Archive for the ‘Mercy’ Category
He’s Messed Up! He’s Damaged Goods!
He’s Messed Up! He’s Damaged Goods!
When those words are spoken, the mental picture that is conjured up repulses my mind.
- No one treasures damaged goods.
- No one puts damaged goods on display as a thing of beauty.
- No one collects damaged goods as a hobby.
- No one specifically goes shopping for damaged goods.
- Damaged goods are almost always discarded and thrown away.
- Their valuable is next to nothing.
- The only future for damaged goods are in places like, Salvage Yards, Thrift Stores, City Dumps or maybe even a Yard Sale.
Granted, when I shop for new merchandise or articles of clothing, I never buy ‘seconds’ or ‘imperfects’ off the rack. I also ignore the container with the dent or major scratch sitting on the shelf. I look only for the perfect product.
And there, my Gentle Reader, is how we humans assign damaged goods to its inevitable doom.
Yet the Pastor part of me will never die. The part that always hopes against hope for a soul. That never wants to stop reaching for someone who has made the mistake of his or her life. If peradventure God will grant them repentance.
- What do we do with people when they become damaged goods?
- Do we finish them off?
- Do we keep them at arm’s length?
- Do we discount and destroy all the good they have accomplished?
- Do we cut them off and never call them again?
We only want to use the scriptures about The Potter’s marred and broken vessel when it concerns and benefits us.
I’ve seen too many fail that were never seen again, but I’ve lived long enough to see some exceptions.
There is no such thing as a throw away soul!
It is possible that we are ‘done’ with some folks before God is.
We all have met too many that seem to delight, and get pleasure, in telling the news of other’s moral failures. Why?
Why would anyone delight in passing news like that along?
Whether the news is about a saint or a preacher, I don’t wish to receive it even if there are two or three witnesses. I don’t want it to be true.
- People that enjoy hearing such things normally have bigger problems of their own.
- My mind is repulsed by the news.
- My gut sickens when I hear that someone I know has made a horrible mess of their life.
- When you heard the news, what did you do?
- Were you happy?
- Did you feel inward joy that a conservative brother messed up?
- Did you drop to your knees and pray? If not, why not?
- Did you weep tears for them? If not, why not?
- David did. He wept for his enemy like he would have at his own Mother’s funeral. Psa. 35:14 I behaved myself as though he had been my friend or brother: I bowed down heavily, as one that mourneth for his mother.
- If it was your enemy did you rejoice?
- If you did, I fear you’ve invited the displeasure of God upon yourself.
My Father warned me, when I was a young preacher, to never play Prosecuting Attorney or Private Investigator in the Kingdom of God.
I wish to add a third warning. Never be the Newspaper Publisher either.
Gal. 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Let me tell you a short and unknown Bible Story.
Israel had been held in captivity for 70 years. When they returned to their beloved city of Jerusalem, their hearts were crushed with despair. The walls had been broken down and most of the city burned. They had to rebuild the walls immediately. Nehemiah’s burden led the workers.
The enemies and critics of Israel watched and spouted their negative opinions.
Neh. 4:2 And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned?
All that was left for Israel to rebuild the glorious walls of Jerusalem were heaps of burnt stones. They dug in the rubbish looking for damaged goods that they could restore.
Even the enemy recognized their dilemma and the futility of the idea. Yet that is exactly what happened.
Workmen picked up the stones one by one. They no doubt did their best to wipe away the stains of fire and dirt. Maybe they even washed them. I don’t know. One by one they cleansed each stone and then applied new mortar and placed them into the wall. The wall of Jerusalem was repaired using damaged stones from rubbish piles.
Neh. 4:7 But it came to pass, that when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem were made up, and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very wroth,
Neh. 6:15 So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days.
Neh. 12:43 Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off.
When they finished rebuilding the walls, a God ‘thing’ happened. God made them all get so happy that the noise of their joy was heard a long ways away.
