Archive for the ‘Christian Living’ Category
Once The Seal Is Broken
Once The Seal Is Broken
Jams and jellies are a necessity in my home. I love them. I like jam on toast, and a big gob on each half of my biscuit. I even have been known to spread jam on my pancakes. I have many memories of my mother making dozens of jars of preserves and jellies each year. My daughter, Marisa Hartzell carries on the family tradition and her jams and jellies taste every bit as wonderful as my Mother’s. I am blessed.
One common practice in my Mom’s canning was the use of paraffin. Once the jam in the jar was ready, she poured melted paraffin on top of the jam. The paraffin would make a seal about a quarter of an inch thick or more. When the wax was cool and the jar sealed, a lid was tightly screwed into place.
Later, when we needed jam, the paraffin seal was broken. The contents of the jar immediately became subject to spoiling if not treated refrigerated properly. The seal was broken and could not be put back into place.
Kerr came out with a special two-part lid for the home-canner. When the contents of the jars are still hot, the rims were wiped clean, and flat Kerr lids were put into place.
As the jar cools, a vacuum is created and the lid is sucked tight onto the rim. The center of the lid is sunken; showing that the seal was successful. Tapping on the lid strikes a musical note only if sealed correctly.
Once the lid is pried off, safe food measures must be immediately taken because the seal cannot be put back into place. Food spoilage is a danger.
Eighteen wheel big rigs are often seen pulling a trailer with a metal seal or seals in the door latch. Something very important and valuable is inside. The owner is worried, that’s why he placed a seal upon the door. Every trucker knows that if that seal is broken, foul play is suspected. It can’t be restored. The seal is broken. Answers will be demanded. Explanations are in order and the contents of the whole trailer are subject to inventory.
What about the seal between the saint and their pastor?
Charlie was a sinner. He came to church, repented, got baptized and was filled with the Holy Ghost. Bro. Charlie did wonderful for 18 years. Then one day his son Josh rebelled and sinned. It caused quite a stir in the church. Several young people were involved. It became an issue that couldn’t be ignored or allow to continue. The pastor had to respond.
Bro. Charlie wasn’t happy with the pastor’s response to his son’s sinning in his preaching or in the counseling sessions. He got offended. He protected his son from the pulpit and eventually told his friends he wasn’t coming back. He didn’t, he changed churches.
In the next 15 years, Bro. Charlie went to at least eight different churches in almost that many states. He still feels saved, so does his son. His boy is now married to a Charismatic woman who cut her hair, wears slacks, and has lots of jewelry. She also talks in tongues.
Charlie wouldn’t take correction. He wouldn’t allow Josh to be corrected. He allowed the seal to be broken between himself and the man of God. Consequently, he has spent many years taking his soul in his own hands, and drifting from church to church. If he doesn’t like the pastor’s stand, on an issue, he moves on. The seal of a Pastor-Saint relationship is permanently missing in his heart.. He broke the seal. Not only him, but also his son has experienced the spoilage that only comes with broken seals.
Don’t ever allow the seal to be broken between you and your man of God. It may never be restored.
Jude 13 referred to those with broken seals as: ‘wandering stars.’
Never let the old flesh bring separation between your pastor and yourself. It is impossible to go back to a life of innocence. It’s impossible to replace that seal. Once you learn how to take your soul in your own hands and make your own life decisions, you can’t be pastored anymore.
Is your seal in place?
The Fail Factor
The Fail Factor
Prov. 24:16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.
Even good people make mistakes!
It’s Not About Falling Down – It’s About Getting Back Up
- We all need help; we just need it in different areas.
- We’ve all had failures, some small, some not so small.
- We ALL can come from a “setback” to a “comeback”.
DEF. Webster: What Is Failure?
- The condition of not achieving the desired end or ends.
- Being found insufficient.
- Falling short.
Two Things Will Happen When You Fail.
- Recover, Draw Closer To God
- Feel Hopeless And Give Up.
- Think you can’t live it,
- Think you can’t be saved.
- Give up!
