September | 2012 | The Ballestero Blog

Archive for September 2012

Whatsoever He Saith Unto You, Do It!

Whatsoever He Saith Unto You, Do It!

John 2:5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

Love Me With All Of Your Heart

Mark 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

Love Your Neighbor, Just Like You Love Yourself

Mark 12:31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

Forgive Everyone

Mark 11:25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

Mark 11:26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

Make Your Differences Short-Lived

Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.

Love Your Enemies

Matthew 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.

Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Be A Positive Witness

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Be Consistent In Living For Me

John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

Turn The Other Cheek When You Get Hurt

Matthew 5:38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:

Matthew 5:39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Live For Me Without Being A Show Off

Matthew 6:16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Matthew 6:17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;

Matthew 6:18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

Serve Your Brother In Humility

John 13:14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.

Be Merciful To Everyone

Luke 6:36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

Walk The Unpopular Way

Matthew 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

Matthew 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Just Ask Me, If You Need Anything

Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

Matthew 7:8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Put Me First

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Don’t Bite Your Fingernails

Matthew 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Whatever Causes You To Sin, Get Rid Of It

Matthew 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

Matthew 5:30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

Take Up Your Cross

Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Be Born Again

John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

John 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

Pray For Missions

Luke 10:2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

Be A Witness

Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Preach This As The Message Of Salvation

Luke 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,

Luke 24:46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:

Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

(Peter Preached The Words Of Jesus, Exactly!)

Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

Keep Looking For My Return

Matthew 24:42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

If You Love Me, Keep My Words

John 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words:

Written by Martyn Ballestero

September 30, 2012 at 11:24 pm

Posted in Obedience

Tagged with Obedience

The Day Reading A Text While Driving, Saved A Life!

How Blessed Do You Want To Be?

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How Blessed Do You Want To Be?

There Can Be No Continued Blessings In Our Lives Without Giving God What Belongs To Him, First!

It’s What We Should Do!

Matthew 23:23 …for ye pay tithe … these ought ye to have done…

No matter how much you:

Fast
Pray
Worship
Are involved in the church
You still must pay tithes; there is no substitute.

Non-Tithe Paying Christians Rob God!

Malachi 3:8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

Why would a Christian even entertain the thought of NOT giving God the tithe?
It’s His. The tithe Is the Lord’s!

All Non-Tithe Payers Are Cursed!

Malachi 3:9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.

If you don’t give God the tithe, He’ll see to it that you don’t get to keep it either.

The dentist may get it.
The auto mechanic might get the money
The doctor or hospital may even be the one that gets it.
The list is long…

Here is a Bible precedent for what happens when God doesn’t receive His portion.

God said to Israel through Jeremiah, to let the land rest every seventh year. Israel ignored God’s request for 490 years. God took his portion. For seventy years He allowed Israel to live in captivity. They paid a huge price.

2 Chronicles 36:19 And they burnt the house of God, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem, and burnt all the palaces thereof with fire, and destroyed all the goodly vessels thereof.

2 Chronicles 36:20 And them that had escaped from the sword carried he away to Babylon; where they were servants to him and his sons until the reign of the kingdom of Persia:

2 Chronicles 36:21 To fulfil the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: for as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years.

Those That Bring God Their Tithe Are Blessed Abundantly!

Malachi 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

The Tithe Is The Lord’s, Not Ours!

Matthew 22:21 They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.

God will stretch the remaining 90% farther than you could have with 100%.

Paying Tithe Did Not Begin Under The Law!

Abraham

Genesis 14:20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.

Jacob

Genesis 28:22 And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God’s house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.

Give God Tithe Of All

Leviticus 27:30 And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD’S: it is holy unto the LORD.

Deuteronomy 14:22 Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year.

2 Chronicles 31:6 And concerning the children of Israel and Judah, that dwelt in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of holy things which were consecrated unto the LORD their God, and laid them by heaps.

Accurately paying tithe may seem a bit more simple when there is a check stub in your hand from you boss.