The walls of Jerusalem that still stand today, were rebuilt with damaged goods. Burnt stones from the rubbish heaps now fit perfectly in place in the wall. It looks beautiful.
When you look at the walls today and take pictures of its grandeur, do you ever stop and think, “That wall was built with damaged goods”?
I didn’t think so.
Of that then do you think the Body of Christ is made up today? If you’re honest, you will have to say that God knows how to use, He knows where to put, and He knows how to restore damaged goods.
Does God ever use damaged goods again? Just ask Him.
Two Ways To Remove Your Past
There Are Two Ways To Remove Your Past, Man’s Way And God’s Way.
The laws of man have provided a way for the guilty to get their past sealed or expunged. I was in the Federal Building in Tacoma today and saw a very nice pamphlet that described to the general public how to expunge their criminal record.
Reading that made me look further. Online I found a great website that describes the process in detail for the residents of Washington. I am glad that this is available for those that wish to turn their lives around.
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Expungement of Criminal Records in Washington State -7 Steps to Clearing Your Record
You don’t have to be stuck with a criminal conviction on your record. Your Washington State criminal conviction can be expunged if you meet the criteria. And after your conviction is expunged, Washington State law permits you to state you have not been convicted for employment purposes.
Expungement is an often misunderstood term and process. In Washington State expungement of a criminal record or criminal conviction is accomplished by Vacating the Criminal Conviction. The terms Expungement and Vacating are largely interchangeable, the difference being that Vacating is the legal term.
Expungement of a criminal record by vacating the conviction does not destroy or seal the file. However, it is possible to destroy, or expunge, an arrest record if the eligibility requirements are met. When an arrest record is expunged, the booking photos and fingerprints are destroyed and removed from the police record.
In Washington State, the expungement process differs between felony and misdemeanor convictions. The following 7 steps are an overview of what is involved.
1. The Required Time Period has Passed Since the Case Completed.
The first eligibility requirement to expunge your conviction in Washington State is passage of the required time period. For a misdemeanor, the time period begins to run on the date the case is Closed. For a felony conviction, the time period begins to run on the date a document called a Certificate of Discharge is filed with the court. In both instances, a case is Closed or a Certificate of Discharge is filed after all the sentence conditions are completed as required.
2. The Conviction is Eligible for Expungement.
Certain convictions, and classifications of convictions, are not eligible for Expungement in Washington State. Generally, class A felonies (the most serious), sex crimes, and violent crimes cannot be expunged in Washington State. Among misdemeanors, Washington State does not permit a DUI conviction to be expunged.
3. You Meet the Clean Behavior Requirement.
Two situations will make your conviction ineligible for expungement. For a misdemeanor, if you were convicted of another crime on a later date then you would not be eligible to have the misdemeanor expunged. For example, if you were convicted of a misdemeanor in 1995, and another crime in 1997, then the 1995 crime would not be eligible to be expunged. For a felony, if you were convicted of another crime after the date the Certificate of Discharge was filed then you cannot expunge the felony.
4. Special Rule for Misdemeanors.
Washington State has an interesting rule that applies only to misdemeanor convictions. To expunge a misdemeanor, you cannot have had any other conviction expunged (vacated). What this means is if a person has a felony conviction and a misdemeanor conviction, and the person expunged the felony conviction first, then the misdemeanor could no longer be expunged. However, if the misdemeanor was expunged first, and if the misdemeanor conviction occurred before the felony conviction, then the felony could still be expunged.
5. Preparation.
An expungement, or vacation of a criminal conviction, requires a judge to sign a court Order. The court process is begun by filing a Motion to Vacate Conviction with the court. Prior to filing the Motion, you should get copies of the Docket and the Judgment & Sentence from the court clerk. You should also obtain a criminal history report, called a WATCH Report, from the Washington State Patrol website.
6. Your Day In Court.
Most Washington State courts require a hearing to Expunge, or Vacate, a criminal conviction. Most courts do not require you to attend if you have a lawyer appearing at the hearing on your behalf. If the preparation has been done properly, then the hearing should go very smoothly and the judge will sign the Court Order Vacating your criminal conviction.
