Archive for the ‘Family’ Category
Are You A Grandma?
Are You A Grandma?
Grandma Ballestero
Jeron had lived in the same town as his Grandma Marcia Ballestero for all of his three, nearly four years. He loved to stay over night there and did so as much as he could. Circumstances permitted him to do so, and he enjoyed all the attention and pampering that good Grandmas are known for.
In the evening, when it got close to bedtime, Grandma would take the little man up onto her lap while she sat in her soft rocking chair and rock him. She would have his special little blanket ready to comfort him and he would fall asleep in her arms.
He actually had the run of his Grandma’s house. He had his own room; he was the object of most, if not all of her attention. He also happened to be the only Grandchild for hundreds of miles. Jeron was in hog heaven.
Jeron
Then the day came when he had to move a thousand or so miles away. He was so sad to be taken away from his Grandma. It made his little heart break and real tears ran down his face. Lots of hugs and kisses were necessary to reassure him.
The first Sunday night in his new town, he went to church with his Dad and Mom. For a little kid, not quite four years old, it was almost overwhelming. The church was much bigger, the faces were all new, and he really missed his Grandma.
As the people were all setting back down after singing some choruses, Jeron slipped across the aisle to a lady he’d spotted that was about his Grandma’s age and size.
“Are you a Grandma?” He quietly asked.
“Yes I am.” Was her response.
Jeron leaned up close, and politely asked, “Can I sit on your lap?”
“You sure can,” she said as she opened her arms.
Jeron crawled up onto her lap and went soundly to sleep.
No one today knows the name of the dear lady who offered her lap to a little ‘lost’ boy. Jeron is in his middle teens now and is much too ‘mature’ to speak of such things.
In my mind today, several questions still nag at me:
What was there about her, that made Jeron choose her?
Was it her age?
Was it her resemblance to his Grandmother?
Was it her kind face?
We’ll never know, I’m afraid.
But, what about her?
Why did she willingly hold a strange little kid on her lap and let him go to sleep?
I may not have all the answers, but this I know, she was a real Grandma.
What the word “Grandma means to a little kid, is someone who is loving, affectionate and takes good care of you.
Grandmas come to your defense. Grandmas feed you good. You feel safe with Grandma. Grandmas will buy you things you always wanted, and take you places you like to go.
Grandmas are nurturing and kind. They are soft-spoken and don’t scream at you. Grandmas are very loving. Grandmas make you always feel safe. All kids know this. Grandmas give you their hearts. Grandmas love kids. Grandmas don’t have to be related.
What the world needs are more good Grandmas.
Are you a Grandma?
Mom said, “What If I Forget God?”
Mom said, “What If I Forget God?”
Yesterday I cried. I cried about several things. I cried about things that I couldn’t fix. I cried about things no one can fix. (It may not be prudent or wise to share this, but I will.)
Sis. Connie Ballestero
My youngest sister, Nila Marxer, lives in Southern California. She has taken care of my 88-year-old Mother in her home for six years or so. Nila is an Angel sent from God to our family. Mom lives in an apartment inside Nila’s home.
My Mom’s health is not very good anymore. Her short-term memory loss has alarming worsened recently. It makes my phone calls to her, extremely painful for me. Mom has a problem of not remembering even the day of the week.
A few days ago, she wandered out of her room before midnight and went into the main living room. She turned all the lights on. At 2am, Nila came out of her bedroom and found Mom standing there looking around.
She said, “Mom, let me take you to your room and put you to bed.”
When they got to Mom’s room, Mom said, “Is this where I’m staying?”
“Yes, Nila said.
“Oh,” she said, “I didn’t know where I was supposed to sleep.”
That was unwelcome news. It was like one of your worst fears coming true. I am very grateful to Nila for being so loving and patient.
Last night while on a Skype video call to my sister, I got to see her, her husband Eric, and my Mom. Mom was all smiles.
With her voice breaking, Nila talked to me about Mom, with Mom sitting beside her. She talked about health issues that Mom was currently dealing with. Then she said that her and Mom had talked about her memory loss. Mom expressed her greatest fear to Nila.