- Quit
- Run from God
Prodigal Son
Luke 15:13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
Luke 15:14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
Luke 15:15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
Luke 15:16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
Luke 15:17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
Luke 15:18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
Luke 15:19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
Luke 15:20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
Five Facts About Failure:
No One Is Exempt – We All Make Mistakes
Failure Warns Me There Are Things I Need To Change
- Thoughts
- Habits
- Friends (Ye did run well, WHO did hinder you)
- Actions
- Activities
- Job
- Church Attendance
- Personal Devotions
Failure Can Help Me Find God.
Failure Most Likely Removed Most Of My Pride,
- Arrogance.
- Need To Humbly Seek His Face.
Failure Reminds Me That My Own Flesh Is my Biggest Enemy
I Recognize My Weakness
- Anger
- Lusts
Failure Is Not The Final Chapter
Missionary on the field today – Backslid 14 times as a young person!
Don’t Plan for Failure, Plan For Recovery!
Why Do People Fail?
- A Conditional Commitment To Jesus Christ?
- A Limited Obedience To God’s Word?
- A Careless Attitude Toward Temptation?
- A Failure To Put First Things First?
- (Maybe a combination of reasons.)
The Phases Of Failure
The Reaction Phase
- Shock – I can’t believe it.
- Denial – Won’t admit blame.
- Blame – Adam/Eve
- Withdrawal – Hide in bushes
- Fear – Of more failure
- Anger – Mad at self, at own weakness.
- Shame – I can’t face anyone, I let everybody down.
- Depression – I’m hopeless, I’ll never amount to anything
- Despair – No use! Guess I’ll just give up!
The Response Phase Is Crucial…
What Are You Going To Do?
The Flight Response
- Don’t run from God.
- If God had given up on you, He wouldn’t bother reaching for you or dealing with your heart. He wouldn’t waste a sermon on you.
The Repentance Response
Don’t Ever Give Up.
Luke 15:
The Shepherd (The Good Shepherd) Sought until he found the lost sheep. God hasn’t given up on you.
Woman With 10 Pieces Of Silver: (The Church) Lit a candle and swept until she found the coin. Thank God the Church doesn’t give up on you.
Prodigal Son didn’t give up on himself. He came to himself and came back home.
God Knows About Human Failure.
God knows we will fail. “He knoweth our frame.”
He’s ready to forgive.
He sees beyond our failure.
Failure:
- Made us pray.
- Made us humble.
- Made us try harder.
- Made us cautious.
- Made us thankful for His Mercy.
- Made us appreciate the power of the Blood.
- Drew us closer to the cross.
I Pray That None Of My Readers Ever Fail.
But if you do sin, you have an Advocate (A Defense Attorney)
1John 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
If There Was No Hope. Why Would We Be Given A Defense Attorney?
Rom. 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Why Would Jesus Make Intercession For Us If There Is No Hope?
THERE IS HOPE!!
Like the story of the prodigal son and his father, you’re not that far from home when:
- When you start getting hungry
- When your pride gets out of the way
- When your thoughts turn towards home
- When you come to yourself
- When you get up
- When you start coming home
- When the Father is watching for you
- When the Father runs to meet you
- When you humble yourself
- When you say you’re sorry
- When you wrap your arms around each other
You’re not that far from home. Come on home! Your failure is not what’s important now. What is important is that you’re heading home!
The Devil Doesn’t Play Fair
The Devil Doesn’t Play Fair!
This is not new news for anyone. Our lives, our churches, and our world are all testimonials of the devil’s dirty tricks.
Hell has no honor code. It is not bound by Rules of Engagement like our Army in wartime. Satan fights dirty. He’s not your friend. He shows no mercy. He doesn’t ‘love’ you. He’s your enemy.
- He will demoralize everyone he can.
- He destroys everyone he can.
- He kills everyone he can.
- He uses everyone he can.
- He accuses everyone he can.
- He addicts everyone he can.
He’s An Adversary
1Pet. 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
- Take it personal. It’s OK. You’re not being paranoid. He is YOUR adversary.
He’s An Intimidator
- He’s a roaring lion. The lion’s roar is meant to instill fear
He’s An Accuser
Rev. 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
- Take it personal, It’s OK. You’re not being paranoid He is Your accuser.
