Forgiveness | The Ballestero Blog

Archive for the ‘Forgiveness’ Category

Twelve Things You MUST Know!

It’s Not Where You’ve Been…

It’s Where You’re Going!

The Prodigal Son

It’s Not What You Were…

It’s What You Are Now!

1 Cor. 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

It’s Not That You’ve Sinned…

It’s That Your Sins Are Forgiven!

Rom. 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Rom. 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Rom. 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

It’s Not What Others Say…

It’s What God Says!

Rom. 3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

It’s Not What You’ve Left…

It’s What You’re Receiving!

Mark 10:28 Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.

Mark 10:29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s,

Mark 10:30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

It’s Not Just That You Speak In Tongues…

It’s That You Show Love To Everyone!

1 Co 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

It’s Not How Fast You Run…

It’s That You Finish The Race!

Eccl. 9:11 I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift,

Matt. 10:22 …but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

It’s Not That You Are A Servant Of God…

It’s That You Are Found Faithful!

Matt. 25:23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

It’s Not That You Know…

It’s That You Do!

Jas. 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

Jas. 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

It’s Not Just That You’re Living Holy…

It’s That You’re Ready For His Coming!

The Ten Virgins

It’s Not That You Believe…

It’s That You Receive!

Acts 19:2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.

Acts 19:3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism.

Acts 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

Acts 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Acts 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

It’s Not That You Possess Spiritual Gifts…

It’s That You Have A Relationship With God!

Matt. 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Matt. 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

Matt. 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Written by Martyn Ballestero

June 26, 2020 at 4:39 pm

Posted in Backsliders, Baptism In Jesus Name, Believe, Christian Living, Forgiveness, God's Word, Grace, Holiness, Mercy, Overcoming, Personal Growth, Prophecy, Repent, Salvation, The Blood

You Might Not Be A Saint!

with 16 comments

You Might Not Be A Saint!

This Is Strong Meat.

So, I may offend some here. (Sorry)

I have no desire to be harsh or unkind.

I’m Going To Be Straight Forward…

Like they preached to me when I was young.
Before anyone heard of being ‘Politically Correct’

A Fact:

Before You Can Be A Saint, You Must Be Born Again.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

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

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.

Then, After You Receive The Holy Ghost, You’re Called To Be A Saint.

1 Cor. 1:2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

(Side Note: You MUST be a Saint before you can ever be a preacher.)

Being A Saint – That’s Our Calling.

Are You Willing To Accept The Call?

Count the cost if you accept.
Count the cost if you don’t accept.

To Accept The Call And Qualify To Be A Saint…

1.) You Must Be Willing To Do Whatever It Takes To Be A Saint.

I’m talking to everyone.
I don’t care how long you’ve been a church member.

If You’re Just Going To Church:

To get your shout on.
To get your blessing.
For the loaves and the fishes.
For the fellowship.
Because of the great Youth Dept.

Your Actions Describe You More Like A Spiritual Moocher Than A Saint.

If All Church Is For You, Is Just A Place That Gives You Loaves And Fishes…

Then I can’t help you.
Because you most likely will never change.

You Don’t Have To Be A Saint…

But if you choose to be a saint…
You cannot become a saint on your terms!

“Saints Are Not Born, They’re Made” – My Dad Always Said.

If you are a saint…
Or ever become a saint…
It’s because you listened to your pastor!

If You Are A Saint, It’s Because There Was A Change In Your Life.

It may be, “Come as you are,”
But it’s not… “Stay as you are!”
The Gospel is all about change.

(Do you still want to be a saint?)

If You’re Looking For An Easy Route To Heaven,

One that you never have to make a change, inside or out.
One that requires no commitment,
One That requires no submission…

Then you are just looking for a social group that lets you live like you want.

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

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

If That’s You, You Won’t Be Happy In A Real Apostolic Church. You Might As Well Move On Down The Road. Because ALL Of God’s Word Gets Preached In An Apostolic Church.

