Archive for the ‘Love’ Category
Stupid Men With Smart Wives
Stupid Men With Smart Wives
How does that happen? It’s not all that uncommon today to see a stupid man with a smart wife. It makes everyone wonder about how they met and what was the attraction.
If she is so smart, why did she marry him? Did he con her? Did he keep his real self hidden from view until he married? Was she blinded by love?
Evidently, too many men have turned out to be, or act stupid after their marriage. If the wife had known how stupid he really was when they were courting, she quite possible would have never looked at him twice let alone married him.
I can even name a couple pretty stupid men in the Bible that were married to smart wives.
But, Let Me Just Focus On One, A Man Named Who Was Actually Named ‘Stupid’.
That’s Right, There Once Was A Man Named Stupid.
- That’s what his mama named him.
- He was called Nabal.
- Nabal = ‘Fool, Senseless’ (Hitchcock’s Dictionary of Bible Names)
- When it came to stupid, Nabal’s mama made sure he got to sit at the head of the class.
- He turned out to be the name they called him.
Nabal
He Was A Very Great Man, But He Was Also The Ultimate Senseless Fool.
1 Sam. 25:2 And there was a man in Maon, whose possessions were in Carmel; and the man was very great, and he had three thousand sheep, and a thousand goats: and he was shearing his sheep in Carmel.
- He was considered great because of what he had going on for himself.
- He had local respect and recognition.
- He had great means.
- He had a wonderful wife.
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Nabal Didn’t Fear God Nor Man
- Nabal was rich but he was also harsh and evil in his dealings. (1 Sam. 25:3).
- He didn’t care about helping others.
- He was focused on building his own kingdom, not helping God’s or anyone else’s.
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1 Sam. 25:3 Now the name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail: and she was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man was churlish and evil in his doings; and he was of the house of Caleb.
- She was Smart.
- She was Beautiful.
- She was Unappreciated.
- She was Ignored.
- He was Evil.
- He was Wicked
- But he came from a great family… Caleb’s
- A goodly heritage and background evidently is not enough. He was still stupid in his actions.
- He was Churlish – (rude, mean-spirited, discourteous, uncivil, impolite).
- He didn’t deserve his wonderful wife.
- Abigail was the very image of beauty, wisdom and grace.
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No One Could Talk To Him
- He was Mr. Macho.
- He refused to listen to his wife or anyone else.
- Stupid men view their wives as inferior.
- Sometimes that attitude erupts in anger, irrational behavior and even violence.
- A man couldn’t speak to him. 1Sam 25:17
- No one could reason with him.
- He was always right, everyone else was wrong.
- Nabal never got delivered from his nature.
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Abigail
- Abigail is described as “intelligent” and she is praised in 1Sam 25:33 because of her discernment.
- But Nabal never benefited from his wife’s wisdom.
- They were never a team in his mind.
- She even stopped David and his men from attacking Nabal and killing him.
- She fell on the ground before David to apologize for her husband and beg for mercy.
- David listened to Abigail.
- Abigail described her husband in a very sad way when she made her plea.
- 1Sam 25:25 Let not my lord, I pray thee, regard this man of Belial, even Nabal: for as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him:
- She said: “Please disregard my worthless husband, Nabal, is his name and it means foolish. That’s what he is.
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Abigail Saved Nabal’s Life
- He refused to even feed the hungry men that were with David. All they had asked for a piece of bread.
- He ordered them off of his property.
- When Abigail heard what happened, she immediately went to David’s camp and apologized.
- Abigail’s actions are the only thing kept David from slaughtering Nabal and his men.
- When she got home she wanted to tell her husband what she had just done but he was too drunk to talk to anyone.
- She had to wait till he sobered up the next morning, before she could speak to him.
Nabal Heart Died Within Him
1 Sam. 25:37 But it came to pass in the morning, when the wine was gone out of Nabal, and his wife had told him these things, that his heart died within him, and he became as a stone.
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Some Kinds Of Stupid, No One Can Fix. That’s When God Stepped In.
1 Sam. 25:38 And it came to pass about ten days after, that the Lord smote Nabal, that he died.
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Can Anyone Fix Stupid?
I Don’t Know For Sure.
Here’s How I Would Try To Fix Stupid In My Life.
