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If I Were Your Friend

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If I Were Your Friend

If I were your friend, I would love you regardless.

If I were your friend, I would stand by you when no one else was brave enough to.

If I were your friend, I might know negative things about you, but I’d still love you.

If I were your friend, I might not approve of all you do, but I would still love you.

If I were your friend, I would never stab you in the back.

If I were your friend, I’d never give up on you.

If I were your friend, I would love you even when it wasn’t popular to do so.

If I were your friend, I would defend you against rumors and lies.

If I were your friend, I would pray for you and with you when you needed help.

If I were your friend, I would celebrate your achievements.

If I were your friend, I wouldn’t try to make you just like me.

If I were your friend, I would only offer criticism or advice, if you asked.

If I were your friend, I might not agree with you, but I would always love you.

If I were your friend, I wouldn’t let you down.

If I were your friend, I would never walk away.

If I were your friend, I would accept you like you are.

If I were your friend, I would never say anything to hurt you.

If I were your friend, I wouldn’t let you choose my enemies.

If I were your friend, I would cry when you cried.

If I were your friend, I would laugh when you laughed.

If I were your friend, I would be loyal even if others weren’t.

If I were your friend, I would keep God in the center of our friendship.

If I were your friend, I would still be your friend when I died.

If I were your friend, I would consider it an honor.

If I were your friend, I’d never get in your way, unless you were going down.

If I were your friend, I would love you regardless.

One might ask, “Isn’t that going a little over the top with friendship?” Maybe so, but I don’t know how else to interpret what King Solomon said!

Proverbs 17:17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Written by Martyn Ballestero

January 6, 2012 at 8:25 am

Posted in Friends, Loyality

Tagged with Friendship

Sally has a new Car, and she couldn’t be happier, but first she had to leave everything sort out before she took her first trip, and this includes all the formalities, first she took care of all the paperwork from the dealer to the payment methods, and just in case you don’t know with complete auto loans they have a great service for loaning for a used or a new car like this one, and they are on the top auto lenders on tumblr. Another important thing is the insurance to be prepared for any type of accident. So after she let everything ready she finally drove her new car down the city’s eight-lane interstate loop. She didn’t know that the car she been given for her birthday had magical powers of sorts. She was totally unprepared for what happened next.

The loud muffler on an old van, which had Harley Davidson stickers, roared raucously beside her in the next lane. It was then she realized that her new car was making the same racket as the motorcycle guy’s van. Sally was shocked! Besides that, her radio began to blare some kind of wild music with horrible lyrics.

In the other lane she saw an older sedan that had been in a fender bender. The car evidently had never been to a body shop for collision repair. Rust spots showed near the wrinkled wheel wells and on the hood. It also had a dented door panel.

When Sally looked back into her lane, she noticed that the beautiful sheen of wax on her car’s hood was gone. Dents, rust and wrinkled metal covered her car. Her dents looked like the ones on the car beside her.

A pretty new car was in front of her, driving a little slower than her. She soon caught up to it and then felt change come over her again. This time, the engine ran smooth, the muffler noise was gone, and the fenders had no more dents. The paint on her car looked perfect. Her radio began to play soothing gospel music. Peace filled her car.

Before long she exited the highway with her fellow drivers and stopped at the red light. The sound of a rod knocking in the engine of the car behind her caught her ear. That’s when she heard her car’s engine making noise too. The Engine Warning light came on in her instrument panel. Her car was becoming everything that the cars around her had become. Sally was beginning to get scared.

She was also totally unprepared for what happened next. Her light turned green and she entered the intersection. She almost hit some drunk driver who ran the red light (should have learned the possible consequences from Legal Aed). Fortunately, he swerved just in time and turned recklessly into the lane beside her. Sally’s car began to weave all over the road just like the drunk driver was doing. She could not control her car.

She began to swerve from lane to lane. Cars honked at her. She couldn’t seem to help herself. What was going on? What was happening to her? Her car was doing what the other cars around her were doing. What if they wrecked? What if someone got killed?

