Archive for the ‘Holy Ghost’ Category
World’s Largest Trading Post
World’s Largest Trading Post
Old Jim and me was a standing on the corner of Broadway and Straight Street one afternoon some years back. We seen this old man wearing sandals, and he had big sign hung around his neck for everyone to see. A curious crowd stood in front of him. They were reading every word of the sign on his chest.
The big words at the top of the sign seemed to say it all. The World’s Largest Trading Post!
People were reading out loud with amazement and near unbelief. It was hard for us to hear all the comments, but from time to time we heard things like:
“How can this be?”
“How can they stay in business tradin’ good stuff for junk?”
“There’s gotta be catch somewheres!”
“This is hard to believe!”
Not every passerby took time to read the long list of the day’s specials. Yet there always seemed to be a cluster of potential customers reading every word of the sign.
In answer to someone’s question about the location of the trading post, the old man tried to hold his sign steady with one hand so others could still read as he pointed with his other hand showing the direction. Looking where he pointed, I could see a large crowd moving that way. Almost all of them were carrying bags that sure looked awful heavy.
We waited our turn to get close enough to see the small print. I started reading from the top down, and I read every word.
The World’s Largest Trading Post
Specializing In Even Swaps! No Money Needed!
Today’s Trade Specials
- Beauty – for your ashes.
- Oil of Joy – for your mourning.
- Garment of Praise – for your spirit of heaviness.
- Crown – for your cross.
- New life – for your old life.
- Hope – for your despair.
- Eternal Life – for your sins.
- Peace – for your turmoil.
- Healing – for your sickness.
- Strength – for your weakness.
Please Take Advantage Of Our Free Gifts And Services!
- Broken Hearts Bound Up.
- Sins Forgiven.
- Sins Washed Away in Jesus Name Baptism.
- Free Gift of The Holy Ghost.
- Free Robe of Righteousness.
- Free Garment of Salvation.
- Free Services of the Great Physician.
- Free Services of World’s Greatest Defense Attorney – (He’s never lost a case.)
- Free Services of The Counselor.
- Free Private Audience with the Prince of Peace.
Whatever Your Need, Just Ask!
- Joy Unspeakable – Our shelves are loaded!
- Peace that passeth understanding is always in stock!
- Healing for every broken heart!
- Liberty for all who are bound!
Our Motto: “You Have Not Because You Ask Not!”
We Specialize In Good Tidings for All People!
“What’s your name old man?” Jim asked when he finished reading the sign.
The old man turned his attention to Jim and his weathered and wrinkled face seemed to have an inner shine. With a slight smile on his lips and a bit of a twinkle in his eye he said, “Isaiah”.
I caught Jim’s eye and gave him the nod. We both turned and started in the direction of The World’s Largest Trading Post.
There was this large group of folks just a singing near the entrance. They sang with smiles on their faces and joy seemed to fill their voices as they motioned for us to come inside.
They sang:
The windows of heaven are open.
God’s blessings are falling tonight.
There’s joy, joy, joy in my heart,
Since Jesus made everything right.
I gave Him my old tattered garment.
He gave me a robe of pure white.
I’m feasting on manna from heaven.
And that’s why I’m happy tonight.
Old Jim and me? Well, he looked at me and nodded and I nodded back as he shifted the weight of his bag to the other shoulder. I picked mine own bag up and we both went inside!
References:
Isaiah 61:1-3, 10
Isaiah 9:6
Acts 2:38
Gifts Of The Spirit Gone Awry
Gifts Of The Spirit Gone Awry
I believe God still uses the gifts of the Spirit in His church today. Most Apostolic Pentecostals are familiar with those precious moments. Sadly, a few eager and Biblically uneducated have exerted more of their flesh than His Spirit in such moments.
That being said, it does not take away from the fact that God does speak to His church in very real and powerful manner.
Good pastors teach the importance of not saying ‘Thus saith the Lord,” unless they are certain that the Lord truly did speak to them. Punishment is upon those who use His name falsely and in vain.
Out Of Order
Almost every night of the revival the modest sized Southern church, a middle-aged woman gave a message in tongues after the sermon. She especially seemed to bring forth a message if there was conviction in the message.
After several weeks of nightly services one of the members brought their neighbor, an elderly woman of foreign descent. The visitor sat quietly with her hosts and seemed unemotional during the service and the sermon.
Everyone was standing while the invitation was being given, when the spiritual lady found a moment to give her message in tongues. While the message was being given, the old lady started to chuckle and covered her mouth to stifle her laughter. Her hosts were embarrassed that their guest would laugh at a time like this.
“Why are you laughing,” they inquired?
“Because I understand what she is saying.” She said with a knowing look.
“What is she saying?” They asked.
“She is saying, ‘I’m out of order and I need to sit down.’ Was her reply.”
Misinterpretations
Unverified stories such as these are told about messages being interpreted erroneously and have been heard by most of us:
- “Repent, or I will write Michelob over the door.”
- “Times are hard sayeth the Lord. Times are so hard I can barely make it myself, saith God.”
- “Thus saith the Lord unto Sister… ah, Sister… ah, I forgeteth thy name at the moment saith the Lord.”
- “Yeah, thus saith the Lord, Nay!”
God Lied?
The tall young West Virginia father actually stood up in the testimony service and spoke with great fervor about God speaking to him.
“I was at work today and the Lord spoke to me and told me that my little boy was choking to death. I ran out of the shop. I didn’t even take time to punch out from work.
“I jumped in my pickup and drove to my trailer as fast as I could. I ran up on the porch and nearly ripped the door off. There on the living room floor was my little boy playing happily with his toys.
“I looked at him and said, ‘Boy I’d rather have you dead than to have God lie to me like that!”