(Do you still want to be a saint?

Or do you want a compromised and watered-down version of the Word of God

Saints Don’t Argue With The Word, They Submit!

2.) A Saint Always Has A Teachable Spirit.

Jas 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

If You Do Not Have A Teachable Spirit, You Don’t Really Have The Holy Ghost.

3.) A Saint Loves Doctrine.

Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

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.

2 Tim. 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

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

If Doctrine Is Boring To You,

If Doctrine Is Irritating To You,

If Doctrine Seems Unnecessary To You,

If Doctrine Is Harsh To Your Tender Spirit,

Then You’re Not Really A Saint.

(So, do you still want to be a saint?)

4.) A Saint Is Willing To Submit God’s Correction.

Heb. 12:7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

Heb. 12:8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

All The Sons Of God Receive Correction.

Because They’re Not Perfect.

Heb. 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

Remember, you won’t stand in the judgment by yourself!
Your pastor will be there too. He must give an account of your attitude and spirit.

If Allowing The Word Of God To Correct You Or Your Children Is Unacceptable To You,

Then you’re not really a saint!

(So, do you still want to be a saint?)

5.) God Hears The Prayers Of Saints.

Prov. 15:29 The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

James 5:16… The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

If God Doesn’t Hear Your Prayers,

Then maybe you’re not really a saint.

6.) All Saints Worship.

John 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

Psa 150:6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.

If worship is a problem for you…

You’re not thankful.

2 Tim. 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 Tim 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

2 Tim. 3:3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

2 Tim. 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

2 Tim. 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Then you’re not really a saint.

(So, do you still want to be a saint?)

7.) If You Say You’re Not Being Fed…

It’s because you’re not a saint!

A saint always obeys and is willing.

Isa. 1:19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:

8.) If Holiness Is Debatable Or Just Something That Is Only A Personal Conviction To You.

Then you’re not really a saint.

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.

Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Holiness is God’s lowest standard.

1 Pet. 1:14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:

1 Pet. 1:15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; (lifestyle)

1 Pet. 1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

If you have a problem with Holiness,

Then you’re not really a saint

(So, do you still want to be a saint?)

9.) If Wearing Modest Apparel Is Not Your Style Of Dress And You Refuse To Change…

Then you’re not really a saint.

1Tim. 2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

Shamefacedness =

a sense of shame,
ability to blush

(So, do you still want to be a saint?)

10.) If Your Life Is Wrapped Up In Hollywood, Sports, And Worldly pleasures,

You’re not a saint.

Ball Games

If you go to a sports event, your heart will beat with the heart of the world.

Saints don’t want their heart beating with the world’s heart, only God’s heart.

Hollywood

Saints do not bring Hollywood into their homes, regardless of whatever format it comes in.

1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

If The Love Of The Father Is Not In You…

Then you’re not really a saint.

(So, do you still want to be a saint?)

11.) If A Woman Thinks That Wearing Men’s Apparel Is Not A Problem,

And She Defies The Scriptures…

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

Then she is not a saint.

If he wears women’s clothing, then he’s not a saint.

12.) If A Man Thinks It’s Ok To Let His Hair Grow Long,

Then he’s not really a saint.

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

13.) If A Woman Cuts Her Hair,

Then she’s not really a saint.

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

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

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

If You Cut Your Hair, Sister, You’re Not Really A Saint

(So, do you still want to be a saint?)

14.) If Jewelry, Ornamentation, And The Wearing Of Gold Is Your World…

Then you’re not really a saint.

1 Pet. 3:3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

(Adorning Definition = World)

1 Pet. 3:4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

Every Time Israel Drew Close To God, They Took Off Their Ornaments.

Every Time They Backslid, They Put Them On.

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

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

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

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

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

(The wearing of earrings was associated with Baal worship. That’s why Jacob’s wives gave him their earrings when they surrendered their idols of Baal.)

