The Ballestero Blog

The Greatest Trial Of Your Life

Tears are no a stranger to any of us. We came into this world crying at the top of our lungs. For some, not much has changed, except where they now choose to cry.

Many events in life can bring us almost unbearable pain. We cry out to God for help and solution to our problems. We beg Him for relief and consolation. Our emotions crave His comfort and resolution of our problems.

Every one of us seeks to be happy. Even the founders of our great country wrote about the pursuit of happiness.

Mr. Webster Said ‘Trial’ Was The Opposite Of ‘Joy’

Dictionary

joy – noun

A feeling of great pleasure and happiness: tears of joy | the joy of being alive.

Thesaurus

Joy – noun

Whoops of joy: delight, great pleasure, joyfulness, jubilation, triumph, exultation, rejoicing, happiness, gladness, glee, exhilaration, exuberance, elation, euphoria, bliss, ecstasy, rapture; enjoyment.

ANTONYMS – trial.

The Apostle Declared The Source Of His Greatest Joy

3 John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

If This Is True For Us, Then The Opposite Is True As Well.

We Have No Greater Trial Than To Know Our Children Do Not Walk In Truth!

Praying today to every mother, father and grandparent whose very heart is crushed with the knowledge that the ones they love so dearly have walked away from God. All we can do is pray and have faith.

(If you close the door to your home to them, you might have just closed the door to the church at the same time.)

May God Hear Your Prayers For The Restoration Of Your Lost Loved Ones!

Written by Martyn Ballestero

June 9, 2014 at 1:27 pm

Posted in Backsliders, Family, Life, Mercy, Recovery

Tagged with A Mother's Prayer

“Lest They Be Discouraged”

with 2 comments

“Lest They Be Discouraged”

Every one is grateful for a kind word of encouragement. Dreams and ideals can be very fragile and easily destroyed, especially in the early stages of life.

Most find it easy to gravitate towards those who look favorably upon us. Not many can thrive in an environment of constant criticism, hostility and contempt.

I have never met a person sick enough to rejoice over discouraging someone from accomplishing that which is good. Neither can I believe a good father would be happy he made his child so discouraged they quit going to church.

My mind cannot imagine a Spirit-filled father treating his children so horrible that they lose all desire to go to church because of him.

No generation of believers has evidently been exempt from stupid acting fathers. It was a problem big enough to be mentioned In Paul’s writings to the Colossians and the Ephesians.

Colossians 3:21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

No father in his right mind would say he chose to talk his child out of living for God. Evidently then, when strength turns into harshness, un-repairable damage could be done.

Ephesians 6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

There Is No Room In The Kingdom Of God For Harshness.

Not in the pulpit
Not in the church or out
Not between husbands and wives
Not between fathers and their children

Dads? We don’t show strength by being harsh (strict is what we might think) Harshness isn’t wisdom, it isn’t love, it isn’t mercy, it isn’t the fruit of the Spirit, it isn’t productive, and It isn’t pleasing to God.

Harshness kills love, it kills respect, it kills hope, it kills family structure, and it kills every pleasant memory of childhood.

One time, when my oldest children sons were up in their teens, I made a strict ruling in my home. Within two days I saw the hurt that my ruling had caused for all of my children.

I began to meditate and pray about the problem and felt the Lord impress me to repent to my children. My first reaction was to be repulsed at the thought. I could only imagine what negative thoughts my children would think of me if I did that. My very next thought was… “What will they think of me if I don’t repent?”

I called a family meeting and we all sat down in the living room. I looked at my five beautiful children and wife, and I began to be filled with great sorrow for what damage I had already done. Things would only get worse if I didn’t humble myself and repent now.

I began if sorrowful tones: “I made a bad ruling two days ago that has brought much pain to my family. I am changing that ruling right now. I was very wrong. What I did has hurt you, the very ones I love.

I am so sorry! Would you please forgive me? I never want to make a decision again that would ever bring pain to any of you. I love you!

Next came tears in the room.
Next came the hugs and smooches.
Next came sweet comments, some said aloud and some whispered in my ear.
Next came a room filled with seven teary-eyed smiling people expressing love for each other.

