Archive for the ‘Ministry’ Category
Every Judas
It is my great honor to have The Together Magazine publish this article in their current issue. For those readers who may not have access to this wonderful publication, I am posting a copy of it here: – MB
Every Judas
Just ten miles from Hebron and eighteen miles from Jerusalem was the little known village named Kerioth. It was a haven for bandits, thieves and highwaymen. People from the area were known to be assassins, murders.
Into this environment a man named Simon raised his son Judas. In Holy Scripture he was called Judas Iscariot, signifying that he was from the town of Keriot(h)
Simon must have been somewhat responsible for his son’s raising and behavior. His name is always mentioned together with his son’s name. He was called Judas, Simon’s son.
We know nothing of the boy’s mother. What was she like? What kind of teaching did she give him as a boy?
By the time the scriptures introduce us to him, we quickly see that Judas was outspoken and didn’t hesitate to disagree with what he saw.
“Why wasn’t this sold and given to the poor?”
That’s what he said criticizing Mary’s extreme sacrifice. But the Bible is quick to point out that he cared not for the poor, but was a thief and that he held the bag. There was a reason that was said. Why would Jesus allow him to carry the bag?
As a Judean he was a misfit among the disciples. The other disciples apparently were Galileans. He was no doubt a loner. He couldn’t let them see him sneaking money from the bag. He was a thief. I am sure that Judas had a less than stellar past before he met Jesus. Some Commentaries even call him a murder.
The sad news is, that no amount of the preaching and confronting that Jesus did seemed to change Judas into a John The Beloved. The same is true today. If all the words and actions of Jesus could not transform Judas in the Bible days, then neither will our preaching and confronting convert a modern day Judas.
Thirty is number of pieces of silver Judas agreed on to betray Jesus. There are thirty obvious and negative characteristics of a Judas. The Judas Iscariot of the Bible may be dead, but his spirit is still alive today.
Here Are Some Keys To Recognize The Judas In Your Midst.
- Every Judas Shows Enough Potential To Be Placed In A Leadership Role.
- Judas was hand picked. He was allowed to be a privileged disciple. He was chosen to be in charge of the group’s finances.
- Confidence was placed in him.
- Every Judas Thinks And Acts Like He Owns His Appointed Position.
John 12:5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?
- Every Judas loves to take the finances with him when he goes.
- Every Judas Lives On A Carnal Level And Is Oblivious To The Spiritual.
John 12:5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?
- Every Judas Lets His True Colors Show At The Wrong Time.
John 12:6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.
- Every Judas Has A Personal Agenda That Is Separate From The Leaders.
John 12:6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.
- Every Judas Gets Disenchanted With His Leader.
- He is willing to sabotage the whole thing if there is enough in it for him.
- Every Judas Receives A Warning From The Lord But Continues Anyway.
John 6:70 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?
John 6:71 He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.
- Every Judas Sees The Same Miracles And Hears The Same Sermons But Is Unaffected, Unconvinced And Unconverted.
Luke 9:1 Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.
Peter Talked About Judas In The Upper Room
Acts 1:17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.
- Every Judas Plans His Move Carefully.
Matt. 26:16 And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.
- Every Judas Is An Opportunist.
Matt. 26:16 And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.
- Every Judas Is Driven By Greed.
Matt. 26:15 And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.
- Every Judas Courts Those Whom He Thinks Can Help His Cause.
Luke 22:4 And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.
- A modern Judas may recruit his people with private meetings,
- Private dinners
- Facebook likes
- Every Judas Possesses An Evil Spirit.
Luke 22:3 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.
- Every Judas Can Even Fool His Own Friends And Brothers.
John 13:27 And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.
John 13:28 Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him.
- Every Judas Gets His Key Players In Place Before He Makes His Play.
Luke 22:4 And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.
- Every Judas Gets A Divine Warning And Still Ignores It.
Matt. 26:24 The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.
- Every Judas Should Have Been Still Born.
Matt. 26:24 The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.
- Every Judas Gets Revealed By The Lord And Has A Chance To Repent.
Matt 26:21 And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.
- Every Judas Lives In Denial To The Truth And Deceiving Himself And Others.
Matt. 26:25 Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.
- Every Judas Makes His Move When He Thinks The Odds Are In His Favor.
Matt 26:16 And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.
- Every Judas Is A Hypocrite.
Matt. 26:49 And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.
- Every Judas Is Controlled And Guided By Satan.
John 13:27 And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.
- Every Judas Displays False Affection Toward The Leader.
Matt. 26:49 And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.
- Every Judas Is Surprised When God Still Manifests Himself In The Midst Of The Betrayal.
Luke 22:50 And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.
Luke 22:51 And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.
- Every Judas Is Temporarily Happy.
- He could go back to doing what he was doing before.
- He had brought Jesus down in his own mind to the point that he no longer believed in Him.
- He actually believed he could live with his choice.
- Every Judas Has Second Thoughts.
Matt. 27:3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
- Every Judas Tries To Appease His Guilty Conscience.
Matt. 27:3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
- Every Judas Wakes Up To His Horrible Sin Too Late.
Matt. 27:4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.
