The Ballestero Blog

Are You A Mac Or A PC?

We all think differently. We see and hear the same things, yet not always do we arrive at the same conclusion. Why is that?

Bro. Kenneth Bow told me that some people were like Mac computers and others were like a PC. He said we process the information differently. I agree.

I like computers. I bought my first one, a Commodore 64 way back in the dark ages. For most programs, insert the floppy disk and type: load”*”,8,1 (always make sure to press the RETURN key after typing in a command). Sometimes it took several minutes just to load up the program. I often drank a cup of coffee before it finished loading.

That was my introduction to the computer world. Over the years, I owned various PC’s. starting with the 286, 386 and 486. I have used DOS 5.0, Windows 3.0, 3.1, 95, 98, ME, XP, Vista, and recently worked on a Windows 7.

I even taught a computer class for a couple years at HR Block. For the last 10 years or so, it has not been uncommon for me to receive 6-10 calls a week solving computer software or hardware issues. I am not a programmer, I don’t have a business. I am only a user.

In February, 2007, I was given a wonderful gift by my friend Pastor Kenneth Bow. A new MacBook. I was humbled by his extreme generosity. I have been literally thrilled with my experience. The Mac world was a paradigm shift for me, a PC guy. I was amazed that in just a couple of hours I was able to feel comfortable with my new Mac. I love it. I now have no desire to leave the Mac world and go back. I was also pleased that I could still enjoy Microsoft Word and Power Point as well on my new computer.

I have noticed however, a quirk in the Power Points made on my Mac and then played on a PC. If no animations are involved, everything is perfect. Occasionally, I will give the soundman my flash drive with my Power Point on it and the animations don’t work on his computer like it worked on mine. That’s frustrating. Confusing even at times.

It’s because, although it’s theoretically the same program, (I have Mac Office with Word and Power Point) the results are different. We have different ‘Operating Systems.’ We also have different ‘Processors.’ The same program is processed differently for each of us. The ‘Display’ is different! The ‘Display’ becomes then the issue.

We all have different ways of processing information.  Sometimes even coming up with different results and conclusions.

The difference in our ‘Processors’ And ‘Operating Systems’ is clearly evident in the discussions of Climate, Economy, Education, Civil Rights, and National Defense. Among others, there are Independents, Democrats, Green Party, and Republicans. We read the same data, and often arrive at different conclusions.

The same is true in our churches and among us as Pentecostals. For example, I read about modesty in the Bible. My ‘Operating System’ is different from some. I ‘Process’ the Word the way I do because I have a ‘Processor’ that interprets the “Modesty Language” for me.

My “Processor” lets me feel comfortable wearing long sleeves for example. A friend in warm climate may have a “Processor” that lets him wear sleeves to the elbow.

My ‘Processor’ has problems with some styles of dress, and entertainment. It also doesn’t at all ‘Process’ the Emergent Church and their lack of Holiness requirements. (There’s that pesky ‘Display’ issue again.)

We have the same program. We process the same information. We are different in that our “Operating Systems” are not the same. We process scriptures differently.

One of the last times my dying father spoke to my wife. He asked in confidential tones, “Is Marty still preaching the truth?”

“Yes Dad,” Marcia assured him.

He said, “Down here there are a lot of themes. Up there, there’s only one theme.” Those were Dad’s last words to her.

It’s easy for us all to justify how we ‘Process’ and understand Scripture. When it’s all said and done. It’s all going to boil down to how does God ‘Process’ His Word.

I want to be operating on the same ‘Operating System’ as He is! I want to ‘Process’ His Word like He meant for me too.

Down here, there’s a lot of ‘Processors’ and ‘Operating Systems.’ Up there, there’s only one.

The House Of The Lady With The Long Hair

Last night, I finished preaching the 1^st night of Raleigh, North Carolina’s annual “Holiness Conference”.  As I was stepping down from the platform, a tall brother in Christ made his way to me. “I have a Holiness story for you, he offered.

“A few nights ago, our doorbell rang. It was dark and I couldn’t imagine who would be at our door this late.  He said.

“To my surprise, a little boy stood there, his eyes were red from crying. He was visibly shaken. His voice was strong as he said, ‘Please mister, do something. My Dad is hurting my Mom real bad! Call the Police…. Help her, please!’

