Archive for the ‘Personal Growth’ Category
Change Blindness
Change Blindness
Wikipedia notes that William James (1842-1910) is the first person known to mention the lack of ability to detect change. He noted this in his book written in 1890, Principles of Psychology.
Researcher John Grimes began to use actual photographs in 1996 in his change blindness studies.
“A study by Rensink, O’Regan, & Clarke demonstrated that change blindness can have an effect even if the eye was fixated on a scene. In this study, a picture was presented followed by a blank screen or “masking” stimulus, which was followed by the initial picture with a change. The masking stimulus almost acts like a saccadic movement of the eye which makes it significantly more difficult for individuals to detect the change. This was a critical contribution to change blindness research because it demonstrated that a change can remain unnoticed with the smallest disruptions.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Change_blindness
Magicians and illusionists are keenly aware of this human weakness and they capitalize on that fact. Satan, the greatest con-artist of all time, does as well.
Old men are known to fuss about change. Young men are known to laugh at the old men. I understand that. I too have been young, and now I am old.
There have been way too many who have refused to see or admit change in our churches today.
While some cannot see the change in what is ‘accepted’ and ‘permissible’ in Apostolic circles… a great many of us can.
If you are a Senior citizen that has been in church all your life, then you should know about:
Change that brings carnality to the forefront
Change that substituted rhythm, for worship
Change that is comfortable with programs instead of a move of the Holy Ghost
Change in what is now considered modest or holy
Change that wears form-fitting clothes
Change to the current acceptance of Hollywood
Change in attitude about faithful church attendance
Change in respect for the ministry
Change to not preaching against sin
Change in sermon content, from doctrine to pop psychology
Change in sermon content from including discipleship to outreach only
Change in attitudes about submission to the Word or to the man of God
Change to acceptance of organized sports
Change that is uncomfortable with services longer than an hour
Change to believing a prophet is only to prophesy blesses, healing and prosperity
Change that mocks the holiness minded
Change that loves jewelry and makeup
Change that doesn’t feel a need to pray all the way through
Change that is happy with change
My critics might suggest that I think that I am the only one that can see change. That’s not true. It’s just that I have nothing to lose and everything to gain by saying that I see what I see. I truly believe there are some precious people who are not purposely trying to change the good to the bad. They are not maliciously trying to put light for dark. I am submitting that even good people just have a case of Change Blindness.
Change Blindness is alive and well in Pentecostal churches today. That truly scares me when I think about what the future could hold if Jesus tarries.
Remember the Homeland Security Slogan… If you see something, say something. I just did.
How Long Is The Night?
How Long Is The Night?
Nights seem shorter during the summer months, and a lot longer during the winter.
John 11:9 Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day?
Without getting too scientific, even at the geographical poles, where the earth’s rotation isn’t a factor, there is a six months night and a six months day.
And according to Yahoo, even “at the equinoxes, when the sun is exactly perpendicular to the equator, everywhere on earth, there is a day somewhere that has exactly 12 hours and a night of 12 hours.”
So… How Long Has The Been For Night For You?
In The Garden At Night
It was in the Garden of Gethsemane at night, that Jesus was forced to face his greatest battle. It was also a time when his own disciples slept. There was no one to help him during His night season.
The Night Jesus Was In The Tomb.
It was a very long night for the believers of Jesus, when they knew his body lay encased in a tomb. Their hopes were dashed. Their future dreams all dissolved before their eyes.
Peter’s Night After The Denial
How long was the night for Peter? He lived all night with the haunting reality of his denial of the Lord.
The Ten Virgins
For the ten virgins, the night was long enough to make them all fall asleep from weariness and exhaustion.
Daniel’s Night In The Lions Den
How long was the night for Daniel as he listened to the lions snore next to him? No one had ever survived an ordeal like this before! Would he?
Paul’s Night Floating In The Mediterranean Sea
Paul said he spent all night floating in the open sea after his shipwreck. Sometimes, there is no rest all night long. Night seems to be a time in which men fight for survival.
The Night Of The First Passover
How could they sleep knowing that death lurked outside in the darkness? The blood of the lamb was their only defense! They had to keep their shoes on. In spite of the judgment that fell on the unbelievers, Deliverance came for them the same night.