- Every Judas Repents Too Late.
Matt. 27:4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.
- Every Judas Will Hang Himself.
Matt. 27:5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.
In Spite Of Judas
In Spite Of Judas – The Will of God was accomplished.
In Spite Of Judas – Jesus rose from the dead.
In Spite Of Judas – The Holy Ghost was poured out.
In Spite Of Judas – The Church was established.
In Spite Of Judas – Revival came.
In Spite Of Judas – The Gates of Hell did not prevail.
In Spite Of Every Judas Today
In Spite Of Every Judas Today – God still has a triumphant church.
In Spite Of Every Judas Today – The church will prosper and go forward.
In Spite Of Every Judas Today – The Glory will fall when the bad spirit is gone.
In Spite Of Every Judas Today – The church will rally and unify like never before.
In Spite Of Every Judas Today – Worship will be better than ever.
In Spite Of Every Judas Today – The Pastor will be loved more than ever.
Judas Was Replaced With A Man Named Matthias.
His name means, “Gift of God.”
There was a gift of God for the church back then. There will be a gift of God after your storm today.
Have You Had To Deal With A Judas?
Take hope, your Matthias, your Gift of God is coming!
Boycott Trashy Gumbo
“If There’s Anything I Can’t Stand, It’s Trashy Gumbo!”
I love pretty much everything about the South. I’m neither a Southerner nor a Cajun Chef, but I do have taste buds that seldom lie. Before I married at the age of twenty-one, I’d already lived in twenty-two houses and attended twenty-six schools. So, I’ve gotten to see all of America growing up. It feels like I’ve lived everywhere, but most of my life has been spent in Indiana, so that feels most like home. It certainly is a non-gumbo state.
Since the beginning of my ministry, I have preached mainly in the South. Everyone there considers me a Yankee, even though I am a Westerner by birth. That being said, since I know I how to say, ya’ll and you guys, I somehow must be bi-lingual.
For the benefit of my non-southern friends, the folks down in Cajun Country are very particular about their Gumbo. They don’t freely call someone’s chicken and sausage soup, a Gumbo. Family recipes are treasured and protected. The Seafood Restaurants that serve great Gumbo will always have full parking lots.
I’ve eaten Gumbo with light rue, dark rue, and very dark rue. There are some Gumbos so thin that one could almost read a newspaper at the bottom of the bowl. I even eat my Gumbo with a scoop of hot potato salad and a boiled egg in it. My family really loves good Gumbo. Our cupboard always has some Tony’s, Cajun hot sauce and Creole seasoning in it too.
I have often been treated to what in my mind is the World’s finest Gumbo. But I didn’t start out eating good Gumbo. I preached a revival in rural Louisiana in the early sixties and the poor pastor and his wife made me my first taste of what they said was Gumbo. I ate it, not knowing if it was good or bad.
My teaching at home was to eat what was set before me, so I did. They told me after the dishes were done that it was ‘possum gumbo. My stomach had a board meeting that night to decide whether to keep the possum down or let it go free. It stayed, much to my disappointment.
Catching Southerners in candid moments when they are talking about someone else’s cooking is always memorable. I recently heard a dear southern friend confide to me, “If there’s anything I can’t stand, it’s trashy gumbo.” They really meant it too.
I’ve eaten ‘good Yankee Gumbo’ and good ‘Cajun Gumbo’ and I love it when I can get it. I’ve eaten stuff passed off as Gumbo and felt the need to pray for strength to get it all down. If gumbo tastes trashy, I may not even get through the first bowl.
Trashy Gumbo? Well, yes! You see, all the cooks have at their disposal the right ingredients, but the way bad cooks put it all together leaves a horrible distaste in the mouth of those who know the difference between good gumbo and trashy.
- No table guest in the South is prepared to suck his or her gumbo up through a straw because it got watered down so much in the kitchen.
- There’s some cooks make Gumbo so hot that no one can eat it without getting heartburn.
- Others use meat so sparingly you wonder why they even bothered.
- Then there’s some Gumbo that make’s me wonder if my old possum had any kin folks that made it over into my Gumbo again.
When It Comes To Doctrine And The Important Things Of God, Apostolic Preachers Have The Right Ingredients.
If There’s Anything I Can’t Stand, It’s Trashy Gumbo.
Brother Ballestero, Are You Talking Gumbo Or Church?
I’m Talking Mainly About Church.
Some folks may feel like they are actually being fed when they hear a watered down message, or one with no meat, no doctrine or substance. Then there are some that love it so hot that everyone gets burnt.
But, I still love it when the preacher gets up to preach and pulls out the old Apostolic Family Recipe and feeds the flock as though it was the Lord Himself who prepared the meal. It ‘s always nourishing and tastes just right!
My advice for today is:
Boycott Trashy Gumbo!
“Who Are You To Judge Me?”
“Who Are You To Judge Me?”
How many times have we heard someone say that, whether it was directed to us or to someone else? It’s easy for most of us to get offended when others express disapproval of our actions.