The Devil Doesn’t Play Fair:
Pastor Johnson with young children at home finds out he has cancer. Stage 4. He is on chemo for many hours a day, almost every day for many weeks. He’s deathly ill. His church suffered a fire. Several families have left him. The church attendance is going down. He’s hurting in every area of his life. The devil doesn’t play fair.
Larry found someone else. He leaves his home, his wife and his children. His now ex-wife is left with the bills and the care of the family. The children are robbed of their father. Their faith in marriage is forever scarred. Behavioral problems surface in the son. The absence of the father gave him more liberties than he needed and the police finally got involved. Now he has a record. The mother loses her job and her house. The devil doesn’t play fair.
Donna went to church by herself. She was on fire for God. Her parents weren’t saved. Her dad got a job transfer to another state where there wasn’t an apostolic church within 50 miles. Donna was only 14. How long can you not go to church and still survive? The devil doesn’t play fair.
Tom died. He didn’t have much in the way of insurance. His wife Linda and her young children struggled financially. A smooth talking Romeo took advantage of Linda’s desperate situation and marries her. She wanted the children to have a father. It’s not long before the Romeo began to physically and verbally abuse Linda. She had to call the police. Tom was gone, Romeo’s gone, and now the money gone. The devil doesn’t play fair.
The doctor told Cheryl that she was pregnant. Cheryl and Bob had wanted a baby for 14 years. The concern on the doctor’s face slowed her celebration. The doctor could find no heartbeat. The baby was taken prematurely. The lab report said Cheryl also had cancer. Chemo is ordered. The devil doesn’t play fair.
Sam was a preacher in the local church. Everyone liked him. He and his landlord disagreed on an issue. The landlord spread a lie about Sam that got back into the church. The church people believed the landlord. No one was interested in Sam’s story. Sam was embarrassed and disappointed in the people. He backslid and never went back to church. The devil doesn’t play fair.
Rachael, a virtuous and talented young woman would have welcomed the attention of a dedicated young man. The ones in her church seemed to be interested in girls in another church. The guys that showed her attention were in the world and didn’t want anything to do with living for God. She knew there were things much worse than being single. She also knew the devil didn’t play fair.
Frank backslid. He started drinking and gambling. He lost everything. His family left. He had nothing to show for his 47 years of life, but the few clothes in his closet and a $300 car. He remembered the days when he led song service in church. He’d gotten offended and left. He hadn’t meant to go as low as he had. The devil doesn’t play fair.
Steven was just hanging with some friends from school. In a moment of weakness, he tried what they offered him. He became addicted in one day. He had to steal to support his habit. He went to jail for 25 years. The devil doesn’t play fair.
Remember the Prodigal Son? The devil didn’t play fair with him either. The good news is that the son woke up to what the devil had done to him. He went to his Father. The Father restored his world.
- Just like the Father wishes to restore your world today!
Remember Israel in Egyptian slavery? God delivered them.
- Just like He wants to deliver you today.
Remember Job? He lost everything. God gave him back double.
- Just like God wants to bless today.
Here Are A Couple Of Precious Promises To Help You Through Today.
- 1Cor. 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
- Rom. 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
- Heb. 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
- 1Sam. 30:8 And David inquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all.
- Ex. 14:25 And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians.
- Josh. 23:10 One man of you shall chase a thousand: for the LORD your God, he it is that fighteth for you, as he hath promised you.
Don’t Give Up! The Last Chapter’s Not Written Yet! No Matter What Happens, God Is A Good God And He’s In Control!
Ten Traits Of A Successful Saint
Ten Traits Of A Successful Saint
They Have Faith
- They trust God.
- Heb. 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
They Are Obedience
- They don’t argue with the Bible or the Pastor. They willingly submit to His Word.
- Rom. 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
They Live Righteousness
- They live right. They are honorable, pay their bills, and their word are their bond. They give the Church a good name.
- Phil. 1:11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
They Are Humble
- They are not proud or arrogant. Neither do they display attitudes.