Farmers need to be careful and keep accurate records.
Businessmen need to be careful and keep accurate records.
Other Self-Employed do too.
Just because there is a Tax loophole, doesn’t mean there is a tithe loophole.
Just because there is a Tax break, doesn’t mean there is a tithe break.
I personally benefit by paying tithes on my gross, and suggest you do too.

Unpaid Tithe Results In A 20% Penalty.

Leviticus 27:31 And if a man will at all redeem ought of his tithes, he shall add thereto the fifth part thereof.

This cannot be ignored.
Tithe should be the first-fruit of our income.
Giving God what is His first, always saves money!

God’s Continued Blessings To The Tithe Payer

Malachi 3:11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.

How Blessed Do You Wish To Be?

2 Corinthians 9:6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

Mark 4:24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.

Written by Martyn Ballestero

September 28, 2012 at 12:39 pm

Posted in Giving, Tithes, Uncategorized

Tagged with Tithes

Pentecostal Spin Doctors?

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Pentecostal Spin Doctors?

Car Race Story

Mr. Madden, my teacher from South Bend Central High School, told a story one day to make a point during our Speech and Debate Class in 1961.

He repeated a story that TASS, the official news source of the U.S.S.R. had released during the Cold War.

The news article was a report of an automobile race between an American Ford, and an unnamed Russian vehicle. Only two cars were in the race.

The Ford blew the doors off of the Russian vehicle. Ego was at stake. The Russians refused to lose face, so they skewed the details, without actually lying.

TASS reported that in an International Stock Car Race, the American car came in next to last, and that the Russian car placed second. That type of reporting, Mr. Madden told us, was called Propaganda. Today, we are uncomfortable with using that term. We choose to use the word spin and those who spin, are called Spin Doctors!

Even Husbands And Wives Are Good At It!

Spin Doctors are not always highly paid professionals. Some are folks just like you and me. We may not get paid for doing it, but most of us have tried it on some level.

He – May Try To Put A Spin On Why He Needs A New:

Boat
Truck
Deer Rifle
iPad 3
MacBook Pro

She – May Try To Put A Spin On Why She Needs A New:

Dress
Pair Of Shoes
Couch
iPhone 5
Mini Van

The Old Testament Even Had Spin Doctors.

The Prophet Isaiah decried the use of Spin Doctors nearly 740 years before the birth of Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

This generation has nothing new in Spin Department. It was in use before the church was ever born in Acts Chapter 2.

To feel more comfortable in our waywardness, we mortals try to:

Justify our sin,
Justify ourselves,
Justify our compromise.

Today, some Church Members have done it, some Backsliders have done it, and worse than that, some Preachers have done it too. God, especially, detests the work of Spin Doctors!

For Centuries, Some Have Wanted A Spin Doctor For A Pastor.

Isaiah 30:8 Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever:

Isaiah 30:9 That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD:

Isaiah 30:10 Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:

Carnal people have always wanted the preacher to leave them alone. “Preach, but don’t preach,” seems to be the message they convey to their pastor. Hirelings have no problem adjusting.

The New Testament Had Spin Doctors.

Paul Warned The Church

Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

Colossians 2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

Paul Warned Timothy

2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

2 Timothy 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

Some congregations love the Pop Psychology they hear in the pulpit. But, deaf ears are turned to the preaching of doctrine. Not every congregation is willing to sing the song, “Preacher Preach To Me.”

Preacher, preach to me,
Preacher, preach to me,
whatever it takes,
I must be saved.
Preacher, preach to me.

For many years I served sin
But a preacher preached to me.
I’ve come thus far, but not on my own
A preacher preached to me.

Preacher, pay me no mind.
Preach it right down the line
There’s one thing for certain,
regard not my person
Preacher, preach to me.

Preacher, preach it right
Lord knows we need to hear from Heaven tonight
The word itself is pure, there is nothing it can’t cure
Preacher, preach to me.