She carefully pulled into the church parking lot and made her way into the sanctuary. When her pastor preached that night, it all became clear.

He talked about how friends, and those we hang out, with influence our lives. He said it wouldn’t be very long before we start acting like the friends we hang out with every day.

The preacher said that a companion of fools would be destroyed. He also said the Apostle Paul warned us that bad company ruins good character and changes behavior. “Bad friends, will destroy us,” he said, “so we need to think about those we are spending our major time with.”

The preacher concluded with a thought about the friendship of Jonathan and David. He said that Jonathan was seventeen years older than David, and that as long a Jonathan was alive, David never messed up. It was only after Jonathan was dead, that David sinned. Then he looked at the audience and said, “Good friends won’t let you get in trouble with God.”

Sally began to think about her friends and how they talked and dressed. She knew the things they constantly talked about were not good for her spiritually. She realized that, little by little, she had begun to dress like them and was now doing the things they did. She knew in her heart she had changed for the worse because of their influence.

If friends made that big a difference, she had to change her friends, among other things, if she wanted to be saved.

Sally went up to the altar to pray. If she was going to have the right kind of friends in her life, she knew where she needed to start. The Lord had to be the first, and the most important one of all.

Written by Martyn Ballestero

November 25, 2011 at 9:30 am

Posted in Christian Living, Friends

Tagged with Friends

Choosing Right Friends, Saves Lives.

Young Person, Is That The Best Deal You Could Make?

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Young Person, Is That The Best Deal You Could Make?

Some People are just awful in Business.
It’s just not their nature to bargain, barter, or make a good deal.
They always seem to get cheated.
They always lose money when they sell things.
Others easily take advantage of them.

Imagine Then:

Selling an heirloom at a yard sale for $1.00.
Being happy to unload a treasure, at a give-a-way price, then get pressured to take $.50 and do.
Later, you find out the real value and you are ashamed of your own stupidity!
You realize you acted like you were an Idiot!
You sold it too cheap!
You’ll spend your life with that regret.
You didn’t make the Best Deal You Could Make!
Did you think you would never find another buyer? (Was it Seller’s Panic?)
Basically, it looks like you were willing to give it away, or you didn’t care.
To YOU it had no value, because you placed none upon it.
Was it because you don’t know the value or worth of your possessions?
How can you possess something for years and be clueless of its value?
If you inherited something, you may or may not be sure of its value.
That’s why you could always get an appraisal, or even a second opinion.
You take what you have to a knowledgeable party and say:

Tell me what it’s worth?
Is this junk or real.
An Heirloom or Trash?
Then you believe what they said and never settle for less.
Treat yourself the same way

What Am I Talking About? The Value Of You!!

You.
The Value Of You.
The Business of You on the Open Market.
And what worries me is that You may be settling for give-a-way price.
If so, YOU must not have any respect for yourself.
Or any hopes you have of ever doing much for God.
Because you were willing to place an Heirloom in the same basket as the Trash.
Too blinded by the flesh, to see the value of God’s gift (call) in your life.

I’m Always Amazed At Good Boys And Girls Settling For Spouses With:

No spirituality.
No personality.
No signs of the Holy Ghost.
No common ground but fleshly desire.

And I Say To Myself. “Was That The Best Deal You Could Make?”

“Why didn’t you go to your Pastor and get an appraisal?”
“ And then, believed him?”
“Why didn’t you go to your Parents and get an appraisal?”
“And then believed them?”

The Body’s Skin Is Only The Wrapping Of The Present.

Only an idiot would so fall in love with the wrapping, that they never want to open the gift and see what is on the inside.
It’s what’s on the inside that is of value.
Shallow people fall in love with the wrapping and not what’s inside.

You Look In The Mirror, And…

All you see of yourself is a nose you don’t like.
Ears that somehow are all wrong to you.
Zits that you just know will turn off the world.
A Shape or Build that’s far from pleasing in your eyes.
So you feel that because you are, for the moment unhappy with the wrapping, you think the inside must not be worth much either.
So you De-value yourself.
That’s the first step towards making a bad Business Deal in life.
Settling for some Carnal Companion for a Marriage Partner.
Settling for someone who is very wrong for you.
I ask again, Was That The Best Deal You Could Make?
I wish I could get you to believe that: “You are someone very special!”

