Archive for the ‘Christian Living’ Category
When Pentecost Was Off The Charts.
When Pentecost Was Off The Charts.
Remember when Pentecostal teaching was off the charts? Today, Bible Teachers have become a rare commodity.
My Father told me, “If you have a choice between being a ‘feeder” or an “exhorter” be a “feeder” and you’ll build a church.”
An exhorter will lift our spirits high for the moment, but a feeder will give you something to last a lifetime.
Pentecost has such a rich and full heritage. Today we are blessed with technology and electronics. A generation ago, there were no overhead projectors like we use today.
No one ever heard of a computer much less a PowerPoint. Chalk boards and Charts were common. Old time traveling Bible teachers often carried their charts with them. In numerous churches one could often see a wire running from wall to wall on the platform. Those wires were put in place to hang charts.
Most of the men either hand painted their own charts or had someone else do it for them. Each was an original and unique.
I got to hear Brother A.W. Buie, Bro. Clyde Haney, Bro. Curts, my Father, Bro. Carl Ballestero and others teach from charts. While I am glad for the modern-day advancements, part of me misses the old school.
- Made by Bro. A.W. Buie Sr.
- Bro. Clyde Haney
- Bro. Frank Curts
“Brother Curts was the author of the widely distributed book “The Tabernacle In The Wilderness”. This book described the foundation of the Tabernacle that God directed the Children of Israel to build as they journeyed though the wilderness on the way to their new home in Palestine. This book clearly showed the similarities between the Tabernacles and Jesus’ plan of salvation.
Brother Curts also became district superintendent for the state of Ohio as well as serving on the executive board of the International United Pentecostal Church with headquarters in St Louis Missouri.
In those early days of our church there were 13 members in the congregation that were full of enthusiasm but they had very little solid knowledge of the Bible. Then Brother Curts came and became their pastor he began to instill in the congregation a solid Bible teaching and knowledge. With this solid Bible knowledge, the church began to grow and reach out for other people who were seeking a way to reach God. By the time the church moved to 4828 Vine Street some members were going out to other communities to teach what thus says the word of God.
Through the teaching of His ministers, God was shaping and remodeling his people as quickly as we were remodeling buildings using Bible knowledge in accordance with 2 Timothy 2:15. Times change the appearance and purpose of many structures just as it changes people but the church held fast to its ideals and doctrines as described throughout the New Testament. The Message we preach today is still the same basic doctrine that the pioneers of our local church assembly preached under the direction of Brother Curts. This message is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the soon coming of Jesus again to catch his bride “The Church” away to meet him in the air so shall we for ever be with him. This message is described in 1 Thes. 4:14-18. Upon this Bible belief the church in Cincinnati was born and remains firm today in its beliefs.”
(Copied from their website. To read more, click on the link.)
http://www.firstap.org/history.shtml
- Bro. Carl Ballestero
These were the days when Pentecostal teaching was off the charts. Literally. Would I like to go back and visit some old-time Bible classes taught from a chart? In a heart beat!
The Suicide Drink
The Suicide Drink
I’m a senior citizen now, but I well remember some adventuresome moments of my youth. It was great fun, to make ‘suicide drinks’ from the soda fountain dispensers.
(It was also decades before anyone had ever heard the name, Jimmy Jones. It wasn’t that kind of suicide drink.)
To the uninformed, a ‘suicide drink’ consisted of a mixture of whatever was available at the fountain. Orange, Coke, Dr. Pepper, Sprite, Diet Coke or whatever.
We never quite knew what it was going to taste like and didn’t care, but we liked to show our bravery. Besides, the look of ‘ugh’ on people’s faces always made us laugh.
I don’t do ‘suicide drinks’ anymore. I actually don’t remember when I quit. But I was still very young. I just know that now as an old man, I like to stick with just one flavor. I’ll die happy if I never have a sip of another ‘suicide’.
There is no distinctive flavor to a ‘suicide drink.’ It is nothing but a mixture, a conglomeration.
Did you ever look at someone wearing multiple watches and wonder how they could tell the correct time? If they only had one watch, they could, no doubt, come a lot closer to knowing the real-time. Why would someone ever wear a wad of watches? Why?
I have recently observed several pastors and ministers answer doctrinal questions on Facebook from members of other Pentecostal churches.
Some of these men are encouraging precious saints to discard their holiness standards. They make light of our Apostolic lifestyle.