7. Your Criminal Record is Cleared.
The court clerk processes the Order and sends a certified copy to the Washington State Patrol, which removes the conviction from the public database. The FBI record is updated based on the Washington State record. And, if the Order was prepared correctly, a copy will also be sent to the police department that handled the case and your record will also be cleared in their file. Your conviction has now been expunged (vacated), and your criminal record is cleared.
As you can see, you don’t have to be stuck with a criminal conviction on your record. It is not difficult to expunge a conviction in Washington State if you meet the straightforward criteria. In most cases, these 7 steps take only a few weeks to complete.
Copyright ©2008 Douglas Stratemeyer. All Rights reserved.
Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/criminal-articles/expungement-of-criminal-records-in-washington-state-7-steps-to-clearing-your-record-588959.html#ixzz1EM5KIxdu
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He can do it in one day. Once you have repented of your sins and been baptized in Jesus name according to Acts 2:38.
Your Sins Are Then:
1. Covered By His Blood.
Rom. 4:7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
2. Forgiven Immediately
Col. 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
3. Blotted Out
Col. 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
4. Removed
Psa. 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
5. He Forgives All Sins.
Mark 3:28 Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme:
Matt. 12:31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men:
6. Your Sins Will Be Washed Away In Baptism In Jesus Name.
Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
7. If You Sin, He Will Even Be Your Defense Attorney.
1John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1John 1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
1John 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
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We All Are Invited To Take Advantage Of This Immediately.
Heb. 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
Heb. 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Heb. 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Do It Today!
Sinner! Backslider! I don’t care what you’ve done, where you’ve gone or how low you have fallen, God’s Mercy is available for you today. He’s waiting for you to make that move. Get your sins forgiven and washed away now.
Take Me To Mercy
Take Me To Mercy
Last week I was in Bakersfield, California with my good friend, Pastor Kenneth Bow. He was taking care of his mother’s estate and settling her affairs. As we drove down a main thoroughfare in the city, I was greatly surprised to read these words written on the side of the city bus.
“Take me to Mercy!”
The big yellow bus was advertising Bakersfield’s Mercy Hospital. But the slogan brought this precious Scripture passage to my mind:
Heb. 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Heb. 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
“Take Me To Mercy” is the unspoken request of the hurting.
- Their life says they need Mercy.
- Their actions say they need Mercy.
- Their condemnation says they Mercy.
- Their pain says they need Mercy.
- Their eyes say they need Mercy.
- Their tears say they need Mercy.
- Take them to Mercy!
Where does one go when they have sinned? They need to go to a place called Mercy!
- Don’t throw away a brother or sister who has failed. Take them to Mercy!
- Don’t take them to task. Take them to Mercy.
- Don’t ignore their problem or their pain. Take them to Mercy.
- Don’t drop them like a hot potato. Take them to Mercy.
- Don’t talk about them. Take them to Mercy.
- Don’t be judgmental. Take them to Mercy.
- Don’t try to rub their nose in it. Take them to Mercy.
- Let’s not lose another dear Brother or Sister. Let’s take them to Mercy!
Gal. 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
This Christian life is not about gloating how “holy” we are. It’s about finding a place called Mercy and taking everyone there that we can.
I’m on my way there now, I’d love to have you come along!
15 Things To Do In Church Before You Die
15 Things To Do In Church Before You Die
1. Pray
- Pray till you get the absolute Victory.
- Intercede for a lost or wayward soul.
- Let God use you in the Spirit of Travail
- Pray till the Fire falls.
- Pray someone through to the Holy Ghost.
- Pray before church.
- Pray around the altar after church
2. Sing
- Don’t make the Song Leader beg you to sing.
- Don’t let the Praise Singers do your singing.
- Sing till you cry.
- Sing till you shout.
3. Shout
- Dance in the Spirit
- Leap for Joy
- Lead. Be the first one to shout.
- Run the aisles
4. Believe God
- Believe God for a Healing.