Night Has Often Been A Time For Coming To Grips With Our Greatest Fears.
- For some, it’s a time of loneliness.
- Maybe, it could also be a time for tears.
- For others, it’s in the night that fear reigns supreme.
- Nightmares happen in the night.
- Sounds are heard at night that no one seems to notice during the day.
- Storms of devastation seem to come at night.
Nights Are Horrible For Anyone That Is Away From God.
- It seems that the death angel comes more often at night.
- Sick people gain hope, if they can just make it through the night.
We all have nights, and for most of our lives think nothing of them. There are times however, when situations and circumstances look bleak, and despair seems to show it’s ugly face.
- Fear grips our hearts.
- Our mind tells us how hopeless our situation is.
Your Night Of Trial And Testing!
I’m Sure It’s Painful! How Often We All Desire To Spare Those We Love From Their Night Terrors!
Only God has the answer!- Only God knows how much longer your night will last.
- Only God knows how much you will have to bear.
- Only God knows how He plans to be glorified by your trial of faith.
- Only God knows where you are ‘at.’
- Only God knows why you have been chosen to bear your load.
- Only God knows why you had to hear the doctor’s bad report.
- Only God knows why you suffered such loss.
But, There Is One Thing He Wants You To Know!
Psa 30: 5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
I Am Praying For You, That Your ‘Night’ Not Last Much Longer!
For The Church Of Jesus Christ
This is a dark time. It is an hour of spiritual wickedness and the prince of darkness is having his last fling. This truly is the midnight hour.
- But, Be Of Good Cheer. The Morning Cometh!
- Jesus Is Coming Soon. The Night Is Almost Over!
- Are You Ready For A New Day?
Are You Ready For The Morning?
I’m Sick And Tired Of You Judging Me!
“I’m Sick And Tired Of You Judging 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. Speaking of which, I recalled when my friend ran out of cash travelling in Europe, she used www.XN–LNA-PENGAR-15A.BIZ to get financing to get back to her country.
- 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’re Sick And Tired Of Others 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’re Sick And Tired Of Others Judging You? 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
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 Their 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.
You’re Sick And Tired Of Others Judging You?
- 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.
Do You Know Where You’re Going, When You Go Green?
Do You Know Where You’re Going, When You Go Green?
The signs and slogans are everywhere. Go Green.
That, my friend just might be one of the most dangerous signs you ever obey!
Going Green is promoted to save the environment. Yet, for some it takes on a different meaning. It is much more to them than recycling plastic, glass and paper. They keep looking for greener grass on the other side of every fence.
They think the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, and why not? Everyone loves green grass. Green grass is very attractive. Somehow, green has become a symbol of health, wealth, beauty, and comfort. It’s also the illusion of a enjoying a better life.
Americans Spend A Lot Of Money Just To Have Green Grass
Ehow.com says that the average home owner spends between $100 and $400 a month on his yard, depending on the size of the lawn and the company he chooses.
Read more: The Average Cost of Lawn Care | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_5984601_average-cost-lawn care.html#ixzz1zZJwhW2U
We feel that our neighbor’s will judge us by the greenness of our grass. Maybe they do. If so, the solution is simple.
- Water your yard.
- Fertilize it.
- Trim it.
- Pull the weeds out or wack them with a gas powered weed eater.
- Remove the dandelions.
- Trap the gophers.
- It’s your yard. You could make it pretty if you chose to make it pretty.
It may cost you to have green grass. However, it may cost you more if you go looking elsewhere for greener grass. King David found out about that when he looked over the wall and saw Bathsheba.
Exodus 20:17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.
Just quit looking and the coveting will stop!
There’s That…
Pastor Tommy Craft’s Office Picture
In the late1980’s, I sat down in Pastor Tommy Craft’s office in Jackson, Mississippi to visit a few minutes before a church service. My eyes were immediately drawn to a large picture of the wall. It was a picture of a beautiful pasture with a fence running through the middle. On each side of the fence was a horse with its neck stretched out trying to eat the grass on the other side. Nothing was actually gained by the horses. The grass was actually the same. They both risked their necks on the barbed wire. The picture was silent reminder to never ignore the green grass under your own feet.