I am not sure how many are actually influenced by them, but these well-known voices spread their poison for all to read.
Since our local Pastor is the only one that is going to give an account for us in the Judgment, why not listen to him? Why are some so determined to get advice on Biblical subjects from every preacher they can? That is nothing short of spiritually hazardous! It is also very unethical on both parts. Any preacher worth his salt would refer them back to their Pastor. And any saint worth their salt would never ask another preacher a doctrinal question.
If we receive multiple doctrinal opinions from multiple ministers, there is no telling what we will believe in the end. It’s just another ‘suicide drink’ in my opinion.
If you have a Biblical question, don’t ask around on the Internet. Go ask the man who God gave you for a Pastor. After all, he’s the one that loves you, prays for you, counsels you, sits up with you in the hospital and truly cares for you. Sheep don’t expect guidance from multiple shepherds. Neither should we.
Oh, and as for finding the right time? Your cell phone is pretty accurate, but then you already knew that too.
Joe’s Hot Donuts & Cold Storage
Joe’s Hot Donuts & Cold Storage
Two of my Grandchildren, Huntley and Christyana Ballestero love to play a name game they made up. They use a name like Joe, and then try to think of two businesses that normally wouldn’t go together. Then they try to imagine what the sign over the business would read like. Their game would sound a little something like this, for example:
Joe’s Mortuary & CB Shop
Joe’s Auto Sales & Tanning Booths
Joe’s Diner & Wig Shop
Joe’s Barber Shop & Cafe
Joe’s Ice Cream Parlor & Bicycle Repair
Joe’s Bowling Alley & Bakery
Joe’s Transmission Repair & Pedicure
Joe’s Hot Donuts & Cold Storage
Joe’s Taxidermy & Petting Zoo
Joe’s Roofing & Marriage Counseling
Joe’s Day Care & Optometry
Joe’s Plumbing & Glass Repair
Joe’s Palm Reading & Pet Detective
Joe’s Service Station & Office Supplies
Joe’s Recording Studio & Crop Dusting
Joe’s Auto Parts & Dating Service
Joe’s Financial Advisory & Bait Shop
Joe’s Burglar Alarms & Hot Dog Stand
Joe’s Furniture Upholstery & Valet Parking Service
Joe’s Slaughter House & Florist
Joe’s Concrete Finishing & Dog Grooming
Joe’s Drywall & Tax Preparation
Joe’s Tires & TV Repair
Joe’s Driver’s Ed & Firecrackers
Joe’s Dentistry & Stump Grinding
Joe’s Bar-BQ & Shoe Repair
Joe’s Chimney Sweeping & Ski Instruction
Joe’s Well Digging & Private Investigations
Joe’s Demolition & Hearing Aids
Joe’s Lawn Care & Diaper Service
Joe’s Gun Repair & Wedding Announcements
Joe’s Photography & Radiator Repair
Joe’s Accounting & Dog Walking Service
Joe’s Tattoo Parlor & Divorce Mediation
Joe’s Auto Detailing & Tuxedo Rentals
Joe’s Laundry & Pest Control
Joe’s Blacksmithing & Banjo Repair
Joe’s Estate Planning & Fish Market
Joe’s Notary & Welding Shop
Joe’s Malt Shop & Fitness Center
Joe’s Carpet Laying & Web Hosting
Joe’s Painting & Paralegal Service
Joe’s Travel Agency & Bail Bonds
Joe’s Motel & Wig Shop
Joe’s Real Estate & Alterations
Joe’s Beauty Shop & Carburetor Repair
Joe’s Deli & Dog Kennel
Joe’s Graphic Design & Fresh Farm Eggs
Joe’s Grocery & Septic Service
Joe’s Pizza & Acupuncture
Joe’s Wedding Chapel & Wrecker Service
All of this may be kid’s stuff. However, a few of us adults may have chuckled in the process. Since our imaginations are working over time, imagine God looking at “Joe” the churchgoer.
The worst “Joe” joke of all would be, “Joe The Spirit Filled Christian” who doesn’t live that way at home.
Luke 6:43 For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
That’s something no one would laugh at. Not even God.
Living On The Edge
Living On The Edge
“Come over here son, I want to have a talk with you about the facts of life. No, I don’t mean like the talk we had when you were growing up. I want to talk to you about the facts of life for folks of all ages.
The old man continued, “I know that there is an adventuresome spirit in you. I love that, and never want to see it die. I know that your generation uses terms like, ‘Living on the edge.’ That’s what I want to talk to you about.
