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Archive for April 2017

The Deadliest Plague Of All

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The Deadliest Plague Of All

 

Some Of The World’s Worst Plagues

  • The Back Plague – 375 Mil.
  • Influenza – largest killer in USA – 50 Mil.
  • Plague of Justinian – 25 Mil.
  • Plague of Athens – killed 1/3 of population
  • 3rd Pandemic of Bubonic- 60,000 a week
  • Cholera – 120,000 per day. 3.5Mil cases yr.
  • SARS – Global Threat #7
  • Malaria – 660,000 per day
  • Smallpox – 500 Mil.

 

The Worst Plague In The Church!

  • Not Adultery
  • Not Worldliness
  • Not Rebellion

 

The Worst Plague In The Church Is Gossip!

  • Gossip Def: Speaking negative about a person not present.
  • (Speaking negative with them present not good either.)

 

God’s Law About Hurting Others

Exodus 21:22 If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman’s husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine.

MSG. Exodus 21:22 “When there’s a fight and in the fight a pregnant woman is hit so that she miscarries but is not otherwise hurt, the one responsible has to pay whatever the husband demands in compensation.

  • If the Church is God’s Bride, and Spiritual babies are about to be born…
  • Imagine the Father’s reaction when church folks get into a big fight and that fight stops Revival.
  • Everyone can expect the Father to exact damages.
  • He will exact damages. If not now, He will in the Judgment.

 

Know When To Keep Your Mouth Shut!

Proverbs 21:23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

 

In the Heat of Anger – It’s A Good Time To Keep Your Mouth Shut!

Psalm 116:11 I said in my haste, All men are liars.

 

When You Don’t Have All The Facts – It’s A Good Time To Keep Your Mouth Shut!

Proverbs 18:13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

 

If Your Words Make Your Family, Friends or Church Look Bad – It’s A Good Time To Keep Your Mouth Shut!

James 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

 

If You Think You Might Regret Your Words Later – It’s A Good Time To Keep Your Mouth Shut!

Proverbs 6:2 Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.

Proverbs 14:1 Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.

 

When You Are Tempted To Tell Something That May Not Be 100% True – It’s A Good Time To Keep Your Mouth Shut!

Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

 

Proverbs 6:16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:

Proverbs 6:17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

Proverbs 6:18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,

Proverbs 6:19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

  • A talebearer has no place in God’s Favor!
  • It violates God’s Law and Commandment – “Do unto Others”
  • Love thinks no evil.
  • Speech that tears people down, travels like wildfire. Good news goes at a snail’s pace.
  • Sowing discord is hellish.
  • It’s from the pit.
  • It’s from Satan himself.
  • Is it your intention to destroy?
  • They that live by the sword, shall die by the sword.

 

If Your Words Are Meant To Get Even Or To Give Someone A “Piece Of Your Mind” – It’s A Good Time To Keep Your Mouth Shut!

Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

 

If You Know That What You’re Saying Can Hinder Revival In Your Church – It’s A Good Time To Keep Your Mouth Shut!

Galatians 5:15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

 

When The Subject Is None Of Your Business – It’s A Good Time To Keep Your Mouth Shut!

1 Peter 4:15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.

2 Thessalonians 3:11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.

 

If Your Words Will Damage Another’s Reputation Or Character – It’s A Good Time To Keep Your Mouth Shut!

Proverbs 16:27 An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.

Proverbs 18:8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

 

If Your Words Will Damage A Friendship – It’s A Good Time To Keep Your Mouth Shut!

Proverbs 17:9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

 

Bottom Line:

If you want to gossip and be a talebearer, I can’t help you.

(You don’t even know what spirit ye are of.)

  • God may not even try to help you if you don’t want to change.
  • He may not even try to save you if you don’t want to change.
  • Why would He want that kind of spirit in heaven?

 

If You Want God To Be Good To You, You Must Be Good To His Children!

  • Gossip is a bigger terror and threat to God’s Church than ISIS.
  • Gossip is like a hit and run driver.
  • Gossip is not much different from a drive-by-shooting.

 

All We Have Is Our Name.

All We Have Is Our Character and Reputation.

  • Gossiper? Did it ever dawn on you that you are a tool of Satan?
  • That your every hurtful word is an abomination to God?

 

How to Stop Gossip?

  1. Change the subject.
  2. Say something positive
  3. Confront the gossip politely. Yet frankly. (“That sounds like gossip to me!”)
  4. Point out missing info in the story.
  5. Walk away.
  6. Turn the gossip into a prayer for the victim.

 

We All Must Give An Account For Our Every Idle Word.

Matthew 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

 

In One Church That I Know:

If You Commit Moral Sin…

  • The Pastor tries to be patient and merciful.

But If You Gossip And Don’t Stop After First Or Second Admonition,

  • You are no longer welcome.

 

Gossip Against A Minister.

1 Timothy 5:19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.

  • Against A Minister, receive not an accusation – (Don’t listen to the accusation)
  • There must be at least two actual witnesses before it can be told. That shows respect.
  • Why not show your brother in Christ the same respect? Why not two witnesses for him too?