Good people can be zealous and sincere, yet be totally in the flesh and not the Spirit. Sometimes, their exhibitions can be injurious to the work of God.
Twenty-Six Messages In Tongues
While visiting a medium-sized church for the first time, I was amazed at the number of messages in tongues and interpretations. There were twenty-six messages in all in one service. More than a dozen of the messages that were interpreted appeared to be some church folks correcting other church folks. Several interpretations were even so bold as to criticize the pastor by name. All of this, plus several prophecies were included.
The guest evangelist wasn’t spiritual enough for them, because all he did was preach the Word. They closed the revival after the first night.
(Yes, even though some people are over-zealous, or unlearned, or even purposely misleading others, there is still the real Gift of Tongues. That is not even debatable. You will know and feel the difference when you hear it.)
No Matter What You Say Now, You Will Bow Too!
At The Name Of Jesus Every Knee Will Bow
Philippians 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
Philippians 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
When we bow before an earthly Monarch, like a King or a Queen, we do it because we are showing submission and honor to their authority and position. The one we bow before may not truly know if we are bowing out of politeness, or out of submission. They may never know if they are actually loved or respected by the one bowing before them. No words are actually required from the mouth of the one bending the knee.
But upon a prophesied date, not only will we all bow before Him, but also with our mouth every one of us will confess and acknowledge that He, Jesus, is the Almighty God.
- Whether those of us who bow before Him go to heaven or hell afterwards or not, we all will most assuredly bow before him!
- It would be horrible to bow in submission before him, confess and understand who He really is, and then still be lost forever.
Why Not Bow Your Knee Before Him Today?
Every One Of Us Will Bow Our Knees Before Him Sooner Or Later.
It Might As Well Be Today!
Isaiah Prophesied That We Would All Bow.
Isaiah 45:20 Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save.
Isaiah 45:21 Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.
Isaiah 45:22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.
Isaiah 45:23 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.
Isaiah 45:24 Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed.
Recapping What Isaiah Said… “There Is No God But Me”
- “Man made idols and gods cannot save anyone.”
- “There is no God beside Me.”
- “I’m a just God”
- “I am a Savior”
- “There is no other God but Me.”
- “Every knee shall bow before Me.”
- “Every tongue shall confess to Me.”
- “All that have fought against Me shall be ashamed.”
Yet, Jesus Proclaimed That He Was God.
- John 10:30 I and my Father are one.
- John 14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?
- Rev 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
- John 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
The Bible Says God Is The Only Savior
- Isa 45:21 Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.
The Bible Says Jesus Is The Savior (They are both one and the same.)
- Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
- Matt 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
- Matt 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
- Matt 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
The Bible Says God Is The Creator
- Gen 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
The Bible Says Jesus Is The Creator
- John 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
- Col 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
- Col 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
- Col 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
The Question Was Asked Of Jesus:
Where Is Thy Father?
- John 8:19 Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father?
His Answer
- John 8:19 …Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.
- John 8:24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
Every Knee Shall Bow On That Day
- Every believer shall bow.
- Every unbeliever shall bow.
- Every Trinitarian shall bow.
- Every atheist shall bow.
- People of every Nation shall bow.
- People of every Culture shall bow.
- People of every Religion shall bow.
- People of every Tribe shall bow.
- Every Holy Ghost filled believer shall bow.
- Every one without the Holy Ghost shall bow.
- Every one baptized in Jesus name shall bow.
- Everyone who refused to be baptized in His name shall bow.
- Every liar shall bow.
- Every thief shall bow.
- Every Adulterer shall bow.
- Every fornicator shall bow.
- Every drunk shall bow.
- Every drug addict shall bow.
- Every murderer shall bow.
- Every pervert shall bow.
- Every lesbian shall bow.
- Every homosexual shall bow.
- Every transsexual shall bow.
- Every bi-sexual shall bow.
- Every Dictator shall bow.
- Every King shall bow.
- Every Queen shall bow.
- Every President shall bow.
- Every General shall bow.
- Every Officer shall bow.
- Every Soldier shall bow.
- Every Sailor shall bow.
- Every palm reader shall bow.
- Every medium shall bow.
- Every witch doctor shall bow.
- Every demon-possessed person shall bow.
- Every cult leader shall bow.
- Every church leader shall bow.
- Every Sunday School teacher shall bow.
- Every prophet shall bow.
- Every Amish person shall bow.
- Every Mennonite shall bow.
- Every Lutheran shall bow.
- Every Scientologist shall bow.
- Every Muslim shall bow.
- Every Buddhist shall bow.
- Every Hindu shall bow.
- Every Jew shall bow.
- Every Catholic shall bow.
- Every Baptist shall bow.
- Every Methodist shall bow.
- Every Church of Christ shall bow.
- Every Jehovah’s Witness shall bow.
- Every Mormon shall bow.
- Every Seventh Day Adventist shall bow.
- Every Pentecostal shall bow.
- Every professor shall bow.
- Every teacher of evolution shall bow.
- Every agnostic shall bow.
- Every heretic shall bow.
- Every proud person shall bow.
- Every disrespectful person shall bow.
- Every God hater shall bow.
- Every hater of the name of Jesus shall bow.
- You will bow!
- I will bow!
The Whole World Will Realize Too Late That He Truly Is:
- The Almighty God.
- The Everlasting Father.
- The Great I Am.
- Alpha And Omega.
- The First And The Last.
- The Beginning And The Ending.
- The Savior Of The World.
- The Jehovah of The Old Testament Wrapped In Flesh.
All Pride Will Disappear On That Day.
- Great reverence and awe will prevail.
- Remorse for sin and unbelief will overwhelm every sinner.