Living On The Edge – In Sports!
“In sports you’ve never found your limit. In life, you’ve pushed all the barriers. You’ve lived on the edge, whether it’s been mountain climbing, motorcycles, skiing, snowboarding or whatever.
“As your father, I can understand your curiosity to push your personal limits. I fear for you, but I know where you got your love for excitement.
“What scares me more than worrying about you getting a broken arm or a skinned up leg is living on the edge spiritually. You are not doing it, and for that I am most grateful. I just wanted you to see a couple of pictures that shows what happens when people live on the edge spiritually. They say a picture is worth a thousand words.
Living On The Edge – Spiritually!
My Father taught me that there were two things that could destroy my walk with God; Worldliness and Fanaticism.
I always want you to remember that the Bible said our adversary, the devil, goes about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. With that in mind son, have a look at these pictures and see what happens to those that live on the edge spiritually.
“In the end, it really won’t matter which one destroys you, Worldliness or Fanaticism. You’ll be dead either way.
Worldliness & Fanaticism
The closer to the edge you get, the more vulnerable you are.
The enemy singles out the young, the old, and the straggler.
This is the danger of living on the edge.
“Do you see this picture? The ones on the edge are the ones the lions kill. Those that are not close to the edge of the herd are the safest. Understand?
“Good. What I’m saying son, is that when it comes to living for God, get in the middle of things. Don’t hang around on the edge of the church.
“I love you son! I want you to always keep your soul safe.”
Heaven’s Not A Sin Away
Heaven’s Not A Sin Away!
Rom. 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The following is an excerpt of an old song by The Kendalls. Their song claimed that Heaven was just a sin away.
“Heaven’s Not A Sin Away”
by
The Kendalls
Oh way down deep inside I know that it’s all wrong
Your eyes keep tempting me and I never was that strong
Devil’s got me now oh oh, gone and got me now
I can’t find him anyhow I’m think he’s gonna win
Heaven’s just a sin away oh oh, just a sin away
Heaven help me when I say I think I’m giving in
Oh way down deep inside…
Devil’s got me now oh oh, gone and got me now…
Heaven’s just a sin away oh oh, just a sin away…
≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
But, Heaven’s Not A Sin Away!
1. With Sin Comes Guilt And Condemnation.
- How long do you pay for a mistake in your mind?
- How long do you pay for a mistake in the minds of others?
- A Moment of Weakness – Will Bring A Lifetime Of Regret.
Ask David – Bathsheba
- Heaven’s Not A Sin Away!
2. With Sin Comes God’s Displeasure.
Is. 59:1 Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:
Is. 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
Ask Cain
Gen 4:13 And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear.
- Heaven’s Not A Sin Away!
3. When Sin Is Done With You, There Won’t Be Much Left.
Amos 3:12 Thus saith the LORD; As the shepherd taketh out of the mouth of the lion two legs, or a piece of an ear;
- Addictions
- Immorality
- HIV
- Reputation Lost
Ask Samson
Heaven’s Not A Sin Away!
4. Willful Sin Is A Major Problem.
It Was For Esau. He Couldn’t Get Right With God Again!
Heb. 12:17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.
- What Woman is worth going to hell over?
- What Man is worth going to hell over?
- What Job is worth going to hell over?
- What Friend is worth going to hell over?
- What Entertainment is worth going to hell over?
- What Sport is worth going to hell over?
- What Style of Clothes is worth going to hell over?
- What Lifestyle is worth going to hell over?
- What Unforgiven Hurt is worth going to hell over?
- What Temptation is worth going to hell over?
Matt. 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Ask Eve – She saw that the fruit of the tree was pleasant to the eye, and she gave in to temptation. That brought the curse upon us all and banished Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden.
Heaven’s NOT just a sin away!
Ask Saul
(1 Sam 26:21) Then said Saul, I have sinned: return, my son David: for I will no more do thee harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day: behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly.
5. You Better Be Glad God Is Merciful
- To God, There’s no such thing as a throw-a-way soul
- He is NOT willing that any should perish
- We Don’t Deserve His Mercy
- We ALL Deserve to be lost
The Story Of A Backslidder
Bob had backslid many times. He’d been in and out of the little Home Missions Church so many times that he’d lost track. He thought it had been maybe 13 or 14 times. He was ashamed. Why couldn’t he live for God? Maybe he just was one of those that God couldn’t help. Or maybe God had finally given up on him because of his many failures and weaknesses.