By nature, most of us are very private. We resent outsiders intruding uninvited into our personal lives. We automatically throw up a defensive barrier. Somewhere in all of us there is a storage room that houses cryptic phrases designed for rebuttal and justification. We quickly grab one and use it with the hopes of silencing our accuser. Sometimes, it works.
Most church members and ex-church member alike consider the act of judging a grievous fault. So, since most of us have been judged at one time or another, let us look at the subject of judging others.
As citizens, we are used to being judged every day on our skills, behavior, and performance.
Judgment Is Common In Every Day Society
- Television shows, such as American Idol, judge contestants on their ability to sing and perform.
- At the County Fair, someone will judge which pie is the best.
- There are judges at dog shows, and the dollar value of someone’s beloved pet may be at their mercy.
- When a prospective new driver turns 16 years old, his or her driving ability is judged. Someone must determine if they should be issued a driver’s license.
- To be promoted to the next grade and even graduate, a teacher must determine the student’s academic ability.
- To become a licensed minister in an organization. An applicant’s worthiness is determined when he appears before a licensing board.
- Every new pastor that is voted on by the church has his qualifications judged by the congregation’s yes or no vote. The same holds true for politicians.
- The Bank Officer judges the applicants credit rating and payment history before loaning any money.
- The Miss America beauty pageant uses Judges to determine who should represent the U.S.A.
- There are multitudes of judges for every Olympic event.
- The gardener judges whether or not the tree’s branches need pruned, or if the tomatoes need watered.
- Someone will be a judge over who gets custody of the child, and who gets what, in the divorce settlement.
- The Traffic Cop judges whether or not you should be pulled over and cited.
- Every employee knows the meaning of a “Performance Review.” Someone must sit on the other side of the desk and judge the employees worthiness.
- Actually, everyone that wants the bragging rights of being the best, the fastest, or the most gifted, must first meet the judge.
We seem to be comfortable with the idea of being judged according to our fleshly activities. We understand that no one receives approval without a judgment of some kind. However, it’s man’s judgment of our spiritual pursuits, or lack thereof, that brings the fire into our reactions.
Webster Defines The Word, “Judge” As:
Judge
1: to form an opinion about through careful weighing of evidence and testing of premises.
You’re Sick And Tired Of Others Judging You? I Understand. Let’s Look At The Subject Of Judging In The Bible.
Is it true that Christians are told not to judge? The surprise answer is no. In fact, according to Scripture those who do not judge are more likely to be led astray by false doctrines and are less than effective witnesses for Jesus Christ.
Most People Who Cite The Lord’s “Command” Not To Judge, Use Following Quotation:
Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
Matthew 7:2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
Matthew 7:3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
Matthew 7:4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
Matthew 7:5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.
To Whom Were These Words Spoken?
This whole passage is addressed to the religious hypocrites of the day. Jesus warned these self-righteous people who criticized others, but were guilty of the same things… or worse.
You’re Sick And Tired Of Others Judging You? As Much As Our Flesh Doesn’t Like It, Church Members Must Make Judgments.
Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Matthew 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
- False prophets are to be recognized (judged) by their fruits.
Should Christians Judge Each Other? Absolutely!
The Lord is pleased with those that judge righteously.
John 7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
Some Lukewarm Church Members Feel That A Preacher Should Not Be Their Judge.
I would point them the Lord’s instruction to the Priest Joshua.
Zechariah 3:7 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by.
Remember John The Baptist saying:
Matthew 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
Mark 6:17 For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife: for he had married her.
Mark 6:18 For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother’s wife.
- John had guts enough to tell King Herod that he was wrong, that he was living with his brother’s wife. Herod had John thrown in prison and finally beheaded. John was not afraid to make a righteous judgment.
The Prophet Nathan Looked King David In The Eye And Judged Him.
2 Samuel 12:7 And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;
There Has Always Been Resentment In The Congregation Against Messages That Judge.
Isaiah 30:10 Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:
- Even in the days of Isaiah, men wanted to be left alone by the man of God. They only were willing to hear smooth preaching. Not much has changed. They wanted to do what ever their conscience allowed them to do.
Judges 21:25 In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.
- Without accountability, even the people of God sink to this level. The shocking news for our flesh is that what is right in our eyes may not be right in God’s eyes. We all need help. We just need it in different areas.
What About Discernment Of Spirits?
1 Corinthians 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
- This is a gift that God provided for His body, whereby Holy Ghost filled people may be able to determine what spirit another is manifesting. In a way, it’s like being able to see what’s on the inside of another person.
Try The Spirits. (Judge Them)
1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
Samuel
The Prophet learned about judging spirits the hard way. He found out quickly that God looked not only on the outside, like humans, but He looked especially at the heart.
1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
(Note: They that are spiritually wayward love to justify their carnal and maybe even sinful outward appearance by saying that God looks on the heart. (As if that were the only place He looks.) This passage strongly makes the point that God did not even like what he saw on the inside. Maybe the self-righteous should not use this verse as their defense.)
If You Don’t Want Anyone Judging You, Be Glad You Weren’t There When The Apostle Paul Preached.
Paul Judged Situations Publically Without Being Present.