About that that time, the sound of sirens was heard. Patrol cars were everywhere. Red and blue flashing lights interrupted the darkness.

The out of control, and abusive husband was taken into custody. The mother’s physical needs were being attended to.

He said, “I turned to the little boy and said, ‘I don’t live next door to you. Of all the houses in this neighborhood, why did you come to mine when you needed help?

“The little boy looked up into my face and said, “I just knew, that if I could make it to The House of The Lady with the Long Hair, everything would be alright!”

Holiness Thoughts

After I went to bed. I picked up the pad of paper beside my bed and began to write these thoughts down as they came to me.

I had been in a conversation with a life-long friend and he began to say things that scared me. I saw he had made a turn in his thinking, and I couldn’t make the turn with him.  It actually frightened me very much, I wrote for and hour or two, then fell asleep. Three or four times I awakened and continued my writing.

• I even dreamed about it.
• What I don’t know is why I feel Holiness has to be defended.
• It is God’s lowest standard. Israel never complained about all of their holiness requirements and regulations and they didn’t even have the Holy Ghost.
• They didn’t even have a spirit of holiness, they just had law.
• They complained about the food and about their leadership, but never about their holiness.
• That seems to be all that Pentecostals fuss about.

This generation, has the Holy Ghost experience available, yet most of our discussions have to do with negative things about Holiness.

• It’s like we are trying to see how little we can do and still be saved.
• We are attempting to be saved by doing the minimum.
• Saints change churches because they don’t like the Holiness preaching. It was too hard for them.

Wouldn’t it be something if Israel stood up in the Judgment and condemned this generation?

These are the thoughts I have put down as they came to me. They are without organization. They might even be without clarity. All I know is, I felt a touch of God’s Holiness about me before when I finally went to sleep.

1. I like Brooklyn Tabernacle’s song: “Holy Like You”

2. In Isaiah 6, Isaiah was Sanctified before being called or sent.

3. Do I speak “The Language Of Holiness”

4. When I lose Holiness, the Revelation of the Godhead goes too. They are connected.

5. Holy Ghost. How can I have the HOLY Ghost and say I hate HOLY things?

6. I’ve seen new converts changed w/o hearing holiness preached. All by the power of the Holy Ghost.

7. Story of Elizabeth. After being baptized that night, got rid of everything she didn’t think she wanted Jesus to see in her house. Immediately received the Holy Ghost.

8. In Old Testament – Holiness was legislated

9. In New Testament they received the Spirit of Holiness.

10. Holiness includes: purity- heart, modesty-outside, righteousness-conduct.

11. Draw nigh to God.  This was written to those that already had the Holy Ghost.

12. There should be a Quest for Holiness.

13. There’s Safety in Holiness

14. There’s Benefits in Holiness

15. The Why Of Holiness.

1. Why do some want to re-define standards?
2. Why do some want to rebel against what they were taught.
3. When they came into this church it was a Holiness church.
4. They knew that when they came in.
5. Why do they want to change it now?
6. That is like a girl marrying a boy and then wanting him to change.

16. Why do they want to dress that way?

17. Why do they make fun of Holiness.

18. What is wrong with them that makes them have a problem with carefulness about the things of God?

19. Why do they reject preaching on Holiness?

20. Why do they distance themselves from all Holiness preaching?

21. Why do ALL Conservative preachers seem harsh and bitter to them?

22. Why is the word Holiness offensive to them?

23. Why does their church get quiet when the subject gets preached?

24. Who are they trying to please when they let down on the standard? God?

25. What will their permissiveness produce?

26. I know what Holiness produces.

27. “You get what you preach.”

28. List the number of churches that have thrown their convictions and holiness out the door, and then tell me about their amazing church growth and climbing attendance. It don’t see it.

29. They threw away their convictions, lost their revelation and never got much in return.  It wasn’t worth it. All they received was delusion, and there may never be hope of recovery.

30. In the Military – there is extensive recruiting and training

31. In Sports – there is extensive recruiting and training

32. Yes there’s cuts, drop outs, even AWOL

33. All some Churches think is important is the recruiting. They can even recruit a small army.  They wonder why some don’t last. Was it because they were not trained.