It had been nearly two years since he’d been back to church. The devil really wanted him to believe that there was no more hope for him. Bob was easily convinced. There was no point in even going back and trying anymore. He’d done that over dozen times without success. Besides, no one believed in him anymore. Bob was though with church and through with God, because he just knew God was through with him.
Bob was a good worker and men at the plant respected him for his abilities. His personality gained him many friends as well.
One day at work Bob got a chemical on his hand that left a bad stain. He tried to wash it off and even used hand cleaner. All his attempts to remove the stain were unsuccessful.
He was so embarrassed that night when he had to wear a suit to go to a fancy restaurant, that he kept his hand in his pocket so no one would see the stain.
The next day at work, Bob got too close to a machine and it sliced his hand deeply. Blood gushed everywhere.
“Call 911,” several people shouted. “Bob’s hurt bad!”
“Naw, don’t call 911, just take me to Med-Point.” Said Bob as he tried to wrap a shop rag around his hand and apply pressure to stop the gushing of blood.
“How bad is it?” Some one asked?
Bob took the shop rag off and wiped away the blood to see home deep the cut was. When he looked at the cut and then at his hands, he saw that the stain was gone. He immediately started to cry. The blood had washed away the stain.
His legs gave way and he fell to his knees. With tears running down his cheeks, Bob raised his hands in the air. The blood was still pumping profusely.
The men looked at Bob in amazement as they heard him speaking words they couldn’t understand.
“Call 911, Bob’s really hurt. We’ve never seen Bob cry!”
The men were concerned. Very concerned.
“Don’t call 911”, Bob said, “I’ll be alright! “
“Well if you’re alright, then why are you crying?”
Bob stopped long enough to say nineteen words that forever changed his life and restored his soul.
“Because I see for the first time in my life that the Blood of Jesus will wash away my sins!”
6. With Sin Comes The Need To Repent.
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.
Repent Today. Then Let The Blood Of Jesus Wash Away All Your Sins In Baptism. Jesus WILL Give You The Holy Ghost!
Heaven’s Not A Sin Away
Heaven’s Just A Prayer Away!
Don’t Put Yourself At Risk
Don’t Put Yourself At Risk
I stood in one of the many lines at Denver’s Casa Bonita, a number of years ago, waiting to order. In the adjoining line on my right was a man dressed in National Hot Rod Association racing attire, complete with his number and sponsor patches. He was the center of attention for 20 feet around. People were congratulating him on his race that day and shaking his hand. Other’s asked for his autograph. Some asked questions about the race.
One man asked, “The previous champion always used two parachutes when he raced. Why do you only use one parachute?”
He said that the other racer had already received six cornea re-attachments. He explained that the dragsters go very fast, and that while the sudden stopping of the car is good, it is bad on the eyes.
He explained that the eyes are the softest and weakest part of the body, and while the body and the car stop, the pressure pushes the cornea forward often causing a detachment. That’s why I don’t use two. They make me stop too quickly.
I only using one, I have only had two retina re-attachments so far. He held up his trophy and said, “But it’s worth the risk.”
The piece of metal he held in his hands and the applause of men in his mind was worth risking his eyesight forever. Even though medical sciences are getting quite advanced and success stories from the quantum vision system are cheering hope on, nothing beats prevention. Word from the wise.
Sadly enough, some folks around our churches are risking more than their corneas. They are putting their souls at risk.
Saints Are Putting Themselves At Risk:
1. By Name Calling
(Mat 5:21) Ye have heard that it was said by them of old-time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
(Mat 5:22) But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
- “In danger of hell fire!” –if you call your brother a liar, fool, be careful!
- Name calling is dangerous.
2. By Rebelling Against Your Leadership.
- Ask Korah – he disagreed with Moses and rallied support against him.
- 200 princes stood on wrong side of the argument. They too were swallowed up with Korah.
- Don’t ever fight against your pastor.
- Don’t hang around critical (Railers) people. You’ll inherit their spirit.
3. Israel
- A Critical Spirit
- Murmur – Criticized
- God Sent Fiery Serpents because they murmured
4. By Disrespecting The Man Of God
- Bethel – 42 children mauled by bears.
- The children’s parents put them at risk for talking negative about their Prophet. Children are always put at risk, by their unspiritual parents.
5. By Becoming Holier Than The Pastor
- Once this happens, he can never teach you.