Hey guys, if all you are interested in is a girls dress size, then that may be all you ever get. If you marry just for the wrapping, you might be disappointed with the present. But if you look deeper and marry what’s inside, you’ll not be sorry.

What makes a person of Value & Worth settle for someone who is shallow and empty? (You are deceived if you think you will help them grow in God. Let them mature and grow in God first and then consider marriage.)
What makes a person of Value marry some sorry outfit that won’t work and just sits at home plays his Sony Play Station or Xbox 360 all day and night?
What makes a person of Value marry someone who is half Psycho? Was that the Best Deal they could make? Surely not.
What makes a person of Value marry someone who would rather do drugs than live for God?

Maybe you’re in a small home missions church and you love God. But there are just not many boys in your church. You get desperate and feel like you are running out of chances to get married, so you grab the first person who smiles at you. Regardless if they are in church or out. Regardless if they are on fire for God or not. Don’t think you will marry them and then fix them or get them saved. The odds are against you.

What makes a person of Value meet some carnal Quail-head at a Conference or Camp, and fall for them. Then marry and leave a Great church to go to some dried up excuse for one. Their soul will not doubt dry up too, just because they thought this is the best they could do.

In my opinion, it’s better to be an old maid wishing you could get married, than to be a married woman wishing you were an old maid. It would be better to be a bachelor on fire for God, than to marry someone who will drag you out of church. Why would anyone want to spend the rest of his or her life saying, “Come on honey, go to church with me tonight. Pleeeeeze?”

God’s plan for your life involves great things for you and for His Kingdom. Don’t go hormonal stupid and mess up what Heaven has in store for you!

Let Me Talk About The Parents For A Minute!

Isaac and Rebecca set helplessly by as their son threw away his future and married women that brought grief to their hearts. Sadly, it still is happening today.

(Gen 26:34) And Esau was forty years old when he took to wife Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Bashemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite:

(Gen 26:3V) Which were a grief of mind unto Isaac and to Rebekah.

They were grieved because they knew Esau could have made a better deal and didn’t. But then again, this is the same man who made a bad deal in trading his birthright for a bowl of beans. Some people never seem to catch on.

I just happen to be the proud father of the most beautiful daughter in the world who is just as beautiful on the inside. She is married to a great pastor that makes my heart proud as well. They are a wonderful couple that brings great joy to our family and me.

When my daughter Marisa was still single and living at home, it was not uncommon for young men to travel long distances just to come and see her. Pretty girls are worth seeing. They all hoped for a chance to win her affection. She did a good job filtering out the bad ones. (She got that gift and her good looks from her Mama.)

One time though, I didn’t give my daughter a chance to say no to a potential suitor. As the father, I became the filter and her personal defender.

She was about eighteen when a knock came on our front door one day. I opened the door and was very surprised. I did not know the young man, nor had I seen him before. Neither had I ever heard him mentioned.

It looked like someone had set a bowl on top of his head and mowed around it leaving a black thick thatch of hair on top. He had a pierced lip, nose and an earring. His tongue was pierced too. His clothes looked soiled.

I nodded and said hello.

He gamely smiled and said, “Is Marisa Home.”

I looked him up and down real slow letting the smile leave me face. Then I looked him in the eye and with my no-nonsense voice I said, “Not to you, she’s not.)

The look of shock was still on is face when I closed the door.

Don’t even think about telling me I was rude or impolite. I am a Father. A Father’s job is to protect his family.

You don’t raise a daughter up to the age of eighteen and then throw her away to the first pair of britches that comes by. Neither do you raise up a son and throw him to the first skirt that rustles in his direction. Furthermore, you don’t let them throw themselves away either.

If all they hear from mom and dad is criticism and negativity about themselves, they may not value themselves very much either. You may have just set up your own child to make a bad deal in life.