The Fruit Of The Spirit Includes Gentleness

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Galatians 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

God’s Wisdom Is Peaceable And Gentle

James 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

James 3:18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Godly dads don’t discourage their children in living for God. Godly dads live so that they create a craving in their family’s hearts to live for the Lord too.

If a man yields his strengths to God’s ways, submitting himself and his emotions. Then will he manifest the Fruits of the Spirit, transforming his home into a place of comfort, peace and delight.

Daddy? Go Make This A Very Happy Father’s Day For Your Family!

(You’re Kids Are Watching!)

Written by Martyn Ballestero

June 7, 2014 at 12:31 pm

Posted in Christian Living, Family, Father's Day

Tagged with Fathers

Pretending To Be OK!

with 4 comments

The Boxer

The Champ was hit hard with a flourish of jabs from the Contender. A quick 1-2 punch to the body with a solid left uppercut staggered him and he fell backwards into the ropes.

He was saved by the sound of the bell and happily retired to his corner. He was tended to by his trainer and cut man. When the bell rang again, the Champ came out of his corner, dancing and doing his best not to let the Contender know that he had been hurt. He was pretending that he was OK.

The Card Player

The card player’s cards are not very good. But he can’t let anyone know that. He has to act like he has the best hand in the game. He bets that he does. The other players study his face and do mental math to see if they think he’s lying.

He knows his hand is bad, but by bluffing, he’s pretending he’s OK.

The Lost Husband

He looks out the window secretly hoping to find a familiar landmark. He may not know where he’s at, but he’s not lost in his own mind. He feels that he can still get you to your destination, even if it takes him an extra hour. His ‘man-hood’ is at stake. He won’t ask for help, he’s pretending he’s still OK.

You

What is your response when someone walks up to you with a half-hearted, “How ya doing?”

You always say, “Fine, thank you.”
Don’t you?
You too are pretending you’re OK.

Sinners / Backsliders

They especially pretend that they’re OK. It keeps them from admitting they need help; that they are in need of God. To admit that would be to confess they are wrong. They would have to stop sinning.

If you are not living for God and going to church like you should, then you are just pretending you are OK.

Holiness Haters

If you have left the highway of holiness. If you have re-considered all your holiness standards and changed. If you defend your decision to look like the world while still claiming to have the Holy Ghost, then you are just pretending you are OK.
If you have rejected the life of separation from the world. If you now justify looking and dressing like the rest of the world. If you now claim to have more freedom and to be happier than ever before, then you are just pretending you are OK.
If you now make fun of holiness minded men and women and mock the way they dress. If you try to act superior in your new revelation and lifestyle. If you have a need to flaunt your disdain of holiness. Then you are just pretending you are OK.
(No one would even admit to Pretending.)

The hardest thing in the world for some folks is to admit they are wrong.

To admit they’re not OK is to admit they were wrong. They would rather pretend they are OK here on earth and take their chances with God in the Judgment. How insane.

Paul said to Timothy:

2 Tim. 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

Notice:

We humans are our own problems (oppose themselves)
If God peradventure (there’s a chance He will)
Will give them repentance. (The opportunity to repent is a gift from God)
To the acknowledging of the truth. (Truth about what? The truth about themselves and the error of their ways)

It’s not God’s will that you have to pretend that you are OK. No one has to pretend when they are obedient to all of His Word. It’s those that are trying to cut corners with God that feel a need to pretend. Admit it!

Written by Martyn Ballestero

June 6, 2014 at 2:19 pm

Posted in Backsliders, Old-Time Pentecost, Rejection

Tagged with Pretending

Show Me In The Bible!

with 13 comments

Show Me In The Bible!

Those who are argumentative about doctrine and standards sometimes say these very words. They know not what spirit they are of.

“Show Me In The Bible!” Really? You want to be shown in the Bible just where it says those very words, and then you’ll obey and comply? Otherwise you’re not changing?

I May Have A Hard Time Believing You. Here Is Why.

1. God Said To Adam And Eve:

Genesis 2:16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:

Genesis 2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

God said not to do it; Adam and Eve did it anyway.

2. Angels Personally Escorted Lot And His Family Away From Judgment, Warning Them To Not Look Back.

Gen 19:17 And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.