Preacher, preach to me
Preacher, preach to me,
Whatever it takes, I must be saved,
Preacher, preach to me.
Preacher, preach to me.

(Lyrics and music by Bro. Wayne Lawhorn)

Jesus Even Warned His Followers Of Spin Doctors

Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Judas Was A Spin Doctor

John 12:5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?

John 12:6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.

Spin Doctors:

Write Bible Translations they think people will like better!
Hate to call sin, Sin! So they rename it or rephrase it.
Think the mention of the Blood is not necessary.
Tell you that fat meat is not greasy.
Want their churches to be seeker friendly.
Believe they can win more of the world by looking like the world.
Are in Chat Rooms.
They are on Forums.
They have Facebook Accounts.
They are found in Religious Organizations.
They are also among Independents.
They no longer say they spoke in tongues. They say they prayed in their prayer language.
They no longer say they will baptize in you Jesus Name. They now baptize you, “Into Christ.”

No Apostle Ever Put A Spin On The Gospel Message. Their Preaching Was:

Straight forward
Simple
No-nonsense
Practical
Their accounts were accurate and not self serving
Their words benefited the reader
Their advice served others, not themselves
More importantly, it was truthful and anointed.

Satan Was The First Spin Doctor!

Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

Genesis 3:2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:

Genesis 3:3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

Genesis 3:4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

We all should have learned our lesson from this example alone!

Nathanael Was NOT A Spin Doctor!

John 1:47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!

The Lord Jesus chose him to be a Disciple. He knew Nathanael could be trusted with handling the Truth!

In whom is no guile. That is the very first comment out of the mouth of Jesus when He saw him. Would Jesus be impressed with you as a disciple, because you had no guile?

1 Peter 3:10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

The Punishment Of Spin Doctors.

Revelation 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

Revelation 22:15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

The Truth Still Matters!

Written by Martyn Ballestero

September 27, 2012 at 12:49 am

Posted in Christian Living, Compromise, Deception, Doctrine, False Prophets, Truth

Tagged with Guile, Spin Doctors, Truth

God’s Parts Department

with 10 comments

God’s Parts Department

Have you ever prayed for healing? Maybe your body was diseased or an organ was weak or malfunctioning!

With your permission, I would like to take an unusual look at the Scriptures, and apply some of them differently than many of you have considered before.

In his writings, King David recognized that God knew him inside and out. He understood that the Lord had watched him as he was formed and growing before birth, and kept records.

Psalm 139:15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

Psalm 139:16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

I am fascinated by the phrase, “in thy book all my members were written.” God has a book! If my body parts are cataloged, then my carnal mind can envision something akin to a Divine Parts Department.

We mortals are only able to conceptualize the workings of the Lord on a limited basis, I know. Bear with me in my folly.

When I need a part for my vehicle, I write down the VIN number or a take a picture of it before I go to the counter. I tell the person behind the counter what I need. I tell him the make and model of my car and present him with the Vehicle Identification Number.

My eyes follow him as he turns pages in his massive book and his finger follows diagrams or charts locating my part number. After the price is paid, I am given the new part.

So, You need a new heart? A lung? A kidney? An eardrum? He has all of your parts numbered and written down.

The good news is that it’s all ready been paid for. So, make your request known, and pick it up at your convenience.

A side note, He includes a new insert into all of His parts before He gives them to you!

Jeremiah 31:33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

I would write more, but I’m heading out to His Parts Department right now. I’ve just called in an order.

Written by Martyn Ballestero

September 24, 2012 at 11:38 am

Posted in Healing

Tagged with Healing

It’s Amazing The Excuses Some Have For Not Worshipping!

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It’s Amazing The Excuses Some Have For Not Worshipping!

Psa 149:3 Let them praise his name in the dance…

I took this picture recently because it struck a cord with me.

Your excuses for not being completely Biblical in your worship may be good enough for you, your pastor and your church friends. It sounds however, like there is an old sinner out there somewhere, that thinks you’re not being honest.