Mom said, “Nila, what if I forget God?”
That statement ripped my very heart out. Of all people, my Godly Mother who has had the Holy Ghost for 80 years. She labored with Dad in the ministry for over 50 years. And now, she worries that in her memory losses, she might forget about God.
I cried.
Nila said, “Marty, quote the first part of a Psalm and see if Mom can quote the rest of the verse.”
I looked at Mom and Nila seated in front of their computer and I started with Psalms 100.
I said: (Psa. 100:1) Make a joyful noise unto the LORD,
Mom said: all ye lands.
I said: (Psa. 100:2) Serve the LORD with gladness:
Mom said: come before his presence with singing.
I said: (Psa. 100:3) Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves;
She said: we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
I said: (Psa. 100:4) Enter into his gates with thanksgiving,
She said: and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
I said: (Psa. 100:5) For the LORD is good;
She said: his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
My tears still flowed.
In a day when so many are willfully forgetting God, my heart is overwhelmed by the fears of my sainted Mother.
“What If I Forget God?”
An Old School Lesson – “If You Can Take It, You Can Make It.”
An Old School Lesson – “If You Can Take It, You Can Make It.”
I was mingling in the headquarters hotel lobby in Grand Rapids during the 1965 UPCI General Conference. At 21, I was a newlywed of two (2) months. I saw a familiar face, and turned to greet a treasured family friend, Bro. Howard H. Davis.
From my early childhood, the Ballestero and the Davis families have been close friends. Over the years, my father had talked to me in revered tones about all five of the Davis brothers. They all were Pastors or Missionaries. I grew up with an ingrained respect for them.
After we shook hands and hugged necks we greeted each other with small talk. He looked at me and said I’d like to talk to you a minute. I readily agreed.
Martyn & Marcia Ballestero 08/14/1965
He said, “Brother Marty, I know you’re married now and evangelizing. But you don’t look like you used to look. You’ve changed the way you comb your hair to one of these worldly hairstyles. I liked the “old” Bro. Marty better.
“You don’t look like a holiness preacher now. You don’t look like the son of Carl Ballestero. You don’t look like the Bro. Marty I used to know.”
I quickly tried to review in my mind, the reasons that I had changed to this “new look.” My wife had said it was “nice” and I guess that meant she liked it. There had even been a few compliments from friends my age. I really didn’t have a good answer why, except that I liked it. Maybe it was my vanity that started all this. I thought I looked “cool.” I didn’t consider if God was pleased or what injury I might do to my ministry, or lose in the respect of my Elders.
I knew in my heart that it took some love and bravery to walk up to the son of your friend and extend admonishment like Bro. Davis had, in hopes of helping me.
I was certainly caught off guard. Maybe the word stunned even comes to mind. I didn’t interrupt him. He was my Elder. He was my father’s dear friend. He then, in my mind, was my friend too by inheritance.
When he finished. I apologized for disappointing him. I told him how much I appreciated him loving me enough, and being brave enough to tell me what I needed to do. I told him that I would immediately go upstairs to my Hotel room and change my hairstyle back to the “Old Marty” look.
We hugged necks and I went to my room.
While I stood in front of the mirror, my wife asked in a gentle tone, “Baby, what are you doing?”
“I’m changing my hair back like I used to comb it,” I replied.
“But I like the other way,” she offered.
I replied, “So do I, Baby. So do I.”
When I was done combing my hair, I kissed her and left the room. I wanted to go downstairs to the Lobby again. When Bro. Davis spotted me from across the big room, he nodded my way and smiled. I nodded and smiled back.
Neither of us knew then, that someday he would become my Step Father-In-Law. I have privately thanked the Lord that I did not show a bad spirit or attitude that day. That I understood that he was brave enough to help a friend’s son stay on track. I will forever honor him for that alone.
Nearly twenty years later, 11 couples of pastors and their wives went together on a Caribbean cruise. It was the best trip ever! This was an opportunity to get better acquainted and relax. We all had great fun and enjoyed the fellowship of each other. I got a close-up look at Bro. Howard Davis. I watched him laugh, tell stories of his travels, and have a great time.