1. Rekindle The Fear Of The Lord In My Life.
Prov 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
2. Repent – Turn Around.
3. Be a Man That Someone Can Talk To. Whether Pastor, Friend or Wife. Be Approachable.
4. Humble Myself Before God And Man… Including My Wife.
5. Admit I’m Wrong, Especially To My Wife And Family.
6. Willingly Take Godly Instruction. From The Bible, My Pastor, My Friends, And My Wife.
7. Never Let My Heart Die And Turn To Stone. (Because I Know What Happens In The Next Verse. That’s when God stepped in.)
So, if you ever see a stupid man with a smart and beautiful wife… pray for him, but pray more for her. She has a great big cross to bear in life.
When One Part Of Your Brain Hijacks The Other!
When One Part Of Your Brain Hijacks The Other!
Quite a few years ago, I was told about a new book and curiosity made me want to read it. The problem was, I was a little short of cash and not sure I wanted to spend what I had on a book instead of eat lunch.
I stopped by our local Barnes & Nobles Bookstore and asked the lady if they had the book, Emotional 
Intelligence in stock. They did, so I looked at it a few minutes and then found a nice easy chair and began to scan the pages for a bit longer. I read about fourteen pages and then I laid the book down and began to ponder on what I had just learned. I’ve never forgotten.
The premise put forward was that we all have two brains. (I was glad to find that out. I have been told I didn’t even have one.)
The author said that we each have a brain that thinks and a brain that feels. Our life may be at peace and functioning well, but turmoil, pain and great consequences come to us when one of our brains hijacks the other.
He Explained It By Describing Murders And Murderers.
The Brain That Thinks
The brain that thinks can get out of balance and push all emotions and normal feelings aside. It will then ignore every soft and tender thought the person ever had.
- He feels his mind is superior and he won’t get caught.
- He refuses to think about regrets and the pain he will cause.
- He devises ways to lure, entrap, and murder his victims.
Society uses the term Cold Blooded, Premeditated Murder, with Malice Aforethought.
Serial Killers must plan, calculate and orchestrate their dastardly deeds while ignoring every emotion that would stop them. Their brain that thinks hijacks the brain that feels. Society is very happy to lock that person behind bars for the rest of their life. They experience no remorse.
The Brain That Feels
The brain that feels can become so overwrought with painful emotion that it takes matters into it’s own hands and goes into what it believes is an appropriate action.
A loving wife may find her husband in the arms of another and her brain that feels immediately hijacks the brain that thinks.
- She is not worried about consequences.
- She hasn’t got time, in her mind, to worry about the law.
- She can only think about the hurt she feels.
We call it a crime of passion. It was a spur of the moment action. Nothing was preplanned. Sometimes juries have been a bit understanding and even lenient in such cases.
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When A Husband Is Unfaithful To His Wife.
The part of his brain that thinks, has to ignore and hijack the brain that feels. Unfaithfulness is not a spur of the moment action.
The brain that thinks hijacks the brain that feels and he convinces himself that he is no longer in love with his spouse. He says, he doesn’t love her anymore and hasn’t for some time. He tells her that to prepare her for what’s to come. He finds illogical fault with her to justify himself.
She is devastated and angry, and rightly so. The children quickly notice changes in daddy’s behavior and they become defensive of their mother and afraid of this man they loved.
Think about the all the emotional, logical, and spiritual Stop Signs and Road Blocks an unfaithful husband must pass before he arrives at where he thinks he wants to go.
- Permitting thoughts about another woman to have access into mind.
- Letting those thoughts become lustful and pleasurable.
- Creating a moment where the two of them can actually meet and talk.
- Making plans to meet again.
- Making plans to leave and divorce his wife.
- Ignoring the fact that he has no Bible right to leave his wife for another.
- The sending of Text Messages.
- The Emails back and forth.
- The secret Cell Phone calls.
- Then Deleting those Messages and Emails.
- The actual clandestine meeting.
- Touching her for the first time.
- The first kiss.
- The Motel.
Look how many stop sign he has to ignore. Look how many roadblocks he must step over. It’s pre-meditated. It’s planned. The brain that thinks has hijacked the brain that once felt love for his wife and family.
Nothing about unfaithfulness is accidental. It’s planned. It thought out. The brain that feels for God, family, and future has just been hijacked.
It makes no difference if the unfaithfulness is emotional or actual… it’s sin and it’s wrong.
Matthew 5:27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
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.