Lot’s wife looked back anyway.

3. God told Israel to possess the Promised Land

Deuteronomy 1:26 Notwithstanding ye would not go up, but rebelled against the commandment of the Lord your God:

God said go possess the Promised Land and Israel didn’t obey.

4. Saul – Told By God To Smite And Destroy King Agag, The People And Cattle.

1 Samuel 15:9 But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly.

Saul Didn’t.

I Am Not Convinced That Every Pentecostal Would Obey Some Things In The Bible Even If You Read The Chapter And Verse To Them.

If I Am Wrong, Then Why Is There Still A Running Debate On The Subjects Of:

Jewelry – 1 Tim 2:9, 1 Pet 3:3
Women Wearing Men’s Apparel – Deut. 22:5
Women Not Cutting Their Hair – 1 Cor. 11
Men Not Wearing Long Hair – 1 Cor. 11
Setting Some Wicked Thing Before Your Eyes – Psa. 101:3
Modesty – 1 Tim 2:9
The Essentiality Of The New Birth; Acts 2:38 Repentance, Baptism In Jesus Name, Receiving The Holy Ghost, Evidenced By Speaking In Tongues.
Pastoral Authority – Matt 16:19, Heb. 13:17
Holiness – inside and out – Heb. 12:14, Lev. 20:7, Rom 12:1

To Some, It’s Not Even Enough That It Is Written In The Bible.

Evidence seems clears to most pastors that just because God said it, does not mean everyone will obey.
Some Christian Boys And Girls Still Date Sinners. Regardless of 2 Cor. 6:14
Some People Still Stay Home From Church – Regardless Of What Heb. 11:25 Says.
Some Still Don’t Pay Tithes Properly Or Faithfully In Spite Of Mal. 3:10
Some Still Love The World. Even After Reading 1John 2:15
Some Are Still Lovers Of Pleasure More Than Lovers Of God. Ignoring 2 Tim. 3:4
Some Still Won’t Submit To Their Pastor And Obey. Even After Reading Heb. 13:17

The Last Days

2 Peter 2:10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.

2 Peter 2:11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.

2 Peter 2:12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;

2 Peter 2:13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;

2 Peter 2:14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:

2 Peter 2:15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;

Remember The Man That Picked Up Sticks On The Sabbath Day?

Numbers 15:32 And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man that gathered sticks upon the sabbath day.

Numbers 15:33 And they that found him gathering sticks brought him unto Moses and Aaron, and unto all the congregation.

Numbers 15:34 And they put him in ward, because it was not declared what should be done to him.

Numbers 15:35 And the Lord said unto Moses, The man shall be surely put to death: all the congregation shall stone him with stones without the camp.

Numbers 15:36 And all the congregation brought him without the camp, and stoned him with stones, and he died; as the Lord commanded Moses.

No place in the law did it mention that picking up sticks was a sin. It turned out that not only was it a sin, but a sin for which the sinner met with death so quick there was no opportunity for him to repent or atone for his sin.

Had he killed someone? No
Did he talk against God? No
Did he curse Moses? No
Was He immoral? No
Did he worship an idol? No
His only sin was picking up sticks on the Sabbath Day

Nothing In The Law Said, “Thou Shalt Not Pick Up Sticks On The Sabbath Day.” Evidently this man felt safe because no one could show him in the Bible where it said not to.

Like the rest of Israel, he knew the basic Ten Commandments and the law of not building a fire on the Sabbath.
Exodus 20:8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Exodus 35:3 Ye shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations upon the sabbath day.

That’s it! That’s the requirements he knew. If you had told him not to pick up sticks, he might have said, “Show me in the Law.” He felt justified and safe.

This man looked for a loophole and thought he had found one.
Nothing was mentioned about sticks.
This man had not started any fire.
He felt he was within the boundaries of keeping the sabbath day holy.
He thought he was justified in his actions because nowhere did the law say anything about sticks.
This Man Died For Doing Something That The Scriptures Never Warned Him About.
He was not sinning in his mind, but he was sinning in God’s mind.

Those watching him pick up sticks took him to Moses and Aaron to see what they thought.