When we talked now, it really felt comfortable. I was no longer the little kid talking to grownups. I enjoyed the conversations, and camaraderie immensely.
Years later after the passing of their spouses, my Mother-in-law, June Starr and Howard Davis became acquainted. In private conversation one day with “Mom” Starr, I confided to her my opinion of Bro. Howard Davis.
I said, “If I was stranded on island for 6 months and allowed to have 3 friends with me, He would be one of them. He’s wise. He’s very knowledgeable about life. He’s balanced, He’s kind and He’s fun. He’s easy to be around. You’ll not be sorry if you marry him.”
One of my life’s happiest moments is when I was honored to walked down the aisle with my Mother-in-law on my arm to give her in marriage to Bro. Howard Davis.
He has become the father image in my life today. He’s a stabilizing factor for me in a changing world. His wonderful ministry is probably the best-kept secret in Pentecost.
I Love Bishop Howard H. Davis with all my heart! When my father died, my Pastor died also. I felt vulnerable and alone. I believe everyone needs a Pastor in the their life. I asked “Dad” Davis to be my Pastor and submitted myself to him. I am happy to call him, “Dad Davis” and Pastor!
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Epilogue:
My ‘Other’ Mother, Sis. June Davis, has written a Biography Of Bishop Howard Davis. You will want to get this book.
The book is entitled: ‘Man With A Purpose’
The book is 119 pages of Howard’s history, from childhood to US Navy man, Minister, Church builder, member UPCI 60 years, Pastor {same Church 42 years}, world traveler, Ordained Bishop, and His Article, NIGHT OF CONFLICT; 8 chapters about the last night of World War Two, with Him as a teenage backslider on the USS Wiley, DD597, a Destroyer under attack at 2:30 A.M. by Japanese Zeros and Bombers, at the Island of Okinawa.
Those of you who know him will want to get this book. If you are a Pastor, You will want to get some copies for your members.
Price: $10.00 plus $2.00 mailing, each book. Mailing for more than 1 book will be different.
Send orders to.
Marian June Davis
735 Greenwood Ave
San Bernardino, CA 92407
Do You Know What Drowning Looks Like?
Do You Know What Drowning Looks Like?
The Monthly Feature from the Medical News TODAY
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/196538.php
If you and your family are planning to spend some of this summer by the sea, by the pool, or perhaps even a river or lake, perhaps you should ask yourself, would you be able to spot someone in trouble in the water, in time to save their life: do you really know what drowning looks like?
Mario Vittone, a writer on maritime safety, tells a story about a former life guard, now a boat captain, who spotted a potentially fatal incident from fifty feet away. The captain jumped off his own boat, and sprinted toward a family swimming between the beach and their anchored boat: he sped past the astonished parents, to save their nine-year old daughter, who had been quietly drowning not ten feet behind her father.
Vittone, whose articles have appeared in many magazines, including Reader’s Digest, said he was not surprised when he heard this story: he knows a thing or two about drowning, having served nineteen years in the US Navy and Coast Guard, and his strongest message is “Drowning Doesn’t Look Like Drowning”.
Furthermore, says the CDC, many parents have watched their child drown without realizing what was happening. They did not know what the captain who saved the little girl in Vittone’s story was trained to notice and her parents were blissfully unaware of: the signs of Instinctive Drowning Response, a term coined by Dr Francesco A. Pia, a water safety expert.
Vittone and Pia wrote about the Instinctive Drowning Response, in the Fall 06 issue of On Scene, the journal of the US Coast Guard Search and Rescue. Pia says it is what people do to avoid suffocating in water: they don’t splash much, they don’t wave, and they don’t yell or call out. Quite different to what many of us might expect.
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When reading this today, all the alarms in my soul went off. How many do we know that have drowned spiritually in front of our eyes and we didn’t see the signs of their unspoken struggles?
I’m not talking about those whose overt actions and speech give away their desire for the world. It’s those that we know whose struggle for survival is inward and their pride keeps them from admitting they need help.