- 1Pet. 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
They Love One Another
- They love, forgive, overlook faults, are not harsh or critical. They are kind and helpful.
- 1John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
They Surrounded Themselves With Godly Fellowship
- They are careful about influences in their life. They understand, carnal friends call pull them down and pull them out.
- 2Tim. 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
They Worship:
- They don’t have to be begged to praise the Lord.
- Heb. 2:12 Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.
They Witness
- They never forget who they are and why they are here.
- Matt. 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
They Have Personal Devotions
- They include the Lord in their daily living.
- Acts 3:1 Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.
They Live A Holy Life
- They live like, and even look like someone who has given their life to the Lord.
- 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.
Because
Because
I knelt on the church platform one afternoon, replacing the cover on the new electrical outlet. I was nearly finished when a neighbor came up behind me. I greeted him and made small talk for a minute or too. He glanced down at my hand holding the screwdriver and frowned.
“Why are you holding the screwdriver like that?” He said.
I looked at my hand and the position of the screwdriver and said, “What’s wrong with how I’m holding this screwdriver? I’ve always held it just like this.”
“It’s not the most efficient way to hold one.” He said trying to demonstrate his method in the air.
I rebelled.
I looked at his right hand and noticed that he only had a thumb and a little finger on his right hand. I said something very unkind.
“By the looks of your right hand, you held something wrong one time. The way I’m doing it, has worked wonderful all these years. I’m not changing.”
With that I went back to work and ignored my well-meaning critic.
It didn’t take long for me to understand a powerful truth.
If You Don’t Know Why You Are Doing What You’re Doing, You’ll Quit Doing It.
There has to be a ‘Because’ in your life!
1 John 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us.
If you don’t have a ‘Because’ in your Christian walk, you’ll soon change. If you don’t know why you’re living for the Lord, you’ll quit.
- If you don’t know why you are to worship, you’ll quit.
- If you don’t know why you should pray, you’ll quit.
- If you don’t know why you need to pay tithes, you’ll quit.
- If you don’t know why you should be faithful, you’ll quit.
- If you don’t know why you need to witness, you’ll quit.
- If you don’t know why you should live holy, you’ll quit.
- If you don’t know why you have to obey all of His Word, you’ll quit.
- If you don’t know why you should love the Lord, you’ll quit.
If You Don’t Know Why You Are Doing What You’re Doing, You’ll Quit Doing It.
There has to be a ‘Because’ in your life!
Pretending You’re Okay
Pretending You’re Okay
The Boxer
The Champ was hit hard with a flourish of jabs from the Contender. A quick 1-2 punch to the body with a solid left uppercut staggered him and he fell backwards into the ropes.
He was saved by the sound of the bell and happily retired to his corner. He was tended to by his trainer and cut man. When the bell rang again, the Champ came out of his corner, dancing and doing his best not to let the Contender know that he had been hurt. He was pretending that he was OK.
The Card Player
The card player’s cards are not very good. But he can’t let anyone know that. He has to act like he has the best hand in the game. He bets that he does. The other players study his face and do mental math to see if they think he’s lying.
He knows his hand is bad, but by bluffing, he’s pretending he’s OK.
A Lost Husband
He looks out the window secretly hoping to find a familiar landmark. He may not know where he’s at, but he’s not lost in his own mind. He feels that he can still get you to your destination, even if it takes him an extra hour. His ‘man-hood’ is at stake. He won’t ask for help, he’s pretending he’s still OK.
You
What is your response when someone walks up to you with a half-hearted, “How ya doing?”
- You always say, “Fine, thank you.”
- Don’t you?
- You too are pretending you’re OK.
Sinners / Backsliders
They especially pretend that they’re OK. It keeps them from admitting they need help; that they are in need of God. To admit that would be to confess they are wrong. They would have to stop sinning.
If you are not living for God and going to church like you should, then you are just pretending you are OK.
Holiness Haters
- If you have left the highway of holiness. If you have re-considered all your holiness standards and changed. If you defend your decision to look like the world while still claiming to have the Holy Ghost, then you are just pretending you are OK.