If keeping your jewelry is your thing,

You’re not really a saint.

(So, do you still want to be a saint?)

15.) Real Saints Don’t Rob God.

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

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

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

If you are a God-Robber, You’re not really a saint.

(So, do you still want to be a saint?)

16.) If You Are A Tale Bearer Or Critical, And Say Negative Things About The Church Or The Pastor…

Lev 19:16 Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the LORD.

If you’re a gossiper, you’re not a saint.

You will be shunned.

1 Co 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

If you’re a critic of what your pastor does,

You’re not a saint.

A saint is a pastor’s friend.

If You’re A Railer And Gossiper,

You will be shunned.

Because You’re Not Really A Saint.

17.) If You Think You Are On The Same Level As Your Pastor Then You’re Not A Saint.

Heb 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

You are not a saint.

(It does not matter the number of degrees you have, you will never be equal to your man of God.)

(So, do you still want to be a saint?)

18.) If You Cannot Forgive, You Are Not A Saint.

Matt. 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

Matt. 6:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

(So, do you still want to be a saint?)

19.) Saints Love One Another.

Unity cannot happen without loving one another. Without unity, no church can enjoy lasting revival.

If you are unable to love your brother or sister, you’re not a saint.

If you can’t get past personality differences,
If you can’t get past everyone’s yesterdays,
If you can’t get past the past,
If you can’t get past ethnicity and realize we are one in Christ,

You’re not really a saint.

John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

20.) Saints Are The Only Ones Going To Heaven.

Eph. 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

(So, Are You A Real Saint?)

Written by Martyn Ballestero

January 2, 2019 at 12:31 am

Posted in Christian Living, Compromise, Doctrine, Forgiveness, Gossip, Holiness, Immodesty, Obedience, Pastors, Personal Growth, Submission, Tithes, Worldliness, Worship

Don’t Bother Praying? Yes, You Heard Me Right… Don’t Bother Praying!

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Don’t Bother Praying? Yes, You Heard Me Right…

Don’t Bother Praying!

The Holy Scriptures screams the need for us all to pray. The Apostle Paul even said for us to pray without ceasing. Every pastor encourages his listeners to pray. I certainly agree with the admonition.

Yes, we know that God is a prayer-answering God!
He specializes in responding to our needs.
He specializes in healing our bodies and saving our souls.
He will hear a sinner’s prayer of repentance.
He answers all prayers for deliverance, forgiveness, and salvation.
He encourages us to just to ask, and He says, it shall be given.

But, There Are Times, When The Lord Tells Us It Won’t Do Any Good To Pray!

(Yes, You’ve Read That Last Sentence Right!)

1.) God Will Not Choose To Ignore Your Sinning, And Bless You Anyway…

Don’t Bother Praying!

Isa 59:1 Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:

Isa 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.

Those who think they can continually gratify their fleshly lusts and ignore God’s Word when they pray are only fooling themselves. God is not in the mood to listen to them. Be warned.

2.) If You Still Want To Hang On To Your Sin…

Don’t Bother Praying!

Psa. 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:

(NLT) – Psa. 66:18 18 If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.

(ESV) – Psa. 66:18 If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.

3.) If You Refuse To Receive Instruction From God’s Word…

(Saying you’re not convicted, e.g.)

Don’t Bother Praying!

Proverbs 28:9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

4.) When You Ask For What You’ve No Right To Ask For.

Don’t Bother Praying!

James 4:3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

(The Message) – James 4:3 And why not? Because you know you’d be asking for what you have no right to. You’re spoiled children, each wanting your own way.

5.) If You’re Guilty Of Destroying God’s Men And His Saints With The Sword Of Your Tongue, And With Your Railing…

Don’t Bother Praying!

Isa 1:15 And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.

6.) When You Mistreat Your Wife…

Don’t Bother Praying!