Discontentment
The lack of contentment makes the human eye look elsewhere. Having it, is truly a gift of God. Some possess 
much of this life’s finer things. They have plenty of money in the bank and live a life some would even envy. Yet, they are not content.
They have found out for themselves that King Solomon was right. The eyes of a man are never full. They always want more, so they never stop looking.
That mindset will have much bearing on how long you keep your vehicle, your house, your job and your spouse. It will also determine how long you attend your local church.
Contentment Can, And Must Be Learned
Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation (Manner of Living) be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
1 Timothy 6:8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
What You Don’t Appreciate, Maybe Some One Else Will.
A young woman named Jan complained tearfully to her friend Paula. She told Paula that she was going to dump her boyfriend. Paula agreed that she should dump him. She also said, “Let me know when you drop him, because when you do, I’m going to be there to pick him up.” Jan decided to rethink the situation.
The Desert Of Life Also Has The Mirage Of A Green Oasis.
When you finally struggle to get where the shimmering Oasis is, there will be no green, and there will be no water. You will only be fooled. You saw what you wanted to see. In your desperate struggle for a better life, you have not find satisfaction there. Actually, it is possible that you may wind up more desperate and disillusioned than before. Maybe the green you are looking for, is real… but, only in your mind.
For You, Does Going Green Mean Going For More Money?
I worry about those who only focus on the dollar and not their soul. They might make more money and also 
miss more church. It’s the worst trade off ever. There is no job worth losing your soul over.
We all have heard our share of get rich quick schemes. And we also know of some who have fallen into that trap. Beware!
1 Timothy 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Beneath Some Patches Of Green Grass, Are Septic Tanks
Erma Bombeck entitled one of her books: The Grass Is Always Greener Over The Septic Tank.
Did anyone ever ask, “Why is the grass greener over there? What makes it so green right there?”
It seems that in polite company, every one tries to ignore the source of the greener grass. But, no matter how much we suppress the truth from our thinking, filth made it greener. That is a fact.
Has sin made the grass greener where you have been looking? It’s possible. Maybe you should ask the “Why” questions about the Green Grass you’ve been looking at.
Lot Chose The Well Watered Plains Of Sodom And Gomorrah
No doubt about it. The grass was greener. It was so green, that it’s magnetism held Lot and his family captive. They actually loved the placed.
It was God who had the problem. Lot felt good about it. He listened to his own carnality. It was God who hated the filth of Sodom. Lot was willing to die there. God had to drag him and his family out.
The attraction was so strong that Lot’s wife died from its attraction. The fruits of his daughters perversion became one of the things God hated most. Their names were Ammon and Moab, the life long enemies of the people of God.
It all started with Lot pitching his tent toward Sodom. It started with Lot looking at the greener grass every day. What are you looking at? In what direction is your tent pitched?
HINT: The Grass Would Be Greener Where You Are Living Right Now, If You Would Just Water It More Often.
Just Imagine…
Just Imagine…
Just imagine a thoughtless and demanding husband that is married to a wife who caters to his every need. Imagine him sitting relaxed in his little command center, his Lazy-Boy, while he bellows out orders.
- “Hey Pearl, bring me a Diet Coke.”
- “Get me the newspaper.”
- “Did you call Bob like I asked you?”
- “Get the phone will you, I’m busy.”
- “How much longer do I have to wait for supper?”
- “Since you’re up, get my slippers.”
Just imagine a man that constantly makes demands like that on his wife. If she complied willingly and without comment, he’s a most fortunate man.
- Just imagine what she might feel like if he never thanked her for serving him.
- Imagine too what she would think of him if all he ever did was make more demands and never took time to talk to her or say sweet words of affection to her.
- Imagine what future the relationship would have if the man said, I don’t really have time to talk to you, I just need you to do what I asked you to do.
Some wives might be content to be in a relationship like that, but I have never met them yet. A loving relationship is not a one-way street.
Then There Is The Flip Side Of That Problem.
Imagine a demanding wife that is married to husband who she expects to cater to her every need.
- Her Honey-Do-List never ends.
- Her requests are only for her benefit.
- She nags him if she doesn’t get what she wants, when she wants it.