- Case 1. Immorality
1 Corinthians 5:3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,
1 Corinthians 5:4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
1 Corinthians 5:5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
1 Corinthians 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
(Called a…)
- That person’s lifestyle resulted in the church judging them guilty and calling them by the name of their sin.
1 Corinthians 5:12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?
1 Corinthians 5:13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
- Case 2. Church Factions During The Lord’s Supper
1 Corinthians 11:17 Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.
1 Corinthians 11:18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.
- Paul Openly Judged Sensitive Situations.
Judgment Is Required Of All Spiritual People.
1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
1 Corinthians 2:15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
(The Message) 1 Corinthians 2:15 Spiritually alive, we have access to everything God’s Spirit is doing, and can’t be judged by unspiritual critics.
Spirit Filled Saints Are To Judge All Things.
Godly Spirit-filled saints are required to judge all things. Judge spirits? Yes! Judge things as well? Absolutely!
We Are To Judge All Things By God’s Standard Of Judgment. Things Such As:
- Life Situations
- Events
- Relationships
- Friendships
- Music
- Internet Activities
- Entertainment
- Hollywood Presentations
- Sports
- False Doctrines
- Styles of Dress
- Compromise
- Immodesty
Just To Name A Few
(Note: EVERYONE that I have seen who re-evaluated their Holiness Standards or Convictions has not grown closer to God or resembled the Old-time Pentecostal lifestyle, but rather moved closer to looking and acting like the present world.)
The Apostles Judged A Situation Correctly And The Holy Ghost Confirmed It.
Acts 15:28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
Paul Wasn’t Afraid To Have His Brethren Weigh His Words.
1 Corinthians 10:14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
1 Corinthians 10:15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.
You Dislike Being Judged? I Understand, But Even Prophets Are Subject To Being Judged.
Prophets Judge Other Prophets.
A Prophet’s reward is not money or fame. It is simply that his prophecy comes true. If the prophecy does not come true he is, by all standards of measurement, a false prophet.
1 Corinthians 14:29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
The Pastor Must Make Judgment Calls.
Some situations a Pastor has to deal with are not mentioned specifically by name in the Bible. So, he must make a judgment call, or a ruling. Hence, they that make good rulings are worthy of double honor.
1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
There’s No Doubt A Good Reason Why Some Make A Loud Noise About Not Wanting Anyone To Judge Them.
Scenario 1
Maybe They Are In Rebellion And Don’t Want To Change.
- Because they are not doing right, and they do not want anyone reminding them.
- They know what they have been taught.
- They remember how they used to live.
- They chose to ignore the Word of God and the Pastor.
Scenario 2
Maybe God Has Turned Them Over To A Delusion.
- They feel they are right and will debate you tirelessly in their attempt to justify themselves.
- They feel saved and content even though they have never been farther away from Truth.
- They wouldn’t love Truth, so God handpicked their delusion and gave them something they would love. Error.
Scenario 3
A Humble Heart Will Repent When Judged And Correct The Error.
2 Timothy 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
Preacher… Preach The Word. It Is God’s Plumb Line.
- Preach Without Fear or Favor.
- Be Not Afraid Of Their Faces.
- You Must Answer To God For What You Preached And Didn’t Preach.
- Preach It Even if It Affects Your Friends Or Family.
- Preach it Because It Is Truth.
Correction Must Be Given When The Actions Of A Saint Are Judged To Be Wrong.
1 Timothy 5:20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
Luke 17:3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
Titus 1:13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;
Titus 2:15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
If We Willingly Receive Correction and Instruction, We Show Evidence Of Being God’s Son.
Hebrews 12:5 … My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
Hebrews 12:7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
Hebrews 12:8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
Hebrews 12:9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
If You’re Still Sick And Tired Of Others Judging You…
- How Then Can Anyone Help You?
- You Don’t Want A Pastor.
- You Don’t Even Want A True Friend.
- You Choose To Do What You Want.
- No One Can Be Helped Without First Being Judged To Be In Need Of Help.
- Please Don’t Put Up A Wall Of Defense Any More When Your Life Is Judged To Be Not Pleasing Unto God.
Who Are You To Judge Me?
- A Tender Hearted Person Would Never Speak Those Words.
- Have You Become Unteachable?
- Are You Past Help?
- Have You Become Hard Hearted?
- Do You Want A Tender Heart?
- Do You Want To Be Saved?
- Then Start By Humbling Yourself And Submitting To God’s Word.
The Passing Of Bishop Rodney McDonald
When I was a small lad of ten or so, my father, Evangelist Carl Ballestero preached a revival in Texas City, Texas for a Pastor Titus McDonald. My memories of those days are faded somewhat with time. But I remember being there.
I remember also meeting Brother Titus McDonald’s son, Rodney. He was about my age. I never dreamed that someday we both would find ourselves in the ministry and that I would preach for him like my father preached for his father, and later preach revivals for his son.
In the early sixties, I attended Western Apostolic Bible College in Stockton, CA. That is where I met Bishop Rodney McDonald’s lovely future bride. Her name then was Sister Karen Hedger.
Imagine my surprise years later to find out that my old acquaintance was married to someone I had met out in California years ago.