- Shame because of their sins will make men and women fall to their knees.
But, For Most Of Them Will Be Too Little Too Late.
- Actually, today is the day of Salvation.
- Now is the accepted time to become humble and repent.
The Lost Will Realize Too Late That He Is:
- More Than A Prophet, He Is The WORD Made Flesh.
- More Than A King, He Is The King Of Kings.
- More Than A Priest, He Is The Great High Priest.
They Will Realize Then, That He Is Not:
- Just A Good Prophet
- Just A Teacher
- Just A Carpenter’s Son
There Are Multitudes Who Will Not Confess, Admit Or Declare Today That Jesus Is The Almighty God.
But They Will Bow Their Knees On That Appointed Day And Confess It Then.
- They will understand for the first time that he is not the blessed second person of a holy trinity.
- They will awaken to the truth that they have been lied to through the centuries by proclaimers of false doctrines.
- They will know that the word they used for cursing was the name of the one they must now bow before.
Jesus Asked Peter Whom People Thought He Was.
Matt 16:13 … Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
Matt 16:14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
Matt 16:15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
Matt 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Matt 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
The Apostle John Described Jesus Like This:
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God.
John 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
John 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
John 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
John 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
The Apostle Paul Quoted Isaiah
Rom 14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
Rom 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
- Everyone will be required to repent, confess his or her sins and failures.
The Four And Twenty Elders Will Bow Down And Cast Their Crowns Before Him.
Rev 4:10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
Rev 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
We Will All Confess On That Day That He Is God.
Those who are willing to confess that Jesus is in fact God and His Name is the only name that will take away all sin, and are baptized in Jesus name just like Jesus told His disciples.
Those Who Are Baptized In Jesus Name Are The Only Ones Who Truly Believe That Jesus Is The Lord God!
This Is What Jesus Said To His Disciples Before He Departed:
Luke 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
Luke 24:46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Luke 24:48 And ye are witnesses of these things.
Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
Peter Repeated The Words of Jesus To Those Who Wanted To Be Saved.
Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
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.
Acts 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
Acts 2:40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Here Is The Crux Of The Matter
They who have been baptized in Jesus name (It’s the only way the disciples ever baptized) are acknowledging and confessing that Jesus Christ is God.
When they are baptized in Jesus name, the gift of the Holy Ghost will be given to them and they will speak in tongues just like everyone in the upper room did on the day of Pentecost.
Every Knee Will Bow.
- Take My Advice And Join Me In Bowing Down To Him Now.
- You Will Never Be Sorry. Not Now, Not Then.
How Utterly Foolish To Know Such A Day Is Coming And Not Do Now What You Know You Need To Do!
It Will Be Too Late If You Wait Until That Day To Bow Before Him Without Repenting And Believing That Jesus Is The Mighty God!
YES, Is The Answer. Now, What Is The Question?
YES, Is The Answer. Now, What Is The Question?
A fast food chain currently uses this for a slogan. It’s nothing new, really. Actually it’s been around for thousands of years. God’s blessed people have always lived with this mindset.
The willingness to do whatever God requests is a trait that will not only save and bless us, but also keep us saved and blessed. Most Pentecostals are familiar with the words of the song that says, “Yes Lord. Yes Lord. From the bottom of my heart to the depths of my soul, Yes Lord…”
Remember singing that song and feeling the sweet presence of the Lord sweep over you? Remember too the old-timers singing, “Is Your All On The Altar?”
There’s a reason for that. A very good reason. God blesses willingness and submission.
Ezra And The Willing People
Neh 8:1 And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel.
- Notice the spirit of unity. They gathered as one.
- They requested that the scribe Ezra bring the book of the law and read it to them.
- They wanted to hear the law.
Neh 8:2 And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month.
Neh 8:3 And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.
- Everyone old enough to understand came.
- Ezra read from morning until midday
Neh 8:5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:
Neh 8:6 And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.
- Ezra opened the book.
- The people stood up in reverence.
- Ezra blessed the Lord
- The People raised their hands and said, Amen, Amen
- They said Amen before the law was read.
- Then the bowed their heads to the ground and worshipped.
They Were So Hungry To Hear The Word Of The Lord That They All Said Amen Before They Heard What The Law Told Them To Do.
It’s not uncommon to see new converts who have experienced the joys of repentance, baptism in Jesus Name, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost speaking in tongues ask the pastor, “Now, tell me what I need to do.”
Remember Praying Like This?
- I’ll do what you want me to do.
- I say what you want me to say.
- I’ll go where you want me to go.
- I’ll be what you want me to be.
Most young people in my generation never knew it was OK to say no at church. When we were asked to do something like,
- Teach a Sunday School Class,
- Sing a special song,
- Play an instrument,
- Testify,
- Go on visitation,
- Usher,
- Clean the church
- Give a sermonette
- Or whatever,
We just said knew ahead of time that we would say yes.
Mary
Mary the mother of Jesus even told the servants at the Wedding in Cana, that whatever Jesus asked them to do, do it.
Samuel
Little Samuel had the willingness to do whatever was requested and ran to do the bidding of Eli not knowing that it was the Lord speaking to him.
Rebecca
Rebecca was so willing to serve the stranger with camels that she not only offered to water them but also ran to do her duty.
God has always looked for willingness in his people. Those who choose to say no to Him, don’t seem to last long or be used in His Kingdom.
How Did The Spirit Of Questioning Everything Get Into The Church?
- Some read the scripture and say they are not convicted.
- Some read the scriptures and say they do not apply to us.
- Some hear preaching and are not receptive at all.
- Others choose to read only scriptures that speak of blessings and miracles.