Be thankful to God if your child is a good son or daughter. Brag on them, encourage them, guide them without nagging or harshness. Love them into making the right choices. Validate their achievements and right choices with praise.

Young Person. God did something special when He made you. Believe it, and never settle for anyone that would keep you from being what God meant you to be. His hand is on your life. Don’t take it off.

Written by Martyn Ballestero

June 2, 2011 at 6:35 pm

Posted in Asking Advice, Christian Living, Family, Friends, Life, Love, Marriage, Regret, Romance

Tagged with Choices, Marriage

Memorial Day 2011

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Memorial Day 2011

Thank God for those who gave willingly of themselves for our country and for our freedom. Their memories are hollowed in our hearts because of their sacrifice. We will never be able to repay that debt. May their love for America never be forgotten.

My father, Carl J. Ballestero and my wife’s father, William R. Starr, both served during World War II. My uncles Stan and Wendell Gleason served as well. Today, my heart breathes a personal word of thanks to them especially.

My prayer is that God will continue to bless America.

My Dad, Pvt. Carl J. Ballestero

Carl J. Ballestero

________________________________________________________________

William R. Starr

_________________________________________________________________

There are some veterans of another war that I’d like to honor today too. They fought in a Spiritual War and in a Spirit filled Army. These men all preached to me. Some counseled me and redirected my focus. They fought against hell to save me. All in some measure have affected my life and my ministry and I honor them. May they all rest in peace. They will never be forgotten in my heart.

Starting first with my Father. My Father was also my pastor. He pastored 25 years and evangelized for 25 years. Everything I know and everything I am, I owe to God and to him. If you ever heard him preach, you never forgot what you felt and heard. He was truly a man of God. I miss him everyday. I am very proud to call him Dad.

Carl Ballestero - My father and my pastor.

Carl Ballestero preaching on the streets of Fresno, CA.

My dear Father-In-Law, William R. Starr was a tremendous preacher and a giant among men. He was a wise leader of men, a church planter and revivalist. He not only worked a secular job, but was pastor of a large church and District Superintendent of Michigan for 28 years at the same time. A true Christian if I ever met one. He is greatly loved and sorely missed.

My Wife's Daddy - Pastor William R. Starr

William R. Starr

_______________________________________________________________

My uncles (My mother’s brothers) Two of the kindest and gentlest men in Pentecost. Both of them were great preachers.

Uncle Wendell and Uncle Orion Gleason

Jimmy Davis - My Dad's pastor, a preacher and teacher without peer.

Ike Terry - Whatever he preached or said to you, you never forgot it.

Robert Cavaness - Beloved friend and practical Bible teacher.

Pastor/Missionary Robert McFarland - baptized me.

Verbal Bean - his ministry moved my walk with God to a higher level.

Pastor/Missionary Leamon Reynolds - my pastor when I received the Holy Ghost.

Paul Jordan - Great preacher and friend.

Pastor/Missionary Juan Alvear - his anointing always made me cry when he preached

Roger Evens - What an anointing. Tremendous Bible teacher, singer, musician and friend.

Pastor/Missionary Harvey Davis. My father's friend and mine. What a preacher.

Missionary J.B. Lambeth - Helped put a passion in my heart for winning souls.

Lee Davis - Great family friend and preacher. He built a great church.

H.B. Morgan - I loved to hear him preach on the Godhead.

Bill Bowman - Fearless minister of the Gospel and a dear friend.

J.T.Pugh - This man preached a message that saved me and my ministry. It truly changed me.

Joe Duke - put the fear of God in us and helped us all pray through.

C.W. Shew - Defender of Apostolic Truths and lover of good men.

I thank God for, and honor the memory of these men who helped mold my life and my ministry. They may have all died, but they live on in my heart.

Written by Martyn Ballestero

May 29, 2011 at 12:25 am

Posted in Family, Friends, Honor

Tagged with Honor, Memory

Saying ‘Good-Bye’ To Friends

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Saying ‘Good-Bye’ To Friends

Saying Good-Bye to friends is not easy. In my experience, tears have been involved from time to time. It’s hard to say Good-Bye to those you love and those who mean so much to you.

