter. Not all treasures be found in a chest stowed under a bunk. You alone bring out heaven’s riches fer those who fear ya.

Fer this I give ya praise and thanks.

Amen.

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The Lord Your God Will Bring Much Good Upon All the Work You Do

Deuteronomy 30:9

The Lord Your God Will Bring Much Good Upon All the Work You Do

When you and your children return to the Lord your God and obey him with all your heart and with all your soul according to everything I command, then the Lord your God will bring much good upon ALL the work you do. Deuteronomy 30:9

Thank you, Father, that you desire to bring much good to all the work I do. Please search my heart and if you find any offense, please bring it to mind that I might repent, turn, and obey you with all my heart and soul.

Amen.