Written by Martyn Ballestero

September 23, 2012 at 1:39 am

Posted in Praise, Worship

Tagged with Dancing In The Spirit, Praise, Worship

The News Got Home Before He Did!

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The News Got Home Before He Did!

News in Apostolic circles always travels fast! The word of Peter’s visit with Cornelius beat him back to Jerusalem. That was no small feat in itself.

Peter looked at the unsmiling faces of his Jerusalem brethren. These were the men whom he had fished with all night long before. They were his old friends. He had literally spent day and night with them for the last three years, or so. Over there sat Doctor Luke, and there was Matthew the old tax collector. His buddies James and John didn’t even show their usual smiles when he had walked in the room. Accusations were in all of their eyes. No one looked kindly at him.

That fact really did not overwhelm the man on the hot seat. He had grown up in a world of rough and tumble. He was familiar with using fists, and was even known to carry a sword. Today however, the war was to be one of words and opinions.

Firmly entrenched in each of the questioner’s minds was a deep bias and prejudice against every non-Jew. There was no moderator or Judge in the room. Peter was fair game for them all. Today would probably be his last day of honor among them. It all hinged on what Peter had to say.

Everyone felt free to question his activities and his motives. They opened the volley of questioning, with what happened to be their first and last shot.

“Peter, we understand you went into a house belonging to an uncircumcised man and ate meals with him and his family,” someone said.

There it was. Peter was guilty of fraternizing with the Gentiles. He had crossed the line of propriety and decorum. His accusers were quite ready to censor him, maybe even worse.

Peter was tired in body. He had been in Joppa just a few days ago when the Lord had given him the vision of the sheet containing unclean things and had commanded him to slay and eat. After his continued refusal, the Lord had said not to call that which He had cleansed, common or unclean. The Lord then told him that there were men downstairs at the door and he was to go with them.

It was a 36-mile walk from Joppa to Caesarea, the Roman capital city of Judea. The trip had taken all day and was tiring by itself. But, as soon as he had entered the home of Cornelius, they put him right to work. They immediately made him stand up and preach to them about Jesus.

While Peter was preaching, the Holy Ghost fell on everyone in the room and they began to speak in tongues, just like the hundred and twenty did on the day of Pentecost.

When Peter heard them speak in tongues, not only was he astonished, but the Jewish believers with Peter were amazed as well. Peter then commanded everyone that had just received the Holy Ghost to be baptized in the name of the Lord.

He then stayed with Cornelius for a few days to further instruct him and his family in the Scriptures.

The 60-mile journey from there back to Jerusalem was wearisome as well. But still there had been no time to rest.

Immediately upon arriving home, he was put on trial. His ministry was now in question. His motives were under suspicion. His actions were reprehensible to every conservative Jew in the room.

It was his make or break moment. Jesus wasn’t here anymore to moderate the dissention. It felt like the whole New Testament Church was against him.

Peter had never used polish in his approach to anything. He spoke with great plainness of speech. He disarmed his questioners by being candid and straightforward. He told them of his vision, his preaching to the household of Cornelius, and how the Holy Ghost had fallen on them, just like it fell on us.

The countenance of each accuser’s face in the room changed. There it was! God had put his blessing upon the whole event, by pouring out His Spirit.

The Question and Answer session immediately dissolved into a worship service. All of the Apostles worshipped the Lord together. They gave thanks because God had given unto the Gentiles, the privilege of repentance.

Acts 11:18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

The Apostles did not say, “Praise the Lord, twenty-six received the Holy Ghost and twenty-six were baptized.”

They thanked the Lord for Granting Repentance to the Gentiles. They knew, that if the Lord would let them repent, the Gentiles could have anything else that Heaven had to offer. That simple truth is still in effect today. The Goodness of God leads men to repentance. And, If God will let you repent, that means:

He has just opened the Door for you to be filled with His Spirit.
He has also just opened the Door of Healing and Blessing as well.
It matters not what you have said or done.
It’s no longer important where you’ve been, or with whom.
Once God Grants you Repentance, He has just opened the Door of Eternal Salvation.
Take advantage of it today!