- They reject anything that looks like doctrine
- They say no to the word holiness.
- They refuse to separate themselves from the world.
God’s First Principle Of Blessing And Growth
Isa 1:19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:
Israel Wouldn’t Go Over Into The Promised Land
Deut 1:26 Notwithstanding ye would not go up, but rebelled against the commandment of the LORD your God:
- A whole generation died.
Because You Would Not Be Obedient
Deut 8:18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.
Deut 8:19 And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the LORD thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish.
Deut 8:20 As the nations which the LORD destroyeth before your face, so shall ye perish; because ye would not be obedient unto the voice of the LORD your God.
Jerusalem Said No To The Messiah
Mat 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
Israel Said No To The Spiritual Rest
Isa 28:12 To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.
What Makes Some Say No?
Before You Say No To Anything God Asks…
- Ask yourself,
- How does rebellion start?
- What is rebellion?
- Does God view my spirit as rebellious?
- Am I rebellious?
- How do I change?
Changing From Rebellion To Submission Should Be Easy.
- It’s a one-word change.
- What once was a No… change it to a Yes.
Are You Brave Enough To Say, “No” To God?
Me either.
You are free to choose how you wish to respond to God’s call, His wishes and His Word.
But as for me…
YES, Is My Answer. Now, What Is The Question?
Deut 10:12 … what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,
At What Level Do You Wish To Play?
At What Level Do You Wish To Play?
In the 1980’s electronic chess games became the rage in certain cerebral circles. One particular model would ask its user, as soon as the power button was switched on, “At what level do you wish to play?”
Everyone knew it was just a game. The unit was a cheap handheld device that anyone could play. The user could play in the beginner mode, or even play at the expert level. No one would criticize the level he or she played. It was just a game, and it was only played for fun.
But The Question It Asked Is Still Valid In Real Life Today. At What Level Do You Wish To Play (Or Participate)?
‘Live Like You Were Dying’ is the title of a popular song made somewhat famous a few years ago. The message from just the title of the song is enough to make one think about prioritizing their life.
Like the electronic chess game, some things are just for entertainment, and some things are mainly used to pass the time. Then there are other things that have life and death importance attached. Our souls get intertwined in the process. You have to know which ones are which.
Your Friendships
Your God-fearing friends tell the world the level at which you wish to play.
Your worldly friendships probably display the level you really wish to play. If that is the level you wish to play, so be it.
Friends are more than just pals. Your friends matter to God.
- They Influence you.
- They generate peer pressure that will change you.
- They can take you away from God.
- They can bring you closer to God.
- Chose your friends carefully. You will soon become what they are.
- What do your friendships today say about the level you have chosen to play?
- In Your Friendships, At What Level Do You Wish To Play?
Your Marriage
The way you cherish your spouse and give yourself to your marriage tells your family, friends and the whole wide world the level you have chosen to play.
- God becomes deeply interested and involved in your relationship with your spouse.
- His Word even directs you how to love and express your love to each other.
- Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
- Ephesians 5:28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
- He pays attention to your mistreatment and neglect.
- 1 Corinthians 7:3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.
- 1 Corinthians 7:5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.
- Those who have trouble at home soon have trouble in church. The Lord knows that, you should too.
In Your Marriage, At What Level Do You Wish To Play?
At Church
Your Response And Involvement:
- In the Worship service says volumes about the level you wish to play.
- In the Prayer room shows the level you are playing.
- In the Altar service shows the level you are playing.
- In Outreach shows the level you are playing.
- In Giving To Missions shows the level you are playing.
- In Giving Your Tithes shows the level you are playing.
- In the way you argue about Standards shows the level you are playing.
- In Obeying God’s Word shows the level you are playing.
Your Reaction to the Preaching even when it corrects you makes clear the level you wish to play.
Saying Amen to the Word tells God, the devil, the Pastor and the Church family the level you wish to play.
Pictures and Posts on Social media sites tell everyone the level at which you are probably really playing.
Old timers used the phrase, Playing Church. Never let that be said about you.
Living For God Is Not A Game.
At Church, What Level Do You Wish To Play?
You Say That You Want to Go To Heaven? I’m Really Not Convinced.
You Say That You Want to Go To Heaven? I’m Really Not Convinced.
You say to me that you are an Apostolic Pentecostal. To me, that means you have repented of your sins and have been baptized by immersion in Jesus Name, and have received the Gift of the Holy Ghost evidenced by speaking in tongues. If this is true, surely Heaven must be on your mind!
So then, if that is who you are, then we need to talk a bit. The reasons I want to talk to you are because of what I have been hearing and seeing lately.
You’ve Been Missing Church.
First of all, I hear that you’ve not been very faithful to your regular church services. How come? What’s the matter? Why is it easy for you to miss church? Why do you put your soul in jeopardy? You must not be very serious about being saved.
Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
You don’t or won’t come to church faithfully, and you still say you want to go to heaven? I’m really not convinced.
You Love Sports More than You Love God.
They tell me that you miss a lot of church, yet you faithfully go to ball games and sporting events. Now that really bothers me. Why are you so willing to sit in an arena full of sinners and let your heart beat as one with theirs, yet you don’t let your heart, as a saint, beat as one with them for Him in the church? You know better.
You can quote all the stats of the major teams. You know their names, their rankings, their coaches and when they play next. Yet, you struggle to remember and quote scriptures. Doesn’t that tell you where your heart really is? You must not be very serious about being saved.
2 Timothy 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
2 Timothy 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
You are wrapped up in sports more than church, and you still say you want to go to heaven? I’m really not convinced.
You Don’t Have A Teachable Spirit.
I see that you question every standard in the church and argue almost every point of doctrine. It’s like you want to change the whole church to suit you.