Over the last decade or so our paths have crossed with the McDonald family quite frequently. It has been my great honor to preach several revivals for Pastor Nathan McDonald, their son. The church is in great hands with his leadership and is experiencing a wonderful move of the Lord.
Last month, I preached a revival at their church and one afternoon was honored to go out to eat lunch with the Bishop and his wife in downtown Oklahoma City. No one knew that it was to be one of my last moments to be with them together.
I was awaken with the news today of his impending passing. He was given “minutes or maybe hours” to live. My heart hurt with the news. I became overwhelmed with emotion.
This morning Bishop Rodney McDonald went from this life into the Glory World. He had struggled with health issues for several years now, and it hurt to even watch him try to breathe on his bad days.
I Salute Him and Honor Him.
- The Godliest of men.
- Pristine in his principles and motives.
- A man of honorable ethics.
- Accurate in doctrine.
- Devoted to his wife.
- Devoted to God.
- He gave his life to the Work of God
- Uncompromising.
- A Preacher’s Preacher
- He held fast to the Old Paths.
- He lived what he preached.
- He was given to hospitality.
- Everyone that knew him loved him.
Goodbye My Dear Friend. I Love You!
I will always treasure our moments, meals, and the memories we made. We were just together a few short weeks ago. It doesn’t seem possible!
Join with me in prayers and support for the whole family, especially Sister Karen McDonald, their son Pastor Nathan McDonald and church, Apostolic Faith Tabernacle, Oklahoma City, OK.
Please Read – “Anthology” The Life And Times Of Thomas L. Craft
Anthology – The Life And Times Of Thomas L. Craft
I just finished reading Anthology the biography of Bishop Thomas L. Craft and loved it. I would encourage every one of my readers to do the same.
The Ballestero family has loved and cherished the friendship of Bro. Craft since I was a small child. My father referred to him as his 5th Friend. (It’s in the book.)
Once in a lifetime God may allow you to meet a man like Bishop Thomas L Craft. No one ever met him or heard him and walked away the same. He is truly a Pentecostal treasure and an unchanging landmark on the Gospel Highway.
- What a Burden for souls!
- What a Vision!
- What a Passion!
- What an Accomplishment for the Kingdom!
- What an anointing!
- What a Godly man!
- What a Preacher!
- What a Friend!
It’s a Life Honor to call him Friend!
Click This Picture To Go To His Website.
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!
The Curse Of The Permissive Parent And Pastor
The Curse Of The Permissive Parent And Pastor
My critics might say that this blog post is written with a bad spirit, I pray not, but it if so, may the Lord forgive me. Please allow me to give an altar call of sorts.
Parents
My beloved wife and I may be senior citizens now, but we have learned a few things about raising a family throughout the years. We have been richly blessed of the Lord with five of the most wonderful children parents could ever pray to have. But, it’s the raising of them that requires the help of the Lord and wisdom of a Solomon.
I cannot take credit for the wisdom part, (My wife is blessed with good common sense.) but we both have been greatly helped by our dear parents, by the Lord and by His Word.
Parents have to learn when to say Yes, and when to say No. Sometimes, both words are hard to say.
A child that never hears the word No while growing up, will most likely have a difficult time saying No to themselves as an adult.
We all enjoy the cute personality displays in our children. We love their antics and brag on their accomplishments. It’s all part of being a parent.
But, no one likes to see a tantrum when a child doesn’t get his or her way. But, it does happen. It happens at home, in Wal-Mart, in the car and even at church.
Many times a parent must say No to their darling child for it’s own good. Those pleading eyes and their sweet-talking may melt your heart. Remember however, your sweet innocent little child has learned long ago how to work the family system and manipulate your emotions. Oh yes.
When we see a well-mannered teen or young adult, we know they didn’t become that way just by themselves. There was someone in their life that helped make and mold them into that young adult we admire.
What Type Of Children Do Permissive Parents Produce?
· Spoiled brats?
· Children that must always have their own way?
· Children that feel free to talk back to their parents?
· Undisciplined and disrespectful that will bring their parents shame?
Who in their right mind would want to be married to someone that carried that same spoiled brat attitude into their adult life?
Children who have been blessed with loving parents, who were not afraid to say No, receive the most compliments in life. Just saying.
Under the disguise of being merciful and loving, some have permitted the development of little monsters in their own home.
The Curse Of The Permissive Parent Is That Your Child Will Bring You Shame.
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Additional Reading:
Seven Signs Your Kid Is A Brat
http://www.care.com/child-care-permissive-parenting-7-signs-your-kid-is-a-brat-p1017-q6594347.html
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Pastors
Pastors also have to learn when to say Yes, and when to say No. Sometimes, both words are hard to say.
Remember the story of Eli, a High Priest in the Bible? He was a nice guy, a real nice guy… just weak. He was so weak he couldn’t say, No.
He was a High Priest over Israel. Yet, he would not judge the sins of his own sons. The boys were a disgrace to their father. They brought shame and reproach upon him, upon Israel and they angered God so much, that He killed them.
Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas were priests, yet they showed great contempt for God’s Law and they openly sinned. No one dared cross them or complain. They made a great mockery in their execution of holy things in the Tabernacle.