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

(NCV) 1 Peter 3:7 …do this so that nothing will stop your prayers.

(The Message) 1 Peter 3:7 …so your prayers don’t run aground.

Every husband must show his wife honor and respect her at all times. If he doesn’t, there is no need for him to bother God by trying to pray. God already has said He chooses not to listen to that man when he prays. No matter who he is.

A man who abandons his wife and family needs to remember that the only prayer God will entertain from him is one of true and complete repentance. He also owes the same repentance to his wife and family.

Sir: Don’t Make God Place A ‘Do Not Answer” Stamp On Your Prayer Request.

7.) If Your Refuse To Forgive

Don’t Bother Praying!

Mat 6:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

God hears the prayer of the humble.
God hears the prayer of the repentant.
God hears the prayer of the submissive.
God hears the prayer of the obedient.
God hears the prayer of those hungry for Him.

May We All Pray Prayers That God Will Hear!

Written by Martyn Ballestero

June 8, 2018 at 8:08 pm

Posted in Bitterness, Christian Living, Faith, Forgiveness, God's House, Gossip, Love, Ministry, Obedience, Pastors, Prayer, Respect, Submission

The Town’s Only Hooker Just Got Saved!

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The Town’s Only Hooker Just Got Saved!

For many years, I preached revivals in a little West Texas town. The town was so small that after church it was not uncommon for the pastor or saints to drive an hour and a half to Odessa or Midland just to get something to eat.

The pastor was a dear family friend. The church was one that really worshipped and was so easy to preach in. They loved the Word and the loved their Man of God.

The church had not grown significantly in many years. But, the little group prayed for revival and worked hard to bring visitors to the revival.

A seventeen-year-old Foster child sought for the Holy Ghost for over an hour every night. He prayed fervently and with tears every night of the four-week revival.

The last Saturday of the revival, the pastor and I talked about Home Bible Studies. He said, “When I came up in church, we’d never heard of them. I’ve been here for 30 years or so and we’ve never taught any Home Bible Studies. Not only do we not have any material, if we had some, we wouldn’t know how to go about teaching them. Could you teach our people how to teach a Home Bible Study?”

Although I said that I could and would, there wasn’t any material within 100 miles. There also wasn’t any Internet connection to download anything.

I was relieved to find a copy of Bishop Gerald Adam’s ‘Deeper Life’ Home Bible Study in my briefcase. Bro. Adam’s was kind when I called and granted permission for me to make copies of his Bible Study for the occasion.

(The Deeper Life Home Bible Study is now digitized and can be found on the Life Tabernacle Church, Hopkinsville, KY website.)

http://www.lifetabernaclechurch.org/Life_Tabernacle_Church/Bible_Study.html

I asked the pastor what he thought about me putting a table in front of the pulpit Sunday morning and teaching a Home Bible Study to someone while everyone else watched and followed along with their copy. He agreed and said he would have the table and chairs set up right after the preliminaries.

Standing on the platform Sunday morning during the worship service, I noticed two new visitors. A teenage boy stood on the right side and a 20 something young woman on the left.

For a few minutes after the song service, the church family went around, shook hands, and personally welcomed the visitors and greeted each other.

I noticed the boy seemed very sincere and responsive during the singing, so I went over and welcomed him. The young man smiled warmly when I introduced myself. He told me his name was Billy.

I said, “I’m a visitor here too, Billy. They’ve asked me to teach what they call a ‘Home Bible Study’ this morning. It’s a thing where two people sit at a table and basically just read scriptures from the Bible.

“I really don’t know who to choose to help me out today. But whoever does, doesn’t have to say a word. All they have to do is just act like they are reading the material. Do you think maybe you can help me out today?”

“Sure,” he said.

Later when they introduced me to speak, I explained to the church that I had asked Billy to help me and invited them to make him welcome. They gave him a good round of applause.