- Now, you think you know more than him.
- Your standards are higher, so he can’t ‘help’ you.
- No matter if you have convictions about something and your pastor doesn’t, that does not give you the right to disrespect him as long as he is still in the Truth.
6. Moving To Another Church For A Bad Reason
- Not every transplant is successful.
- Never TELL your pastor you are moving. ASK him what he thinks and have him pray with you about it.
- If he does not feel good about your moving, then there must be a reason.
- Make sure you have your pastor’s blessing and approval
7. Lot’s Choice Put His Family at risk.
- Your decisions in life always include those you love.
8. If You Marry The Unsaved Or Backslidden
- You are going against all of God’s Advice.
- I sincerely ask you not to make that mistake.
9. Don’t Marry The Heathen
- Lest you learn their ways and it becomes an abomination
- Marry heathen,
- Unequally yoked
- Your flesh may think it’s OK, but your spiritual man will always be affected for the worse.
10. By Robbing God
- Do you have God’s money in your bank account right now?
- Why?
- You cannot afford NOT to pay tithes.
- If you delight in the blessings of the Lord, you will NEVER have them without putting Him first.
- Give Him the first fruits of you income, The Tithe.
11. By Being Unfaithful To Church
- Your faithful attendance to God’s House has already been decided.
- Heb. 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
- The night you miss is often the night God had a Word, just for you. That’s why the devil kept you home.
12. By Prayerlessness
- Every day without prayer puts you and your family at greater risk.
- Why would you ignore the very lifeblood of your experience with God?
13. By Ignoring The Word Of God
- None of us ever get too smart or too holy to ignore God’s Commandments.
- When God says something, He means it.
- When God says something, there’s a reason.
14. By Not Responding When God Speaks To You.
- Ignoring God will always get you in trouble. Ask Jonah.
15. By Choosing To Become Offended.
- How long will you let a war go on?
- Life is too short to die bitter.
- Bitterness will destroy you and curse your family.
- Forgive, and love again.
Never Knowingly Put Your Self At Risk
Playing Out Of Bounds
Playing Out Of Bounds
There have always been boundaries. Some of them God established and some of them common sense put in place. There are reasons for boundaries.
Boundaries in life are like guard rails. Every highway needs them at some point. Everyone’s flesh is weak. Quit arguing that yours isn’t. That in itself is a good reason for boundaries.
Boundaries are put in place to protect you and your good name. Your reputation is all that you have. Never let your good be evil spoken of.
A man does not have integrity because he made boundaries. He set those boundaries for himself because he has integrity.
Personal boundaries are what define your identity. Your family and friends know you well enough to know how you would respond to each situation. They count on you because they know you have set boundaries for yourself.
They’re like the property lines around a home. Yet, no one has had their property re-surveyed just because they have a 16-year-old in the house. Boundaries don’t change with the weather. They are like moral landmarks. They should never be changed or altered.
Every Nation Has Boundaries
- Every nation defends its borders vigorously.
- Ignoring the boundaries of any nation will lead to arrest and deportation.
Every Sport Has A Boundary
In sports, the referee blows a whistle and declares to everyone when you have gotten out-of-bounds.- Baseball calls it a foul ball.
- Football and Basketball says a player was out-of-bounds.
- If you want to stay in the game and not be penalized, stay within the boundaries.
God Set Natural Boundaries
The Sea
- God set boundaries to the sea, saying thus far shall ye come and no more.
- Prov 8:29 (NIV) When he gave the sea its boundary so the waters would not overstep his command, and when he marked out the foundations of the earth.
God Set Spiritual Boundaries
The Tree In The Garden
God set boundaries in the very beginning. He told Adam and Eve they could enjoy everything they could see and touch, except one thing; the tree of life. That tree was God’s. It was out-of-bounds to them.
The first thing Satan did was to question the boundaries. He asked, “Hath God said…?” That’s how Satan started out with man, and he’s never stopped.
He makes man ask himself, “How could it be wrong when it looks so good and feels so right?” The devil can’t wait for us to step out-of-bounds.
Boundaries In Relationships
Married – Married Boundaries
I asked that the men in the church I pastored to be careful. When they called the house of a brother and his wife answered. I asked them to say, “Praise the Lord” to her. That helps keep the conversation on a spiritual level.
Solomon instructed men to focus on their wife and not someone else’s. He said, “You’ve got your own cistern to refresh and nourish you. Don’t go to the neighbor’s house for a drink.”