When his brain that thinks hijacked his brain that feels… He had to ignore every hurt and pain in his wife’s eyes, words and heart. He had to ignore the consequences for his actions. He had to ignore the damage he was doing to his home and his children.
- He had to push aside the loss of his standing with God.
- He had to ignore the loss of his participation in God’s Kingdom.
- He had to be willing to place his eternal salvation in jeopardy.
He had to arrive at a place that made him not think about how much he was throwing away.
He now had a new infatuation and he could not think about anything else but her; not even her husband or her children.
He must be proud of the fact that he is a thinker and has a high IQ. In his own mind, he is smarter than the others who are crying. He refuses to let any emotional connection with his own wife and children stop him from achieving his goals. They have only become baggage and now he wants to be free from them.
Although He Knows These Passages In Proverbs, He Totally Ignores Them.
Proverbs 6:23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:
Proverbs 6:24 To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.
Proverbs 6:25 Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.
Proverbs 6:26 For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.
Proverbs 6:27 Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?
Proverbs 6:28 Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?
Proverbs 6:29 So he that goeth in to his neighbour’s wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent.
Proverbs 6:30 Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry;
Proverbs 6:31 But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.
Proverbs 6:32 But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.
Proverbs 6:33 A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.
Proverbs 6:34 For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.
Proverbs 6:35 He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.
Proverbs 7:27 Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.
When a husband becomes unfaithful. He is not the only one now with a problem. His selfish thinking and actions have immobilized all those around him that love him. His marriage is paralyzed and may never be restored. His children will never respect him for the way he selfishly walked out on them and their mother.
Later in moments of reflection, he is prone to think he is the only one who needs counseling and help. That thinking is either being naïve, stupid or stubborn. AA and Al-Anon both include the addict and their family in the process. What one person did, now has become a problem for all those who once loved him.
Where Does One Turn To For Guidance And Help With Improper Thinking?
There Is Not Much Hope For Restoration To A Once Godly Marriage Or To Having A Sound Mind Again, If God And His Word Are Left Out Of The Equation. Restoration Is Of The Lord.
Psalms 16:7 I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.
AMP: Psalm 16:7 I will bless the Lord, Who has given me counsel; yes, my heart instructs me in the night seasons.
If one of your brains has hijacked the other, God will bring release and restoration to your mind if you will turn to Him. He will deliver you. Refusing God’s intervention will only set you up for more devil’s play.
Sir: If There Is To Be ANY Hope Of Restoration In Your Marriage And In Your Walk With God, It’s Up To You To:
- Choose to repent to God, your wife, and pastor.
- Choose to let God’s Word and God’s man guide you into complete restoration.
- Choose to love your wife with all your heart.
- Choose to reassure her.
- Choose to be careful about your thoughts, feeling and interaction with the opposite sex.
- Choose to clear yourself from further suspicion.
- Choose to connect with your wife, family and God like you never have before.
- Choose to live for God and not throw your soul away.
May The Lord God guide your thoughts, your actions, and your motives every day and keep you from all evil and iniquity. May your heart tenderly guide you in all the night seasons.
Now Go Do The Right Thing!
Are You Worth Fighting For?
Are You Worth Fighting For?
We have all heard uncomplimentary remarks by old timers about those people they considered
worthless and no good. They said things like:
- “Ah, they’re not worth the lead it would take to blow…”
- “They’re not worth their salt.”
We have all learned that helping some people can be an exercise in frustration and futility. In choosing our battles and those we fight for, where do we draw a line and fight? When do we throw in the towel?
Go To God’s Word And Examples For Guidance.
Moses – Israel
God was so angry at Israel because of their quickness to backslide, He wanted to kill them and start all over. He told His plan to Moses.
Exodus 32:31 And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold.
Exodus 32:32 Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin–; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.
Moses knew the wickedness of Israel and although he could never justify their actions, he refused to give up on them. He told God; if You are going to blot them out, then just blot me out too. Moses fought for Israel even in their disobedience and wickedness.
Moses Persuaded God To Show Mercy.
Samuel – King Saul
1 Samuel 15:10 Then came the word of the LORD unto Samuel, saying,
1 Samuel 15:11 It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.
Saul was reckless in his life choices and was disobedient to God’s Word. Samuel, even with all his pristine character and godliness, could not help but cry for Saul. Saul wasn’t even crying for himself. Yet Samuel fought with tear all night long.