 

With Gossip:

  • Unity is destroyed.
  • Revival will stop.
  • Friendships are broken.
  • Holy Ghost is grieved.

 

David Protected His Brother’s Inheritance!

1 Samuel 16:11-13

The first mention of David finds him tending sheep. He was the youngest of many brothers. The eldest son received two-thirds of the father’s possessions for his inheritance and the rest divided up the remaining third among themselves.

David was guarding sheep that would never be his. They would wind up being his brother’s sheep. He was in charge of his brother’s inheritance. He was told by the father to guard his brother’s inheritance.

In like manner, we too are guardians of our brother’s inheritance. All your brother has is his good name, (his inheritance) and you are the guardian of that. You may even have to defend it against a lion or a bear.

Remember that you too have a brother whose job it is to defend your good name. You sure want him to do a good job. Why don’t you protect your brother’s inheritance like David did?

 

Like Yours, Your Brother’s Good Name Is Worth Defending Too!

The Spirit Of The Church Is Worth Saving!

 

 

The Deadliest Plague Of All Can Only Be Stopped By You!

 

 

Written by Martyn Ballestero

April 25, 2017 at 10:12 am

Posted in Brotherhood, God's House, Gossip, Honor, Pastors

Tagged with

God’s Rule Book Concerning Respect And Disrespect

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God’s Rule Book Concerning Respect And Disrespect

 

If You Are Ashamed Of Me… I’ll Be Ashamed Of You

Mark 8:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

I Will Bless Them That Bless, And Curse Them That Curse.

Genesis 12:3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee:

 

When The Fear Of God Is Lost, Disrespect Will Always Show Itself.

God’s Reaction To Their Loss Of Fear?

2 Kings 17:25 And so it was at the beginning of their dwelling there, that they feared not the LORD: therefore the LORD sent lions among them, which slew some of them.

 

Forsaking The Truth Is Disrespecting God

Deuteronomy 32:17 They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not.

God’s Reaction To Their Disrespect?

Deuteronomy 32:19 And when the LORD saw it, he abhorred them, because of the provoking of his sons, and of his daughters.

Deuteronomy 32:20 And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith.

 

What Happens When God Disrespect You?

Genesis 4:5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.

  • God had no respect for Cain.
  • Cain was cursed and banished.

 

This Is An Age Of Disrespect!

Disrespect has always existed but is especially evident everywhere in this generation! It has become readily accepted in the free world, and America in particular. As an old man who has lived through several generations, I am amazed at the exhibits of disrespect today.

 

Warning: Do Not Disrespect God!

God’s Reaction To Disrespect?

Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

 Romans 1:29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

Romans 1:30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

Romans 1:31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

Romans 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

  • When God is disrespected, he responds in such a way that man cannot recover.

 

The Lord Observes Every Slight And Every Exhibit Of Disrespect.

 Luke 7:44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.

Luke 7:45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.

Luke 7:46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.

 

Refusing God’s Call Is Showing Disrespect.

Luke 13:34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!

 

Warning: Do Not Disrespect God’s House!

Moses – Was Required To Take Off His Shoes!

Exodus 3:5 And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.

 

Hophni And Phinehas Disrespected God’s House.

1 Samuel 2:12 Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.

1 Samuel 2:22 Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

1 Samuel 2:23 And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people.

1 Samuel 2:24 Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the LORD’S people to transgress.

  • They laid with the women in the Tabernacle.
  • They desecrated the sacrifices.
  • They shamed the office of the priesthood.
  • They knew not the Lord.
  • They caused the people to sin
  • They removed the Ark from the Holy Place and took it to battle, where it was captured.
  • God had them killed.

 

God’s Reaction To Their Disrespect?

1 Samuel 2:34 And this shall be a sign unto thee, that shall come upon thy two sons, on Hophni and Phinehas; in one day they shall die both of them.

1 Samuel 4:11 And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain.

 

Jesus Openly Confronted Disrespect In The Temple!

Mark 11:15 And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves;

Mark 11:16 And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple.

Mark 11:17 And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.

 

Uzzah Wasn’t Disrespectful In His Own Eyes, But In God’s Eyes, He Was.

2 Samuel 6:6 And when they came to Nachon’s threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it.

 

God’s Reaction To His Disrespect?

2 Samuel 6:7 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.

 

 Warning: Do Not Disrespect God’s Man!

 

The Children Of Bethel Disrespected Elisha The Prophet

2 Kings 2:23 And he went up from thence unto Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head.

 

God’s Reaction To Their Disrespect?

2 Kings 2:24 And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the LORD. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them.

 

Trying To Pastor Your Self Is Disrespectful.

Jude 1:12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear:

 

Warning: Do Not Disrespect God’s Word – Disobedience Is Disrespect.

God’s Reaction To Disrespect of His Word?

Numbers 15:30 But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people.

Numbers 15:31 Because he hath despised the word of the LORD, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him.