34. Some young people have grown up never hearing a sermon on the subject of Holiness.

35. All that we want to hear is Salvation, healing, miracles, faith, and blessings

36. Saints aren’t born, they’re made.  It will take some preaching to make saints out of them.

37. Daddy said to me “if you have a choice between being an Exhorter or a Feeder, be a Feeder.  Feeders build churches.

38. There is a NEED for training.

39. Prov 22:6 Train up a child… etc.  The word train there has to do with touching the palate.

1. Developing a taste in the child’s mouth for the things of God.
2. Flinging a craving on the child for God things.
3. Some try to cram things down people’s throats instead.

40. Why does God want us to be holy?

1. It identifies us
2. It says we know Jesus
3. It says we hate the world.
4. It says we refuse to be called the son of pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather… (Holiness is a choice)
5. It identifies us with Him
6. It is a daily reminder – Israel wore a ribbon of blue

41. Why does God say be ye holy, even as I am holy?

42. Why does God WANT me to be holy?

43. He put His Holy Spirit in me, so why would I Not want to be Holy.

44. If I have the Holy Ghost, why would I be so in love with unholy things?

45. In my opinion, If I was a Holiness Rejecter, I would not be “Enlightened”. I would be backslid.

What Is A Conservative?

Some say they are Conservative and have a humble spirit,

Others say they are Conservative and don’t.

Some say they are Conservative and make Holiness attractive,

Others say they are Conservative and don’t.

Some say they are Conservative and are careful with facts and truth,

Others say they are Conservative and aren’t.

Some claim they are Conservative and have Internet access,

Others claim they are Conservative and don’t.

Some feel like they are Conservative and allow slits in skirts,

Others feel like they are Conservative and don’t.

Some say they are Conservative and allow wedding bands,

Others say they are Conservative and don’t.

Some claim they are Conservative and know more sports facts than Bible,

Others claim they are Conservative and don’t.

Some say they are Conservative and have large churches,

Others say they are Conservative and don’t.

Some say they are Conservative and run off more than they get in,

Others say they are Conservative and don’t.

Some claim they are Conservative and are given to hospitality,

Others claim they are Conservative and aren’t.

Some say they are Conservative and trust God for their healing,

Others say they are Conservative and go to doctors.

Some claim they are Conservative and wear only long sleeves,

Others claim they are Conservative and don’t.

Some look like they are Conservative and don’t eat were they serve alcohol,

Others look like they are Conservative and do.

Some feel like they are Conservative and laugh easily,

Others feel like they are Conservative and don’t laugh.

Some say they are Conservative and are men of great intellect,

Others say they are Conservative.

Some claim they are Conservative and are self-righteous,

Others claim they are Conservative and aren’t.

Some look like they are Conservative and say “I Love Lucy”,

Others look like they are Conservative and don’t know Lucy.

Some feel like they are Conservative and are Revivalists,

Others feel like they are Conservative and aren’t.

Some say they are Conservative and have a prayer life,

Others say they are Conservative and don’t.

Some say they are Conservative and wear costly array,

Others say they are Conservative and don’t.

Some feel like they are Conservative and are bitter,

Others feel like they are Conservative and aren’t.

Some look like they are Conservative and make it harder to be saved than God does,

Others look like they are Conservative and don’t.

Some claim they are Conservative and are straight as a gun barrel,

Others claim they are Conservative and are as empty as one.

Some look like they are Conservative and are gentle with others,

Others look like they are Conservative and aren’t.

Some feel like they are Conservative and allow video, for school, job, education, etc,

Others feel like they are Conservative and don’t.

Some say they are Conservative and are good looking,

Others say they are Conservative.

We are all different.

What binds us together enough to overlook each other’s differences?

What is the common denominator?

What are the things most surely believed among us?

Could it be we are here, trying to do our best to be careful in a world that isn’t?

Could it be we are trying to do our best to please God and not man?

Could it be that we are attempting to draw closer to God instead of re-evaluating all of our Holiness standards?

Could it be that we are very serious about pleasing God?

If So, Welcome!

I’m Happy To Call Myself A Conservative!

Martyn Ballestero