Pastors, evangelists, youth leaders, Sunday school teachers, parents and concerned saints have ALL experienced the horror of losing someone dear to them. Some of us were oblivious to the spiritual drowning.
God help us all to be more aware of the needs of our sisters and brothers.
The Worst Family In The World
The Worst Family In The World
I don’t want to be accused of gossip, or sued for writing about a family that I know, so I’ll not use any names.
It’s the most unbelievable family I’ve ever met. There’s not another couple like them anywhere. Once you’ve met their family, you might even want to run away from them too. You will however, at least shake your head in disbelief as I have.
The Father is a big guy. He’s likeable enough sometimes, but he has such a bad temper. He’s always ready to fight at ‘the drop of a hat.’ The family and neighbors could entertain us for a long time telling about all the fights that he has been in. He has been ordered to take anger management classes, but he refuses to go.
On the other hand, Mom is quite good looking for her age. She constantly tries the latest beauty treatments and is determined to keep up with the Jones’s. She feels deeply, and becomes easily entrenched in the snare of wanting what she can’t have. I can’t count how many of her friendships she has ruined because of her displays of jealousy.
That’s Mom and Dad. I want you to meet the kids. The house is full of children. It’s no doubt the largest family I have ever met.
Everyone will tell you that they are the worst kids in the world. They are totally undisciplined. If you met them, the words, “little heathens,” would come to your mind.
- For example, one has committed murdered and gotten away with the crime.
- Another is a known thief.
- They all lie.
- One of them is a drunk.
- Some had been in jail.
- They all love to stay up all hours of the night and prowl through the neighborhood. They wrecked havoc almost every night.
- The brag about their exploits.
- They all reject the authority of the school, the police and the pastor.
- They want to party all the time.
- They are incorrigible.
- They are all juvenile delinquents.
- No visitor feels safe in their home.
- No one in their right mind invites any one the children into their home.
- They changed their neighborhood for the worse.
Their neighborhood was the nicest one in town. It was peaceful. People moved there because it was quiet and it seemed safe. No one even locked their doors. The neighbors really seemed to like each other too.
Neighbors began to put up FOR SALE signs on their homes not long after the family with all the kids moved in. No one wanted to live near them. Not only did the kids take over the neighborhood. The neighborhood association was not even able to buck up against this unbelievable family.
There was one church in the vicinity. The First Pentecostal Church, and many of the neighbors attended.
The family claimed to be members of The First Pentecostal Church also. The parents attended faithfully and attempted to bring as many of their kids as they could. The children disrupted many services.
- They ruined Weddings.
- They sabotaged Birthday Parties.
- The destroyed the Church Dinners and other functions.
Visitors often decided to never come back because of what they saw and heard. Even some of the long time members left and told the pastor that they loved him but they couldn’t tolerate ‘that’ family.
The parents got offended with the pastor and began to talk about him. They finally got enough influence in the church and then they helped split the church. They went across town and started their own.
They posted pictures of their new church on Facebook and bragged about their new church and new pastor. They also told lies about the former pastor and church people.
Mom and Dad even became an active part of their Pentecostal Association. They seemed pleased to attain a degree of respectability.
- I want you to at least meet them.
- I want you to know their names.
- I want you to be alert if they ever visit.
Remember their names. Her name is “Envy” and his name is “Strife.”
They are the mother and the father of the confusion in your neighborhood and in your church. They are also the parents of every evil work.
James 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
BEWARE!
Fanny’s Baby Boy
Fanny’s Baby Boy
The tall slender woman knew she was dying. She was only 26. Her mother’s family hailed from Sevierville, Tennessee. Their family name was Ghan. She’d never met her real dad. She’d never even met her mom’s dad either. She was the product of two generations of illegitimate births in a row. Her mom had not been allowed to marry her father because of differences in their religions.
Before she was born, a respectable Irishman named Harrington married her mom and it helped give her a proper name. They named her Fanny Harrington. Baby Fanny was born in Tahlequah, Oklahoma on an Indian Reservation during the Harrington’s journey to California.