Even they were not sure, so they held him in confinement until they could ask God. God said this man should surely be put to death. Have all the people stone him with stones so that he dies.

I worry about people who are vocal and quick to voice their opinion against careful living and holiness.

These are some of the same folks who ask for chapter and verse. Even if they had chapter and verse, the chances are slim they would obey.

Be careful of what loophole you think you may have found. It may not be a loophole after all.

Don’t play with the Bible.

If God would kill a man for doing something that is not written down in black and white, how much more severe will he be on those who ignore what is written in His Word.

Between You And Me, You Better Put That Stick Down!

Written by Martyn Ballestero

June 4, 2014 at 10:40 am

Posted in God's Word

Tagged with Show me in the Bible

Things You Make Yourself Do.

with one comment

Things You Make Yourself Do.

When every new recruit steps off the bus, he is met by a drill instructor that tells him immediately, that there are two words he never wants to hear, “I can’t and I won’t.” Because he says, “you can and you will.”

I often see Billboards promoting prostate cancer awareness. They proclaim in no-uncertain terms that thousands of men will die this year because of stubbornness.

The Truth Is: Stubbornness, Excuse-Making and Fear Paralyze Many Of Us. Many Times We Have To Make Ourselves Do What Needs To Be Done.

Dieting

I have successfully avoided thinking about that word for most of my seventy years. I am not saying that I wasn’t packing on some pounds. I am admitting that I just hated the thought of going on a diet.

My lifestyle is such that I often find myself a guest in friend’s homes. The richest foods and the world’s best deserts are spread before me. It is hard to say no. (I sure don’t want to offend the cook.)

For years I’ve told myself that I didn’t have much control over what I ate, but that I could watch my portions. Let me tell you, the portion-watching concept doesn’t work well if the food is really good.

Then, January 2014 hit me like a cattle prod.

I couldn’t button my size 48-suit coat.
I was running out of air when I preached.
I enjoyed putting my own socks on and wanted to continue doing that.

With the help of my close friend, Brother Kenneth Bow, I went on a 500 calorie a day diet. I downloaded apps to monitor every thing I ate, drank and drooled over.

I lost forty-five pounds and can now breathe normally again. I realized it wasn’t that hard after I made myself get started. I Just Had To Make Myself Do It.

My Daughter Keeps A Healthy Distance From The Woods And Wooly Creatures.

My daughter Marisa was raised in a world of four brothers and no sisters. She can hold her own with the best of them. Those that know her are aware of her desire to avoid all animals with fur.

It’s not just a dislike; it’s an emotion that is almost over whelming for her. It has been known to create a moment of sheer panic in her when a raccoon, opossum or mouse is too close for comfort.

This month however, she got a tent and took her children on an all night camp-out in the woods. I was amazed at this young mother of three. She stood up and faced her worst fears. She proved to herself that it wasn’t all that bad. She even sent pictures to the family and we saw smiles on all the faces. It Only Happened Because She made Herself Do It

We Make Ourselves Do Some Things To Over Come Our Personal Fears.

We make ourselves do things because they need to be done and there is no one else to do them.
We make ourselves get up when we don’t feel well and go to work anyway.

Mommies do it.
Daddies do it.

We Do Other Things Because God Asks Us To.

To repent.
To break up our fallow ground.
To deny our self.
To take up the cross.
To humble our self in the sight of God.
To love not he world.
To forgive 70×7 in one day.
To love our neighbor as our self.
To be Holy

There Are Times We Have To Tell Ourselves To

Obey All Of God’s Word.
Pray through.
Worship when we don’t feel like it.
Pray when we don’t feel like it.
Come to church when you don’t feel like it.
Fast.
Say Amen.
Repent to family members, to others, to God when you need to.
Stay faithful.
Shun the very appearance of evil.
Flee fornication.
Serve.
Witness.
Love.

Sometimes We Just Have To Make Ourselves Be Submissive And Obedient.

Some Characters In The Bible Became Our Heroes Because Of What They Made Themselves Do.

Noah

By faith, built an Ark while the world mocked.
By faith got in an ark he could not steer.