Billy and I sat at the small table in front of the pulpit. Each person there was given a copy of the Home Bible Study. I saw the look of sincerity and interest in the young man’s face.

He nodded as I spoke to him. I looked only at him and not at the crowd. We took less than an hour to go through the study.

The organ player began to play softly as we all stood. The table and chairs were removed. I looked to my left where Billy had stood and then I looked down. He was kneeling at the altar. All the others came forward too. Billy received the Holy Ghost in just a few minutes.

I heard shouts go up at the other end of the altar and saw that the young woman was praying and the ladies were rejoicing. She also received the Holy Ghost and excitedly begin thanking the Lord.

The pastor whispered in my ear, that someone had just told him, this new girl was the town hooker. The town’s only hooker and her name was Sarah.

The saints were ecstatic about what God had done in the service that morning!

Sunday night’s service was ready to start. The front doors burst open as the 17-year-old Foster kid entered the church crying and speaking in tongues. He had prayed during the day, and while taking his shower before church had received the Holy Ghost in the shower. He was still talking in tongues when he got to church. He couldn’t stop and he was so excited! The saints rejoiced. I mean, really rejoiced!

Billy and Sarah came back too. The church shouted and ran the aisles. Joy was in the camp.

Then the front door again opened and a very unhappy-faced man walked in and sat on the back row. Sarah was too lost in worship to notice that her pimp was there. He watched the worship for a while. Several were uneasy not knowing what would happen.

Testimony service took on new life that night. Sarah got up to testify, and when she finished testifying and thanking the Lord, the guy on the back row got up and walked out shaking his head.

He was officially out of business. Sarah never even noticed. She started to dance before the Lord. She had been delivered and was too happy for words!

Written by Martyn Ballestero

January 4, 2018 at 9:45 pm

Posted in Forgiveness, God's House, Salvation, Truth

Your Performance Interview With God Is Coming!

Don’t Forget To Feed That Calf

Where Is Your Pain Taking You?

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Where Is Your Pain Taking You?

I am not talking about the kind of pain that takes one to the Doctor’s office or the Emergency Room. There are some pains and hurts so bad that they cannot be medicated or cured by science. Those pains need our focus.

There’s A Kind Of Pain That Doesn’t Always Lead Its Companions To The ER.

This Pain will lead you in one of two directions.
This Pain may lead you to God.
This Pain may lead you away from God.

Pain will take you to countries you never knew existed.

Pain will give you citizenship in a foreign land that speaks a language known only to the locals.

Pain can pass itself off as a congenial tour guide while leading you down paths from which from which few ever return.

Pain will isolate you from family and friends.

Pain will tell you that you are alone and no one cares.

Pain will turn on you like a vampire and eat pieces of your heart out every day.

Pain will demand that you let it do your thinking for you.

Pain desires to control your actions and your feelings.

Pain plots to become your master.

Pain will dominate you.

Pain will control you for the rest of your life.

You Don’t Have To Go Looking For Pain. Pain Will Come Look For You!

Oh, Wounded Spirit!

Where Is Your Pain Taking You?

Don’t Let The Thorn (Pain) In Your Side Become A Thorn (Pain) In Your Spirit.

Pain will try to make you question God.

Pain will tell you God doesn’t know where you are at.

Pain will tell you that you are wasting your time at church.

Pain will tell you that you have more friends outside of church than you do inside.

Pain will tell you to turn your back on God because He let your family member die.

Pain will lead you to bitterness.

Pain will lead you to vengeance.

Pain will make you hateful.

Pain will make you unapproachable by God or man.

Pain will control your attitude.

Pain will control your reaction.

Pain will control your walk with God.

Pain will control your relationship with everyone.

Pain will control your attitude.

Pain will control your level of worship.

Pain will control your prayer life.

Pain will control your trust in people.

Pain will control your church attendance.

Pain is toxic.

Pain is demanding of your time.

Pain tends to take you away from God rather than to Him.