She grew up in the Los Angeles area. When she got older, she enjoyed visiting her older brothers in Fresno. They had migrated west too. Most of the California Ghans started attending an Assemblies of God Church pastored by Charles Price. Her brothers soon became preachers.
Fanny & Charles
Fanny met a man a few years older than her named Charles and fell in love. A major problem presented itself. Charles was Catholic. All his family was Catholic and he was determined that his children were to be raised Catholic too.
Her heart was torn. Fanny had received the Holy Ghost, but Charles was still determined to be Catholic. This may be a life long conflict, she knew. She had heard the warnings from her brothers, but still she continued to see her Charles.
Love won out, and Fanny and Charles were married in the famous Catholic Mission in Los Angeles.
Every Sunday, Charles and all his brothers went together to mass together. They were even known to crawl on their knees to church while praying the rosary. A photographer once snapped a picture of them crossing the street on their knees in front of a stopped trolley car and it was published in the newspaper. The whole family was very devout.
The second child, a son, was still a toddler when Fanny found out that she had Consumption. Her world was shattered and she was in a panic.
There was a nice Sanitarium in Fresno for the treatment of those with Tuberculosis. Fanny was admitted. The treatments didn’t seem to help much and the doctor’s finally said that they had done all they could do.
Her brothers heard Fanny’s last prayers. The very thoughts of her children growing up Catholic were now unbearable to her. She prayed aloud, “God would you save my baby boy and make him a preacher.
She prayed that prayer several times, but her baby boy was too young to know. By now he was only four.
When she died, Charles’ modest income didn’t allow for anything fancy for Fanny’s burial. Pennies were even placed on her eyes to keep them closed. The image of his mother with her eyes covered like that forever engraved itself in the young child’s mind. Fanny was laid to rest in Fresno, California in an unmarked grave.
Charles’ life immediately went downhill. He began to drink. He drank heavily and eventually drank himself into the poor house. His children soon became wards of the state.
Fanny’s baby boy got older and not only ran away from foster homes but also ran the streets. He got in trouble again and again. He ran with a gang called the Clovers and later became the leader. It was one of the oldest gangs in L.A. His life with the gang finally led him to San Quentin prison.
While visiting his mother’s folks in Fresno, he heard a gifted Assembly of God preacher named Charles Price and went to the altar. He later received the Holy Ghost.
Months later while reading a tract he received the revelation of Jesus Name Baptism. He then sought for two years until he found someone to baptize him. He also felt a call to preach the Gospel… and did. He preached it for over 50 years. He became a Jesus Name Apostolic preacher.
God had finally answered Fanny’s prayer.
He had saved Fanny’s little boy and made him a preacher.
You knew him too and enjoyed his ministry.
Only you didn’t know his mother’s name was Fanny.
Fanny had named her son, Carl.
Carl Ballestero.
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?
The Boy On The Pillow
The Boy On The Pillow
My travel weary Father walked in the house and was greeted with hugs and kisses from our family. He had just returned from a trip to Brazil and had flown back to Chicago and then on to our home in South Bend, Indiana.
We all waited for him to share the news of his trip to South America and tell us what it was like there. Over one of Mom’s suppers that was fit for a king, Dad entertained us with wonderful descriptions of his experiences there.
After the meal we migrated to the living room and found comfortable places to sit while the stories continued. What is sad is that at this writing, nearly 50 years later, I’ve forgotten just about all the stories. All the stories except the last one, that is.
His last story wasn’t really even about Brazil. It was about what he saw on the plane coming home from South America. It was about a family across the aisle from him.
He said that both of the parents wore very expensive clothes. The Father was dressed in a tailored suit and the Mother had on her best as well. They appeared to be people of culture and class.
Resting in the Fathers lap was a large pillow that he had brought on the plane. His small son rested on the pillow. The son, although small, was not an infant. His face showed maturity way beyond his size. He was not a perfect child, nor a pretty one. His face looked like he might be 6 or 7 but his body looked like that of a toddler’s. His bones were brittle and easily broken. His deformities made some stare and others turn their heads away after a cursory glance.