Pastors – Saints and Sinners
Certainly we can be grateful to live at a time when God’s Mercy is so readily available. Yet, in spite of this, a pastor’s job is never done. He does his best to keep fighting for every soul. He fights for those who want help. He even fights for those who don’t seem to be fighting for themselves.
There Is No Such Thing As A ‘Throw-A-Way Soul.”
Paul – Timothy
2 Timothy 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
2 Timothy 2:26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
Paul’s advice to Pastor Timothy was, don’t be harsh. These sinful people are their own problem. They can’t blame anyone else but themselves. It just may be that God will let them repent and admit the truth about themselves. It may be that God will let them recover and be restored. So, don’t give up on them. Fight for them. They aren’t doing a very good job of fighting for themselves. They need you.
- Fight for their souls.
- Fight for their mercy.
- Fight for their forgiveness.
- Fight for their restoration.
- Fight for their marriage.
- Fight for their family.
- Fight for their future.
- Fight for their eternity.
- Fight for them…
Remember:
1 Corinthians 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
Are You Worth Fighting For? Absolutely!
She’s Not PLU
She’s Not PLU
Two proud ladies sat talking talked in confidential tones about a newcomer in their small town while in the presence of a local official.
“She’s not PLU,” said the first lady to the man.
“PLU?” He asked with a wrinkle in his brow.
“Yes, PLU. People Like Us.” She gave a knowing smirk of superiority and leaned back in her chair satisfied with her belief that she was the better person.
*This incident may not be common conversation in everyone neighborhood, but the Bible shows us that it truly has been a problem for thousands of years.
In Biblical Times
One Of The First Instructions To Israel After They Exited From Egypt Was How To Treat The Non-Believers That Chose To Live Among Them.
Leviticus 19:34 But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.
God reminded Israel, that if anyone should know what it felt like to be the one that doesn’t fit in, it should be them.
“Love him as thyself,” was the Lord’s commandment!
Jesus Repeated That Commandment To His Followers.
He told them it was the second greatest commandment. If the subject had to be revisited by Him after 4,000 years, then why should we think that it is not needed today?
Mark 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
Mark 12:31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
Some that heard Jesus that day didn’t really feel comfortable having anyone mess with their PLU Club. Their response was, “Who is my neighbor?”
Remember The Story Of the Good Samaritan?
Luke 10:29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?
Luke 10:30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
Luke 10:31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
Luke 10:32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
Luke 10:33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
Luke 10:34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
Luke 10:35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
Luke 10:36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
The Priest wouldn’t help him.
The Levite wouldn’t help him.
The one that helped him was someone that was not PLU.
Remember The Uncomfortableness In The Religious Caste System When Jesus Ate With Sinners?
The inner circle only approved of Jesus talking and visiting with other PLU.
Luke 15:2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.Simon “The Leper” Threw A Religious Hissy Fit When Mary Washed His Feet.
Luke 7:39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.
Simon was a LEPER and he was honored by the Lord’s presence. Yet, he could not believe that Jesus would tolerate the likes of someone like Mary. She’s not PLU.
Jesus never showed anger at a sinner. He did show much displeasure with the self-righteous who tolerated no one that wasn’t PLU.
Jesus Tried To Abolish The PLU Club. He Told Stories That Illustrated His Feelings.
The King’s Son’s Wedding.
Matthew 22:9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.
Matthew 22:10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.
Luke 14:21 So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.
*The King ordered his servants to bring in whomever they could, even if they were not PLU.
Richman And Lazarus
Luke 16:19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
Luke 16:20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
Luke 16:21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs, which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
Luke 16:22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
Luke 16:23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
Luke 16:24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
Luke 16:25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
Luke 16:26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they, which would pass from hence to you, cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
Luke 16:27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house:
Luke 16:28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
Luke 16:29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
Luke 16:30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
Luke 16:31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
Why Did The Richman Go To Hell?
What Sin Did The Richman Commit? I’m Not God, You’re Not God. But It Would Appear That The Greatest Accusation Against The Richman Was His Abhorrence Of Those That Were Not PLU.
It Was Said Of Jesus: “He Saved Others”
Do we reach out to the ‘others’ in our town? Or, do we only try to connect with PLU?
The Last Communication From John The Baptist In Prison Required That Jesus Give Proof That He Was The Messiah.