Some around you get the opinion that you think you know more than your teachers. That you are right and everyone else is wrong. You don’t seem to be teachable. You must not be very serious about being saved.
James 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.
You are don’t want anyone to teach you because you know it all, and you still say you want to go to heaven? I’m really not convinced.
You Don’t Pay Your Tithes.
You complain that you can’t afford to pay tithes. That makes me really disappointed in you. The bottom line is that you cannot afford not to pay tithes.
Your argument doesn’t hold much water though when everyone sees that you continue to spend your money on pleasures and life comforts. Don’t you know it’s dangerous to rob God? You know better than to walk around with God’s money in your pocket. You must not be very serious about being saved.
Malachi 3:8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
Malachi 3:9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.
You don’t or won’t pay tithes faithfully, and you still say you want to go to heaven? I’m really not convinced.
You Prayer Life Is Dead.
How come I haven’t been seeing you in the prayer room very much before church? Your soul needs God’s touch every day. You must not be very serious about being saved.
Matthew 15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
You don’t or won’t even visit the prayer room, and you still say you want to go to heaven? I’m really not convinced.
You Don’t Worship Anymore.
Your responses in the services to worship and preaching lately have not been good at all. That is a sign that you are spiritually sick.
Worship is everyone’s business. Especially yours. It is a requirement, you know. Don’t tell me that it is not your nature to be demonstrative. When you were born again, you were given a new nature, use it.
Besides, you show plenty of emotion playing a ball game, catching a big fish, and even celebrating a birthday party. Yet, you sit mummified at church. What’s the deal? You must not be very serious about being saved.
Psalm 150:6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.
You don’t or won’t worship, and you still say you want to go to heaven? I’m really not convinced.
You’ve Been Dressing Just Like The World.
Whatever the fad or fashion of the world is, you are so quick to follow. No one can see much difference between you or them.
Your willingness to sacrifice your modesty for fashion is sad. It seems that you desire to look more like movie stars than to be God’s light in this dark world. You have shown no visible testimony. We were counting on you.
On Facebook and other social media you post pictures of yourself and your family that should have embarrassed you as a Pentecostal. But it didn’t. It embarrasses the rest of us though. You seem to have lost your shame. You know better.
Holiness is not only on the inside. What is in the heart soon shows on the outside. And, what’s in your heart is definitely showing. Evidently, your love for style and fashion of this world has made you ignore Scripture about modest apparel. You must not be very serious about being saved.
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.
When women cut their hair, put on make up, jewelry or wear pants, mini-skirts and shorts, and still say that want to go to heaven? I’m not convinced.
When men grow their hair long, wear shorts and tank tops, drink alcohol and get tattoos, and still say that want to go to heaven. I’m not convinced.
You Are Dating A Sinner.
Why would you be so foolish as to play the same game Samson did? He lost and you will too. The very fact that you are attracted to ungodly thinking people doesn’t say much in your favor. Why are you willing to risk everything? You must not be very serious about being saved.
2 Corinthians 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
You love the people who love what God hates, and you still say you want to go to heaven? I’m not convinced.
You Are Looking At Someone Else, And You’re Already Married.
How can you even think God is ok with your conduct? You must not be very serious about being saved.
Matthew 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
You have exhibited the spirit of adultery, and you still say you want to go to heaven? I’m not convinced.
You Let You Job Keep You Out Of Church.
You and I both know how the devil works. Why do you ignore that? No job is worth putting your soul in jeopardy over. If you really wanted to be in church you would find a way, even if it means changing jobs.
Don’t let your ‘need’ for money drive you away from God or His house. You must not be very serious about being saved.
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
You are spending your life chasing the dollar, and you still say you want to go to heaven? I’m not convinced.
You Have Become Hateful.
Your mean spirit has caused you to spread hurtful rumors about others. You seem to be filled with bitterness and refuse to let it all go or put it under the blood. Why do you seem to delight holding grudges?
You have caused discord and division in the house of God. God’s Kingdom only thrives on unity and you are destroying that. You are hindering revival. God is not happy. You must not be very serious about being saved.
Proverbs 6:16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
Proverbs 6:17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
Proverbs 6:18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
Proverbs 6:19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
You cause division and discord in the house of God, and you still say you want to go to heaven? I’m really not convinced.
You Are Rebellious, And No Different To God Than A Witch Doctor.
So you don’t want anyone telling you what to do or how to live? You would readily believe what you want, and would change churches rather than submit and obey. You must not be very serious about being saved.
1 Samuel 15:23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.
You have lived in rebellion against the man of God for years, and you still say you want to go to heaven? I’m really not convinced.
You Are In Love With Hollywood.
All you seem to talk about is your favorite movie or what you watched last night. Movie Night must be the in-thing now for you right now.
You know all the actors in each sitcom. And, you don’t seem to be too careful about telling it either. Your love for entertainment is so strong. I don’t see you easily turning around very easily.
Would you be comfortable sitting there watching your movie with Jesus sitting beside you? I don’t think so. You must not be very serious about being saved.
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.
1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
You love Hollywood more than God it seems, and you still say you want to go to heaven? I’m really not convinced.
You Don’t Even Respond To Altar Calls.
When God gives you a chance to recover yourself and to be restored, you make no move.
The altar is not only where you got saved, it’s where you stay saved. You and I both know that a good old-fashioned praying through would solve all of your spiritual and emotional problems. Why then do you wait?
Your refusal or reluctance to consecrate and pray through is a sign that you are not thinking about heaven. You’ve been avoiding the altar. You must not be very serious about being saved.
Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
You don’t or won’t pray through, and you still say you want to go to heaven? I’m really not convinced.