Although it might be considered a sight that was a bit unusual, that wasn’t what really imprinted itself in my Father’s mind and in his heart. It was what the Father did that left a lasting impression upon him.
Although the Father was smiling, and gracious to those who caught his eye, his attention was almost totally directed toward the little boy on the pillow. The Father bent over and talked so sweetly to his son. He spoke softly and tenderly. He caressed him gently all the while hoping to elicit a smile or response from the boy. He fed him. He comforted him with soft-spoken words. He kissed him on the head and on the hand. His hands seemed to comfort and reassure the child.
The Father did not seem to be embarrassed because his son was handicapped or misshapen. He seemed proud of his little boy; he was oblivious of the stares and whispers. He reveled in his son’s smiles and gurgles. He was a doting Father.
With tears in his eyes, our Dad leaned back in his old green recliner, and he taught our family a truth about our Heavenly Father that night.
Dad told us that in many ways, some of God’s children are less then perfect. Yet He ignores the comments and stares on hell and He dotes on His children. Hoping to get smiles and responses from us who have been deformed by sin and are less then perfect. He comforts us with His words and by the touch of His hand. His expressions of love are unending.
That evening we all went to bed with an enlightened understanding of the love of God. Even though we are not perfect, we now understood that He still adores us.
That night and many nights since I’ve had to pray, “Thank you my Father for loving me!”
The Obed-Edom Interview
Several years ago, I heard one of the most amazing sermons I will ever hear in my life. It was Bro. Kenneth Bow’s sermon about Obed-Edom. It was anointed and unforgettable. His love for research and attention to historical facts makes this outstanding.
Please go to his blog and find the link or go to http://www.savecom.org/orderform.htm and get it for yourself. It will change your life.
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The Obed-Edom Interview
TBB: Welcome Obed-Edom, to The Ballestero Blog. I’m so glad you agreed to grant me a short interview today. I’m very honored to have you here. I know that you are a very busy man.
OE: I am pleased to be here. Thank you for the opportunity.
TBB: For the record, you are of the tribe of Levi, and of the family of Korhite. You’re also from Gath-Rimmon if I remember. That makes you a Gittite?
OE: That’s true.
TBB: And let’s see here…you and your wife have 8 sons?
OE: That we do, counting my sons and grandsons, there are 62 men in my family. It’s never quiet at my house.
TBB: Whew. I can imagine. Tell me, what’s a day like in the life of Obed-Edom?
OE: Well, the first thing every morning after daybreak, I get a report from my Gate Security Office concerning the activities of the past night. I report then to the King. At 9 am I go to Prayers every morning, then later in the day I have either choir practice or orchestra practice. I check on the Storehouse during the day also.
TBB: The Gate Security Office. That’s right, you are in charge of keeping the gates of the city of Jerusalem secure. Let’s talk about that first. So then, is Captain Obed-Edom your official title?
OE: (Nodding modestly) Don’t call me captain. My guards do that out of respect. My friends just call me by my name.
TBB: How many men do you command as the Keeper of the Gate?
OE: Right now, about 1,000. My sons and grandsons included. I might add that we also are in charge of the storehouse as well.
TBB: Wow. The King must really trust you to commission you to this post.
OE: We’ve been friends for quite a while now. I’m honored to do everything I can for My God, my King and for Israel.
TBB: How long have you known King David?
OE: A long time. Remember when the King was transporting the Ark to the Tabernacle and there was a problem and Uzzah touched the Ark and he died because the Lord smote him?
TBB: Yes.
OE: I know it was the Lord that my house was close by, but it didn’t hurt that out of all the houses in the area, the King chose mine as the place to put the Ark. Our friendship, no doubt, helped make that choice easier. It may have made a few of my neighbors a little jealous though.
TBB: I’m sure. How long was the Ark in your home?
OE: About 3 months.
TBB: What was it like to have the Ark in your home?
OE: It was THE biggest Blessings of my life. When I say my home was Blessed, I mean Blessed with a capital B. My finances were blessed, my herds multiplied from that time on. Our health mysteriously improved over night. Everything I touched seemed to turn to gold. It’s never stopped.