It’s A Privilege To Be Able To Repent.

If God Grants You Repentance…

That Alone Is Worthy Of Your Worship!

Written by Martyn Ballestero

September 22, 2012 at 1:20 am

Posted in Mercy, Praise, Repent, Salvation

Tagged with Repentance

The Case Of The Dead Bullfighter

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The Case Of The Dead Bullfighter

I stood mesmerized in Makielski’s Art Store. This was my second trip in as many days. The high price tags on many of the paintings told me I could only look, but I enjoyed looking.

The first trip I had purchased some art supplies and paints for my air-brush. I then ventured into the room where hundreds of paintings hung on the walls from floor to ceiling. The works of the masters and others hung there. Some paintings I recognized from photographs in books. Most, I did not.

The picture I was fascinated with was very macabre. What was wrong with me? Why was I drawn to this one? It was such a horrible picture of death. Was something wrong with my personality? I didn’t know for sure, so I worried a bit.

Manet ~ Dead Matador, 1865

The picture was of a dead bullfighter. There was no crowd showing in the picture. There was no bull looking down on him victoriously. The only other thing of prominence was a bullfighter’s cape, which was still clutched in the victim’s hand.

This was the second day in a row I had stared for long minutes at this dead man’s picture. Why? Was there a story here? Finally, it came to me like a bolt of lightning!

I put myself into the picture. I felt I could almost feel a bit of the moment captured by the artist. It was like I could see the screaming crowd as they went silent. Mother’s gasped and clutched their babies while trying to cover their tender eyes. Little girls couldn’t look at all. Young boys were mesmerized by the horror. Trained men herded the bull out of the ring and into an open chute, which led it back to a holding pen.

The wife and family of the bullfighter just sat there momentarily stunned. Then, overwhelmed with grief, they convulsed in tears. Their worst nightmare had just come true.

For years he had seemed so invincible. Now this! His death would bring his family pain, on every level, for years to come. Their life as they knew it, was now over.

He had lived for the crowd’s approval.
He loved the danger.
He thrilled at the excitement of a bull’s near misses.
He always felt he was in control.
He had bested many bulls over the years.
He was a professional.
He loved the prestige.
His name was on posters and signs.
His name was well-known.
He didn’t like his wife and others asking him to quit.
He’d said he would know when to quit.
But now he was dead.
His blood was starting to pool on the ground.
Death had triumphed.

There he was, a spectacle for all to see.

My mind snapped back to reality. I knew why I was drawn to the picture. I told the clerk I wished to purchase the print. I quickly paid the $42.95 marked on the price tag. The salesman wrapped it carefully in brown paper. I took the print directly to my office at the church and hung it in a place of prominence.

A few weeks later, I had an occasion to counsel with a young man who was struggling living for God. We sat in my office and I listened to his story of worldly involvement.

When he finished, I invited him to look at the dead bullfighter. I said, “Do you know what happened to him?”

I paused for just a moment as his head turned and he looked, not knowing what to say. I really didn’t give him time to answer the question.

“He played with it, until it finally killed him.” I said.

I let that sink in as I watched his face. Then, I finished my thought.

“And, if you keep playing around with sin, it will finally kill you.”

The young man cried.

So did I.

Written by Martyn Ballestero

September 21, 2012 at 12:06 am

Posted in Backsliders, Deception, Fear of God, Life, Obedience, Sin, Temptations

Tagged with Playing With Sin

Not Everyone Knows How To “Go” To Bethel

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Not Everyone Knows How To “Go” To Bethel

Many people pass by Bethel on their spiritual journey. Some just visit Bethel. Few actually “go” to Bethel. Going to Bethel is by Divine invitation and should not be taken lightly.

For Jacob, Bethel was the place of his spiritual beginning. It was where he found himself, for the first time, in the presence of God.