KJV 1 Sam. 2:12 Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the Lord.
ESV 1 Sam. 2:12 Now the sons of Eli were worthless men. They did not know the Lord.
Eli’s sons were guilty of great crimes, which brought destruction upon their father’s house. Their actions caused the Ark of God to be lost to the great enemy of Israel.
Phinehas died in battle with the Philistines (1 Sam. 4: 4, 11); and his wife, on hearing of his death, gave birth to a son, whom she named Ichabod, saying, “The glory is departed from Israel” and then she died.
Upon hearing the news of the loss of the Ark in battle and the death of his sons, Eli fell from where he was sitting and broke his neck and died. Scripture says that Eli’s heart trembled for the Ark. That is very commendable. But why didn’t that same love for the Ark make him correct the sons that served the Ark with him?
A pastor that condones or excuses the sinfulness of his children will live long enough to regret the day he gave in to their pleas for permission to do wrong. As a pastor, you of all people should know that you really do not love your child when you:
- Supply them with money for their habits.
- Excuse their inability to keep a job even though they are married with children.
- Refuse to believe they could ever be guilty of wrongdoing.
- Excuse their prescription drug abuse.
- Always take their side against their spouse.
- Allow them on the platform while they are under the influence of a controlled substance to which they are addicted.
- Ignoring their drinking problem.
- Use them in leadership.
- Overlook their moral problems.
- Keep bailing them out of jail and sticking them behind the pulpit again.
- Allow their tempers and threats to cause good people to leave church.
- Have a different standard for the saint’s kids than for your own.
(Saints may not say anything to you, but they are not stupid. They see what is going on, but they keep on, as best they can, hoping you will correct the situation somehow.)
But If You Don’t…
You sir, have just become another Eli. God is not pleased with the shame you have allowed to be brought upon His house. It’s just a matter of time before the word Ichabod will be written again. Only this time, it will be written very close to you.
If you desire the glory of God to continue to bless and anoint the church you pastor. Take the oversight, reprove and rebuke with all long-suffering. Love what God loves, hate what God hates.
Under the disguise of being merciful and loving, some pastors have permitted the development of monsters.
The Curse Of The Permissive Pastor Is That Your Child Will Bring Shame Upon You And The House Of God.
I Promise You, The Glory Will Depart. Revival Will Not Stay.
He Gambled With His Life
He Gambled With His Life.
He was born into a world of slavery, so his name was a common slave’s name of the day. They named him Epaphroditus after the Greek god, Aphrodite. His name, among other things, meant lovely, beautiful or charming.
No Christian would ever give their child such a name. But it didn’t matter now. He was a first generation follower of Christ.
His Background
He was born and raised in Philippi. He had received the Holy Ghost and was baptized in Jesus Name in the church that was started after the imprisonment and then the deliverance of Paul and Silas. His church just happened to be in the very city that Nero lived.
Nero was a most perverted emperor who crucified Christians regularly and killed them just for sport. Yet, somehow he could not stop the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Christians could even be found in his own household. https://martynballestero.com/2011/04/03/the-church-in-the-torture-chamber/
It is thought that Epaphroditus was a man of means and respected by those in the congregation. It is known, however, that he was a delegate of the church and was their personal representative to the Apostle Paul.
Paul Got Arrested
About A.D. 61 word had been received in Philippi, that Paul was unjustly imprisoned in Rome, some 800 miles away. (According to Roman custom, if he were not actually in prison, at least he would be placed under some kind of house arrest, and chained to a Roman Soldier. Phil 1:13)
As a prisoner, Paul now had no opportunity to make tents and sell them. He certainly desperately needed help on many levels. He needed money, he was writing letters (Epistles) to churches, and there was no one to minister to his personal health needs.
The church family of Philippi took up a love offering for Paul, and commissioned Epaphroditus to deliver the money and minister to whatever needs Paul may have.
Epaphroditus readily took that commission to heart, and carried it out the best of his ability.
Whatever Paul needed, Epaphroditus obtained for him. Serving Paul was the honor of his life. This was the man who had brought the Gospel to his city and was greatly punished for it. This man was his hero, so he served him willingly.
If the Apostle Paul had never visited Philippi, Epaphroditus most likely would still be living in sin. That thought could not be erased from his mind.
Epaphroditus knew well the meaning of living outside of his life. His background now came to the foreground. He was a slave by birth, now he was a voluntary love slave unto the work of the Lord. He had the heart of a servant, and it showed.
He served Paul diligently day and night without even stopping to take care of himself. He never looked at his work as sacrifice. He willingly served. He burned the candle of his life at both ends.
Here Is What Paul Wrote To The Church At Philippi:
Phil 2:25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
Phil 2:26 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.
Phil 2:27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
Phil 2:28 I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
Phil 2:29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:
Phil 2:30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.
Paul Called Epaphroditus His:
- Brother
- Companion
- Fellow Soldier
It is commonly believed that Epaphroditus was retired after serving the mandatory twenty-five years in the Roman Army.