Luke 7:20 When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?
Luke 7:21 And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.
Luke 7:22 Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.
*The proof that Jesus sent back to John, was that the Door was now open to those who were not PLU
The Last Words Of Jesus To His Disciples Was About PLU And Those That Were Not PLU.
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.
The Holy Ghost Was To Be For Everyone. Not Just PLU.
Even Peter initially struggled with the concept of salvation being for those that were not PLU. God had to give him an attitude adjustment before he went to preach to Cornelius.
They Continued Steadfastly
Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
The whole New Testament church fellowshipped together regularly. No one was left out. They socialized together. Everyone was included.
Today
We lock our doors.
We have passwords.
We have different Sororities.
We have different Fraternities.
We have different Gangs.
We have different Neighborhoods.
We have different Clubs.
We have Clicks.
We have Pecking Orders.
We have snobs.
We have bigots.
We have racists.
We are afraid of all those that are not like us.
Organizations And Independents
Some Organization have little acceptance of Independents.
Some Independents have little acceptance of Organizations.
Some Organizations have little acceptance of other Organizations.
Some Organization’s members often do not speak to those that are not PLU.
Some Independents return the favor.
Some church members have tried to ignore members of another church at the mall and restaurant.
Some churches would prefer that those of a different ‘race’ go to another church.
Why Is that?
God only has one Race… The Human Race.
God only has one Church Body.
He doesn’t have a white church, a black church, a Hispanic church or an Asian church.
He just has one church.
These Card Carrying Members Of The Local PLU Club:
Resist and Hinder Apostolic Revival.
Bring a spirit of strife and cause confusion in the church.
Exhibit the spirit of a Pharisee.
Create clicks with PLU and share negative opinions about others.
Make others feel unwelcome and unwanted.
Destroy unity in the church and thereby stop revival.
I Am Not Talking About Holiness Minded People, Compromising Their Beliefs.
I Am Talking About Members Of The Church Of Jesus Christ, Loving Every Sinner And Every Saint.
What I Am Talking About Is Opening Our Arms And Our Church Doors To Those That Are Hurting And Need God.
In Every Local Hospital.
There are some wealthy people sick in bed there.
There are some poor people there too.
There are some that are educated and some that are illiterate.
There are some homeowners and some homeless.
The door to the Emergency Room is never locked.
Every hurting, bleeding and desperate person is welcomed and attended to.
That Is How The Church Should Be.
Loving the unlovable
Caring for those who can’t take care of themselves.
Helping those that need direction.
We are a spiritual hospital.
Remember…
Matthew 25:40 …Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Happy Birthday Marisa Ballestero – Hartzell
Happy Birthday Marisa Ballestero – Hartzell
From the very first moment I laid eyes on you and held you in my arms, I was smitten! A daddy will cherish baby moments like those forever. I have.
I’ve loved you from that moment on!
I enjoyed holding you in my arms, and selfishly wanted those baby moments to never end. You were absolutely gorgeous then, and if possible, even more now!
No father could be more proud of his daughter than I am of mine. Your beauty and grace became legendary in your youth. You are the word ‘Hospitality’ wrapped up in a lovely dress.
Your creative talents and abilities never cease to amaze everyone that knows you. Especially me! You excel at everything you attempt. You have never stopped making your old dad proud!
I know for a fact too, that you are the Second Best Cook in the world. (You already know about your Mom. J)
How blessed your husband and children are! How blessed your Mom and I are!
- I watch you sing and worship in church with all your heart and I thank God you’re my girl.
- I look at you living modestly in an immodest world, and I thank God you’re my girl.
- I see how tender and loving you are with your family and friends, and I thank God you’re my girl.
- I see the wonderful things you do as a mother and homemaker, and I thank God you’re my girl.
- When there is fun and laughter in the building, I hear your voice in the middle of the festivities, and I thank God you’re my girl.
- I know how loving, faithful, supportive, and complimentary you are to your husband, and I thank God you’re my girl.
- Every time I pick up the phone and hear your sweet voice saying, “I love you Daddy!” I thank God you’re my girl!
I love You Marisa!
Have The Happiest Of Birthdays
She Wouldn’t Stop Talking About Her Old Love.
She Wouldn’t Stop Talking About Her Old Love.