- If you have rejected the life of separation from the world. If you now justify looking and dressing like the rest of the world. If you now claim to have more freedom and to be happier than ever before, then you are just pretending you are OK.
- If you now make fun of holiness minded men and women and mock the way they dress. If you try to act superior in your new revelation and lifestyle. If you have a need to flaunt your disdain of holiness. Then you are just pretending you are OK.
- (No one would even admit to Pretending.)
The hardest thing in the world for some folks is to admit they are wrong.
To admit they’re not OK is to admit they were wrong. They would rather pretend they are OK here on earth and take their chances with God in the Judgment. How insane.
Paul said to Timothy:
2Tim. 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
Notice:
- We humans are our own problems (oppose themselves)
- If God peradventure (there’s a chance He will)
- Will give them repentance. (The opportunity to repent is a gift from God)
- To the acknowledging of the truth. (Truth about what? The truth about themselves and the error of their ways)
It’s not God’s will that you have to pretend that you are OK. No one has to pretend when they are obedient to all of His Word. It’s those that are trying to cut corners with God that feel a need to pretend. Admit it!
Don’t Let Your Sacrifice Become Your Downfall
Don’t Let Your Sacrifice Become Your Downfall
William Stanford loved working at the church. Everyday he stopped by there on his way home from the factory. It seemed like there were always little things that he could fix or clean.
- He repaired cracked window panes.
- He pulled weeds in the flowerbed.
- He replaced burnt out light bulbs.
- He mowed the grass.
- He picked up trash around the property.
- He raked the fallen leaves.
- He kept the baptismal tank clean and full.
- He stacked all the songbooks on their shelf.
Bro. Bill did all of this without pay. He held no official job at the church. It felt rewarding to him to know that whatever he did, it was for God. This was God’s house. No one ever asked him to fix anything. He just did it on his own. He looked around for things to do, and when he found a need, he was quick to respond.
His wife and family understood. They knew that he would always be late coming home from work. If he wasn’t at work or at home… he could be found at the church.
One year Bill decided not to go on his yearly family vacation to Fort Lauderdale for their boat trip like they used to do, instead he took the money and bought shingles for the church roof and spent his two weeks vacation time re-roofing the church by himself.
No one had asked him or even hinted. He just saw a need and did what he thought should be done. Sacrifice was never an issue for Bill Stanford. He had done this for years.
One Sunday the pastor announced a church business meeting. A trustee had died and the vacant position needed to be filled.
To William Stanford’s surprise, his name never came up at the business meeting for consideration. Another brother in the church was chosen and with a great majority, was ratified.
Bill was crestfallen. After all the hard labor, day after day, and week after week… this was the thanks he got! His labor was not appreciated.
- Bill quit church.
- Bill really quit church.
- Bill turned his back on church.
- Bill never came back to church.
He let his sacrifice become his downfall. He let what he did for God turn into nothing if others didn’t appreciate and honor it too.
†††
Joyce Watkins heard the pastor mention the need for 20 new tables and 160 folding chairs for the fellowship hall. She approached the pastor after service and asked him how much it would cost. When he told her, she pulled out her checkbook and wrote him a check for that amount.
The pastor was very thankful and the new tables and chairs were delivered almost immediately.
The next week, Joyce left for her vacation and was gone for three weeks. When she came back home and went to church. What she saw angered her.
In attempting to clean the fellowship hall, someone had stacked the new tables and chairs in a manner that Joyce did not approve. She told several people how unhappy she was that her tables had been treated that way.
- Joyce quit church.
- Joyce really quit church.
- Joyce turned her back on church.
- Joyce never came back to church.
Joyce also made a cardinal mistake in living for God. She let her sacrifice become her downfall. She couldn’t grasp the idea that those tables and chairs were no longer hers. They now belonged to God.
†††
To my gentle reader, I thank you for what you are doing for God. Your sacrifice should always be just for God. If we wait for men to appreciate our sacrifice for God, it may quickly turn into our downfall. May we learn from Bill and Joyce.
Col. 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
They Won’t Leave Without Us, They Never Do.
They Won’t Leave Without Us, They Never Do.