He was the kind of man who would rather burn out, than rust out. He didn’t just retire. He refocused and threw himself into the work of the Lord. His local church had seen that willingness in him and chose him to represent them, to Paul. He did not let them down.
His Name
Now let’s look again at the name Epaphroditus. Remember I told you that it meant that he was named after the goddess Aphrodite? Aphrodite was the goddess of luck; actually, she was the goddess of luck and the goddess of beauty as well.
And when the Greeks rolled the dice in their games of chance, they would say “Epaphroditus” as they rolled the dice. His name not only meant Beautiful, but Luck.
A Servant Doesn’t Quit
- A servant doesn’t quit just because the task is hard.
- A servant doesn’t quit just because he is tired.
- A servant just doesn’t quit.
Epaphroditus Gave All
All Epaphroditus knew to do was to give himself to the work of God, no matter how lowly the service. He gave his all and his health as well. He almost died. A man called Beautiful risked his life for the work of the Lord. A man called Luck risked everything for the work of the Lord. He did it without thinking twice about it.
What If Epaphroditus Attended Our Church? Would He…
- Show up for the Epaphroditus workday at the church?
- Show up for Visitation?
- Teach Home Bible Studies?
- Make sure the Church was clean and ready for service?
- Volunteer, or have to be recruited?
- Freely minister to the needs of his Man of God?
- Ask if there was anything else he could do?
Lord, Give Us Another Epaphroditus!
Lord, If You Need Another Epaphroditus, Send Me!
The Ballestero Interview
Earlier the year, I was honored to be with Pastor Shannon Burgess and the Jesus Name Pentecostal Church of Chehalis, Washington. Bro. Gabe Baker, the Youth Pastor, took time from his busy schedule to interview me. He asked many questions about my life and ministry. I am humbled by his interest and efforts. I also thank him from the bottom of my heart for including me in his passion to help other young ministers.
Part 1
Part 2.
Part 3.
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For additional media, follow this link to the Jesus Name Pentecostal Church website.
If God Had A Cell Phone, Would He Call You?
If God Had A Cell Phone, Would He Call You?
1975 was the first time I’d ever heard of Jerry Jordan. His Album, Phone Call From God, became quite a hit.
I felt like listening to it again recently. It’s still funny, but it’s message isn’t lost in the process.
Phone Call from God by Jerry Jordan
(Man in easy chair watching TV. The phone rings.)
Hon, the phone’s a ringin’…will ya get it for me please? I’m a tryin’ to watch ol’ Johnny Carson. What? Get it myself?
Hello? Long distance? Yeah, this is me…who’s this? What? Whadaya mean am I a Christian? I don’t know. Who’s a callin’?
D-d-d-did you say h-h-heaven? W-w-w heh heh…w-well hello Lord! W-w-well Sir, I’ve been a Christian a long time. Y-y-yes Sir, I sure have. A-a-after all…Sir? You hadn’t heard from me in quite a while so you thought you’d better just go ahead and call, huh?
W-w-well, Lord, I tell ya, well just last night…this same time last night, I’s a plannin’ on talkin’ ta you. I-I was a layin’ there watchin’ that ol’ television, that ol’ Johnny Carson ya know was on the TV. I said to my wife, I said ‘Hon, ya know as soon as ol’ Johnny gets off the television we oughta get on our knees and talk to the Lord.’ That’s what we said. And I wish to goodness we’d a gone ahead and done it, but we didn’t. But I tell ya Lord what I’m gonna do…I’m gonna start doing that. I sure am. I’m gonna say my prayers tonight…whether I need to or not. Yes Sir.
Sir? Yes Sir, I go to church. Yes Sir, every Sunday…I’m a faithful church member. I sure am.
Sir? Did I go last Sunday? Yes Sir, I went last Sunday. I went for mornin’ preachin’…wonderful church.
Sir? W-what did the preacher preach on? Well…uh, you know how the preacher is, don’t ya? He preaches on the platform. Oh! Y-yeah, I understand. W-well h-he taught mostly about the Bible.
Sir? Oh! W-well he referred to…h-h-he talked about M-m-matthew you know…no, no I don’t believe it was Matthew…I-I-I believe it was Mark. No…no, that was a couple of months ago…uh uh, now let’s see. Now I remember it was uh…
Sir? Sunday night? No. No, Lord I didn’t make it Sunday night, Lord. I-I…Sir? Uh…Bonanza. Yes, Sir…w-well Sir, ya know, I would have gone. I was a plannin’ on goin’. But I got ta sittin’ around on Sunday afternoon a thinkin’, and I said to myself, you the next day’s Monday and…
Sir? Yes Sir, it’s been that way a long time I reckon. But I got thinkin’ that I need my rest. And Lord it’s so cotton-pickin’ hard anymore to go to church on Sunday all day and, and night, and then have to get up the next mornin’ and w-well…Sir? Sunday before last? Well, Lord ya know, you just picked on a couple of bad ones here. But you know, I work so hard all week and Sunday before last was such a pretty day and everything…and I didn’t go to church, Lord. I tell ya, I went out and…Sir? Oh you know where I went, huh?