All she could talk about was her former love. She dreamed of him in heart every day and spoke aloud of her deep passion for him to the amazement of her startled listeners. After all she was a married woman. If she was so in love with a memory, then why get married to another?
Like an air-headed bride who was clueless that her remarks about her past love life would ever ruin her present relationship, she couldn’t stop talking, she just wouldn’t quit. Her husband’s heart hurt knowing that although she was married to him, she was still in love with her old love.
Some around her remembered her former lover and agreed, that he was all that she remembered. Yet others felt deeply saddened that the one she now lived with, and who loved her very much, had heard her thoughtless comments. They knew he would spend the rest of his life competing with her old flame.
Why would a bride openly talk of a past love? Was she trying to sabotage her marriage? Didn’t she know anything about how to behave in a relationship? Couldn’t she brag on her current her husband? Why did she only say sweet things about her former love, and nothing about her current husband? Something was horribly wrong with this picture. Everyone could see where things were headed.
Strangers shook their heads and wondered that she could be so bold as to publicly proclaim that she still carried a torch for her man of yesterday and brag on him in her new husband’s face.
Hers may not be a married relationship much longer if the groom grows weary of hearing her old lover’s name.
Many that heard her remarks, formed the opinion that she truly wasn’t in love with the one she was married to, or that she was so disappointed in her new marriage that she didn’t care what happened.
How could a bride be so stupid? Why would she tear down her own marriage? Why couldn’t she keep some of her pleasant memories buried in her heart and savor them privately, if she must. Why wasn’t she discreet? Why wasn’t she in love with the one who now loved her?
She was a married woman! If she couldn’t give all of her love to her husband, why did she bother to even get married?
Shamed husbands aren’t alone in their embarrassment and hurt. The Lord God also knows the pain of playing second fiddle to an air-headed love.
The Story Of Hosea- Gomer.
The Lord told the prophet Hosea to marry a woman who was a common prostitute. He wanted Him to marry a woman who would be unfaithful. He wanted Hosea to understand His heartache and pain in loving Israel, while they were still in love with Egypt.
Israel – Egypt
God loved Israel, yet Israel had other lovers. Not only did she remember her past loves, she too, like an air-headed bride wouldn’t quit talking about them, and God heard her.
He knew that no matter what He did for her, she would always be in love with another.
It was stupid of her to forget who was feeding her, fighting her battles and blessing her every day. She wasn’t interested in a relationship with Jehovah. She just wanted to be kept, while she remembered what she considered to be the good things about her past.
Israel had complained about Egypt while she lived there, but although Egypt was now ancient history, Israel seemed to forever talk about her memories.
Those memories caused her taste buds to drool over the most mundane of things. Israel actually cried real tears.
Numbers 11:4 And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?
Numbers 11:5 We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick:
It was like Israel regularly kept visiting the grave of her dead husband, decorating the site with fresh flowers and spending hours everyday weeping over what no longer was.
Israel Lusted After The Things Of Egypt.
She Quickly Forgot What Jehovah Was Doing for Her.
Psalm 106:13 They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel:
Psalm 106:14 But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert.
Israel tempted the Lord ten times in the wilderness by lusting after the things in her past, and complaining about what she now had and didn’t have, until God sent fiery serpents among them.
They Were Too Clueless To Realize They Were Tempting God!
Today’s Generation Loves Pleasure More Than God
This is a pleasure driven society. The good news is that all pleasure is not bad. The bad news is, that one of the warning signs of the last days would be that men would love pleasure more than they loved God. We’re here!
2 Timothy 3:4 …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.
What do we speak of the most? Is it sports, recreation, entertainment, fine dining, video games, travel, or the Lord?
As the Bride of Christ, shouldn’t we understand about relationships? Shouldn’t we wake up to the realization that if we really want a relationship with the Jesus Christ…
- Maybe, just maybe He should be on our minds, and not the lusts of our flesh.
- Maybe, just maybe we should talk about Him more often, and not the world.
- Maybe, just maybe, we should be in love with Him, not the world.
- Maybe, just maybe we should talk about our love for Him and not about our love for the things of this world.
Do You Feel That You And Jesus Have A Good Relationship?
Then Why Mess Up?
There Is Nothing Worth Losing Your Soul Over!
If others hear you talk about the things of the world more than the things of God, your relationship with the Lord is certainly in trouble.
Take another look at what you have now. Don’t lose it. No one can go back to a memory, not ever.
Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
Deuteronomy 6:5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
Deuteronomy 6:6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
Deuteronomy 6:7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
Your Husband Might Be Somewhat Understanding, But God Will Not Be.
He’s A Jealous God.
Shouldn’t Porn Viewers Be Called Adulterers Too?
Shouldn’t Porn Viewers Be Called Adulterers Too?
God chose to create a helpmate that would be most desirable in the eyes of Adam. He succeeded and did a perfect job in the creation of Eve.
The plan was for man and woman to live together in a bond that was secure from sensual influences outside of the sanctity of their marriage. They each were given power over the others emotions and senses.
1Cor 7:4 The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.
When we step out of the safety of our house to go to work, for example, we no doubt will soon see someone of the opposite gender. For most men, it is a non-event that is completely ignored. No untoward stimuli is involved in their public observations.
For others, the looking is what triggers a chain of events that makes them vulnerable for a horrible downfall. They ogle and allow their mind and their thoughts to join in creating an ungodly fantasy.
When Jesus told His hearers, that when a man looked longingly upon a woman other than his wife, he was guilty of adultery in his heart.
Matt 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.
Unlike our generation, no one listening to the sermon Jesus preached that day ever heard of the word porn or pornography. They 
understood clearly though that improperly looking upon a woman was not pleasing to God.
Hotel staff members tell me their highest room porn rentals of the year (on the room’s TV) is during men’s conferences and youth conferences. God help!
Today, with all the promotion of books, magazines and the Internet, experiencing adultery in the heart, is at an all time high… even in the privacy of your own home, since you can find online sites as www.snapchatnudes.net that have adult pictures online.
If what Jesus said is applied to the current porn industry, then it is possible to never see the ‘actress’ live and in real life, and yet watch her online and be guilty of adultery in your heart.
Why is it that those who are known to view pornography are not called adulterers? Isn’t that what they are?
If porn viewers are guilty of adultery, then they need to repent for that. Sir, please carefully guard yourself, your home, your relationship with your wife, and your eternal future. It quickly becomes an addiction that may possibly lead to, or accompany your moral failure.
Repentance (confessing) is the first step. Is the spirit of adultery in your heart? It doesn’t have to stay there. Forsaking is the next step you must take. Then, thirdly, I recommend a good old-fashioned praying through! Accountability will help keep you and your wife safe.
- The Repentance,
- Forsaking and a
- Renewing of the Holy Ghost is imperative!
- Make yourself accountable.
The Psalmist prayed, ‘Create in me a clean heart.’ That should be the prayer of every man who desires to make heaven his home, and his home a heaven.
Now, get up from your computer and go spend some time showing attention to that beautiful bride you pledged your ‘I Do’ to!!
You Won’t Be Sorry!
The Day I Obtained The Favor Of God
The Day I Obtained The Favor Of God
I have precious family members and the dearest of friends whose lives have been greatly pained by a marriage that went bad. I hurt for them and have cried for them and with them. None of us knows when we select a mate, what the future holds. Anyone can choose to go wrong.
Those of us who have loving and faithful spouses sometimes fail to appreciate how good we really have it!
So, I do not write today in an arrogant or boastful manner, nor do I mean to be hurtful to anyone, let alone disrespectful.
I simply write as one who is abundantly thankful to have found a girl who loves God with all of her heart, and who loves me more than words can tell!
So, Let Me Tell You How I Feel About My Marriage!
I feel the day I obtained the ‘favor’ of God was on a Saturday. The weather was perfect, and it was 2 o’clock in the afternoon August 14, 1965. This truly was, and has remained, the most wonderful day in my life! (Besides receiving the Holy Ghost.)
That Was The Day God Gave Me The Best Helpmate In The World!
She Just Happened To Be The Most Beautiful Girl In The World Too!
KJV Proverbs 18:22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
Vine’s Words: ‘Favour’
Ratson, raw-tsone’; from (ratsah); delight (especially as shown) :- (be) acceptable (-ance, -ed), delight, desire, favour, (good) pleasure.
Strong’s Greek & Hebrew Dictionary.
MSG Proverbs 18:22 Find a good spouse, you find a good life— and even more: the favor of GOD!
NLT Proverbs 18:22 The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the LORD.
TLB Proverbs 18:22 The man who finds a wife finds a good thing; she is a blessing to him from the Lord.