I sat by the window eating a Chicago style hot dog in the Detroit Airport’s National Coney Island Restaurant. I watched as Delta’s ground crew loaded containers into the belly of their huge Jumbo Jet at Gate A50.
An Asian family intently watched the loading of the cargo. I heard them try to guess which containers were theirs.
Two Asian college students sat nearby. They all seemed to be traveling together. I finished my loaded hot dog and chips, and washed it down my Mountain Dew. The ground crew finished up and closed all the doors and hatches.
The older man at the next table hurriedly left the restaurant and in 2 minutes returned. “They’re boarding right now,” he said. “Hurry!”
The waitress sat two large salads down in front of the students. The kid that spoke English had just taken his 1st bite of chef salad with an additional topping of Thousand Island. He didn’t seem to be bothered by the news.
I wondered what response the father’s words would bring from him.
“Don’t worry,” said the teen. “They won’t leave without us. They never do.”
He continued to finish his salad. While the father hurried back toward the gate. The kids continued to sit and talk about college courses. I heard him called Brian.
I paid my check and walked out.
I was ticketed on a Delta flight to Atlanta. My Gate was A47 which was nearly straight across from A50. I could see that no one was at the gate besides the Delta people. All of the passengers were already on board.
I watched as Delta Agent made an announcement for the departure of their flight to Seoul, South Korea. She then paged a list of 20 or so passengers that had not checked in. One of the names mentioned was Brian Hong. She finished by saying, “All passengers should now be on board.”
There was no one insight hurrying toward Gate A50.
In a little bit, although there was a second announcement, there still was no Brian.
Five minutes later, there was a third one was made. I marveled that Delta had even bothered to give them all a second chance, let alone a third one.
Another five minutes later they made a fourth announcement. I didn’t see anyone hurrying toward the gate. Brian was a no-show.
A Delta pilot with 24 years sonority stood next to me. I voiced my surprise at the patience of the airlines. He shook his head in lack of agreement. Sometimes he said, they even try to leave without me and I’m the pilot. We chuckled at the absurd thought.
A fifth announcement came and then amazingly, a sixth. Each time they still mentioned all of the ‘no shows.’ Brian Hong’s name was called every time.
My plane’s departure time had gotten pushed back a couple of hours. I had time to watch and wait.
The Jumbo Jet at A50 finally left.
One hour or so later, Brian Hong walked up to my gate and talked to the Gate Agent. He was trying to get a flight to Atlanta. He had been left behind. He had to make alternative arrangements.
The father had only warned him once that the flight was boarding. But Brian didn’t believe there was an urgency. He acted like he thought he was really educated in how things worked. After all, he was a college student. He was wiser than his father. He had plenty of time. He could beat the system. The rules didn’t apply to him. He would do whatever he wanted and others could wait on him.
The final line is that he missed his flight. It left without him. Brian had to make alternative plans.
I don’t know about anymore of what happened to Brian. He didn’t make it on the Atlanta flight either.
This subject brings the focus now to my one remaining question.
So… what are you going to do if you miss the rapture?
I know, I know, there are some that say He isn’t coming. There are even those that say He is, but you have plenty of time.
- But you don’t!
- Jesus is coming!
- No one seems interested in the voice that announces Jesus is coming,”
- Not very many are watching for His return.
- We won’t even be as fortunate as Brian Hong. We won’t be able to make alternative arrangements if we miss the coming of the Lord.
- God doesn’t owe us warning after warning.
- Don’t make Brian Hong’s mistake.
In the last days it has been prophesied that they will be eating and drinking (Like Brian)… acting like they’ve got a lot of time.
This generation is also saying, “They Won’t Leave Without Us, They Never Do.”
But Delta did!
The departure of the Glorious Church is now being announced.
All passengers should now be on board. Are you?
A Second Class Saint In A First Class Church
A Second Class Saint In A First Class Church
He looked up at the most beautiful structure his eyes had ever seen. Of all places in town, he liked this place the best. It was considered by all to be absolutely magnificent. Thousands workers were hired just to build this section of the edifice.