You Say, “God Already Knows My Heart, Why Do I Have To Convince A Preacher?
Don’t even go there. To even ask that, you must not be very serious about being saved.
If your pastor makes it to heaven, he must to give an account of you before the Lord. God will ask him about you. You really do need a pastor to be saved. You cannot make it on your own.
Hebrews 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 Must Change.
If you want to go to heaven, it is time right now to start doing something about it. You know what to do. Give God a life that He can bless. He wants to bless you, so give Him the chance.
It is not too late to turn around. Be a light in this dark world. Let your light shine unto them. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Live for God with all your heart.
Don’t even think about compromising anymore. Don’t keep cutting corners with God. Get in church like never before.
But, don’t try to get back where you used to be or you’ll wind up again where you are right now. Get more than you’ve ever had. Really pray through this time. Be filled with the Spirit.
If you will pray through and change, and say you want to go to heaven, I’ll really be convinced.
Inside Mercy’s House
It’s Here!
Download Your Free E-Book Now
(Just click on the picture)
A Short Story for Young People
By
Martyn Ballestero Sr.
Edited By
Nila Marxer
© 2014 Martyn Ballestero Sr.
All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or part without the express written permission. Contact martyn238@aol.com
Dedication
I dedicate this story to my precious Grandchildren.
They all make me proud!
Kalyx Ballestero, Carlton Ballestero, Braden Ballestero,
Huntley Ballestero, Christyana Ballestero, Christian Ballestero, Caison Ballestero, Gentson Ballestero
Jeron Ballestero, Chloe Ballestero, Zion Ballestero
Garrison Hartzell, Cadence Hartzell, & Ainsley Hartzell
The First Paragraph:
“Shame stood there quietly in woods while the afternoon sun lazily highlighted his disheveled hair. His head hung down from sheer exhaustion. He didn’t feel like he could run another step. The birds had stopped singing momentarily to watch this unwelcome intruder as he looked for a place to sit down out of view of the path.”
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This free e-book is available in three formats. Click on the picture or the link to access and download the book from Dropbox. No registration or account is needed. Here’s the Dropbox link:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/h70uly3f9x5u75s/AAAg1mMKav0CCgAa6stWVyV7a?dl=0
There are three file types available.
If you read books on a Kindle, select the Mobi file or PDF
If you read books on an iPad or iPhone, choose the Epub file (or PDF if you have the pdf app.)
If you read books on a Andoid choose the Mobi file and use with the Kindle app.
If you read books on your Computer, and have Adobe Reader try the PDF
If you are having trouble, maybe these “how-to” links will help:
http://osxdaily.com/2012/03/25/transfer-mobi-epub-ebook-files-to-ipad/
http://askleo.com/how_do_i_download_and_read_a_pdf_ebook/
http://www.ehow.com/how_8230718_open-ebook-email-iphone.html
(If you need help or the link does not work, let me know. Blessings to all. – MJB)
Holy Ghost Radio
Holy Ghost Radio
A humble man with a smile as big as Texas sat across the aisle from me on the airplane. We also had a mutual friend on board who helped us carry the introductory conversation. Thus began a friendship.
Little did I know that this big man would be one of the greatest blessings to Pentecost in the last twelve years and would also be an unsung hero of our day!
He tenaciously promotes this Apostolic ministry and the Acts 2:38 message of Salvation. His name is Brother Jeff Hoffer. Once you meet him, you’ll instantly love him too. He’s a man with a burden, he a man on a mission. He is doing a God-Thing for our generation. We will always be indebted to him for what he freely has made available to us.
Because of him, Pentecostals and the rest of the whole world can listen to special services, important conferences and wonderful preaching and stirring music twenty-four hours a day.
I listen on my computer while on-line. My iPhone and iPad both have the Holy Ghost Radio Apps that can be downloaded for free. It is available for Android phones as well. The quality has always great! They even have channels One and Two for listening options.
Last night I listened to HGR and it was being broadcast from Desert Hot Springs, CA where Bro. Royce Walker is the Pastor. A special conference there is currently in progress.
I tuned in a bit late, but it was like I was in church with them. I caught Bro. Timothy Spell in the middle singing a favorite old song. He does such an amazing job of praising the Lord in worship filled songs, that it will quickly bring you to your feet.
Bro. Kenneth Bow, my favorite preacher in the world… hands down, preached. No, I mean he PREACHED! Not only was the sermon masterfully put together and thought-provoking, it was packed with so much heavy anointing that I couldn’t help myself. I cried. I prayed. I never heard Bro. Bow preach any better than he did last night!
I was two-time zones and 1,800 miles away. But because of the burden of Bro. Jeff Hoffer I got to be in service with my friends via HGR.
What I did a long time ago on The Ballestero Blog was put a link connecting my readers to HGR. If I were a pastor today, I would place a link on my Church website as well.
I noticed last night that it is possible to become a sponsor to HGR. I can only imagine how many amazing testimonies and feedback sent in by it’s listeners.
Holy Ghost Radio. That says it all, really. It’s our Radio. It’s THE radio for the Holy Ghost filled. It promotes what we believe. It continually blesses the work of God around the world.
May we never take it for granted. May we always be appreciative of this phenomenal gift to the whole world and us Holy Ghost filled Apostolics in particular.
I offer major thanks to Br. Jeff Hoffer and mega kudos for a doing a first class job representing truth in an untoward generation.
I pray that if possible, every one of my readers will choose to do what I just did, and become a regular sponsor of this ministry. You will never be sorry, but you will be continually blessed.
May God Bless Holy Ghost Radio!
Click The Picture Below And Enjoy!