Hebrews 10:28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:

Deuteronomy 4:2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.

 

Adding To Or Taking Away From God’s Word Is Disrespect.

Revelation 22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:

Revelation 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

 

Today…

  • There Is disrespect for morality.
  • Holiness is mocked.
  • Modesty is scorned.
  • Blatant disdain of Scripture is everywhere.

 

Warning: Do Not Disrespect God’s Mercy

Hebrews 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

 

God’s Reaction To The Disrespect Of His Mercy?

Genesis 6:3 And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man…

 

Warning: Do Not Disrespect God’s Spirit

Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

 

Warning: Do Not Disrespect Your Parents.

God’s Reaction To Disrespecting Your Parents?

Matthew 15:4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.

Ephesians 6:2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)

 

Warning: Don’t Disrespect Your Wife.

God’s Reaction To Your Disrespect?

1 Peter 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

  • Adultery is disrespect
  • Emotional unfaithfulness is disrespect
  • Connecting with, texting, emailing and calling other women is being unfaithful to your wife.
  • Treat her with much tenderness.
  • Thoughtfulness.
  • Tell her that you love her.
  • Never call her an unkind name.
  • Never run her down to others.
  • Never criticize her publicly or in front of others.
  • Never let your children hear you say anything but sweet things about their mother.
  • She went to death’s door to give you a family, and then you disrespect her? (You don’t deserve a wife!)

 

Warning: Do Not Disrespect Your Brother.

1 John 4:20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

 

Warning: Do Not Disrespect Your Neighbor.

Matthews 22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Deuteronomy 19:14 Thou shalt not remove thy neighbour’s landmark, which they of old time have set in thine inheritance, which thou shalt inherit in the land that the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it.

1 Peter 2:17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood.

 

Warning: Don’t Disrespect Your Boss

1 Timothy 6:1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.

  • Do not Disrespect Your Boss.

 

Warning: Don’t Disrespect Yourself

1 Thessalonians 4:4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

  • Don’t cheapen yourself with drugs, alcohol or tattoos.
  • Don’t cheapen yourself by being immoral.

 Leviticus 19:28 Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.

1 Corinthians 11:14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?

Deuteronomy 22:5 The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.

1 Corinthians 11:5 But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.

1 Corinthians 11:6 For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.

1 Corinthians 11:15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.

 

The Disrespect Of Leadership

God’s Reaction To Disrespecting Your Spiritual Leader?

2 Peter 2:10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.

2 Peter 2:11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.

2 Peter 2:12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;

  • This generation is not afraid to speak harsh things about their Pastors!
  • The Bible prophesied this would happen concerning all leaders.
  • Some Kings and Dictators have recently imprisoned all those who make negative public comments on social media.
  • Even in America, the world saw the highest levels of disrespect exhibited by both major parties and on almost every level of government during and since the recent election.
  • Blocking The Presidential Cavalcade.
  • Throwing rocks at the President’s vehicle.
  • Thousands have even invited the assassination of the President on social media.
  • They are simply referred to as ‘protestors’ by the politically correct crowd.
  • They respect no opinion but their own.
  • The media openly leads the way to disrespect.
  • College professors advocate that we question everything and everyone.
  • Sadly, this culture seems not to be shocked by disrespect.

 

God’s Reaction To Disrespecting Leadership?

1 Peter 2:17 Honour the king.

 1 Timothy 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

1 Timothy 2:2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

1 Timothy 2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

 

Nations Disrespecting Other Nations

Luke 21:10 Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:

  • Threatening
  • Posturing
  • Intimidating
  • Name calling

 

The Disrespecting Of America At Home And Abroad.

The Older Generation Remembers The Hippies Disrespecting The Flag

  • Burning the American flag.
  • Stomping on it.
  • Cutting it up and wearing it for clothing.
  • While unappreciated soldiers died for their freedom in Viet Nam.
  • We used to see bumper stickers that said, “America, Love it or Leave it”

Today some highly visible sports figures deem it necessary to disrespect America in general and the National Anthem in particular.

America’s Greatest Enemy Seems To Be Within Our Borders.

 

Warning: Do Not Disrespect Your Enemy

Psalms 116:11 I said in my haste, All men are liars.

John 4:9 Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.

Titus 1:12 One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.

Moses was highly schooled by the greatest minds of Egyptians. They feared not Jehovah nor His ways. Yet his teachers never succeeded in making him despise his Godly heritage.

Hebrews 11:26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

Disrespect is included in the signs of the last days. It is resident in the spirit of the last generation. Please pray that the coming of the Lord will find us all walking humbling before Him. May the words of our mouth and the mediation of our heart be acceptable in His sight.

  • Disrespectful people are never blessed by God.
  • Disrespectful people are not forgiven.
  • Disrespectful people’s prayers are not heard.
  • Disrespectful people are haughty and arrogant.
  • Disrespectful people don’t feel they need God’s help.

 

 Are You Disrespectful?

2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

 

Written by Martyn Ballestero

April 8, 2017 at 8:50 am

Posted in Respect

Tagged with ,