- Trust Him to supply your needs.
- Believe Him for a Miracle and see it come to pass.
5. Get ‘Lost in the Spirit’
- Be taken home drunk in the Holy Ghost
6. Witness
- Teach a Home Bible Study
- Win a soul
7. Say Amen
- Say Amen from your heart. Be willing to Obey.
- Stand to you feet and say Amen
- Say Amen from even if you’re the only one.
- Say Amen even when the Scripture or the Preaching touches a sore spot.
8. Give
- Give your last Dollar, if God impresses you to.
- Become faithful in your tithe and offerings
- Give without expecting anything in return.
9. Read
- Read the Bible through.
- Have a daily Scripture reading.
- Get a Revelation of One God.
10. Testify
- Don’t give some narrative about “he said, and I thought to myself.”
- Just brag on Jesus!
11. Fast
- Fast to crucify your flesh.
12. Love Your Brother and Sister
- Prefer them. Put them first
- Let all jealousy die
13. Refuse To Listen to a Rumor
- Tell the talebearer, “I really don’t want to hear this.”
- Refuse to pass a rumor on.
14. Forgive
- Put all your yesterdays behind you.
- Empty yourself of all Bitterness.
- Be merciful.
15. Get the Pastor’s Heartbeat.
- Try to feel what he feels.
- Work with him for Revival.
- Feel the Spirit of Unity
Now, Let’s Have Some ‘Church’ Around Here!
The Greatest Kiss Of All
The Greatest Kiss Of All
A miscarriage of Justice must have occurred! How could this be? No one ever heard of anything like this happening before. There wasn’t a precedent in the law books. No prior ruling had ever been made like this one.
Legal heads were spinning. The news was spreading fast. The victims of the defendant were bewildered. His family was shocked and looked at each other in disbelief. Then when reality sunk in, they wept tears of joy on each other’s shoulders.
Everyone knew the defendant was guilty. He’d even said he was. His head had hung down the whole trial. He appeared to be too ashamed to even look at anyone in the courtroom, let alone the prosecutor.
The Prosecutor was tough. His appearance was impressive. The crossed arms signaled, in body language, that his mind was made up. He was a no-nonsense kind of man. No one remembered him ever smiling. He’d never accepted a plea bargain in his life. And to make matters worse for the defendants, he’d never lost a case.
The Defense Attorney sat beside the defendant at the table. She was a lady with an easy smile and kind eyes. Her words were not harsh, but hopeful.
The trial was well publicized. The room was crowded. The press cried for his conviction. Public opinion was against the accused.
Something unexplainable happened after the Prosecutor announced to the Judge that the, “State rests.” Immediately the Defense Attorney called for a conference in the Judge’s chambers.
No one knows what went on behind those closed doors. At least no one is telling everything if they do.
A big News Conference was called. The Judge smiled a rare smile as he announced into the large bank of microphones that the defendant was being set free. No criminal charges, no probation, and no criminal record. The cameras flashed. Reporters wrote rapidly on their notepads.
Then to the astonishment of everyone, The Defense Attorney turned and quickly kissed the Prosecutor. Cameras snapped furiously, preserving the moment for all to see.
The Newspaper headlines announced: “The Defense Attorney And Prosecutor Kiss! Judge Smiles His Approval.”
The caption under the photo simply said. “Mercy And Truth Kiss Each Other. Guilty Goes Free!”
When God Quits
When God Quits
- Even God has limits
- He can finally give up
- He can get tired of sinful ways
- He can get tired of unrepentant man
- He gets weary with rejection
- He doesn’t tolerate disrespect
- He is a God of love, but there are limits
When God Quits Forgiving You
- (Mat 6:14) For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
- (15) But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
- That’s the last thing you wants God to do. But when you won’t forgive, God will quit forgiving you.
When God Quits Listening To You
- (Isa 59:1) Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:
- (Isa 59:2) But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
When God Quits Dealing With You
- (Gen 6:3) And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.