Screen shot of Holy Ghost Radio Website
Here is the Schedule of HGR coverage of the Desert Hot Springs Conference.
Have You Ever Been In Two Places At Once? I Have!
Have You Ever Been In Two Places At Once? I Have!
It sounds impossible, but it’s not. Actually, to those that can achieve the ability to be in two places at the same time, it will proved to be one of their life’s greatest blessings.
The Apostle John told us plainly that he had found the secret.
Revelation 1:9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Revelation 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,
John was an aged prisoner. He had outlived all of the other Apostles. He alone remained alive.
He had been banished to Patmos because he wouldn’t stop preaching the name of Jesus.
The deserted isle was not some luscious paradise, nor was it a vacation spot. It was used as a death row type prison. Even its name told him that he would never be released from this evil place.
“Patmos” means “my killing” (Dictionary of Scripture Proper Names by J.B. Jackson). It was a sterile island. “Sterile” meaning “1. Unable to produce offspring; infertile. 2. Free from living . . . 3. (Of plants or their parts) not producing or bearing seeds, fruit, spores, stamens, or pistils. 4. Lacking inspiration or vitality; fruitless” ~ Collins!”
http://www.gospel.org.nz/FreeArticles/Rodney%27sArticles/John%20on%20the.htm
Picture in your mind what it would have been like to be condemned to a hostile environment such as this. Most would give up in despair, knowing they were to die on this desolate island prison.
His banishment here was meant to be the death of him. His enemies wanted him to die. This was a place of doom, yet the Apostle chose not to focus on his surroundings.
Rather, he wrote a whole Book about being in another place. He wrote about what couldn’t be seen with his naked eye. He wrote about being in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day!
- On Patmos, John was in pain. And, at the same time… he was in the Spirit!
- On Patmos, John felt rejection. And, at the same time… he was in the Spirit!
- On Patmos, John was alone. And, at the same time… he was in the Spirit!
- On Patmos, John had no encouragement. And, at the same time… he was in the Spirit!
- On Patmos, death stalked John daily. And, at the same time… he was in the Spirit!
The Lesson Here Is, “You Don’t Have To Be Where You’re At!”
It Is Possible For You:
- To be living in pain. And, at the same time… be in the Spirit!
- To be living in grief. And, at the same time… be in the Spirit!
- To be living in despair. And, at the same time… be in the Spirit!
- To be living in defeat. And, at the same time… be in the Spirit!
- To be living in a heartache. And, at the same time… be in the Spirit!
- To be living in fear. And, at the same time… be in the Spirit!
- To be living with cancer. And, at the same time… be in the Spirit!
So, Where Do You Live?
Are You Living On Patmos 24/7? Or, Do You Ever Live In Two Places At Once?
“I’m Going To Run Away From Home!”
“I’m Going To Run Away From Home!”
That’s what I told my mom. I looked at her face and she didn’t seem to be overly shaken by the news, which
Me, Daddy (Carl) & Mama (Content) Ballestero 1951
was a good thing for me. So I relaxed a bit. I had already handled the hardest part. I’d made my big announcement. She smiled understandingly at me, as she touched my shoulder.
“Would you like me to help you pack your suitcase?” She asked, still smiling pleasantly.
My seven-year old brain didn’t pick up on the fact that she wasn’t overly shaken or alarmed by my desire to go, and was asking to help me pack.
I quickly accepted her assistance, because I had never packed a suitcase before. Mama was good at packing and always making sure I had everything I needed for trips.
I watched as she put my clothes in the little suitcase. There were enough changes to maybe get me through a whole week, which was good. She made sure my little Bible and toothbrush were also packed in the suitcase. There wasn’t any room left for my brown teddy bear. I felt a major twinge about that. I hadn’t planned on being that alone.
Mama and I took a final look around my room looking for anything else I might need to take with me. Finding nothing, she closed the lid and handed me the small suitcase.
I stood there a little uncertain about how my goodbye should be handled. Our family was a kissy and huggy kind of family.
Should I kiss and hug her good-bye, or should I just say, “Bye” and leave? I was unsure. Before I had time to figure it out, mama made the decision for me.
“Honey, put down your suitcase right there, because I would like to take you on a tour of the house before you go.”
I sat the suitcase down and followed behind mama as she walked down the hall toward her bedroom. She stopped in the doorway as I joined her, and we both looked into her modestly furnished room.
“Since you are never going to get to see this room again, I thought you might want to see for the last time, where your mommy and daddy sleep at night. This is where you came every night to say your bedtime prayers and get your good night kisses.
“It’s also where you came every morning to get hugs and kisses from mommy and daddy. But, since you’re leaving you’ve probably outgrown all that now, so you won’t have to come back here any more, but I wanted you to see it.”
I took a big gulp. I didn’t want to cry now. I hadn’t expected a tour of any kind. I’d just wanted to runaway.
She then took my hand and guided me to my sister’s bedroom.
“This is where Beverly and your little sister Carlene sleep, take a good look, you’ll never get to see your sisters again. (Beverly was almost six and Carlene was two.)
Mama then guided me by my bedroom and I looked at my teddy bear proudly sitting on my bed. I felt a big twinge.
The tour continued into the kitchen. Mama took great pains to explain to me that this was where she fixed my favorite meals. She also pointed out where I used to stand and talk to her, as she cooked.
“Here is where I made your pancakes, and cooked your favorite meals. In here is where I baked you cookies, pies, cakes and your favorite orange crusted biscuits!” She said as she pointed at the oven.
“You probably won’t be having any biscuits, cookies or pancakes where you’re going. You don’t know how to make those, and you don’t even have anything to make them with, if you did. So take a good look around.”