Looking slowly up at the giant pillars, he saw that they were formed into cloisters. They were 50 cubits high. He’d heard that the weight of each pillar was so great that it took 20 men to move it into place.
They each were so large that if three men stood together with outstretched arms, they would barely be able reach around them and touch fingers.
This one cloister of pillars by itself is 100 feet longer the world famous Cologne Cathedral.
There were a total of nine of these colossal entrances. But this one outshone them all. It was the best one.
This one entrance had an arch that was 24ft wide and 45ft high. It was decorated with lilies formed out of brass from Greece. It was an absolute work of art. It was fashioned like a border highlighting the whole top of arch. It shimmered and dazzled in the bright sunlight. It’s beauty made each passerby look on with awe.
The entrance originally was named “Nicanor” after the Alexandrian Jew who built the arch. Recently a grave plaque was discovered bearing the Greek inscription: “The bones of Nicanor the Alexandrian, who made the doors.”
Its other name was “Corinthian,” because of the costly material of which it was constructed— Corinthian brass.
However spectacular this was, it still wasn’t the building. It was just the entrance to the building. The building itself was so beautiful that people had even been known to faint just looking at its beauty. But he had never gotten that close before.
Josephus gives many interesting particulars about this gate, which, he tells us, “Greatly excelled in workmanship and value above all the others. They all were plated with gold and silver, but this one was plated more richly and thickly. It was larger than the other gates too. It was 50 cubits in height, the others were 40.” Its massiveness and magnificence, therefore, earned for it the name Beautiful.
The name stuck. They called it Beautiful. It became known as the gate called Beautiful. It was just one of the entrances into the great Temple.
The beggar sat there just looking at this amazing entrance. He had never been inside. He had no idea what the Temple was like on the inside. He could only imagine. His physical handicap, his lameness, kept him out. Because of this, he was considered a second-class citizen. He even thought of himself as such.
No one seemed to know his name. He was not able to work. Begging was his only option. Everyone referred to him as… the beggar that sits by the gate Beautiful.
He lived in survival mode. He had long ago given up dreams of being called a success in life, let alone ever being a rich man. He was content to be a beggar. He was content to let others support him and allow him to maintain this level of existence. He’d accepted his lot in life. He was content to be miserable. He never believed he could ever be any different. He was just a beggar. A beggar that just happened to be sitting by the most beautiful Temple entrance in Jerusalem.
He was a Jew like everyone else. He just didn’t get to enjoy the same level of relationship with Jehovah everyone else did. He considered himself a second-class member of a first-class Temple.
But one day that changed!
Acts 3:1 Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.
Acts 3:2 And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;
Acts 3:3 Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.
Acts 3:4 And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.
Acts 3:5 And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.
Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
Acts 3:7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.
Acts 3:8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.
Acts 3:9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God
Although this story happened about 2,000 years ago, it still continues to happen throughout many Apostolic churches today on a spiritual level.
It is not unusual to notice 2nd class saints in 1st class churches.
Some are easy to spot because they don’t worship or get involved in their church. They always hold back. Something in the past handicapped them and prevented them from enjoying what others enjoy freely every day. They never “enter” into His inner courts. Something keeps them on the outside of everything wonderful. They are content to stay there.
Even in the best of churches, there can be second-class saints.
- Some don’t Worship.
- Some have a problem with Holy living.
- Some aren’t Faithful in attendance.
- Some are lovers of Pleasure MORE than lovers of God.
- Some don’t Obey.
- Some don’t Submit.
- Some don’t Forgive.
- Some don’t give God His tenth.
- Some don’t Witness.
- Some are Proud.
- Some don’t have a Teachable spirit.
- Some are still Babes in Christ.
- Some are filled with Unbelief.
- Some live in Fear.
- Some are Bitter
- Some have no Desire.
All of them COULD enjoy church on a higher level. All of them could even be a blessing to the church family.
There’s no doubt, they are attending a 1st class church. (Surely no one would CHOOSE to be a 2nd class saint and sit in a 1st class church!)
In the Bible story, the men of God invited the lame man to ‘look on us.’