TBB: How wonderful. You’re the only man in Israel that has had that honor.
OE: I know. I am thrilled that my house was home for the Ark of God, even for a brief time.
TBB: What was it like after the Ark was moved from your house to where it is now?
OE: I don’t know. I couldn’t bear the thoughts of staying in that house without the Ark in it. So I moved too.
TBB: You moved?
OE: Yes I did. After our home was blessed like it had been because of the Ark., my wife and I decided that wherever the Ark was, that’s where we wanted to be. So we moved here and bought a house just to be close by. Here, I can look in the direction of where the Ark sits and know I am close to His presence. There’s nothing like being in the presence of Jehovah. I wish everyone could have experienced that.
TBB: I do too. That’s amazing. You mentioned about choir practice and orchestra earlier. That’s because you are the worship leader?
OE: Actually Asaph is the Chief Musician and there are 68 others that do what I do. I’m just honored to be part of the worship. We all take turns. You might laugh at me, but after my experience with the Ark, I volunteer for every opening that Asaph has. I’m willing to be a singer or a musician. Sometimes I get the job, sometimes I don’t, but they can count on my name being on the list. I do my best to stay involved.
TBB: You have one of Israel’s greatest hero’s in your lineage. Samuel, the Prophet and Judge, is one of your ancestors!
OE: That’s true!
TBB: He’d sure be proud of you if he was alive today.
OE: That’s kind, thank you. I hope he would.
TBB: It’s common knowledge that King David is proud of you too and wrote Psalm 24 in your honor. That’s a very high honor.
OE: Yes it is. It is the highest of honors the King can bestow me. It is worth more to me than great riches. I am greatly honored by that and yet humbled as well.
TBB: Can you remember any of that Psalm offhand?
OE: I sure can:
“The earth is the LORD’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
“For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.
“Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?
“He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
“He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
“This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.
“Lift up your head, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
“Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.
“Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
“Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.
TBB: That’s a beautiful Psalm. Every family has a skeleton in the closet or some dark family secret. I know you’re probably wishing I wouldn’t bring up yours, because I imagine it’s uncomfortable for you.
OE: No, actually I’m glad you did. It’s really Okay; I want to talk about it. I believe that event was what reshaped the future of our whole family.
TBB: We’re talking about Korah, your ancestor and what happened to him, Is that correct?
OE: Yes.
TBB: In respect of where you are now and the high stations your family now holds, how did you tell your sons about your family’s dark days?
OE: Well Korah, as you know, was a very prominent leader in our tribe when Israel was in the wilderness. He was quite influential as well. I just hate it that he let pride and ambition get in his heart and got crossed up with Moses and Aaron. He was wrong. His thinking led him into rebellion. His actions invited the wrath of Jehovah.
TBB: I remember the Rabbi reading about the ground opening up and swallowing the rebellious men, and fire coming out of heaven. Then there was that plague that came because some sympathizers accused Moses of getting the people of God killed. 14,000 of them died in that plague. When I first heard the story, I thought the sons on Korah perished along with their father.
OE: Those living a home did, but not all. Some of Korah’s sons were married and living in their own homes when judgment fell. They loved their father, but they did not join him in his rebellion. Our family has handed down the story that when they saw they’re lives were spared; they fell on their faces and prayed. From that time on, all the sons of Korah have been extremely careful about our attitude concerning the House of God and the man of God. We have all been very respectful of our leader and submit ourselves to him. We refuse to let God have a problem with us again. We are thankful God doesn’t hold the sins for our father’s against us. I stress the importance of the fear of God and respect for God’s man to my sons lest history should repeat itself.
TBB: An amazing story. Your life lessons to your sons are extremely powerful as well. You mentioned the sons of Korah. Word on the street is that when King David fled from Absalom and went into hiding, the sons of Korah went with him to protect him. Do you know anything about that?
OE: I’ve heard that too.
TBB: There are a number of Psalms that are written just for your family to sing. That’s a very special honor. Since that includes you, maybe you could share your thoughts on a few of them or at least tell us about them.