- She feels like he doesn’t love her unless he is always giving to her and doing things for her.
- His needs are not even on her radar screen.
- She has no time to just talk to him.
- He can’t remember when she last said, “I love you.”
- Her world is only focused on her own happiness.
What A Mess! I Can’t Imagine Living Like That!
I don’t know who would ever want to enter into any kind of relationship such as this. How could their life’s story have a happy ending? What future do they have? It’s a world without love!
Yet That Is Exactly The Spiritual Relationship Many Of Us Have With The Lord.
- The only time we talk to Him is to make more demands.
- Our prayers are only to ask for more.
- We ask for healing.
- We ask for finances.
- We ask for housing, transportation and employment.
- We ask for blessings for ourselves.
- And yes… We are invited to ask. But…
- We never just take the time to say, “Thank You Jesus.”
- We are too busy to just stop and ‘chit-chat’ with Him.
- We find ourselves so busy asking for more favors that we almost never stop to say, “Have I told You today Jesus, that I love You?”
What’s The Chances Of Our ‘Relationship’ With God Lasting Very Long?
- Actually, I am afraid it sounds one-sided.
- It doesn’t sound like much of a relationship.
- If it were a marriage, it might soon go on the rocks.
So, Where Is Our Walk With God Headed?
Just Imagine…
Just Imagine a husband been separated from his wife and writing over five dozen letters to her. Imagine the wife taking the unopened letters from the mailman and stacking them on the coffee table for all to see. Just imagine her never reading the letters from her husband. Imagine her thinking, “How precious of him to write, but reading his letters is boring to me.”
Imagine the two of them talking on the phone from time to time and him realizing by the things she says and doesn’t say, that she has not been reading any of his letters. Now what?
Absurd as it may sound, it happens everywhere, everyday. We have letters and epistles written to us. Although cherished by us all, The Holy Bible remains unread, and untouched. It is placed on the coffee table for others to see. But many of us will die, never reading what He wrote just to us. Now what?
Just imagine what our life would be like if we told the Lord several times a day that we loved Him, and not just asked for something every time we prayed.
Just imagine what our life would be like if we read the letters He wrote to us and got to know Him better.
Just imagine knowing Him in His fullness.
Just Imagine!
Some Assembly Required
Some Assembly Required
The most dreaded words found on any gift are, Some Assembly Required! To the experienced among us, that phrase means that it will be a while before the present can be enjoyed.
I am one of those males who at times, has been dumb enough to just look at the picture on the box and think it can be assembled without reading the instructions. The joke was on me. As a last resort, I humbly picked up the instructions.
Regretfully, I can still remember one occasion, that I not only 
had to stop and read the instructions. I had to undo a step or two, to make the gift look like the picture.
Some Assembly Required is not warning enough. The really bad news is when the instructions are ignored, or not properly followed. The gift then, will never look like the picture.
The Apostle Peter wrote the instructions and explained that there was Some Assembly Required in becoming like the picture. He explained it this way; first, start with your Faith. Then, add Virtue.
After Virtue has been attached, connect the Knowledge module. Then add Temperance. Patience is next, then attach Patience, Godliness, and Brotherly Kindness. Finally, add Charity to create a godly life; just like the picture in the Book.
2 Peter 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
2 Peter 1:6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
2 Peter 1:7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
2 Peter 1:8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
2 Peter 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
The Holy Ghost is a Gift from God. Some Assembly Required!
What Is Class?
What Is Class?
My father-in-law, Rev. William R. Starr was blessed with five beautiful daughters. He had no sons. He wrote a note to his girls which they have always cherished. He was indeed a wise man. He passed his wisdom on to his daughters.
Pardon me, while I invade family privacy and make public his advice to his children.
Class never runs scared. It is sure-footed and confident in the knowledge that you can meet life head on and handle whatever comes along.
Jacob had it. Esau didn’t. Symbolically, we can look to Jacob’s wrestling match with the angel. Those who have class have wrestled with their own personal angel and won a victory that marks them thereafter.
Class never makes excuses. It takes lumps and learns from past mistakes. Class is considerate of others. It knows that good manners are nothing more than a series of small sacrifices.