Get your eyes off of every thing else. Look afresh at your Pastor and listen anew to his preaching. Then, do like the lame man did… ‘take his hand.’ You will never change without preaching. You will never be delivered on your own. You can’t even be saved without a pastor. Give your heart to God, and then give your hand to the preacher.
When we join hands with God’s man and “expect to receive something from him,” then we can expect to receive a miracle and a transformation in our life. It will happen.
Even your friends and family won’t recognize you. You’ll act differently. The next time they see you, you will be where you’ve never gone before. You will have entered into the inner courts.
Like the beggar who had never walked or jumped in his whole life, you will praise God and worship Him like you never have before. Your joy will be full for the first time in your life.
We all need to get the revelation that we don’t HAVE to be a 2nd class saint in a 1st class church. We don’t have to sit on the outside while others enter in. There is hope for all. You CAN go to places in God where you have never gone before.
You can be a 1st class Christian in a 1st class Church!
When God Takes His Children To Six Flags
When God Takes His Children To Six Flags
To Six Flags? Absolutely!
While I understand that most of us old geezers have never gone, nor may ever go, Six Flags represents to many Americans a place of fun and entertainment.
Imagine the excitement around the house as children chatter about the proposed trip. They can hardly sleep the night before. They are pumped. They talk almost non-stop and their voices can be heard in the next room.
The names of fun rides are often repeated. Someone remembers being told, “Don’t forget to go to the Majestic Pavilion or whatever it’s called. It’s the best thing out there! Or what ever you do, go on the King’s Castle boat ride.
We have all heard stories of people waiting in line for more than an hour just to get on one ride. They all act like it was worth it and would do it again.
It almost seems sacrilegious to our ‘sanctified’ minds to suggest that the good Lord would ever take His children to Six Flags.
But He does! He’s a good Father who enjoys seeing His children enjoy their life living with Him.
Remind yourself of the Biblical use of words like Flag, Banner, Ensign, and Standard. They can be used interchangeably in the Word of God, and often are in most translations.
Let me tell you about a different kind of Six Flags. The ones mentioned in the Bible.
1. A Flag Called” Love”
Song 2:4 He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.
- God wants His children to be found standing under the Banner that says, Love. Here is found not only God’s love, but the love of the brotherhood as well.
- There’s The Banqueting House too. Start the trip by being fed at God’s All You Can Eat Buffet. He serves up giant helpings of Love for those that are emotionally starved, insecure or need reassurance. Step right up, the door’s open.
2. A Flag Just For The “Outcasts”
Is. 11:12 And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth
- The eye of God is ever looking to gather His own back to Himself. He looks in every part of the world searching for those that are outcasts. (overthrown, tottering, cast down, thrust out, driven out and away from Him.)
- The Father always makes a way to come home.
- All you have to do is look in this direction, If you can see this flag, it’s God’s Welcome Home sign. It’s His invitation to all those who are weary, to come home.
3. The Flag Called Truth
Psa. 60:4 Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah.
- This Flag must be displayed. (Unfurled) God want the world to see this.
- All who gather here are not ashamed.
- Truth is on display under this flag. Keep it unfurled. Keep it on display.
- To them that fear the Lord this is a wonderful place to gather.
4. The Flag Of Defense
Is. 59:19 So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.
- The Father’s children live with great peace and assurance here. They have His promise that if things get bad in their life, that if they just come to this flag, that everything is going to be alright. There is safety here.
5. The Banner Of Rest
Is. 11:9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
Is. 11:10 And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.
- The Father adopted other children (Gentiles)
- His Gentile children all want to come here.
- It’s a place of Revelation.
- Here He opens the blinded eyes.
- It’s a place of Rest (Holy Ghost infilling.)
- There’s nothing like this Holy Ghost experience.
6. The Banner Called Worship
Psa. 20:5 We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfill all thy petitions.
- The Flag is the one the Father lets His children raise up. It’s A Banner of Praise. It’s a Flag of Worship.
- Of all places to stop by, don’t miss this one. You haven’t had a complete Holy Ghost experience until you’ve stood under the Worship Banner.
- “Rejoice, and again I say, Rejoice!”
Have you gone with your Father to Six Flags lately?
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 