Saying Good-Bye To Supposed Friends:

Friendships can be transient. Some people come and go in your life. They just move on without warning. Maybe they outgrow you or they focus on other things. I don’t have that answer. But it doesn’t feel good.

Some Friends have even been known to turn on their old friends. It uncomfortable to see someone who used to be a Friend and now they avoid even making eye contact with you. Or, if they do speak, it’s cool and not warm like it used to be. The emptiness in your heart is deep when you walk away. The sense of loss is almost overwhelming. New friends are a medicine and a replenishment of the soul.

Saying Good-Bye To A Former Friend:

Looking back over a lifetime, I had friends in school whose names I can’t even remember now. A couple of my friends were so important to me at the time, that I included them in my wedding. Today I don’t know their phone number, their address or how many grandchildren they have. We haven’t talked in several decades. Back then I thought we were friends.

Saying Good-Bye to some friends is gradual. With others, it’s a much quicker process.

Saying Good-Bye To Dear Friends:

The last several weeks have been horrible for a number of Pentecostal families, for several churches and for many of my ministering friends.

The recent news of the passing of beloved men of God or their family members has brought tears to many of our eyes. Some men so impact your heart that you’re never quite the same. Their death leaves a major void in your life. Their family’s tears rip your heart out.

Funerals are hard for us. We call them ‘Home Goings” and do our best to rejoice that the departed has kept the Faith and finished their course and are now are now resting in Jesus. Yet tears still flow freely because we feel the loss so deeply.

Maybe they didn’t call us on the phone everyday, but when they saw you, the fellowship picked right back up from where you left off. They treated you warmly and hugged you like they meant it. They made you feel like you were their very dear friend.

The past week and this coming week find me already missing my recently departed friends. May they rest in Peace, and may the Prince of Peace comfort the hearts of the families and friends left behind.

Some day we will all say Good-Bye to this old world. We look forward to going to a place where none of us shall ever have to say Good-bye again.

Biblical Promise: No More Separation

Rev. 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

The sea separates. There will be no more sea over there.

Biblical Promise: No More Tears

Rev. 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

_____________________________________________________

What A Day That Will Be

Words & Music by Jim Hill

There is coming a day,
When no heart aches shall come,
No more clouds in the sky,
No more tears to dim the eye,
All is peace forever more,
On that happy golden shore,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

Chorus:

What a day that will be,
When my Jesus I shall see,
And I look upon His face,
The One who saved me by His grace;
When He takes me by the hand,
And leads me through the Promised Land,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

There’ll be no sorrow there,
No more burdens to bear,
No more sickness, no pain,
No more parting over there;
And forever I will be,
With the One who died for me,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

Chorus:

Written by Martyn Ballestero

January 2, 2011 at 7:08 pm

Posted in Comfort, Death, Friends

Someone’s Praying For You!

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Someone’s Praying For You!

There are times when you can’t even pray for yourself. Your pain is overwhelming, your faith is low, your friends and family mean well, but you still feel like you are dying on the inside.

It was at a time like that, over 50 years ago, that my parents, Carl and ‘Connie’ Ballestero were going through the darkest point of their life. They had accepted the pastorate a church that had some serious spiritual issues.

Dad was coping with the problems the best he could. They were major. The attacks felt like they were orchestrated by hell itself. It was a spiritual warfare that had soon turned ugly. Dad spent three nights in a row praying into the wee hours of the morning. He kept praying late every night until he felt he eventually prayed the burden through and felt victory. He had desperately needed a miracle from God.

Months later, at the General Conference, Brother Rasnacheck, a missionary from India, came up to my father, and said, Bro. Ballestero, I don’t know what you were going through several months ago, but on “such an such a date “ (He named the dates.) for 3 nights in a row, God gave me a vision of you on your knees, desperately praying. I could see you were in great trouble and in much pain. The Lord told me to pray for you, and I did. I prayed through the night, three different times, until I felt victory. (Those were the very nights my father had been in prayer.)