Pain will minimize your ability to function as a Person.

Pain will minimize your ability to function as a Saint.

Pain will minimize your ability to function as a Soul-winner

Pain will minimize your ability to function as a Spouse

Pain will minimize your ability to function as a Parent

Pain will minimize your ability to function as a Friend

Pain will minimize your ability to function as a Preacher

Where Is Your Pain Taking You?

To God, or away from God?

Pain Will Point At Your Cancer.

Pain Will Point At Your Divorce.

Pain Will Point At Your Lost Job.

Pain Will Point At Your Unfaithful Spouse.

Pain Will Point At Your Rejection.

Pain Will Point At Your Abuse.

Pain Will Point At Your Disappointments.

Pain Will Point At Your Failures.

Pain Will Point At Your Discouragements.

Pain Will Point At Your Sickness.

Pain Will Point At Your Neglect.

Pain Will Point At Your Injuries.

Pain Will Point At Your Loneliness.

Pain Will Point At Your Shame.

Pain Will Point At Your Addiction.

Pain Will Point At Your Condemnation.

Pain Will Point At Your Scars.

Pain Will Point At Your Enemy’s Success.

Pain Will Point At Your Abused Past.

Pain Will Point At Your Fear.

Don’t let Pain determine your eternity.

Don’t let Pain choose your eternity.

Don’t let Pain control your destiny.

Pain makes injured animals go into hiding to recover or die.

Pain makes injured lambs go to the shepherd for help.

Pain made David seek comfort in the Cave of Adullam.

Pain made Elijah hide in a cave too.

Pain made the Woman with the issue of blood touch Jesus.

Pain made the Syrophoenician mother ask Jesus for a miracle.

Where Is Your Pain Taking You?

Has It Taken You Into Hiding From God And Man?

How Will You Respond To Pain?

What will you do now?

What will be your reaction?

Job’s Attitude Refused To Let Pain Lead Him Away From God!

Job 13:15 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.

When The Prodigal Came To Himself, He Came Home To The Father And Was Restored!

Where Is Your Pain Taking You?

To God, or away from God?

Written by Martyn Ballestero

June 24, 2017 at 6:46 am

Posted in Bitterness, Christian Living, Failure, Forgiveness, Grief, Healing, Life, Overcoming, Recovery

Tagged with Pain

Mercy Has No Memory

with 5 comments

Mercy Has No Memory

The two young women walked happily down the busy sidewalk carrying several shopping bags. They took great pains looking into every store window, expecting to find another bargain.

They had been best friends since they were little girls. They chatted and laughed as they walked, the conversation was light-hearted. That’s when they saw her! They both recognized her immediately and hurried to greet her.

The woman they saw was standing on the corner carefully watching everyone scurrying by. She was a lovely mature woman who smiled sweetly at everyone who acknowledged her, waving back to those who had waved at her in recognition.

Almost stammering, the first young woman nearly ran up to her, put her bags down on the sidewalk preparing for a hug from the older woman. Her hug was returned with great warmth.

Smiling and with tear filled eyes, the younger woman said, “Oh, I want to thank you Mercy, for all you have done for me and for giving me another chance. I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for you!

The woman she called, Mercy, smiled back with a blank smile. She showed no sign of remembering what the girl was talking about.

“Don’t you know who I am, Mercy?” She asked desperately.

Mercy responded with a tighter hug. “Certainly I do darling. I know who you are indeed but I am sorry, I just don’t recall the things you are thanking me for.”

The young woman was shaken by Mercy’s response. She turned to her young friend with wide eyes, hoping for an answer. The friend came closer, put her arm around her for comfort while she smiled graciously at Mercy.

Leaning close to her friend’s ear she said softly, “The reason she didn’t respond like you wanted her too is because Mercy has no memory!” She remembers you, but not what you did.

≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈

Heb. 8:12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

Heb. 10:17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

Written by Martyn Ballestero

May 29, 2016 at 12:12 am

Posted in Forgiveness, Mercy

Tagged with Mercy

The Storm Painter

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The Storm Painter

The painter of the storm had a mission. He had painted many a dark sky with thunderclouds before, but from a distance. He had painted the storms from the shore in the shelter of his studio where he was safe from all the elements of destruction. Today would be different. Artist Joseph Turner chose to view this storm outside his comfort zone.

He wished to paint what a storm looked like to him from the inside. This wasn’t to be just any April Showers moment. This storm would be a major blizzard, a rogue storm. Yet not just a bad snowstorm, but a snowstorm at sea. He wanted to view the storm from a boat while the waves threatened to sink his ship.

The seas were tumultuous, the waves high and rolling hard. There was no way he could stand on the deck and not slide off. He had to make a choice. He chose to be lashed to the mast of the ship for hours in the blinding freezing snowstorm. He wanted to paint it so real that on the canvass it would be hard to tell the sea from the sky.

‘Modern Painter’ website paid a huge compliment to Turner’s painting which he simply called Snowstorm.

Snow Storm – Steam-Boat off a Harbour’s Mouth exhibited 1842 Joseph Mallord William Turner

Turner

Joseph Mallord William Turner 1775-1851

Modern Painters described the Snowstorm, as “…one of the very grandest statements of sea-motion, mist, and light, that has ever been put on canvas.“

http://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/turner-snow-storm-steam-boat-off-a-harbours-mouth-n00530/text-catalogue-entry

Maybe We All Are Painters

While almost none of us make our living as a professional painter, we still know a bit about the storms of life. Many know what it’s like to be tied to the mast and feel the snow, the sea spray, to be slapped in the face with freezing winds and have no defense from the storm. Imagine what it’s like to tied:

For hours with the snow beating your face.
For hours in the howling wind.
For hours with the ship struggling to survive the storm-tossed waves.
For hours seeing life-threatening skies and seas.
For hours in the bitter cold.
For hours of being wet and miserable.

Maybe We’ll Never Paint A Portrait Of Surviving The Storm…

Until We Too Have Been Tied To:

Heartache
Cancer
A Heart Attack
A Bad Marriage
Spousal Unfaithfulness
Financial Devastation
Rumor
Loneliness
Afflictions
Rejection
Depression
Lifelong Illness
Abuse

Maybe We’ll Never Be Able To Paint A Portrait Of Bearing One Another’s Burdens…

Until We Too Been Lashed To The Deck Of:

Stormy Seas
Tribulation
Shame
Embarrassment
Overwhelming Disappointment
Bitterness
Shattered dreams
Tears
Brokenness
The Death Of A Child
A Backslidden Spouse
An Addicted Love One

We cannot accurately paint the storm for others to see until we have lived through one our self. Naysayers may try to find fault with our story. But we have been there. We somehow survived. We felt the mast rub on our back. The rope burns will be there for a while. We suffered hypothermia. Our body shivered with the freezing snowstorm.

We thought of those we knew sitting at home in their warm little world. They could not help us now. It was no longer just a storm. It had become our storm. We chose not to waste our storm but share it with others in the hopes they would be helped or blessed.

Maybe We Will Never Truly Paint A Portrait Of Revival…

Until We Have Been Lashed To The Deck Of:

A Burden for souls
A Prayer Room
Travail
Tears
Vision
Compassion
Outreach

Maybe We Will Never Truly Paint A Portrait Of A Father’s Love…

Until We Have Been Lashed To The Deck Of:

A Wayward Child
Tearful Forgiveness
Showing Mercy
Patience
A Special Needs Child
Unconditional Love
Courage
Sacrifice

Maybe We Will Never Truly Paint A Portrait Of Deliverance From False Doctrine…

Until We Have Been Lashed To The Deck Of:

False Doctrine
Error
Tradition
Family Pressure

The Storms we survive should make us stronger.