Genesis 28:20 And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on,

Genesis 28:21 So that I come again to my father’s house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God:

Genesis 28:22 And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God’s house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.

That experience birthed a covenant relationship between himself and the Lord. He vowed to pay God tithes of all he had. He vowed to serve Him, and asked Him to be his God as well.

It had been about twenty-one years since Bethel. A lot of living had transpired in Jacob’s life since then. He’d gotten married… twice. He also had a large family by now. A vast herd of sheep and cattle followed him as well. Jacob was considered to be a wealthy man. God had richly blessed him.

However, his wives continued in their worship of idols and the wearing of jewelry. They were even willing to hazard the wrath of their father Laban, and his band of fighting servants to keep them. They were devoted to their idol worship.

Then it happened! Out of nowhere, God gave Jacob an invitation of renewal. Actually, God commanded Jacob to move back to his place of spiritual beginnings, and build an altar of consecration.

Genesis 35:1 And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother.

Here’s All That God Said:

1. Go UP to Bethel. Going to Bethel is always an upward experience.

2. Dwell there. Don’t just visit or pass by. Move there! Get back to that first-time experience!

3. Build an Altar. Develop a relationship with me.

Genesis 35:2 Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments:

Genesis 35:3 And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went.

When God told Jacob to move to Bethel and build an altar, Jacob understood what that meant. He didn’t have to have God spell everything out for him. He knew. He not only received the Word, he received the Spirit of the Word!

Put Away The Strange Gods.

God hadn’t said one word about putting away the idols hidden in his wives’ tents. Jacob knew they were wrong. He had tolerated them up to now, but no more. He knew he could not go to a place of spiritual renewal with idols in his camp. They must go.

Be Clean!

Clean yourself up! We’re going where God meets with people. Jacob knew this was the most important place in the world they could ever go to. Going as they were, didn’t seem right. “Be clean,” he commanded everyone.

Change Your Garments!

Jacob could see that what they were wearing was wrong. They all needed to wear clothing that was proper for the occasion.

So, Here Is What They All Did!

Genesis 35:4 And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem.

They Gave Him Their Idols.

There was no lamentation, no weeping, nor tears mentioned here. They just handed them over without making a scene. If you are going to Bethel, taking idols with you will void the experience.

They Gave Him All Their Earrings.

Where did that come from? Why did they do that? God hadn’t said one word about getting rid of their idols or their earrings.

Jacob hadn’t even said anything about getting rid of their earrings either. Yet, they handed them over to Jacob without ceremony.

They gave him all of their earrings. They gave him all of their idols. They not only received the Word, they received the Spirit of the Word!

Was There A Connection Between The Idols And The Earrings? Absolutely!

Hosea 2:13 And I will visit upon her the days of Baalim, wherein she burned incense to them, and she decked herself with her earrings and her jewels, and she went after her lovers, and forgat me, saith the LORD.

Hundreds of years later, Hosea records the connection. The custom of wearing jewels and earrings was directly connected with the worship of Baal. The wearing of earrings was part of the ceremony in worship of that idol.

The family of Jacob understood that if we get rid of our idols, we might as well get rid of whatever goes along with its worship.

God didn’t say anything about it to them in that verse, but they did it anyway. They knew, and that was enough for them.

Jacob, their husband and father hadn’t said anything either, but they knew. So they did the right thing without argument.

Without The Holy Ghost

Jacob’s wives responded.
They were convinced.
They were convicted.
They gave up their idols.
They gave up their jewelry.
They changed their clothing.
They cleaned up.

For This Generation, It’s Not Always The Same.

Many today want chapter and verse for everything. If the Bible doesn’t name their particular vice, entertainment, lifestyle, or sin, they feel justified in continuing. They will debate, argue, get mad, quit church, or move off, to maintain their lifestyle.

They will justify themselves on Facebook and comment with harshness. Some will debate on blogs as well, in their attempt to hold on to the things that will hinder their Bethel experience.