When God Quits Being Nice
- (Luke 12:45) But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;
- (46) The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.
- (47) And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
- If you mistreat the children of God, He will see to it that your actions do not go unpunished.
When God Quits Tolerating Your Half-Heartedness
- (Rev 3:16) So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
- It’s time to get in church with all your heart.
When God Quits Speaking To You
- Remember the 400 years of silence?
- Israel quit seeking after God, rejected his prophets and turned to heathen idols.
- After 1st & 2nd Admonition, Reject:
- Titus 3:10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;
When God Writes You Off
- Bethel – No longer exists today. It is gone. No mention of it is made in the New Testament. They were filled with disrespect towards God’s man.
- God can help you with your failures, but there is no hope for those who disrespect the men of God in their life.
- (2 Ki 2:23) And he went up from thence unto Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head.
- (24) And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the LORD. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them.
When God Quits Letting You Believe The Truth
- (2 Th 2:9) Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
- (10) And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
- (11) And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
- (12) That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
- Get a LOVE for Truth!
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If God WERE to Quit…
BE THANKFUL HE HASN’T QUIT IN YOUR LIFE!
Be thankful His Mercies are new every morning!
Lam. 3:22 It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
Lam. 3:23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
Lam. 3:24 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
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We all are still here today because of His Mercy, I pray we do not take it lightly!
The Boy On The Pillow
The Boy On The Pillow
My travel weary Father walked in the house and was greeted with hugs and kisses from our family. He had just returned from a trip to Brazil and had flown back to Chicago and then on to our home in South Bend, Indiana.
We all waited for him to share the news of his trip to South America and tell us what it was like there. Over one of Mom’s suppers that was fit for a king, Dad entertained us with wonderful descriptions of his experiences there.
After the meal we migrated to the living room and found comfortable places to sit while the stories continued. What is sad is that at this writing, nearly 50 years later, I’ve forgotten just about all the stories. All the stories except the last one, that is.
His last story wasn’t really even about Brazil. It was about what he saw on the plane coming home from South America. It was about a family across the aisle from him.
He said that both of the parents wore very expensive clothes. The Father was dressed in a tailored suit and the Mother had on her best as well. They appeared to be people of culture and class.
Resting in the Fathers lap was a large pillow that he had brought on the plane. His small son rested on the pillow. The son, although small, was not an infant. His face showed maturity way beyond his size. He was not a perfect child, nor a pretty one. His face looked like he might be 6 or 7 but his body looked like that of a toddler’s. His bones were brittle and easily broken. His deformities made some stare and others turn their heads away after a cursory glance.
Although it might be considered a sight that was a bit unusual, that wasn’t what really imprinted itself in my Father’s mind and in his heart. It was what the Father did that left a lasting impression upon him.
Although the Father was smiling, and gracious to those who caught his eye, his attention was almost totally directed toward the little boy on the pillow. The Father bent over and talked so sweetly to his son. He spoke softly and tenderly. He caressed him gently all the while hoping to elicit a smile or response from the boy. He fed him. He comforted him with soft-spoken words. He kissed him on the head and on the hand. His hands seemed to comfort and reassure the child.
The Father did not seem to be embarrassed because his son was handicapped or misshapen. He seemed proud of his little boy; he was oblivious of the stares and whispers. He reveled in his son’s smiles and gurgles. He was a doting Father.
With tears in his eyes, our Dad leaned back in his old green recliner, and he taught our family a truth about our Heavenly Father that night.
Dad told us that in many ways, some of God’s children are less then perfect. Yet He ignores the comments and stares on hell and He dotes on His children. Hoping to get smiles and responses from us who have been deformed by sin and are less then perfect. He comforts us with His words and by the touch of His hand. His expressions of love are unending.
That evening we all went to bed with an enlightened understanding of the love of God. Even though we are not perfect, we now understood that He still adores us.
That night and many nights since I’ve had to pray, “Thank you my Father for loving me!”