The Storms we survive should be used to help others see.

The Storms we survive can later turn into a thing of beauty for us.

The Storms we survive are a gift from God.

(When we hear a testimony from someone who has survived a storm, it gives us all great hope!)

What Portrait Is Our Life Painting For Others To See?

Written by Martyn Ballestero

March 30, 2015 at 4:24 pm

Posted in Bitterness, Christian Living, Comfort, Death, Failure, False Doctrine, Forgiveness, Gossip, Grief, Healing, Life, Love, Marriage, Mercy, Tears, Thankfulness

Tagged with Surviving The Storm

The High Cost Of Mercy

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The High Cost Of Mercy

Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Extending mercy to others will not be cheap.
Not extending mercy to others will even cost more.

Mercy is one of the most expensive commodities in the world. A monetary value cannot be placed upon it. And yet, neither can the rewards of being merciful be measured.

Calvary Was About Our Mercy And Forgiveness.

Jesus Paid For Us To Have Mercy With The Silver Of His Tears And The Gold Of His Blood.

He paid the ultimate price. His life.
Visibly, all we have to give are our words, and our hand.

It Is Expensive To Forgive

It costs some their pride.
It costs some their insistence on being right.
It costs some their superiority feeling.
It costs some the sympathy that goes with being the injured party.
It may even cost all of your emotion and tears.

Mercy Is Not Cheap

Some are too hard-hearted to be merciful.
Some are too proud to say, “I forgive you.”
Some choose to hold a grudge like it is money in their emotional bank account.
Some refuse to pay the price for peace and harmony.
Some cannot see the bigger picture; they only see their hurt.

How Much Would Showing Mercy Cost You?

How Much Would Not Showing Mercy Cost You?

Being Merciful Doesn’t Make The Other Person Right.

Being merciful doesn’t justify their wrong.
Being merciful doesn’t save them.
Being merciful doesn’t mean they deserve mercy.
Being merciful not only brings peace, but God’s mercy and forgiveness into your life.
You cannot afford to withhold merciful.
You will curse your own soul.
You cannot afford to not pay the price mercy demands.

In The Old Testament, Mercy Demanded A Sacrifice. It Still Does!

Mercy required a lamb.
Mercy required a bullock.
Mercy required a heifer.
Mercy required a turtle dove.

Back Then… The Cost Of Gods Mercy Was An Animal Sacrifice.

Today The Cost Of God’s Mercy Is You Sacrificing Yourself In Repentance.

Today, you are the sacrifice.
Today, your pride is the sacrifice.
Today, your will is the sacrifice.

The Unmerciful Servant

Matthew 18:32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:

Matthew 18:33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?

Matthew 18:34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.

Matthew 18:35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

(Evidently God can take back the forgiveness He once gave you, if you are unforgiving to others.)

Showing Mercy Is A Sign Of Strength, Not Weakness.

It takes strength to say:
“I forgive you.”
“Let’s put this behind us and go on.”
“Let’s start all over.”
“I love you.”

Extending Forgiveness Is An Act So Important That Heaven Keeps Track.

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

The last thing any of us want or need is for God to refuse to show us mercy. There is a direct connection between the mercy we show and God showing us mercy.

God Removes His Forgiveness From Your Life, When You Do Not Forgive.

The price of mercy is always high.
The price of not showing mercy is so much higher.

What Is Gained By Being Merciful?

Favor with God.
Favor with man.
Peace
God’s blessing.
God’s mercy.
Forgiveness is God’s greatest blessing. Don’t throw it away.

What Is Lost When Mercy Is Not Shown?

Your personal forgiveness from God.
Your home in heaven.
Showing mercy to others is so important to God that your whole eternity is affected by your lack of forgiveness.
I find no Bible to support the belief that one can be saved and be unforgiving as well.
The extremely high cost of unforgiveness is prohibitive.

Showing Mercy