Prov. 5:15 Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well.
Job wouldn’t look at another woman. He set an important boundary for himself.
Job 31:1 I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?
Dating
When I showed romantic interest in my wife Marcia, her father, Pastor William R. Starr took me aside for a man-to-man talk. He said, “When a couple dates, it’s the man who should know when to draw the line. It’s the man who should know what boundaries not to cross.”
No one wants their daughter to be courted by a young man who has no boundaries or understands some areas are off-limits.
Neither does a parent wish for their son to be alone with a girl who has no lines she is afraid to cross.
Babies are being born out-of-wedlock because either no one set a boundary or no one paid attention to it. Disregarding boundaries always lead to pain and regret.
Those Without Boundaries Do Not Fear God!
Singles – Marrieds
Facebook has become a worldwide communications phenomenon. Pentecostals have taken full advantage of its availability. In most part, it’s for the good.
All its interaction is enjoyable and fun until someone crosses the line. The bad news is that everyone on Facebook then sees him or her as they show the world how void their life is of boundaries.
- Why would a single girl keep commenting on a married man’s page?
- Why would a single guy make constant comments on a married woman’s page?
- They refuse to recognize boundaries in their life. They also refuse to set them.
- It’s dangerous.
- It is hazardous to a marriage.
- It’s explosive.
- It’s wrong.
Things can get out of line quickly. I recommend against playing even innocent games like Words With Friends between members of the opposite sex. It causes way too much familiarity. Be very afraid.
- I also can find no occasion for chitchat texting between members of the opposite sex.
- Why would a child of God have email addresses on their computer that they know are out of line and serve no spiritually productive purpose?
- Surely there are no cell phone numbers of a single or married member of the opposite sex on your phone. Or of a single or married member of the opposite sex, if you are married.
- Nothing good will come of it if you are guilty. You are playing with fire.
Dress
This is a day of no boundaries or limits in dress. Carnal people do not want standards.
Sadly, many beautiful young ‘Pentecostal’ ladies have been seen parading around camp meetings and conferences lately with their dresses several inches above their knees.
What happened at home? Where’s Mom? Where’s Dad? Where are the boundaries of dress? Why haven’t they let modesty set a boundary of dress for them?
With all of the above being said, I thank God for every person, young and old that has boundaries in their life. That let God’s Word order their steps. That realize Boundaries are not made to hurt anyone. They are put in place to keep everyone safe.
Boundaries… Don’t Leave Home Without Them!
Boundaries…Don’t Get On The Internet Without Them!
Surviving The Delay
Surviving The Delay
I hate delays. There seems to be very little humor in sitting dead still in traffic waiting for an hour or two. Accidents, Construction, and Gaper’s Delays always happen at a bad time for me, and everyone else for that matter. I keep checking for turn-a-rounds and exit ramps, but without much success.
As a frequent flier, I have sat in a hot plane on the tarmac, away from the gate, during the summertime. With no air conditioning working, the plane soon heated up to over 100 degrees and several passengers panicked in their desperation. I feared that in their claustrophobia the person next to me might try to open the plane’s door and thereby risk prison time. I reasoned with them for many minutes to stay calm. The delay caused desperation. They wept uncontrollably in their panic.
Survivors of natural disasters have been known to perish waiting for help to arrive. Food and water was needed, but didn’t get there soon enough. It was the delay that killed them, not the storm.
Too many stories have been told of sick people dying while waiting for an ambulance. Some have died because the doctor was busy elsewhere. They didn’t survive the delay.
Daniel once prayed an important prayer but no answer came. It may have seemed like it was an eternity for him although it was only about three weeks. Finally, an angel appeared with some news of the behind-the-scenes Spiritual Warfare that had been going on in his behalf. It was the cause of his prayer’s answer being delayed.
Dan. 10:12 Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.
Dan. 10:13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.
The great news is, Daniel Survived The Delay!
Moses spent 40 days on a mountain receiving the Commandments and instructions from Jehovah. The whole nation of Israel threw all of their Judaic customs aside in one month. The made a golden calf. They sacrificed unto Baal. They took off their clothes and while dancing lewdly claimed that it was Baal that had delivered them from Egypt.
They corrupted themselves. In a very short time a whole nation backslid because it took Moses longer to return from the mountain than they had expected. The conduct of Israel is symbolic of the spirit of today.
Ex. 32:1 And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.