OE: Thank you, it would be my pleasure. Well, the first one that comes to mind is the one that starts out… “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.”
That’s from Psalms 42. I love that one. That’s how I feel. I cry sometimes when we sing Psalms 43 and it gets to the part where it says: “Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.”
When I sing those words, the memory of my family’s dark past comes to mind. Then I see that God has blessed me more than anyone. I just can’t keep quiet about it.
TBB: That’s beautiful.
OE: Psalm 46 starts out with: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
I need to sing that song some days. Then there are other days we feel like dancing while we’re singing. See if you remember this one from Psalm 47. “O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.”
I really love that one. The last one I’m going to talk about is one I can’t just quote. Would you mind if I sing a few lines?
TBB: Please do. I would love it.
OE: If you know what’s happened to my family, then maybe you can understand why I love to sing Psalms 84.
TBB: Sing it.
OE: “How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts!
“My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.
“Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God.
“Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.”
TBB: Thank you for that. You have a beautiful voice.
OE: Every time I sing that last line, I am reminded how blessed I am to be close to the House of God. I thank Him everyday.
TBB: I’m about out of time. What word of wisdom or advice can you give me before you go?
OE: I’ve been honored to be here. Thank you for giving me a chance to speak about my passion. As far as imparting any wisdom to you, I can’t do much better than this. This one is from the 88th Psalm, which is another one written just for the sons of Korah to sing.
“Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.
“I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.
“For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell.”
We must walk in truth, fear God, praise Him with all of our hearts, and then God will find a way to deliver us and to bless us. That about sums it up for me.
TBB: That it does. It sums it up for me too. Thank you for coming and God bless you.
What’s Going To Happen To Your Mantle?
What’s Going To Happen To Your Mantle?
As a father and a grandfather, it becomes easy for me to see the importance of imparting things both natural and spiritual to my children and grandchildren.
It is important in my mind that they all have the benefit of learning from my mistakes and life experiences. It’s not right that I should make them start where I started. I want them to be able to start where I finished. After all, I had help. I want to boost them as high as I can and then let them build on from there.
Look at these Bible characters. One Prophet passed his mantle, one didn’t. To a Prophet, his mantle was an important and powerful symbol.
Elijah:
1. Cast his mantle on Elisha as he passed by as an invitation to join him in ministry.
- 1Kings 19:19 So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him.
2. Used it to perform miracles.
- 2Kings 2:8 And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground.
3. Left his mantle behind as a gift to his protégé.
- 2Kings 2:13 He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan;
- 2Kings 2:14 And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.
That is the story we love to preach about. The power packed lives and ministries of those men are not easily forgotten. They impacted their generations.
Samuel:
Where would you have to go to find a better example of what a Prophet should be?
Yet his sons were wicked. They had not learned to love the things of God as had Samuel. Regardless, he promoted them and appointed them judges even though God had not sanctioned them.
- 1Sam. 8:1 And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel.
- 1Sam. 8:2 Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beer-sheba.
- 1Sam. 8:3 And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.
In King Saul’s final hours he visits the witch of Endor. The Prophet Samuel has died. Saul has no direction. God has ignored him. He asks the witch to bring up Samuel so he can talk to him.
- 1Sam. 28:11 Then said the woman, Whom shall I bring up unto thee? And he said, Bring me up Samuel.
- 1Sam. 28:12 And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice: and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul.
- 1Sam. 28:13 And the king said unto her, Be not afraid: for what sawest thou? And the woman said unto Saul, I saw gods ascending out of the earth.
- 1Sam. 28:14 And he said unto her, What form is he of? And she said, An old man cometh up; and he is covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground, and bowed himself.
Samuel died still in possession of his mantle.
I wonder how different some chapters would have read if his mantle had been passed on.
Don’t die still wrapped up in your mantle. Take the time to invest yourself in the following generations.
- Don’t get too possessive of your mantle!
- Someone else really needs you to give it to them.
- There’s still much work to be done in God’s Kingdom.
What’s Going To Happen To Your Mantle?
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 