I hadn’t thought about never having biscuits, cookies or pancakes again. There were some things about running away I evidently hadn’t thought out completely. I got very serious.
We then walked into the dining room and stopped at the foot of the table where I always sat.
“Here is your place at the table, son. It’s going to look awful empty without you in it!”
She let that sink in a moment before we moved on. She pointed at the chairs.
“Here is where your daddy always sits, and here is where Beverly sits, and Carlene sits here, and I always sit over there. Take a good look, Honey, because you won’t ever get to see this table, or eat with us any more.”
I began to feel more alone than I had planned. Mama walked toward the living room, and I joined her looking at the couch and easy chairs.
“Over here is your daddy’s chair. That’s where he always sits during family devotions when he reads us a chapter from the Bible or reads from The Bible Story Book.
“Here is where I always sit, and there is where Beverly and Carlene sit, and over there is where you always sit.
Mama placed her arm around me as we stood side by side looking the room over.
“Well honey, I think that about concludes the tour of our home. I know you won’t ever get to see it again, because you won’t be coming back. But I want you to know and I want you to always remember how much you mommy and daddy love you.
Never forget how much your little sisters love you too. We are going to miss you every day. You will always be welcome here, because we will always love you.”
Then without a lengthy delay she continued her goodbyes.
“Oh, one more thing, I know I’ve shown you all through the house for the last time, but why don’t you kneel down with mama where we always pray for our family devotions and tell Jesus goodbye.
“You probably won’t be talking to Him anymore either.”
Tell Jesus goodbye? That thought shocked me childish mind. I hadn’t planned on telling Jesus goodbye. All I thought I wanted to do was runaway from home.
Without waiting for me to give any verbal response, mama knelt down at the old sofa and began to pray as only my mama could pray.
Mama was one of those precious Holy Ghost filled mama’s that prayed them heart-felt and spirit filled prayers. She never prayed very long without everyone around her knowing she had touched something pretty wonderful in the glory world.
She began to pray fervently, crying quickly and speaking in tongues. This was how mama always prayed, but today’s prayer and her crying took on new meaning for me as I knelt there beside her.
I listened to her crying, and I felt sure I had made my mama cry because I was running away. I listened to her pray and speak in tongues and knew she was surely talking to Jesus.
I had only been on my knees less than two or three minutes when I began to cry. I placed my arm around my mama and pulled myself close to her.
“Mama, I am so sorry for wanting to run away. I’m not going to go anywhere. I’m going to stay home with you.
Please forgive me, mama. I love you. I promise, I will never leave you. I won’t even get married, or nothing. I’m just going to stay with you!”
She slipped her arm around me, and hugged me tightly as she gave me a sweet kiss. And then she went back to finish her prayer time with the Lord.
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By chance have you been thinking lately about running away from Home?
- Have you been considering leaving the Father’s House?
- Have you?
Well, before you go, please, please permit me to take you on a tour of the church you’ve been part of for so long.
I want you look with me again at the place where the plan of salvation was first preached to you. I am pointing at the pulpit.
Remember feeling like you had sinned so bad that God would never forgive you? Can you hear your pastor’s voice once again saying that there was no sin you had ever committed that Jesus wouldn’t forgive you of? Remember him trying to give you hope? He was trying to tell you that God loved you no matter what.
I’m sure you remember him saying that you needed to believe in God’s promise, repent of your sins, be baptized in Jesus name, and then receive the gift of the Holy Ghost speaking in other tongues. Just like they did on the day of Pentecost.
Please look right over here at the altar where you first knelt down and repented of your sins. Remember how you felt when you felt you repented that night?
Now, I want you to come with me over to the baptistery and look into the place where your sins got washed away in Jesus name! Remember how clean you felt and how wonderful that experience was?
Then, when you came up out of the water you lifted your hands and God filled you with the Holy Ghost. You spoke in a language you’d never spoken in before! Take a look at this place again and ask your self if the world has anything that matches that.
Oh, see that aisle right there? Remember all the times you shouted, and danced for joy down those aisles?
Remember the night you came up to the front and stood right there in a healing line and God healed you instantly of cancer? The world can’t offer you that.
Look over there at the third pew where you’ve sat all these years. Remember that Sunday night you stood and testified about God healing you? Remember that?
Come over here to this door, look in here. This is the prayer room you always went to before service each night. You fought a lot of battles and won a lot of victories kneeling right there.
Please walk with me down this hall. Here is the Pastor’s office. He sure loves you. Think of the many times he’s given you counsel, direction and encouragement.
I know you’ll never forget how he would pray with you, and for you, before you left the room. I hope you can remember what that was like, because you won’t have anything like that anymore.
Now, we need to come back out into the auditorium and look it over real slow. Let the faces of each one come to mind as you look at where they sat during service. They loved you. They rejoiced and shouted the night you got saved. Those dear people will pray for you daily, when they realize you are gone. They will never give up on you.
Never forget how much you are loved here. We are going to miss you everyday. Don’t ever forget that the Lord truly loves you and gave His all for you!
Well, that pretty much concludes our little tour.
Aw, before you go, why don’t you kneel with me right here where you always pray, and then you can tell Jesus good-bye too…
Apostolic Expository Series
Christy Ballestero (My Beautiful DIL)
http://marciaballestero.com/
Pastor Anthony & Kim Ballestero, New Destiny Worship Center, Clearwater, FL (My Son)
Pastor Bryan & Christy Ballestero, Temple Of Pentecost, Raleigh, NC (My Son)
James Groce Blog – "Toward The Mark"
Kenneth Bow Blog
Kingdom Speak Podcast
Philip Harrelson – "The Barnabas Blog"
Verbal Bean Ministries
Holy Ghost Radio
The Ballestero Blog 