Archive for the ‘Submission’ Category
The Danger Of Premature Launches
The Danger Of Premature Launches
Things in life don’t always turn out well until it’s the right time. Wisdom dictates we wait until it’s the right season, or until all the pieces are in place.
Sister Nona Freeman, our beloved woman of God told a story about wishing she was ‘perfect’ when she was a young saint in the local church. Her pastor looked out the window at her garden in the backyard and said, “Sis. Nona, I’d like to have some corn on the cob”
“Why pastor, I’d be happy to fix you some, but I don’t have any.” She replied.
“Isn’t that corn in your garden?”
“Yes sir.”
“Then I’d like you to fix me some, please.”
“But I can’t,” was about all she could say.
“Why can’t you?” The pastor persisted.
“I can’t she said because it’s only this high,” she demonstrated holding her hand about a foot off the floor.
“What’s that got to do with it? Corn is corn regardless of its size.”
“I know, but I can’t, because it isn’t matured yet. There’s nothing there but leaves and stalk.”
“Sister Nona, that’s what the word ‘perfect means in the Bible. It’s talking about reaching maturity.”
What happens when things are done prematurely?
I recently heard Bro. Carlton Coon at the General Conference. He briefly spoke of his fear concerning the premature launching of Home Missions projects. His descriptive use of that phrase prompted me to consider the value of his fear. I find many other areas of life that give additional enlightenment on the subject. Here are a few.
Launching a Play
Who ever heard of having a play without having a play practice?
Launching A War
Imagine a President talking to the General of his Army and ordering him to attack the enemy when the Army is ill prepared. It would mean certain death, to go to war unless the troops are in place, the supply line is there and the men are equipped with ground and air support.
There’s a time for war, a time to fight. There’s a time to stand down.
Launching A Ship
Even God waited until Noah finished the Ark. If the ship is not completed, why launch it and let it face certain disaster? Finish the boat, then launch.
Launching A Business
Why open a grocery store with only one gallon of milk, two loaves of bread and a jar of pickles? Yes, you may have a sign and some shelves. You might even have a cash register, but what you need is enough on the shelf to keep the customer coming back.
- A wannabe barber doesn’t open a shop just because he found a pair of scissors.
- A mechanic wouldn’t be successful if he used dish soap instead of fuel injector cleaner.
Launching A Marriage
“God’s got the right girl for you son.” We hear statements like that when we are young. As true as that may be, other things factor in. She might be 12 years old when you meet her. It’s the right girl; it’s just the wrong time to marry her.
Launching A Ministry
A ministry is God’s call on your life. Just because he has called you doesn’t mean it’s time for you go immediately.
David was anointed King many years before he took the throne. You may not want me to say this, but he spent years in preparation. He also spent time in caves, in confusion, in despair, and in running for his life.
But when God was ready, it took place. David never tried to force the issue. It became a thing of beauty.
Launching A Church
The burden for lost souls, and un-churched cities tears at all of our hearts. The reality check is that although the burden is great, planning is still important.
Suppose you move to the new town, on Wednesday, and decide to have the first service in you living room on Sunday. You don’t know anyone, you have no sign, but you have a burden. If no one shows up, you are crushed. You are sure God wanted you to come to the town, why wasn’t there a better response? Was it a premature launch?
I would never attempt to diminish your burden or dampen your spirits. The truth is, that if you went in without some basic things being in place you may not be pleased with the results you see, and you may find yourself confused, discouraged or disheartened.
Some have given up and gone back home feeling ashamed and never wanted to do anything else for God. Others have backslidden because of their disappointment and embarrassment. But it wasn’t God’s faults. It was just a premature launch.
Much can be said about having the guidance of your pastor, and his moral support through the process. His blessing on you makes it easier for other pastors to give you the much need moral support. The prayers and blessings of the mother church is a Godsend and necessity.
I would advise you to only go, when you have your pastor’s blessing on your launching of the new church. I would wait until he gives the green light. I wouldn’t tell him I was going; I would ask him to tell me, when it was time to go. There’s a big difference.
Oh, and may I be the first to say, “May God bless in your work for God. Bless you for doing it right, and for doing it in God’s time, not yours.
The Worst Family In The World
The Worst Family In The World
I don’t want to be accused of gossip, or sued for writing about a family that I know, so I’ll not use any names.
It’s the most unbelievable family I’ve ever met. There’s not another couple like them anywhere. Once you’ve met their family, you might even want to run away from them too. You will however, at least shake your head in disbelief as I have.
The Father is a big guy. He’s likeable enough sometimes, but he has such a bad temper. He’s always ready to fight at ‘the drop of a hat.’ The family and neighbors could entertain us for a long time telling about all the fights that he has been in. He has been ordered to take anger management classes, but he refuses to go.
On the other hand, Mom is quite good looking for her age. She constantly tries the latest beauty treatments and is determined to keep up with the Jones’s. She feels deeply, and becomes easily entrenched in the snare of wanting what she can’t have. I can’t count how many of her friendships she has ruined because of her displays of jealousy.
That’s Mom and Dad. I want you to meet the kids. The house is full of children. It’s no doubt the largest family I have ever met.
Everyone will tell you that they are the worst kids in the world. They are totally undisciplined. If you met them, the words, “little heathens,” would come to your mind.
- For example, one has committed murdered and gotten away with the crime.
- Another is a known thief.
- They all lie.
- One of them is a drunk.
- Some had been in jail.
- They all love to stay up all hours of the night and prowl through the neighborhood. They wrecked havoc almost every night.
- The brag about their exploits.
- They all reject the authority of the school, the police and the pastor.
- They want to party all the time.
- They are incorrigible.
- They are all juvenile delinquents.
- No visitor feels safe in their home.
- No one in their right mind invites any one the children into their home.
- They changed their neighborhood for the worse.
Their neighborhood was the nicest one in town. It was peaceful. People moved there because it was quiet and it seemed safe. No one even locked their doors. The neighbors really seemed to like each other too.
Neighbors began to put up FOR SALE signs on their homes not long after the family with all the kids moved in. No one wanted to live near them. Not only did the kids take over the neighborhood. The neighborhood association was not even able to buck up against this unbelievable family.
There was one church in the vicinity. The First Pentecostal Church, and many of the neighbors attended.
The family claimed to be members of The First Pentecostal Church also. The parents attended faithfully and attempted to bring as many of their kids as they could. The children disrupted many services.
- They ruined Weddings.
- They sabotaged Birthday Parties.
- The destroyed the Church Dinners and other functions.
Visitors often decided to never come back because of what they saw and heard. Even some of the long time members left and told the pastor that they loved him but they couldn’t tolerate ‘that’ family.
The parents got offended with the pastor and began to talk about him. They finally got enough influence in the church and then they helped split the church. They went across town and started their own.
They posted pictures of their new church on Facebook and bragged about their new church and new pastor. They also told lies about the former pastor and church people.
Mom and Dad even became an active part of their Pentecostal Association. They seemed pleased to attain a degree of respectability.
- I want you to at least meet them.
- I want you to know their names.
- I want you to be alert if they ever visit.
Remember their names. Her name is “Envy” and his name is “Strife.”
They are the mother and the father of the confusion in your neighborhood and in your church. They are also the parents of every evil work.
James 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
BEWARE!
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?
The Obed-Edom Interview
Several years ago, I heard one of the most amazing sermons I will ever hear in my life. It was Bro. Kenneth Bow’s sermon about Obed-Edom. It was anointed and unforgettable. His love for research and attention to historical facts makes this outstanding.
Please go to his blog and find the link or go to http://www.savecom.org/orderform.htm and get it for yourself. It will change your life.
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The Obed-Edom Interview
TBB: Welcome Obed-Edom, to The Ballestero Blog. I’m so glad you agreed to grant me a short interview today. I’m very honored to have you here. I know that you are a very busy man.
OE: I am pleased to be here. Thank you for the opportunity.
TBB: For the record, you are of the tribe of Levi, and of the family of Korhite. You’re also from Gath-Rimmon if I remember. That makes you a Gittite?
OE: That’s true.
TBB: And let’s see here…you and your wife have 8 sons?
OE: That we do, counting my sons and grandsons, there are 62 men in my family. It’s never quiet at my house.
TBB: Whew. I can imagine. Tell me, what’s a day like in the life of Obed-Edom?
OE: Well, the first thing every morning after daybreak, I get a report from my Gate Security Office concerning the activities of the past night. I report then to the King. At 9 am I go to Prayers every morning, then later in the day I have either choir practice or orchestra practice. I check on the Storehouse during the day also.
TBB: The Gate Security Office. That’s right, you are in charge of keeping the gates of the city of Jerusalem secure. Let’s talk about that first. So then, is Captain Obed-Edom your official title?
OE: (Nodding modestly) Don’t call me captain. My guards do that out of respect. My friends just call me by my name.
TBB: How many men do you command as the Keeper of the Gate?
OE: Right now, about 1,000. My sons and grandsons included. I might add that we also are in charge of the storehouse as well.
TBB: Wow. The King must really trust you to commission you to this post.
OE: We’ve been friends for quite a while now. I’m honored to do everything I can for My God, my King and for Israel.
TBB: How long have you known King David?
OE: A long time. Remember when the King was transporting the Ark to the Tabernacle and there was a problem and Uzzah touched the Ark and he died because the Lord smote him?
TBB: Yes.
OE: I know it was the Lord that my house was close by, but it didn’t hurt that out of all the houses in the area, the King chose mine as the place to put the Ark. Our friendship, no doubt, helped make that choice easier. It may have made a few of my neighbors a little jealous though.
TBB: I’m sure. How long was the Ark in your home?
OE: About 3 months.
TBB: What was it like to have the Ark in your home?
OE: It was THE biggest Blessings of my life. When I say my home was Blessed, I mean Blessed with a capital B. My finances were blessed, my herds multiplied from that time on. Our health mysteriously improved over night. Everything I touched seemed to turn to gold. It’s never stopped.
TBB: How wonderful. You’re the only man in Israel that has had that honor.
OE: I know. I am thrilled that my house was home for the Ark of God, even for a brief time.
TBB: What was it like after the Ark was moved from your house to where it is now?
OE: I don’t know. I couldn’t bear the thoughts of staying in that house without the Ark in it. So I moved too.
TBB: You moved?
OE: Yes I did. After our home was blessed like it had been because of the Ark., my wife and I decided that wherever the Ark was, that’s where we wanted to be. So we moved here and bought a house just to be close by. Here, I can look in the direction of where the Ark sits and know I am close to His presence. There’s nothing like being in the presence of Jehovah. I wish everyone could have experienced that.
TBB: I do too. That’s amazing. You mentioned about choir practice and orchestra earlier. That’s because you are the worship leader?
OE: Actually Asaph is the Chief Musician and there are 68 others that do what I do. I’m just honored to be part of the worship. We all take turns. You might laugh at me, but after my experience with the Ark, I volunteer for every opening that Asaph has. I’m willing to be a singer or a musician. Sometimes I get the job, sometimes I don’t, but they can count on my name being on the list. I do my best to stay involved.
TBB: You have one of Israel’s greatest hero’s in your lineage. Samuel, the Prophet and Judge, is one of your ancestors!
OE: That’s true!
TBB: He’d sure be proud of you if he was alive today.
OE: That’s kind, thank you. I hope he would.
TBB: It’s common knowledge that King David is proud of you too and wrote Psalm 24 in your honor. That’s a very high honor.
OE: Yes it is. It is the highest of honors the King can bestow me. It is worth more to me than great riches. I am greatly honored by that and yet humbled as well.
TBB: Can you remember any of that Psalm offhand?
OE: I sure can:
“The earth is the LORD’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
“For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.
“Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?
“He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
“He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
“This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.
“Lift up your head, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
“Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.
“Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
“Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.
TBB: That’s a beautiful Psalm. Every family has a skeleton in the closet or some dark family secret. I know you’re probably wishing I wouldn’t bring up yours, because I imagine it’s uncomfortable for you.
OE: No, actually I’m glad you did. It’s really Okay; I want to talk about it. I believe that event was what reshaped the future of our whole family.
TBB: We’re talking about Korah, your ancestor and what happened to him, Is that correct?
OE: Yes.
TBB: In respect of where you are now and the high stations your family now holds, how did you tell your sons about your family’s dark days?
OE: Well Korah, as you know, was a very prominent leader in our tribe when Israel was in the wilderness. He was quite influential as well. I just hate it that he let pride and ambition get in his heart and got crossed up with Moses and Aaron. He was wrong. His thinking led him into rebellion. His actions invited the wrath of Jehovah.
TBB: I remember the Rabbi reading about the ground opening up and swallowing the rebellious men, and fire coming out of heaven. Then there was that plague that came because some sympathizers accused Moses of getting the people of God killed. 14,000 of them died in that plague. When I first heard the story, I thought the sons on Korah perished along with their father.
OE: Those living a home did, but not all. Some of Korah’s sons were married and living in their own homes when judgment fell. They loved their father, but they did not join him in his rebellion. Our family has handed down the story that when they saw they’re lives were spared; they fell on their faces and prayed. From that time on, all the sons of Korah have been extremely careful about our attitude concerning the House of God and the man of God. We have all been very respectful of our leader and submit ourselves to him. We refuse to let God have a problem with us again. We are thankful God doesn’t hold the sins for our father’s against us. I stress the importance of the fear of God and respect for God’s man to my sons lest history should repeat itself.
TBB: An amazing story. Your life lessons to your sons are extremely powerful as well. You mentioned the sons of Korah. Word on the street is that when King David fled from Absalom and went into hiding, the sons of Korah went with him to protect him. Do you know anything about that?
OE: I’ve heard that too.
TBB: There are a number of Psalms that are written just for your family to sing. That’s a very special honor. Since that includes you, maybe you could share your thoughts on a few of them or at least tell us about them.
OE: Thank you, it would be my pleasure. Well, the first one that comes to mind is the one that starts out… “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.”
That’s from Psalms 42. I love that one. That’s how I feel. I cry sometimes when we sing Psalms 43 and it gets to the part where it says: “Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.”
When I sing those words, the memory of my family’s dark past comes to mind. Then I see that God has blessed me more than anyone. I just can’t keep quiet about it.
TBB: That’s beautiful.
OE: Psalm 46 starts out with: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
I need to sing that song some days. Then there are other days we feel like dancing while we’re singing. See if you remember this one from Psalm 47. “O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.”
I really love that one. The last one I’m going to talk about is one I can’t just quote. Would you mind if I sing a few lines?
TBB: Please do. I would love it.
OE: If you know what’s happened to my family, then maybe you can understand why I love to sing Psalms 84.
TBB: Sing it.
OE: “How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts!
“My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.
“Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God.
“Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.”
TBB: Thank you for that. You have a beautiful voice.
OE: Every time I sing that last line, I am reminded how blessed I am to be close to the House of God. I thank Him everyday.
TBB: I’m about out of time. What word of wisdom or advice can you give me before you go?
OE: I’ve been honored to be here. Thank you for giving me a chance to speak about my passion. As far as imparting any wisdom to you, I can’t do much better than this. This one is from the 88th Psalm, which is another one written just for the sons of Korah to sing.
“Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.
“I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.
“For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell.”
We must walk in truth, fear God, praise Him with all of our hearts, and then God will find a way to deliver us and to bless us. That about sums it up for me.
TBB: That it does. It sums it up for me too. Thank you for coming and God bless you.
The Star Search In Pentecost
The Star Search Of Pentecost
Today’s Christianity is sadly becoming more and more about personalities than about the Savior. The focus of some seems to be about making money and a name for themselves.
Mr. Bill Breen wrote an impressive article on leadership. Part of which, I wish to share here. In this excerpt Breen explains that the head of the Caterpillar Company never promoted himself, just his company.
The Three Ways of Great Leaders
By Bill Breen
The Leader as Manager: Louis B. Neumiller
“Whereas entrepreneurs are company creators and charismatic leaders are agents of change, managers are value maximizers — they make the most out of 
something that already exists. Such is the case with Louis B. Neumiller, who rose through the ranks of Caterpillar and became its chief executive in 1941. Two months later, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. Just as C.W. Post used changing demographics to launch the cereal industry, Neumiller seized on the massive geopolitical event that was World War II to build Caterpillar into a global organization.
Neumiller really didn’t build anything new. By the end of his era, Caterpillar’s product portfolio didn’t look all that radically different. What changed was the corporation’s scale and scope. Neumiller capitalized on the war effort and then the rebuilding effort to transform Caterpillar into a global giant. And like all great managers, he took his identity out of the business — he let his company become a hero instead of himself.”
http://www.fastcompany.com/node/54065/print
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Harvard Business School wrote:
“Under Neumiller’s “”home-town-boy”” leadership style, Caterpillar’s revenues grew from over $100 million in 1941 to $827 million in 1963, prospering through World War II and the global post-war boom. Neumiller built the Caterpillar brand into a common worldwide name, developing only the highest quality products, and expanding Caterpillar’s dealer network to include 258 dealers with as many employees as Caterpillar itself.”
http://www.hbs.edu/leadership/database/leaders/louis_b_neumiller.html
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† John never allowed himself to be looked at as a hero, although thousands followed his teaching.
He refused to allow his ministry to point arrows towards himself, but rather let his words be arrows pointing towards the Lamb of God.
- John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
† Paul had to deal with hero worship issues in the minds of saints nearly 2,000 years ago. (It’s nothing new.)
- 1Cor. 1:12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
- 1Cor. 1:13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
Paul had to remind the Corinthians that they were wrong in focusing on personalities and not on Christ.
I detest the spirit that seeks to promote itself, and then encourages others to join their self made fan club.
† Even Jesus was careful about how He approached the ministry that was before him.
- Phil. 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
My Father taught me that if you have a gift, it will make room for you, don’t make room for your gift. It still makes sense to me today.
While I thank God for the gifts of music and ministry in these last days, Pentecost doesn’t need to run after stars, superheroes and holy action figures. Are we promoting the Kingdom or ourselves?
This life we’re living is not about us. It’s ALL about Him! We need another revelation of that.
If there is ever a ‘star’ search in our ranks, let it be the same search the 3 wise men had. I know where that search will end.
God’s Algebra Test
God’s Algebra Test
I went to 26 schools growing up. It is still very evident that my education lacks much in the way of continuity. Daddy was an Evangelist for 25 years and a Pastor for 25 as well. Quite often he had to stop in his travels and rent a house so us kids could go to school. I got a late start. I turned 7 in Kindergarten. Somehow I was able to get out of the 12th grade mid-term at 17.
Arithmetic was a very easy subject for me and I always aced a Basic Math test. In 1958 we moved from Yakima, Washington to southern California. My Yakima Math teacher recommended me for Algebra. I got a late start and missed the basics. I somehow couldn’t wrap my mind around the concept of things like X and Y. I had no problem with numbers. But in my mind, letters had no place in a Math test. I saw that I was in trouble and couldn’t seemingly catch up, so I transferred out of Algebra class into Radio and Electronics Shop.
At about 40 years of age I said to myself, “Algebra is the only thing in life you’ve let beat you. Don’t let it.” So I went to the bookstore and bought an Algebra Textbook and a Workbook. I worked my way through and completed the exercises and tests. I cannot say that I’ve ever used Algebra in everyday life since, and that was 26 years ago.
But I have used it in preaching!
In preaching?
Absolutely!
The Algebra book has helped me preach many times.
What would ‘frost my cake’ sometimes during my 30 years of pastoring was when some dear soul would request that the church pray that they would be able to find the will of God for their life.
Yet these same people would somehow seem to be clueless about the will of God for their lives that was written down in black and white. They enjoyed the attention they received by making their mystical prayer request.
I couldn’t believe that some folks would actually ignore the will of God as written in His Word and yet attempt to seek the ‘unknown’ and the ‘as of yet, unrevealed’ will of God.
That’s when the Algebra lessons came in handy. I preached some Algebra lessons in a sermon or two.
One of the first things a student discovers in Algebra, (to put it in basic terminology) is that to find the ‘unknown,’ we have to use the ‘known.’
In other words, if we are serious about finding the illusive and unknown will of God for our lives, how can we be taken serious if we blatantly ignore the will of God that is written in His word?
Some don’t want to be faithful to church, so they ignore Heb 10:25 and still say they are seeking the will of God.
- 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.
Some don’t want to pay tithes, so they ignore Mal 3:10 and still say they are seeking the will of God.
- Mal. 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
Some have a problem with holiness, so they ignore Rom 12:1 and still say they are seeking the will of God.
- Rom. 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Some won’t submit to their pastor or obey what he preaches, so they ignore Heb 13:17 and still say they are seeking the will of God.
- Heb. 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
Some won’t forgive and seem to want to hold grudges, so they ignore Mark 6:14-15 and still say they are seeking the will of God.
- Matt. 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
- Matt. 6:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
I guess you get the picture by now. It’s not really a joke or meant to be taken lightly.
- James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
Keep on praying and seeking the will of God in your life. Just don’t ignore the will of God as it is written in His Word.
Maybe, just maybe, if you are obedient and faithful in what you have been taught, then God may show you more. Don’t expect more if your obedience is less.
Oh, by the way… If you really want to know what the will of God is for your life, go ask your pastor. Don’t you TELL him, let him TELL you.
- That’s what all the God fearing Kings did in the Old Testament.
- That’s what you should do too.
You Can’t Catch Me
You Can’t Catch Me
I watched and laughed at my young grandson Cade as he ran around the living room telling his older brother, “You can’t catch me, you can’t catch me!” It was a laughable childish game.
What is there that is so exhilarating about the feeling of running and not being able to be caught?
Remember the story of The Gingerbread Man?
- I ran away from the little old lady
- I ran away from the little old man
- I ran away from the horse and the cow
- And I can run away from you I can, I can!
The “You Can’t Catch Me” feeling makes you feel superior to the one chasing you.
Bro. Ike Terry of Bakersfield, CA was talking to an older woman who didn’t want to be pastored. She said, “It takes a good dog to run this rabbit.” She was on the run and didn’t want to be caught.
I once read about a famous thief that played dominoes with the cops at the Police station every afternoon with the very men that were looking for him.
- This mindset requires
- You feel you are untouchable
- Uncatchable
- Above the law
- But he got caught
Eccl. 8:11 Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.
Jonah – ran, but God caught him.
- Jonah 1:3 But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.
- He also paid the fare. (I will cost you to run from God.)
Achan – hid his sin but God caught him
Prodigal – turned himself back in
Backslider? What if the Father doesn’t chase you?
- The fun quickly goes away
David – covered it but God caught him. (Thou art the man!)
- The Hounds of Heaven chase you
- Be sure your sins will find you out.
- You sin will catch you. In time, in conscience, In Eternity
- Why are you running from God?
- Why are you running from His will?
- How long will you play childish games
God desires to use you in His kingdom, but your mindset of childish games, keeps you from seeing this and surrendering.
Can you recognize the signs you are running from God?
Can you recognize the signs you are running from the will of God?
From the time that my middle child, Martyn II was little, whenever he knew he was about to be corrected, he would run to me and throw his arms around me. There were a few time I wished he would have run away from me. Then I could have gotten upset and spanked him. But when a child is holding on to you and saying they are sorry and that they love you, you just can’t spank them.
If you are one of those that runs FROM God, turn around and run TO Him, wrap your arms around Him. He’ll be a loving Father. I know!
Going Rogue
Going Rogue
New York Times
An Elephant Crackup?
By CHARLES SIEBERT
Published: October 8, 2006
Since the early 1990’s, for example, young male elephants in Pilanesberg National Park and the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve in South Africa have been killing rhinoceroses; this abnormal behavior, according to a 2001 study in the journal Pachyderm, has been reported in ‘‘a number of reserves’’ in the region. In July of last year, officials in Pilanesberg shot three young male elephants who were responsible for the killings of 63 rhinos, as well as attacks on people in safari vehicles. In Addo Elephant National Park, also in South Africa, up to 90 percent of male elephant deaths are now attributable to other male elephants, compared with a rate of 6 percent in more stable elephant communities.
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NewScientist
Orphan elephants go on the rampage
- 20 July 1996 by Eddie Koch
- Magazine issue 2039
Johannesburg
LIKE children, young elephants need discipline if they are to grow up as responsible members of society. Wildlife biologists say that orphan bull elephants in South Africa’s Pilanesberg Game Reserve have turned delinquent because they have never been taken in hand by their elders.
Rogue elephants have become a serious problem in Pilanesberg, a small wildlife reserve about 250 kilometres northwest of Johannesburg. Earlier this month, a young bull charged a group of tourists on a photo-safari. The next day the same elephant attacked and killed a professional hunter who had been sent to shoot it. These are not isolated incidents. Two years ago another tourist was attacked, chased out of his battered car, and trampled to death in the reserve.
Humans are not the only victims: in the past three years, 19 white rhinoceroses have been gored to death by elephants in Pilanesberg.
____________________________________
Nearly ten years ago, I heard a Dr. James Dobson commercial on the car radio. He said that his favorite animal was a dog. His second favorite was an elephant.
He said that he was alarmed at the rogue behavior recently displayed in young bull elephants. They seemed to delight in pushing over the white rhinos and even goring them to death. They had even been known to kill one another.
In over 100 years of record keeping in Africa, there had never been recorded incidents of such antisocial behavior.
Mr. Dobson said authorities were very disturbed. After much analysis, they determined the cause.
A number of years ago, attempts were made by the Park Managers to thin the herd population. In so doing, they killed off most of the old males. It is the nature of the old males to keep decorum in the herd. Old males will punish younger males that display bad behavior. It is even common for an old male to banish a younger male from the others for a while until they learn better.
Park officials found that if they brought in an old male into a herd with young wild bulls, they old bull restored calmness to the herd almost immediately.
At this point, Mr. Dobson began to talk about the importance of a father in the home and his influence on his sons. He made a powerful point. I am not sure how his 2-minute “Father’s Day” radio commercial ended, because my minded wandered off to another level before he finished.
Many of us have lived long enough to see rogue behavior among those that are ‘in church’. When I see saints or preachers go wacko, say stupid things, or do stupid things, I become spiritually frightened.
It is endangerment at an alarming level. We expect attacks from others outside the herd, but not from the inside.
I even remember asking about a certain young preacher one time, because his conduct and doctrine caused all my warning lights to blink. I enquired, “Who’s his pastor?” Normally, a pastor would have corrected the problem. But this person recognized no one as his pastor.
Preacher or Saint, every one of us has made it this far because we were willing to hear instruction in righteousness. Always receive it willingly and humbly.
If you have a man of God in your life that will guide the flock in the fear and admonition of the Lord, there is safety in your world.
Behavior unbecoming the people of God cannot be ignored. Doctrines that lead the church back to the world cannot be tolerated. The goring and killing of others with slander and defamation has no place in the Kingdom.
The trashing of standards and the discard of convictions is a sad day. It has God’s full attention. It should have ours as well.
I pray you have a pastor that is willing to TAKE the oversight. To speak up and say, “It’s Not Happening Here!”
May your pastor not be a hireling, but a ‘Father in Israel’. May he bring peace to your corner of the world.
What we need are some more ‘old-time’ Pentecostal pastors that will preach what needs to be preached and are not afraid.
May you always thank God for your pastor, even if the one he corrects is you.
Pray for your man of God!
Beverly Coffee Or Marcia Coffee?
Beverly Coffee Or Marcia Coffee?
My friend, Bishop Gerald Adams, and I sat in the living room of his home laughing at each other’s stories. We had just finished a wonderful breakfast and our wives were in the kitchen.
After a few minutes, his wife, Lois Adams, brought a nice serving tray adorned with coffee, creamers and sweeteners. A few spoons and napkins were readily available beside the mugs.
Sis. Adams approached me first and asked if I would like some coffee. I readily agreed. She poured coffee from her decanter into a cup and handed it to me.
“Would you like some cream or sweetener?” she asked.
“No thank you,” was my reply.
“Hmmm, I thought for sure I remembered you drinking coffee with cream and sugar.”
“No, that wasn’t me. I don’t drink coffee with cream and sugar anymore,” I volunteered.
“Anymore?”
“I use to drink it with cream and sugar.”
“What happened?” She pressed.
“When I was in Bible School in Stockton, I had a girlfriend named Beverly. One day during a class break, we were getting some coffee. I put sugar and cream in mine. She was drinking hers black.
“She wrinkled her nose at me and informed me that I was just drinking syrup. I guess I thought my ‘Manhood’ was at stake. So I tried to drink it black. I didn’t like it. But I drank it anyway. After about 3 weeks, it didn’t taste quite so bad. So for the last 30 some years I’ve only had black coffee.”
Before Sister Adams could get a chance to respond, I saw my wife, Marcia, stick her head around the corner of the kitchen door.
She said, “Honey, if you like coffee with cream and sugar in it then why don’t you drink it that way? I like it with sugar and cream, why don’t you drink it that way for me, instead of drinking it black for this ‘Beverly’ person?”
I was caught completely off guard. I was certain my wife had heard that story several times over. Somehow, it had slipped by her or something. Because she had no memory of my story.
The Adams howled in delight at my discomfort.
I laughed till I cried looking at this woman who has never shown signs of jealousy before, ever. I held my cup towards her, and said, “Baby, if you want me to drink it with sugar and cream, then fix it up for me.
She promptly came over and took my cup into the kitchen. In moments it was back in my hands looking a rich golden color. We all laughed heartily at my wife. We promptly named coffee with cream and sugar – “Marcia Coffee!”
Brother Adams, between fits of laughter said, “Beverly would be very happy to know she got you to drink it her way all these years, and even got you in trouble today.” That didn’t help me much, but I smiled sheepishly.
Since then, every meal that has included coffee whether in public or private, Marcia will take my cup and doctor it for me. When she pushes it back it front of me I always smile and thank her.
Eleven years have now passed and I don’t drink Beverly Coffee anymore. I’m still drinking Marcia Coffee. When I am away from my wife, I will call home and sometimes say, “I’m still drinking Marcia Coffee!” I always get a good reaction.
It’s amazing and yet understandable what we humans will do to please those we love.
What about those of us who say we love the Lord, yet we don’t want to change from our old ways, and do things His way. Or even do small things to please him.
- What would you do to please the Lord?
- Would you change how you dress?
- Would you change friends?
- Would you give up a habit?
- Would you give up something just to please Him?
- Do you really love Him, or are you just saying you do?
- Are you in love or not?
I wonder how many of us, God thinks, are still drinking Beverly Coffee?
The Cost Of Doing Business
The Cost Of Doing Business
I’m in Sand Springs, Oklahoma today. I fly out in a little bit, from the Tulsa airport to go to Medford, Oregon.
I wanted to travel today with my clothes all washed and clean. I didn’t have any cash on me, so I stopped at the Quick Trip service station to check my bitcoin balanced and transferred some to my bank account. After reading Midas Letter Crypto News, I had gotten into buying and selling bitcoins for personal investments. Once I successfully transferred the cryptocurrency to USD currency, I found an ATM machine that they have. I swiped my card and punched in the amount I wanted. The machine informed me that it was going to charge me $1.50 for the transaction. I had to accept or decline. I accepted. It was the Bank’s “Cost Of Doing Business.”
I went to the Laundromat. A pixie haired great grandma named Maude was the lone employee. Both doors stood open to allow for cooler air to blow through the warm room. Maude said that in the summer, it got very hot in the laundry. She said that she had air conditioning at home, but even when it was 90 degrees in her bedroom, she didn’t turn on the air. She said if she did, it would make the heat uncomfortable for her when she got to work. Not turning on the air conditioning was what Maude was willing to pay to better enjoy her job. For her it was the personal “Cost Of Doing Business.” She did it without being asked.
The ‘Old Town Café’ in Sand Springs served a good breakfast. The locals were friendly; the stale scent of smoke was noticeable. The cashier said I owed $8.50. I left $2.00 on the table for the waitress. It was just the “Cost Of Doing Business.”
I bought some items at the Drug Store. The lady at the counter said, “That’s $1.95 plus tax.” Sales Tax is what you pay to the State of Oklahoma. It’s the “Cost Of Doing Business.”
At the Counter of United Airlines, the Kiosk charged me $60.00 for my two checked bags. That’s besides the cost of the ticket. I paid United Airlines because they said that it’s just the “Cost Of Doing Business.”
At the airport, I had to take off my shoes, my coat, my wallet, and my belt. I pulled out my computer and placed it in a container. I was required to go through a metal detector. It was an inconvenience. There was an unspoken question of suspicion the TSA has about everyone. I submitted to the personal inspection, it was just the “Cost Of Doing Business.”
I found my seat, and it was not long before I heard “Praise the Lord, Bro. Ballestero! I didn’t recognize the faces of the older husband and wife, but they seemed to know me. She had her long hair fixed very nice and her modest dress represented Pentecost very well. She understood that although Salvation is free, Holiness in conduct and in dress is God’s requirement. It’s the “Cost Of Doing Business.”
I asked them how they were doing and they said, “Wonderful! Thank the Lord!”
They understood too that although Salvation is free, Praise is God’s requirement. It’s the “Cost Of Doing Business.”
The Rich Young Ruler was asked to sell everything he had, give it to the poor and take up the cross and follow Jesus. He went away sorrowful. He wasn’t willing to Sacrifice and pay the “Cost Of Doing Business.”
- Holiness is the “Cost Of Doing Business.”
- Praise and Worship is the “Cost Of Doing Business.”
- Sacrifice is the “Cost Of Doing Business.”
Are You And God Still Doing Business?
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 