The Wall of Life
Over ten years ago, I heard this read by my daughter in law Courtney, and acted out by my son Martyn II during a Church Anniversary Service. – MJB
The Wall of Life
by
Joshua Harris
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features save for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endlessly in either direction, had very different headings.
As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read “Girls I Liked”. I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one.
And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn’t match.
A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was
watching. A file named “Friends” was next to one marked “Friends I Betrayed”.
The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. “Books I Read”, “Lies I Told”, “Comfort I Gave”, “Jokes I Laughed At”. Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: “Things I’ve Yelled at My Brothers.” Others I couldn’t laugh at: “Things I Did in Anger”, “Things I Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents”. I never ceased to be surprised by the contents. Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped.
I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my 20 years to write each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.
When I pulled out the file marked “Songs I Listened To”, I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn’t found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of music, but more by the vast amount of time I knew that file represented.
When I came to a file marked “Lustful Thoughts”, I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded.
An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: “No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!” In an insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn’t matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it.
Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh. And then I saw it. The title bore “People I Shared the Gospel With”. The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.
And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that the hurt started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwheming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key.
But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him. No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn’t bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one?
Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn’t anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many
things. But He didn’t say a word. He just cried with me.
Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card.
“No!” I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was “No, no,” as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn’t be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood.
He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don’t think I’ll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, “It is finished.”
I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.
††
(Thanks to Sis. Eunice Padgett for finding the author’s name for me. He also wrote I Kissed Dating Goodbye.)
There’s No Hope For You!
There’s No Hope For You!
The preacher said, “Don’t ever sin after you have received the Holy Ghost, because the Bible says if you do, ‘there remaineth no more sacrifice for you.’ There’s no more hope for you, if you backslide. You can’t pray back through. You can’t be saved. You’re going to hell!
“Don’t ever say one thing you shouldn’t say, don’t ever do one thing you shouldn’t do, or go one place you shouldn’t go, or think on things you shouldn’t be thinking about! If you do, there is no hope for you” That’s what the guest preacher said at the Friday night Fellowship Meeting in the little country church in Indiana.
We were stunned. All twelve local pastors on the platform sat frozen, wondering what would be said next.
The preacher was sincere. He was preaching with tears running down his face. He had driven 400 miles to preach in this service. Most of us had never even heard of him before.
I looked at the second row. Six young couples from our church listened intently. Knowing some of their personal struggles and natures, I knew they couldn’t make it till Sunday morning without saying something they shouldn’t say, doing something they shouldn’t do, going somewhere they shouldn’t go, or thinking on something they shouldn’t be thinking about. They weren’t bad young couples at all. They were just human.
If they did do something they shouldn’t have, I knew they devil would tell them there is no hope for you, so why bother to go back to church.
Something had to be said. Waiting till Sunday to say it, would be too late if they didn’t come back. Damage control was needed now.
I felt the need to respond. Leaning over to the pastor, I said, “Elder, if you don’t mind, I’d like to take this service when he’s done with it.”
“I wish you would, the older pastor said, “I’m a backslider myself.”
We all stood reverently while our guest finished his sermon. He was crying. A number of the people in the audience cried too. We knew we were all so guilty that maybe none of us would be saved, if his doctrine was right.
When the preacher finished, I stepped to the pulpit and asked every one to raise their hands and pray.
I thanked the brother for coming. I have strong convictions against those that are harsh in the pulpit. But I felt I was fighting for souls.
I said, “This man has preached to us tonight from his heart. He has preached with a burden and a passion. He has preached with great sincerity. The only problem is, our good brother is sincerely wrong.
“Evidently, he doesn’t believe in a Great High Priest, who daily maketh intercession for us.
The Bible is trying to explain to us that if we sin, Jesus is not going to go back to Calvary to die for us again. He died once, and for all.
There is no license to sin, there are no indulgences you can buy, there is no hall pass you can get to do wrong.
“But the Bible does say, ‘If we sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous”
“What is an Advocate? It’s a defense attorney! Why would He provide us with a defense attorney, if there’s no hope for us?