They only want to go by the Word! If it’s not mentioned, then it must be OK.

They struggle to get the Spirit of the Word!

If you don’t think earrings are an idol even today, just trying preaching against them. Many will fight to keep them on.

I Can’t Make Anyone Go Back To Bethel

But God is inviting us all to go back to a simple place of renewal and spiritual restoration.
Don’t wait for God or the preacher to name the wrong or the sin in your life.
You should have enough Holy Ghost conviction in you to make you feel uncomfortable when you are not doing right.

Come On Church, Lets Get Right!

Come On Church, Let’s Do It Right!

Come On Church, Let’s Move Back To Bethel!

Written by Martyn Ballestero

September 19, 2012 at 12:13 am

Posted in Christian Living, God's House, Obedience, Repent, Submission

Tagged with Bethel, Earrings, Idols, Submission

What Type Are You?

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What Type Are You?

That is the question that greeted me every morning when I walked out of my motel in Pikeville, Kentucky last week. I have come to this area to ride ATV’s with minister friends and our sons for many years.

Even though the Kentucky Blood Center is very upscale and does an amazing job, this was the first time I’d seen one of their vans.

The question on the van is simple. It is also a direct, yet loaded question.

What they are asking is… “What blood type are you?” Blood types vary.

The American Red Cross shows the following graphics:

The American Red Cross is asking… “What Type Are You” They want you to know that you have within you the ability to save a life. No matter what blood type you are.

http://www.redcrossblood.org/learn-about-blood/blood-types

That Leads Me To The Next Level Of Questioning.

What type of Personality are you? What type of Temperament are you? What type of Person are you? All types save lives. All types can be soul winners.

The Following Is Taken From An Article on Wikipedia.com

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_temperaments

The Four Temperaments

Sanguine

The sanguine temperament is fundamentally impulsive and pleasure-seeking; sanguine people are sociable and charismatic. They tend to enjoy social gatherings, making new friends and tend to be boisterous. They are usually quite creative and often daydream. However, some alone time is crucial for those of this temperament. Sanguine can also mean sensitive, compassionate and romantic. Sanguine personalities generally struggle with following tasks all the way through, are chronically late, and tend to be forgetful and sometimes a little sarcastic. Often, when they pursue a new hobby, they lose interest as soon as it ceases to be engaging or fun. They are very much people persons. They are talkative and not shy. Sanguines generally have an almost shameless nature, certain that what they are doing is right. They have no lack of confidence.

Choleric

The choleric temperament is fundamentally ambitious and leader-like. They have a lot of aggression, energy, and/or passion, and try to instill it in others. They can dominate people of other temperaments, especially phlegmatic types. Many great charismatic military and political figures were choleric. They like to be in charge of everything. However, cholerics also tend to be either highly disorganized or highly organized. They do not have in-between setups, only one extreme to another. As well as being leader-like and assertive, cholerics also fall into deep and sudden depression. Essentially, they are very much prone to mood swings.

Melancholic

The melancholic temperament is fundamentally introverted and thoughtful. Melancholic people often were perceived as very (or overly) pondering and considerate, getting rather worried when they could not be on time for events. Melancholics can be highly creative in activities such as poetry and art – and can become preoccupied with the tragedy and cruelty in the world. Often they are perfectionists. They are self-reliant and independent; one negative part of being a melancholic is that they can get so involved in what they are doing they forget to think of others.

Phlegmatic

The phlegmatic temperament is fundamentally relaxed and quiet, ranging from warmly attentive to lazily sluggish. Phlegmatics tend to be content with themselves and are kind. They are accepting and affectionate. They may be receptive and shy and often prefer stability to uncertainty and change. They are consistent, relaxed, calm, rational, curious, and observant, qualities that make them good administrators. They can also be passive-aggressive.

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Actually, it doesn’t matter what “Type” we are. Every one has the ability to be a Soul Winner!

You Might Be: