Archive for the ‘Respect’ Category
Shouldn’t Porn Viewers Be Called Adulterers Too?
Shouldn’t Porn Viewers Be Called Adulterers Too?
God chose to create a helpmate that would be most desirable in the eyes of Adam. He succeeded and did a perfect job in the creation of Eve.
The plan was for man and woman to live together in a bond that was secure from sensual influences outside of the sanctity of their marriage. They each were given power over the others emotions and senses.
1Cor 7:4 The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.
When we step out of the safety of our house to go to work, for example, we no doubt will soon see someone of the opposite gender. For most men, it is a non-event that is completely ignored. No untoward stimuli is involved in their public observations.
For others, the looking is what triggers a chain of events that makes them vulnerable for a horrible downfall. They ogle and allow their mind and their thoughts to join in creating an ungodly fantasy.
When Jesus told His hearers, that when a man looked longingly upon a woman other than his wife, he was guilty of adultery in his heart.
Matt 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Unlike our generation, no one listening to the sermon Jesus preached that day ever heard of the word porn or pornography. They 
understood clearly though that improperly looking upon a woman was not pleasing to God.
Hotel staff members tell me their highest room porn rentals of the year (on the room’s TV) is during men’s conferences and youth conferences. God help!
Today, with all the promotion of books, magazines and the Internet, experiencing adultery in the heart, is at an all time high… even in the privacy of your own home, since you can find online sites as www.snapchatnudes.net that have adult pictures online.
If what Jesus said is applied to the current porn industry, then it is possible to never see the ‘actress’ live and in real life, and yet watch her online and be guilty of adultery in your heart.
Why is it that those who are known to view pornography are not called adulterers? Isn’t that what they are?
If porn viewers are guilty of adultery, then they need to repent for that. Sir, please carefully guard yourself, your home, your relationship with your wife, and your eternal future. It quickly becomes an addiction that may possibly lead to, or accompany your moral failure.
Repentance (confessing) is the first step. Is the spirit of adultery in your heart? It doesn’t have to stay there. Forsaking is the next step you must take. Then, thirdly, I recommend a good old-fashioned praying through! Accountability will help keep you and your wife safe.
- The Repentance,
- Forsaking and a
- Renewing of the Holy Ghost is imperative!
- Make yourself accountable.
The Psalmist prayed, ‘Create in me a clean heart.’ That should be the prayer of every man who desires to make heaven his home, and his home a heaven.
Now, get up from your computer and go spend some time showing attention to that beautiful bride you pledged your ‘I Do’ to!!
You Won’t Be Sorry!
Some Men Don’t Dress Up For Church Anymore!
Some men don’t dress up for church anymore. Churches where all the men wear suits, are rare. Does this reflect our ‘comfortable’ thinking about God? Is it that we bought into the concept that God ONLY looks on the inside? I don’t know. I sure don’t have an answer. If you don’t dress up for God, then when would be an appropriate time to dress up?
Young men wear a suit or a tuxedo to the prom.
Men wear a suit when they marry and pledge their love to their bride.
Men wear a suit to the job interview.
Men wear a suit to drive a limo.
Men dress up to serve your food.
Men wear a suit when they are on TV, to make a good impression.
Men wear a suit when they stand before a Judge.
Men wear a suit when they sit on the witness stand, to impress the jury.
Men wear a suit when they are in the company of the Mayor.
Men wear a suit when they are in the company of the Governor.
Men wear a suit when they are in the company of the President.
Sadly, this is too true!
Some men don’t dress up for church anymore!
- How important is church to you?
- If it doesn’t mean much, your choice of attire will soon reflect your opinion.
- Being in the presence of the Lord, is the most important part of my day.
- I will always dress up for the occasion.
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
Don’t Put Yourself At Risk
Don’t Put Yourself At Risk
I stood in one of the many lines at Denver’s Casa Bonita, a number of years ago, waiting to order. In the adjoining line on my right was a man dressed in National Hot Rod Association racing attire, complete with his number and sponsor patches. He was the center of attention for 20 feet around. People were congratulating him on his race that day and shaking his hand. Other’s asked for his autograph. Some asked questions about the race.
One man asked, “The previous champion always used two parachutes when he raced. Why do you only use one parachute?”
He said that the other racer had already received six cornea re-attachments. He explained that the dragsters go very fast, and that while the sudden stopping of the car is good, it is bad on the eyes.
He explained that the eyes are the softest and weakest part of the body, and while the body and the car stop, the pressure pushes the cornea forward often causing a detachment. That’s why I don’t use two. They make me stop too quickly.
I only using one, I have only had two retina re-attachments so far. He held up his trophy and said, “But it’s worth the risk.”
The piece of metal he held in his hands and the applause of men in his mind was worth risking his eyesight forever. Even though medical sciences are getting quite advanced and success stories from the quantum vision system are cheering hope on, nothing beats prevention. Word from the wise.
Sadly enough, some folks around our churches are risking more than their corneas. They are putting their souls at risk.
Saints Are Putting Themselves At Risk:
1. By Name Calling
(Mat 5:21) Ye have heard that it was said by them of old-time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
(Mat 5:22) But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
- “In danger of hell fire!” –if you call your brother a liar, fool, be careful!
- Name calling is dangerous.
2. By Rebelling Against Your Leadership.
- Ask Korah – he disagreed with Moses and rallied support against him.
- 200 princes stood on wrong side of the argument. They too were swallowed up with Korah.
- Don’t ever fight against your pastor.
- Don’t hang around critical (Railers) people. You’ll inherit their spirit.
3. Israel
- A Critical Spirit
- Murmur – Criticized
- God Sent Fiery Serpents because they murmured
4. By Disrespecting The Man Of God
- Bethel – 42 children mauled by bears.
- The children’s parents put them at risk for talking negative about their Prophet. Children are always put at risk, by their unspiritual parents.
5. By Becoming Holier Than The Pastor
- Once this happens, he can never teach you.
- Now, you think you know more than him.
- Your standards are higher, so he can’t ‘help’ you.
- No matter if you have convictions about something and your pastor doesn’t, that does not give you the right to disrespect him as long as he is still in the Truth.
6. Moving To Another Church For A Bad Reason
- Not every transplant is successful.
- Never TELL your pastor you are moving. ASK him what he thinks and have him pray with you about it.
- If he does not feel good about your moving, then there must be a reason.
- Make sure you have your pastor’s blessing and approval
7. Lot’s Choice Put His Family at risk.
- Your decisions in life always include those you love.
8. If You Marry The Unsaved Or Backslidden
- You are going against all of God’s Advice.
- I sincerely ask you not to make that mistake.
9. Don’t Marry The Heathen
- Lest you learn their ways and it becomes an abomination
- Marry heathen,
- Unequally yoked
- Your flesh may think it’s OK, but your spiritual man will always be affected for the worse.
10. By Robbing God
- Do you have God’s money in your bank account right now?
- Why?
- You cannot afford NOT to pay tithes.
- If you delight in the blessings of the Lord, you will NEVER have them without putting Him first.
- Give Him the first fruits of you income, The Tithe.
11. By Being Unfaithful To Church
- Your faithful attendance to God’s House has already been decided.
- Heb. 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
- The night you miss is often the night God had a Word, just for you. That’s why the devil kept you home.
12. By Prayerlessness
- Every day without prayer puts you and your family at greater risk.
- Why would you ignore the very lifeblood of your experience with God?
13. By Ignoring The Word Of God
- None of us ever get too smart or too holy to ignore God’s Commandments.
- When God says something, He means it.
- When God says something, there’s a reason.
14. By Not Responding When God Speaks To You.
- Ignoring God will always get you in trouble. Ask Jonah.
15. By Choosing To Become Offended.
- How long will you let a war go on?
- Life is too short to die bitter.
- Bitterness will destroy you and curse your family.
- Forgive, and love again.
Never Knowingly Put Your Self At Risk
Do You Love Your Doctor More Than You Love Your Pastor?
Do You Love Your Doctor More Than You Love Your Pastor?
It seems like people love their doctor more than they love their pastor. There is a great disparity of respect in the hearts of society between the two. This is openly demonstrated in the way their advice is treated.
That was a sentiment shared with me in a recent conversation with my friend, Pastor Jerry Rowley Jr. I have taken great liberties attempting to expound on his comment.
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The role of a doctor is greatly honored by our society. A doctor’s diagnosis and his orders are so respected that state laws support him. In extreme cases some states have been known to incarcerate individuals for their non-compliance to the doctor’s orders.
A pastor is greatly honored as well. The members of the congregation can choose to heed his advice. His words are sometimes received with suspicion or outright rejection. The following fictional scenarios may help describe the difference:
PATIENT 1
The new patient sat anxiously in the examination room while the doctor looked over the file holding all the test results. He made notations every now and then. Without a word, he picked up a thick book and thumbed back to the index. He located the reference he was looking for and made a few notations on the chart.
The doctor then asked a few pertinent questions, and checked the patient’s vital signs. He then turned and began to write several prescriptions.
The doctor folded the top cover back over the chart and in his best bedside manner broke the news to the patient and his spouse.
“As you know, your blood work came back and I didn’t like what I saw. So, that’s why I ordered the MRI. The bad news is, you have a mass that concerns me, it’s still contained, but if it is cancer and left untreated, it will be fatal.”
The patient then willingly goes through several months of chemo treatments. They endure more moments of pain and nausea than they wish to remember. They change their eating habits and strictly adhere to the diet the doctor gave them.
They also go back every week or so to the doctor’s office for checkups. The journey to recovery may be years. They will pay the cost and tolerate every inconvenience just to survive. They brag on their doctor and sing his praises when they go into remission.
The cost of the treatment: It varies, but sometimes runs into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. The weekly office visits aren’t cheap either.
Patient 2
The Holistic Doctor looked at her patient. She told him that the cancer had spread. Her prescription was not written on paper, but she advised her patient to drink nothing but a mixture of carrot and asparagus juice. Eat no solid food, and drink only water and the carrot juice cocktail.
She then sells the patient an expensive juicing machine. The patient goes home and ingests nothing into his body but water and the prescribed juice for one year. Friends shake their heads at the patient’s willingness to follow through with the strict regimen.
Visits are made to the office to monitor his progress. After a year, the results are in. The patient is cancer free. He testifies openly and brags on the results. The diet worked.
The costs of the doctor’s visits weren’t cheap either. Even though the health insurance wouldn’t pay, he happily refinanced his house to pay for his recovery.
In both scenarios, the patient did whatever was asked of them, and willing paid for their costly treatment. They had no problem doing weekly or monthly follow-up visits. They love their doctors. They are healed.
Church Scene 1
The pastor sits in the office with a crying young man. He tells the pastor what has happened. He is ashamed.
The pastor had great hopes for him. He had shown so much potential. Now there’s much damage and others will be affected.
When the crying ends, the pastor prays with the man and then says, “I’m afraid I’m going to have to take you off the platform and set you down for a while. I want to help you recover yourself”
“How long will I be set down?”
“We’ll see. It depends on how you do. I want to see you in the prayer room before every service. I don’t want you having anything to do with the people we just talked about. I want to see some evidence of your repentance. You can recover. I will be here for you. Call me anytime if you need me or feel yourself getting weak again. I love you.
When the office visit is over, the pastor/saint relationship is over too. Rather than submit to the pastor’s prescription for recovery, and be set down for a while, the man changes churches.
The cost was nothing to the church member. The pastor gave of himself to no avail. The church lost money, a member and quite possibly, a soul.
Church Scene 2
The pastor stood behind the pulpit, his sermon had been impressed upon him in prayer. The Lord stirred his heart to preach against the things of the world that were in the church.
Signs of worldliness had shown itself here and there in the congregation. He preached the essentiality of Acts 2:38. He said when you get this Holy Ghost experience, your life changes. Your friends change. You dress holy. You don’t do the things you used to do. You no longer go to the places you used to go.
The lack of response from the audience loudly stated their reaction to the sermon. A few members looked sideways at their friends and family to catch their reaction. They mostly just looked at the preacher without visible reaction.
After service a few phone calls were made. A private meeting was set up. Then a formal meeting was arranged. The pastor was voted out.
The cost? Whatever it was, the people refused to pay it.
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I am not talking about bad doctors or bad pastors. I am addressing how even good doctors and good pastors sometimes get treated differently.
There are many people alive today because they followed the good doctor’s advice. There are many people spiritually alive today because they followed the advice of their good man of God.
Thank God for every saint that loves his or her pastor enough to obey him.
You follow the advice of those you love.
Jesus said: John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
Do You Love Your Doctor More Than You Love Your Pastor?
When Is It A Bad Time To Call Your Pastor?
When Is It A Bad Time To Call Your Pastor?
My father stood at the pulpit and explained his preferences to the congregation. “It’s OK to mow your yard. You don’t have to call and ask me if it’s the Lord’s will.
“Don’t call me to ask if you should change the baby’s diapers. It’s God’s will. Don’t call me to see if it’s OK if you to go to K-Mart. You don’t have to call and ask permission, it’s OK.
“Don’t call me if your cat has pups. Well, actually if your cat has pups,” He said, “Call me. I’d like to see them.”
Every pastor has been ‘blessed’ with untimely phone calls. There apparently is a button on the pastor’s behind that makes the phone ring when he sits down for a family meal. He knows what it’s like to get calls in the middle of the night as well.
Too often, phones ring 24 hours a day in a Pastor’s world. Not only does he have a house phone, his cell phone makes a tether that ties him forever to the needs of everyone.
Some callers only focus on their needs and feel like calling the Pastor is somehow equal to calling Directory Assistance. It’s there, so why not call if the thought strikes you. They feel that Pastors are paid to answer all their phone calls.
When is the best time to call? When is it ever a bad time? I would never advise someone not to call the Pastor when they really do need help. But I do ask that your Pastor’s personal life be respected.
Ask yourself:
- Is this call an emergency?
- Are you sick and need prayer?
- Do you just need advice or have a question that needs to be answered?
- Are you going on a trip and need to let him know?
- Do you have to miss the church?
Cell phones were invented in the 1970’s. Phone Mate introduced their Answering Machine in the 70’s. Caller ID was invented about the same time. Until that time, Pastors only had house phones and if they were out, you had to wait until they came home.
Now days, we have somehow developed the idea that he is at everyone’s beck and call 24/7. No wonder the stress level in the parsonage rises above acceptable levels at times. At some Pastor’s homes, it seems the phone never stops ringing.
Society regards your Pastor as a Professional. He is treated by the outside world with deference and respect. We should do the same. Speaking of Professionals…
What hours do Professionals accept phone calls from their patients, clients or contacts?
Doctors have office hours, something like 8:30am to 4:30pm. And, do not call during lunch because it will go to directly to voicemail. After hours, your call to the good Doctor will connect you with his Answering Service. They determine if it is a worthy enough message to pass along.
Dentists have a similar setup.
Lawyers and Private Detectives follow suit.
Government Officials like State Representatives and Congressmen do the same.
Bankers, well you know about them.
Even the Mayor will get back with you in the morning.
Yet we unknowingly invade our Pastor’s personal time and rob him of family moments on a regular basis. It’s wrong and unfair. His wife and children are often robbed of one on one time with him because of the phone calls.
Please, before you pick up the cell to call or text your Pastor, look at the clock. Then ask yourself if the call is really that urgent. Can it wait? Be considerate. If it’s mealtime, don’t call at all.
If it’s after supper, realize he too enjoys his home and his family. Let him. Let him have time to rest and recoup from the day. Call him during the same hours you would call any other Professional.
A rested and strong Pastor will always be able to serve your needs better. Thank you for remembering and being considerate.
God bless you for your thoughtfulness, and God bless your Pastor.
By The Way… If you happen to have your pastor’s cell phone number or his private line at home, do NOT give it out unless he has made that number public. Guard his privacy. Thank you!
(On the other hand, I’m an Evangelist, and Evangelists are willing to receive phone calls and invitations and from Pastors any time of the day!)
If You Had A Mule!
If You Had A Mule!
In early American history, frontiersmen eked out a meager existence, in the harshest of times. Often, survival was directly connected to hard work, and the kindnesses of Mother Nature.
At best, one man by himself could barely grow enough food to last him through the long winters. He was glad to just get by.
But if he had a mule, life took an immediate upturn. More work was accomplished. He often was able to plow his 40 acres and harvest enough for himself and have enough left over to sell or trade.
It was by the help of the mule, that many a man moved from the survival mode to a more comfortable lifestyle.
The homesteader took very good care of his mule. His success was directly tied to the mule. The mule needed to be healthy, and to keep it healthy, it must be cared for.
- After working in the field all day, the mule was rubbed down with a burlap bag.
- It was curried with a brush.
- It was watered first, before the man.
- It was fed first, before the man.
- The man, would check to see if it needed shoes.
- Even if the man didn’t have good shoes, his mule did.
- If it needed shoes, that was a first order of business. It was a priority.
- After the mule was taken care of, the man then focused on his own needs.
(That was how I started a Bible Study many years ago, as pastor of Christ Temple Apostolic Church in South Bend.
I said, “I risk angering all the wives here tonight with my unkind comparison of them to a work animal. I apologize ahead of time.
“It is no secret that some men would take better care of a mule, than they would their own wife.” I continued…)
Men, I know this is over a hundred years later, but you’d be still in the survival mode without your good wife. It would be impossible for a man to list all of the duties and chores his wife routinely accomplishes for the betterment of his home. Too often, she does a hard days work without a word of praise or thanks.
She is ordered around, and treated far beneath her pay grade, which too often, is nothing at all. The man pockets the money, spends what he wants on himself. She has an empty purse. Some men spend $50 or more on a golf game, fishing supplies or a days hunt.
His wife has to ask him for money for hairspray, hose and personal items. God forbid she would ever ask for a pair of shoes or a dress. For her, it is demeaning to have to ask.
She made him a home. She sacrificed her health, her youth and her life to raise him a family. She does his cleaning, his cooking, and attends to his whims. Yet she is not allowed to enjoy the bounty and fruit of her labor on the same level her husband does. Shame on you sir.
If you had a mule, you would take better care of it, than you do your own wife!
At that point in my Bible Class, a chunk of plaster about as big as a pie pan fell from the ceiling and landed on Bro. McKinnies’ head.
As soon as I saw that he was not hurt, I pointed at him and said, “It’s you I’m talking about!”
We all laughed.
My sermon was over…
Are The Heroes Here Yet?
Are The Heroes Here Yet?
Pastor Brandon Hartzell is my son-in-law. He’s just the best one a father-in–law could ever have. I love him.
He was not raised in a pastor’s home, yet he deeply loves and respects the ministry. He treats me with more honor than I deserve.
He’s often had his picture taken with great men he’s revered. In his office there are pictures on the wall or on his desk of men like Bro. J.T. Pugh, Bro. Wayne Huntley and others who have made positive influences in his life.
Bro. Hartzell deeply loves the ministry and the godly men he has met. He also has a great gift of remembering what they taught him.
Pastor Brandon Hartzell & Ainsley
He also tries to instill into his children and his congregation in Cary, North Carolina that it is a privilege to have these great men of God visit their church and minister to them.
Pastor Hartzell openly tells his people that these men have given their lives to the Gospel and are modern day heroes of the Faith.
He recently announced to his church that the next Sunday, a Missionary would be in visiting in service with them.
Ainsley, his four-year-old daughter, wanted to ride to Sunday School with her Daddy that morning. Upon arriving early at the church, she walked into the auditorium and looked around for the Missionary. She didn’t see anyone she didn’t already know. Little Ainsley looked up at her daddy and said, “Daddy, are the Heroes here yet?”
(Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all Pentecostal kids felt that our Missionaries were Heroes? Maybe they would, if we taught them.)
An Old School Lesson – “If You Can Take It, You Can Make It.”
An Old School Lesson – “If You Can Take It, You Can Make It.”
I was mingling in the headquarters hotel lobby in Grand Rapids during the 1965 UPCI General Conference. At 21, I was a newlywed of two (2) months. I saw a familiar face, and turned to greet a treasured family friend, Bro. Howard H. Davis.
From my early childhood, the Ballestero and the Davis families have been close friends. Over the years, my father had talked to me in revered tones about all five of the Davis brothers. They all were Pastors or Missionaries. I grew up with an ingrained respect for them.
After we shook hands and hugged necks we greeted each other with small talk. He looked at me and said I’d like to talk to you a minute. I readily agreed.
Martyn & Marcia Ballestero 08/14/1965
He said, “Brother Marty, I know you’re married now and evangelizing. But you don’t look like you used to look. You’ve changed the way you comb your hair to one of these worldly hairstyles. I liked the “old” Bro. Marty better.
“You don’t look like a holiness preacher now. You don’t look like the son of Carl Ballestero. You don’t look like the Bro. Marty I used to know.”
I quickly tried to review in my mind, the reasons that I had changed to this “new look.” My wife had said it was “nice” and I guess that meant she liked it. There had even been a few compliments from friends my age. I really didn’t have a good answer why, except that I liked it. Maybe it was my vanity that started all this. I thought I looked “cool.” I didn’t consider if God was pleased or what injury I might do to my ministry, or lose in the respect of my Elders.
I knew in my heart that it took some love and bravery to walk up to the son of your friend and extend admonishment like Bro. Davis had, in hopes of helping me.
I was certainly caught off guard. Maybe the word stunned even comes to mind. I didn’t interrupt him. He was my Elder. He was my father’s dear friend. He then, in my mind, was my friend too by inheritance.
When he finished. I apologized for disappointing him. I told him how much I appreciated him loving me enough, and being brave enough to tell me what I needed to do. I told him that I would immediately go upstairs to my Hotel room and change my hairstyle back to the “Old Marty” look.
We hugged necks and I went to my room.
While I stood in front of the mirror, my wife asked in a gentle tone, “Baby, what are you doing?”
“I’m changing my hair back like I used to comb it,” I replied.
“But I like the other way,” she offered.
I replied, “So do I, Baby. So do I.”
When I was done combing my hair, I kissed her and left the room. I wanted to go downstairs to the Lobby again. When Bro. Davis spotted me from across the big room, he nodded my way and smiled. I nodded and smiled back.
Neither of us knew then, that someday he would become my Step Father-In-Law. I have privately thanked the Lord that I did not show a bad spirit or attitude that day. That I understood that he was brave enough to help a friend’s son stay on track. I will forever honor him for that alone.
Nearly twenty years later, 11 couples of pastors and their wives went together on a Caribbean cruise. It was the best trip ever! This was an opportunity to get better acquainted and relax. We all had great fun and enjoyed the fellowship of each other. I got a close-up look at Bro. Howard Davis. I watched him laugh, tell stories of his travels, and have a great time.
When we talked now, it really felt comfortable. I was no longer the little kid talking to grownups. I enjoyed the conversations, and camaraderie immensely.
Years later after the passing of their spouses, my Mother-in-law, June Starr and Howard Davis became acquainted. In private conversation one day with “Mom” Starr, I confided to her my opinion of Bro. Howard Davis.
I said, “If I was stranded on island for 6 months and allowed to have 3 friends with me, He would be one of them. He’s wise. He’s very knowledgeable about life. He’s balanced, He’s kind and He’s fun. He’s easy to be around. You’ll not be sorry if you marry him.”
One of my life’s happiest moments is when I was honored to walked down the aisle with my Mother-in-law on my arm to give her in marriage to Bro. Howard Davis.
He has become the father image in my life today. He’s a stabilizing factor for me in a changing world. His wonderful ministry is probably the best-kept secret in Pentecost.
I Love Bishop Howard H. Davis with all my heart! When my father died, my Pastor died also. I felt vulnerable and alone. I believe everyone needs a Pastor in the their life. I asked “Dad” Davis to be my Pastor and submitted myself to him. I am happy to call him, “Dad Davis” and Pastor!
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Epilogue:
My ‘Other’ Mother, Sis. June Davis, has written a Biography Of Bishop Howard Davis. You will want to get this book.
The book is entitled: ‘Man With A Purpose’
The book is 119 pages of Howard’s history, from childhood to US Navy man, Minister, Church builder, member UPCI 60 years, Pastor {same Church 42 years}, world traveler, Ordained Bishop, and His Article, NIGHT OF CONFLICT; 8 chapters about the last night of World War Two, with Him as a teenage backslider on the USS Wiley, DD597, a Destroyer under attack at 2:30 A.M. by Japanese Zeros and Bombers, at the Island of Okinawa.
Those of you who know him will want to get this book. If you are a Pastor, You will want to get some copies for your members.
Price: $10.00 plus $2.00 mailing, each book. Mailing for more than 1 book will be different.
Send orders to.
Marian June Davis
735 Greenwood Ave
San Bernardino, CA 92407
Once The Seal Is Broken
Once The Seal Is Broken
Jams and jellies are a necessity in my home. I love them. I like jam on toast, and a big gob on each half of my biscuit. I even have been known to spread jam on my pancakes. I have many memories of my mother making dozens of jars of preserves and jellies each year. My daughter, Marisa Hartzell carries on the family tradition and her jams and jellies taste every bit as wonderful as my Mother’s. I am blessed.
One common practice in my Mom’s canning was the use of paraffin. Once the jam in the jar was ready, she poured melted paraffin on top of the jam. The paraffin would make a seal about a quarter of an inch thick or more. When the wax was cool and the jar sealed, a lid was tightly screwed into place.
Later, when we needed jam, the paraffin seal was broken. The contents of the jar immediately became subject to spoiling if not treated refrigerated properly. The seal was broken and could not be put back into place.
Kerr came out with a special two-part lid for the home-canner. When the contents of the jars are still hot, the rims were wiped clean, and flat Kerr lids were put into place.
As the jar cools, a vacuum is created and the lid is sucked tight onto the rim. The center of the lid is sunken; showing that the seal was successful. Tapping on the lid strikes a musical note only if sealed correctly.
Once the lid is pried off, safe food measures must be immediately taken because the seal cannot be put back into place. Food spoilage is a danger.
Eighteen wheel big rigs are often seen pulling a trailer with a metal seal or seals in the door latch. Something very important and valuable is inside. The owner is worried, that’s why he placed a seal upon the door. Every trucker knows that if that seal is broken, foul play is suspected. It can’t be restored. The seal is broken. Answers will be demanded. Explanations are in order and the contents of the whole trailer are subject to inventory.
What about the seal between the saint and their pastor?
Charlie was a sinner. He came to church, repented, got baptized and was filled with the Holy Ghost. Bro. Charlie did wonderful for 18 years. Then one day his son Josh rebelled and sinned. It caused quite a stir in the church. Several young people were involved. It became an issue that couldn’t be ignored or allow to continue. The pastor had to respond.
Bro. Charlie wasn’t happy with the pastor’s response to his son’s sinning in his preaching or in the counseling sessions. He got offended. He protected his son from the pulpit and eventually told his friends he wasn’t coming back. He didn’t, he changed churches.
In the next 15 years, Bro. Charlie went to at least eight different churches in almost that many states. He still feels saved, so does his son. His boy is now married to a Charismatic woman who cut her hair, wears slacks, and has lots of jewelry. She also talks in tongues.
Charlie wouldn’t take correction. He wouldn’t allow Josh to be corrected. He allowed the seal to be broken between himself and the man of God. Consequently, he has spent many years taking his soul in his own hands, and drifting from church to church. If he doesn’t like the pastor’s stand, on an issue, he moves on. The seal of a Pastor-Saint relationship is permanently missing in his heart.. He broke the seal. Not only him, but also his son has experienced the spoilage that only comes with broken seals.
Don’t ever allow the seal to be broken between you and your man of God. It may never be restored.
Jude 13 referred to those with broken seals as: ‘wandering stars.’
Never let the old flesh bring separation between your pastor and yourself. It is impossible to go back to a life of innocence. It’s impossible to replace that seal. Once you learn how to take your soul in your own hands and make your own life decisions, you can’t be pastored anymore.
Is your seal in place?
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 