Class bespeaks an aristocracy that has nothing to do with ancestors or money. The most affluent blue blood can be totally without class, while the descendant of a Welsh miner may ooze class from every pore.
Class never tries to build itself up by tearing others down. Class is already up and need not strive to look better by making others look worse.
Class can “walk with kings and keep its virtue and talk with crowds and keep the common touch.” Everyone is comfortable with the person who has class because he is comfortable with himself.
If you have class you don’t need much of anything else. If you don’t have it, no matter what else you have, it doesn’t make much difference.
Dad
Some Did, Some Didn’t
Some Did, Some Didn’t
Fall is a beautiful time in Indiana. The farmers have little roadside vegetable stands set up that stay busy with city slicker customers looking for fresh produce.
By this time of year, most crops have already been harvested. Well, except for maybe soybeans, pumpkins and the field corn.
The average crop of field corn is beautiful when it is harvested. Trucks can be seen hauling the yellow corn to the ethanol plants and to the local Co-op.
For the most part, all the ears of corn look very much alike. But what catches the eye, are the ears of corn that don’t look like the others. Some cobs are full with golden kernels; others are not. There are ears of corn of varied lengths and descriptions. In every truck load.
What these ears of field corn have in common, is that:
- They all were planted by the same farmer.
- They all were purchased at the same feed store.
- They all were planted in the same field.
- They all received the same amount of fertilizer.
- They all received the same amount of sunshine.
- They all received the same amount of rain.
- They all received the same amount of wind.
- They all received the same amount of weeding.
- They all received the same amount of irrigation.
- They were all planted the same day.
- They were all harvested the same day.
- They didn’t all turn out the same.
- Why?
Was it difference the farmer’s fault? Was the problem with the seed, or was it the soil? I’ll never know. The harvest shows the disparity of each ear.
There is another harvest that comes to mind. That one is a Harvest of Souls.
Apostolic churches are beautiful in spirit and worship. They are lovely in holiness and truth. Their love and fervor for the name of Jesus is without equal.
Yet, not every church member looks and acts the same. Here and there exceptions are found in every congregation.
- Some don’t pray like the rest.
- Some don’t worship like the rest
- Some don’t pay tithe like the rest.
- Some won’t dress like the rest.
- Some won’t live like the rest.
- Some won’t be faithful like the rest.
- Some won’t witness like the rest.
- Some don’t love holiness like the rest.
- Some won’t obey God’s Word like the rest.
- Why?
What made them different from all the others? How come others connected with God, the church and the pastor and they didn’t? I can’t answer that, and you may not be able to either.
- They all went to the same church.
- They all sang the same songs.
- They all prayed at the same time.
- They all had the same pastor.
- They all heard the same sermon.
- They all received the same encouragement.
- They all received the same correction.
- They all were given the same love.
- They all were given the same hope.
- They all attended the same revivals
- They all came forward to pray at the end of the service.
Yet some got on fire, and others did not. Some submitted to God, and others did not. Some got a good experience of the Holy Ghost, and others… who knows?
Some lived a life of carefulness. Others did not. Some looked godly. Others did not. Some dressed modestly. Others did not. Some knew God. Others… who knows?
Some women had uncut hair. Others did not. Some men were clean-shaven. Others were not. Some always said ‘Amen”. Others did not. Some had a fiery testimony. Others did not.
Some day, some will hear Him say, “Well done thou good and faithful servant.” Others may not.
Playing Out Of Bounds
Playing Out Of Bounds
There have always been boundaries. Some of them God established and some of them common sense put in place. There are reasons for boundaries.
Boundaries in life are like guard rails. Every highway needs them at some point. Everyone’s flesh is weak. Quit arguing that yours isn’t. That in itself is a good reason for boundaries.
Boundaries are put in place to protect you and your good name. Your reputation is all that you have. Never let your good be evil spoken of.
A man does not have integrity because he made boundaries. He set those boundaries for himself because he has integrity.
Personal boundaries are what define your identity. Your family and friends know you well enough to know how you would respond to each situation. They count on you because they know you have set boundaries for yourself.