Not only Did I Obtain The Favor Of God (KJV) On August 14, 1965…
- I also found a treasure! (The MSG)
- I also found a good spouse! (NLT)
- I also found a good life! (NLT)
- I also received a blessing from the Lord! (TLB)
Matthew Henry Commentary and others are careful to point out the ‘good wife’ part of the passage. In a day when about half of marriages become dissolved, I am blessed to still enjoy the love of my life. Mine, is a ‘good wife.’
Matthew Henry Commentary Proverbs 18:22
1. A good wife is a great blessing to a man. He that finds a wife…that is, a good wife indeed, a jewel of great value, a rare jewel; he has found that which will not only contribute more than any thing to his comfort in this life, but will forward him in the way to heaven.
2. God is to be acknowledged in it with thankfulness; it is a token of his favour, and a happy pledge of further favours; it is a sign that God delights in a man to do him good and has mercy in store for him; for this, therefore, God must be sought unto.
Barnes’ Notes on Proverbs 18:22
The sense seems to require, “Whoso findeth a good wife,” as in some Chaldee manuscripts; but the proverb writer may be looking at marriage in its ideal aspect, and sees in every such union the hands of God joining together man and woman for their mutual good.
This Groom Is Singing The Weddings First Song, To God. “I Want To Thank You.”
Like Me, This Groom Is Indeed Thankful For His Wife.
Happy Valentines Day To Marcia Starr Ballestero, My Life Long Love!
Your consecrated walk with God has brought to our home and to me the blessings and the favor of the Lord.
I will never be able to thank you enough for the great gift you are to me and our children, and our children’s children! You my Dear are the BEST!
I’M IN LOVE WITH YOU!
“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.
≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
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…
He Called You A Liar!
He Called You A Liar!
Who did? David did. David called us all liars. He even wrote it down on paper too, so everyone would read it and know that’s what he said.
Ps 116:11 I said in my haste, All men are liars.
Defending Your Honor
In the not too distant past, men that were called liars, felt the need to defend their honor in a duel with a sword or a pistol. The outcome proved little except who was a better shot or swordsman. Not much was actually solved about the lying part. Sometimes it was the liar that lived because he was better with a gun.
Generations ago, a man’s word was his bond. Today? No one believes what you say! Don’t even argue that point.
This Generation Takes It For Granted That Everyone Lies.
Even The State You Live In Thinks You Might Be A Liar
Two weeks ago, I applied for a Driver’s License in a new state. I also needed to get license plates for my vehicle. The exercise took a total of eight frustrating trips to the DMV before we had all the papers they required.
We rounded up all the below, because they said the state law required it:
- My old Driver’s License
- My Birth Certificate – original with a seal
- My Passport
- Two utility bills at the new address
- Proof of Insurance purchased in the new state.
- Receipt of Property Tax payment.
- The old Car Registration.
- The Car Title
- Our Marriage License. (Yes, we needed our Marriage License to get our Drivers License… Who knew?)
I had to have all of that before they would even give me an eye exam and take my picture.
- My word wasn’t good enough.
- They required proof that I was who I said I was.
When You Travel, Your Government Suspects You Of Lying
The TSA will thoroughly check you to make sure you are whom you say and that you are mostly harmless.
- They check your documents,
- They will check your possessions,
- They will check your body language,
- And, then they check you. I mean, they will check you.
- They will check you with metal detectors,
- They will check you with body imaging machines,
- They will check your body with their hands.
Business Men Suspect You Of Lying
- They give Credit Checks on all prospective customers.
- Most contracts are not even valid without a signature, and two witnesses.
- We then, must have Lawyers or Notary Publics (providing the certified translation service, if necessary) to witness and verify the transaction.
In The Court Room.
- A witness will have to place one hand on a Bible and raise the other one to affirm that they will tell the truth.
- They then are placed under oath to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
- The Court, the Lawyers and the Jury then tries to determine if someone is lying.
- Lawyers want their witness to be ‘believable.’
These Are But A Few Things That This Generation Submits To, To Prove They Are Not Lying.
- God knows when we lie!
- You can’t fool Him.
- He even has His own tests constructed to show Him, and all others when we lie.
- One of the first and most important of these Divine tests is simply this:
1Jn 4:20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
1Jn 4:21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
Have You Been Lying Lately?
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 