“Who daily maketh intercession for us…
“Why would He make intercession for us if there is no hope?”
The church roared with thanksgiving and praise to God for His mercy and His forgiveness. Some wept with relief.
So should you!
I don’t care what you’ve done, where you’ve been, or how long you’ve been gone. Like the Prodigal, you’re still His child. When He sees you headed home, He’ll run to meet you too.
Thank God for His Forgiveness!
The Ministry Of Covering
The Ministry Of Covering
(Why Do Pentecostals Gossip?)
1Pe 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
- I am NOT talking about COVERING FOR someone.
- I am AM talking about PROTECTING one another FROM gossip and slander.
- What is our obligation?
- It seems that if our own soul is not important to us and we do NOT love out brother, then there are no off limits.
- We are living in the days of Gossip Sheets and Rumor Rags on display in every Supermarket checkout line. Inquiring minds want to know!
- My Dad had a sign in his office: “You can’t white wash yourself by blackening others”
What is there about this society and this age that just delights in knowing the worst about everyone and then telling it everywhere? Evidently, it’s OK to say whatever you wish about someone as long as you say “POOR THING” at the end of the sentence.
I. The Bible starts out with the worst-case scenario. Some attempt to find deeper meanings in this scripture. I only want to take it a face value for what it says, for today’s thought.
Gen. 9:20 And Noah began to be an husbandman, and he planted a vineyard:
21 And he drank of the wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent.
22 And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brethren without.
23 And Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it upon both their shoulders, and went backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were backward, and they saw not their father’s nakedness.
- How horrible!! Your brother tells you, that your father got drunk, and worse yet, anyone who comes into his tent will see him uncovered.
- That never seemed to bother HAM. But he wound up being the father of the Canaanites, a people of sinful and corrupting influences.
Ham saw there was a problem, did nothing to help and then told others. When Shem and Japheth heard the news, they:
- Didn’t condone the drunkenness of their father.
- They disapproved of his condition
- They disapproved even more of their brothers response.
- He would never wash that from his memory
- (The longer you live, the more fault you can find and the more humanity you will see in your hero’s life. You can’t let it throw you, nor give you license to do wrong either.)
- They went into a defense mode.
- They found a covering.
- Put it on their shoulders.Backed in.
- Turned their faces away, so as not see.“I’m not going to look like HAM did.
- We’re closer to him than you are, but willingly blind ourself.
- Not that we approve, but we don’t want folks like you finding out all you can about a situation and then go tell it everywhere.
- We’re going to cover him.
- When he gets back up, we want him to have his self-respect.
- Love covers all
1Pe 4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
Pr 10:12 Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.
Pr 12:16 A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.
The job of the Rodeo clown.
- To protect the fallen rider from the bull.
- The clown is no doubt one of the best athletes in the arena.
- He puts himself in the line of danger to protect a fallen comrade.
- Some of you clowns aren’t doing your job.
There is something wrong with those that have a keen interest in others sins.
- They more than likely will wind up having problems of their own.
- Knowing and telling, two different things
Shem and Japeth knew.
- They didn’t approve,
- They didn’t gloat,
- They didn’t laugh,
- They were appalled,
- They were mortified.
- They didn’t want their father to be a laughing stalk.
What is your intention when you spread the juicy details?
Prov. 6:16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
Prov. 6:17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
Prov. 6:18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
Prov. 6:19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
What’s Their Motive?
- This is a gossip generation
- News in Pentecost travels fast
- Cell phones
Paul, I am determined to know nothing among you, save Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
The Curse Of Caanan.
- There is a curse from the Lord upon those that gloat over another’s problems.
- Considering thine own self.
- God’s ministry is one of covering so the world and enemy of our souls can’t see.
- Why do you want to expose some one.
Just because you know about someone’s mistake, doesn’t mean you have to tell everyone!
My advice? Never play Private Detective or Prosecuting Attorney in the Kingdom of God.
Let’s be more like Him!
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 