Yes Sir, I caught two bass and one croppy. Sir? What time did I get home that night…from fishin’ ya mean? Well…it was about 10:30 that night. Yes Sir, it was probably a lot later than if I’d gone to church that night…but fishin’ is different!…It ain’t church. Well, I couldn’t a gone to church noways cause my wife was a home sick and somebody woulda had to stay with her.
Sir? Lord, yes Sir Lord! I’m so glad you asked that question! Yes Sir, Lord, I’m a good steward. Yes Sir, I sure am! You’re talkin’ about steward…you mean tithin’ and givin’ to the church and all? Yes Sir, yes Sir I give to the church. I sure do. I give to the church every Sunday. Sir? Yes, Sir…every Sunday that I go. I gave 58 dollars to the church last year. I sure did. Cause after all…
Sir? What do you mean you don’t think I understand what stewardship means? Ten percent?…Of everything that I own belongs to you? Well yes Sir Lord, I-I know about that, but I tell ya, right now you just kinda called at a bad time. You just picked a bad time…we’re in a recession down here ya know…and the thing done turned into a depression for me…and and I just can’t give any more, Lord, than that right now and and…
Sir? Ten percent. Well…I gave that fif-fif-fif, well that money ya see last year. And after all that’s a little more than a dollar a week you know…Sir? How much do I make? You’re talkin’ about money still? W-well, it was a little over ten thousand dollars. That don’t tally out too good, does it Lord?
W-well, now I-I know that and ya know, and I told ya before and and as soon as I get that boat motor paid for, ya know I just got the thing and and you know my wife? I thought ya might. Well Lord, she can just walk across the floor and fall on somethin’ ya know. She did that the other day…broke her hip bone.
Y-y-yes…ten percent. Y-yeah Lord, but if I don’t pay off, pay off this boat and motor, they’ll come and get it… and then I won’t have one. Sir? You think if I don’t start paying my tithe, I ain’t gonna need no boat and motor down here? Yes Sir…that was cleared up…completely clear. It sure was. Sir?
Around my kids? Influence, ya mean? Well yes. I’m a good Christian in front of the kids. Lord, never do we do anything in this here house or say anything that be wrong in front of our children. No Sir…not a word. I don’t believe in it.
And that’s…Sir? What did I say when I got my thumb caught in the linen closet? You heard about that? Well…I was just standin’ there, Lord, you know, and all of a sudden this door here come out from nowhere, and and my thumb was in the way, and and it hurt so bad, and and it was awful and I said…well Lord, heh heh, never mind what I said.
But…Sir? Praise? Yes Sir, I give praise. Yes Sir, I sure do. I’s a readin’ the Bible the other day…I picked it up and it said in Theesaleenians to give the Lord the praise. I sure did. But I tell ya Lord, it was just a little hard to find a place to give the praise when I got my thumb caught in the closet door.
Sir? Yes Sir, I sure do. I love that preacher! He’s a wonderful man! That’s the preachenist dude I’ve ever seen. I-I love him. I sure do. Sir? If he’s such a wonderful preacher then why don’t I start doing more of what he says? Well, Lord, I-I thought I did pretty much what he says already.
Sir? If I’m doing all he says, he must not say a whole lot, huh? Well, Lord, maybe you should’ve called him instead of me. Heh, heh. Oh well, that was just a thought anyway, Lord.
Sir? Yes, I know that Lord. I know that and you’re right. You sure are. This is one of the very few countries that we’ve got that we can work in You without violating those man-made laws.
Yes Sir and I-I…Sir? Yes Sir, I realize that you must love us dearly and giving your Son to die on the cross, Lord, you know. And I do appreciate it…I sure do. This phone call has meant a lot to me.
Sir? Oh, you gotta go now? Well now I tell ya Lord, I appreciate ya callin’, and and thanks for reminding me and all, and I’m gonna start doing better. I-I think I need to…
Sir? You think I need to, too huh? Well I am. I’m gonna rededicate my life right now, Lord. I sure am. And I’m gonna start tithing my tithe, my ten percent, and paying my debts Lord, and I…yes Sir and I’m gonna go to church on Sunday…and Sunday morning worship preaching…and every time Lord they have church, I’m gonna be there Lord and take an active part in it.
Sir? Yes Sir and pray for others…just like they’ve been praying for me. Yes, Sir Lord. Now now you know how dependable that I am, and Lord you can depend on me for doing that. Heh, heh. OK Lord, and thank you, I thank you so much for callin’, hear? Good bye, now.
What’s that dear? Who was it on the telephone? Never mind. You wouldn’t believe me if I told you who it was. Was it the wrong number? Well no, it wasn’t the wrong number. Believe me, the man has my number. In fact I think he probably has a lot of people’s numbers. But I tell you one thing, the next time the phone rings, you can answer it. You needed it a whole lot worse than I did.
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—Lyrics submitted by “Gary.”
Lyrics powered by LyricFindwritten by BUD ANDREWS, ED WILKES, JERRY JORDANLyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
http://www.lyrics.com/phone-call-from-god-lyrics-jerry-jordan.html
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Some folk should be glad that God doesn’t have a cell phone.
If God had a cell phone, would He call you?
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 