They’re like the property lines around a home. Yet, no one has had their property re-surveyed just because they have a 16-year-old in the house. Boundaries don’t change with the weather. They are like moral landmarks. They should never be changed or altered.
Every Nation Has Boundaries
- Every nation defends its borders vigorously.
- Ignoring the boundaries of any nation will lead to arrest and deportation.
Every Sport Has A Boundary
In sports, the referee blows a whistle and declares to everyone when you have gotten out-of-bounds.- Baseball calls it a foul ball.
- Football and Basketball says a player was out-of-bounds.
- If you want to stay in the game and not be penalized, stay within the boundaries.
God Set Natural Boundaries
The Sea
- God set boundaries to the sea, saying thus far shall ye come and no more.
- Prov 8:29 (NIV) When he gave the sea its boundary so the waters would not overstep his command, and when he marked out the foundations of the earth.
God Set Spiritual Boundaries
The Tree In The Garden
God set boundaries in the very beginning. He told Adam and Eve they could enjoy everything they could see and touch, except one thing; the tree of life. That tree was God’s. It was out-of-bounds to them.
The first thing Satan did was to question the boundaries. He asked, “Hath God said…?” That’s how Satan started out with man, and he’s never stopped.
He makes man ask himself, “How could it be wrong when it looks so good and feels so right?” The devil can’t wait for us to step out-of-bounds.
Boundaries In Relationships
Married – Married Boundaries
I asked that the men in the church I pastored to be careful. When they called the house of a brother and his wife answered. I asked them to say, “Praise the Lord” to her. That helps keep the conversation on a spiritual level.
Solomon instructed men to focus on their wife and not someone else’s. He said, “You’ve got your own cistern to refresh and nourish you. Don’t go to the neighbor’s house for a drink.”
Prov. 5:15 Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well.
Job wouldn’t look at another woman. He set an important boundary for himself.
Job 31:1 I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?
Dating
When I showed romantic interest in my wife Marcia, her father, Pastor William R. Starr took me aside for a man-to-man talk. He said, “When a couple dates, it’s the man who should know when to draw the line. It’s the man who should know what boundaries not to cross.”
No one wants their daughter to be courted by a young man who has no boundaries or understands some areas are off-limits.
Neither does a parent wish for their son to be alone with a girl who has no lines she is afraid to cross.
Babies are being born out-of-wedlock because either no one set a boundary or no one paid attention to it. Disregarding boundaries always lead to pain and regret.
Those Without Boundaries Do Not Fear God!
Singles – Marrieds
Facebook has become a worldwide communications phenomenon. Pentecostals have taken full advantage of its availability. In most part, it’s for the good.
All its interaction is enjoyable and fun until someone crosses the line. The bad news is that everyone on Facebook then sees him or her as they show the world how void their life is of boundaries.
- Why would a single girl keep commenting on a married man’s page?
- Why would a single guy make constant comments on a married woman’s page?
- They refuse to recognize boundaries in their life. They also refuse to set them.
- It’s dangerous.
- It is hazardous to a marriage.
- It’s explosive.
- It’s wrong.
Things can get out of line quickly. I recommend against playing even innocent games like Words With Friends between members of the opposite sex. It causes way too much familiarity. Be very afraid.
- I also can find no occasion for chitchat texting between members of the opposite sex.
- Why would a child of God have email addresses on their computer that they know are out of line and serve no spiritually productive purpose?
- Surely there are no cell phone numbers of a single or married member of the opposite sex on your phone. Or of a single or married member of the opposite sex, if you are married.
- Nothing good will come of it if you are guilty. You are playing with fire.
Dress
This is a day of no boundaries or limits in dress. Carnal people do not want standards.
Sadly, many beautiful young ‘Pentecostal’ ladies have been seen parading around camp meetings and conferences lately with their dresses several inches above their knees.
What happened at home? Where’s Mom? Where’s Dad? Where are the boundaries of dress? Why haven’t they let modesty set a boundary of dress for them?
With all of the above being said, I thank God for every person, young and old that has boundaries in their life. That let God’s Word order their steps. That realize Boundaries are not made to hurt anyone. They are put in place to keep everyone safe.
Boundaries… Don’t Leave Home Without Them!
Boundaries…Don’t Get On The Internet Without Them!
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 