Dad had not prayed the problem through alone. Even though he thought he was fighting the battle by himself, God had reached down in India, and had given Brother Rasnacheck, the missionary, a vision. The missionary had responded, and the miracle through prayer, was accomplished.

Someone’s Praying For You.

We’re all a product of prayer. The devil seems to enjoy making God’s children feel alone, forsaken, and uncared for. But you are not. He has seen to it that key people are in place to pray for you.

Someone’s Praying For You.

Jesus said to Simon: “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. “ Luke 22:32

Someone’s Praying For You.

Paul the Apostle To The Church In Rome – “For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;” Rom 1:9

Someone’s Praying For You.

The Church Prayed For Peter – “Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. Acts 12:5

Someone’s Praying For You.

Parents Pray For Their Children, and Grandchildren.

Someone’s Praying For You.

Like Samuel, Your Pastor Prays For You: “Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way: 1 Sam 12:23

Another place the Scripture mentions that Samuel prayed all night long for Saul.

Someone’s Praying For You.

Always remember that “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16

Someone’s Praying For You.

Be encouraged today. No matter how alone you feel, no matter how serious this battle is that you’re fighting, you are not fighting this battle alone.

Someone’s Praying For You.

Written by Martyn Ballestero

October 20, 2010 at 1:33 am

Posted in Christian Living, Friends, Prayer

Do You Know What Drowning Looks Like?

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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.

†††

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.

Written by Martyn Ballestero

September 21, 2010 at 11:15 am

Posted in Backsliders, Christian Living, Evangelists, Family, Friends, God's House, Leadership, Life, Pastors, Sin

Ten Traits Of A Successful Saint

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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.

Written by Martyn Ballestero

July 9, 2010 at 9:45 am

Posted in Christian Living, Faith, Friends, Holiness, Life, Love, Overcoming, Personal Evangelism, Personal Growth, Prayer, Sowing The Seed, Trust, Unity

The “Who” Is Worse Than “What”?

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“Who” Is Worse Than “What”

“Who do you name as your closest friends? Believe it or not, this question is a matter of great concern to the Lord. And that’s because your friendships speak loudly, both to God and to the world about the condition of your heart.

“Have you ever thought to pray, “Lord, what do you think of my friendships? Are they pleasing to you — or do they displease you?” The fact is, a righteous friend can provide a link to the blessing and favor of God, because he encourages you toward a godly lifestyle. On the other hand, an unrighteous friend can be a binding chain to every kind of evil, leading you into terrible bondages.” – David Wilkerson

The title of Wilkerson’s sermon was, “Your Friend’s Matter To God.” That thought should makes us thankful for good Godly friends, and reconsider relationships with those whose friendship endangers our walk with God.

We preach a lot against the WHAT’s in life. We name sins left and right. That is needful. Too often good people are caught in a sin trap because their ‘friend’ led the way. We need to be reminded of the dangers of the ungodly Who. Backsliders have been known to influence others still in church. I know that we all have worldly acquaintances, but their influence must be highly controlled.

Please consider the powerful influence of the WHO.

Rom 8:35) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

Gal 5:7) Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?

It appears the WHO influence in our life is extremely powerful. And yes, the WHO influences us to do the WHAT.

Bro. Kenneth Bow made the point some years back that I have never forgotten. He said that although David was about 17 years younger than Jonathan, they were best friends. “As long as Jonathan was alive,” he said, “Jonathan never got in trouble with God. It was after Jonathan died that David sinned.”

Good friends don’t let you backslide. Good friends help keep you in church and pray for you.

If you come home after being out with your ‘friends’ and you feel guilt, condemnation, or the need to pray, something is wrong with your friendship. Sin seems to starts with WHO, then it winds up with WHAT!

Our friends really do matter to God! Choose them wisely! They may cause you to be lost, or they may help save you.

Thank God for Good Friends!

Written by Martyn Ballestero

April 28, 2010 at 10:05 am

Posted in Friends, Life