Ex. 32:2 And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me.
Ex. 32:3 And all the people brake off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron.
Ex. 32:4 And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.
Ex. 32:5 And when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, To morrow is a feast to the LORD.
Ex. 32:6 And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.
Ex. 32:7 And the LORD said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves:
Ex. 32:8 They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.
Ex. 32:9 And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people:
Since childhood, I have heard many sermons about the coming of the Lord. He hasn’t come yet. Do I still believe? ABSOLUTELY!
My mother never dreamed I would start Kindergarten in 1949. She was sure the Lord would come first.
As a teenager in Muncie, Indiana in 1960, I heard an older boy say that he didn’t believe that Jesus would come for at least another 25 years.
He was right. The problem was however, that because he thought that, he also began to live like Jesus wasn’t coming for another 25 years. He died a tragic death in a backslidden state.
My beloved wife and I originally planned to marry on August 28,1965. But we heard several sermons on the soon return of our Lord Jesus Christ, so we moved our wedding date up to the 14th just to beat the Rapture.
That was 46 years ago and Jesus still hasn’t come yet, but I’m still believing and still preaching about His coming.
Because He hasn’t come, many are living a dangerous life. The delay in His coming seems to have given many in this generation an imagined license to sin and play around with the world. Unfortunately, some are fulfilling New Testament prophesy before our eyes.
Matt. 24:48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;
Matt. 24:49 And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;
Matt. 24:50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,
Matt. 24:51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Evidently because the Lord has delayed His coming, some of His servants are mistreating others and getting drunk on the things of life and not those things of God.
- They just couldn’t survive the delay.
- Jesus is still coming.
- Some appear to still be in church, yet they are no doubt guilty of mistreating others.
- Some have left the Holiness pathways and have gotten drunken on life and worldliness.
- Others have given up altogether.
- They couldn’t survive the delay.
The Good News Is, There Are Many That Still Say, “Even So, Come Quickly Lord Jesus.”
- I still want to live like today could be the day.
- I plan to survive the delay with His help.
How are you holding up? You’re not playing around with the world, this close to His coming are you?
Make Up Your Mind To Survive The Delay, Whatever The Cost.
Why Would You Live Your Life Without Benefits?
Why Would You Live Your Life Without Benefits?
Imagine working all your life for a company that gave you a paycheck and nothing else. I mean, nothing else.
- No Vacation,
- No Insurance
- No 401k
- No Sick Days
- No Retirement
- No Continuing Education Courses.
There is not much there to attract a worker of quality. A company that doesn’t care much for it’s employees, is doomed.
No one is thrilled to spend their life working and living without benefits.
Psa. 68:19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.
David said that God loaded us down with benefits every day. Has anyone been noticing what God has been doing for you? He doesn’t let you live for him without benefits.
There are no benefits like the ones God gives His children. Why is anyone willing to live without them in their life?
Benefits Like:
- Forgiveness
- Healing
- Guidance
- Protection
- Provision
- Comfort
- Defense
- Blessings
- Strength
- Daily Needs Met
- Answered Prayers
- Loving Kindness
There is no future in living for the Devil. He pays no benefits. Everyone loses. His pleasure is known to be very temporary, and afterwards very painful.
Psa. 103:2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
There were so many benefits coming his way that David tried to figure out how to thank the Lord for them. He asked the rhetorical question that we must all answer.
Psa. 116:12 What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?
How do I thank God for His benefits? Just saying thank you doesn’t seem like it is enough.
I Thank Him With My:
- Obedience. Keeping His Commandments
- Submission
- Love
- Separation from the World
- Living A Holy Life Pleasing Unto Him
- Tithe And Offerings
- Praise
- Worship That Is Whole Hearted
What would your life be without the daily blessing and benefits of God? Never stop thanking Him. Never stop looking for ways to let Him know how grateful you are.
Rom. 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Apostolic Expository Series
Christy Ballestero (My Beautiful DIL)
http://marciaballestero.com/
Pastor Anthony & Kim Ballestero, New Destiny Worship Center, Clearwater, FL (My Son)
Pastor Bryan & Christy Ballestero, Temple Of Pentecost, Raleigh, NC (My Son)
James Groce Blog – "Toward The Mark"
Kenneth Bow Blog
Kingdom Speak Podcast
Philip Harrelson – "The Barnabas Blog"
Verbal Bean Ministries
Holy Ghost Radio
The Ballestero Blog 