David

Faced a lion and a bear when he was just a lad.
Face Goliath the giant when he was about seventeen.
Had no one to help him so, he “Encouraged himself in The Lord”

Paul and Silas

Sitting in Jail, chained, beaten and bloodied, they made themselves pray and sing at midnight.

The Three Hebrew Children

They were faced with the threat of public death.
They were commanded to bow and worship a heathen king.
They made themselves stand firm to their convictions.

Widow Woman Of Zarephath Gave Her Last Two Cakes To Elijah To Eat

She made herself put the man of God first even when she and her son were facing death by starvation.

The Woman With An Issue Of Blood

She had tried every doctor she could to no avail until she finally ran out of money.
She was nearly too weak to walk, but when Jesus came by, she made herself crawl through the crowd so that she could touch the hem of his garment.

Blind Bartimaus

He was told to shut up by those around him and keep quiet after he cried out for mercy.
He made himself cry out all the louder.

What Are You Willing To Make Yourself Do To Get Your Miracle?

The Day Of Pentecost

Peter was preaching to a large crowd on the Day of Pentecost. Conviction gripped the hearts of his hearers. They made themselves ask him point-blank while he was preaching what they needed to do to be saved.

Without missing a beat, Peter told them. The requirements he gave that day to be saved are still in effect today.

Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Not Everyone Made Themselves Respond.

Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

What Are You Willing To Make Yourself Do To Be Saved?

Written by Martyn Ballestero

May 31, 2014 at 4:01 pm

Posted in Christian Living, Salvation, Service

Tagged with Things you make yourself do

I Don’t Like Facial Hair On Pentecostal Men!

with 61 comments

I Don’t Like Facial Hair On Pentecostal Men!

(But those that know me already knew that.)

Did They Have Facial Hair In Bible Days? Yes.

Look at the sculptures of Roman times. Look again at the statues of the Caesars. They depict Gentile men wearing short hair, and no beards. They were the style leaders of their day. They depicted the dress of their generation. Evidently the world custom at that was not beard wearing for all men, especially not Gentile men.

The wearing of beards was certainly mentioned in the Bible. The case could be made that most of our heroes in the Old Testament wore facial hair.

Did they have facial hair in the early days of Pentecostal outpouring in the 1900’s? Yes. Early Pentecostal pioneers such as Bro. Seymour and Bishop Haywood wore facial hair. We’ve seen the pictures.

However, in early Pentecost, especially in the white churches, there was a marked absence of beards. The beards seemed to disappear.

Many Hispanic and black men feel that wearing a mustache is symbolic of masculinity. So automatically the cultural thing is throw down like an non-debatable subject. Of course that debate ignores the church’s culture.

During the Hippy Generation of the 50’s and 60’s, beards sprouted on those who rebelled against society. It became their symbol. Many of that culture were draft dodgers and some even moved to Canada. A spirit of rebellion and non-conformity was connected to the beard wearing.

New male converts for years have shown visible evidence of their conversion, by shaving off their facial hair when they got into an Apostolic church. The Pentecostal scene was one of clean-shaven men for over 50 years.

Now, after a half a century or so of no facial hair on men in mainstream Pentecost, It has started appearing again. Why? What changed in their minds and why did it change?

Recently, a Pentecostal organization even passed a position paper making it acceptable in their ranks for men to wear facial hair. Was the change made to appease liberals? Was it made to make the church look more like the world? Was it done to win the world? God knows.

Although It was made legally acceptable in some circles, it is still not palatable or acceptable everywhere. Today, facial hair on men is found in pulpits, in choirs, on the platform, in leadership and in the audience.

My Question Is, Why The Facial Hair Comeback?

Why now?
What for?
What is gained in the Spirit by men wearing facial hair?
How is the church strengthened by that acceptance?
Do Pentecostal men wear them because it’s popular in the world?
How does it further our outreach?
Why did our new converts shave their beards and mustaches off when they got the Holy Ghost?
Why the long absence of facial hair in conservative Pentecostal Apostolic ranks?
If it was deemed wrong then, why is it ok now?
Should we apologize now to all them who shaved their beards off when they got in church, because now it’s ok if you find the ‘right’ church?

If Facial Hair Today Is So Proper, Why Then Does It Cause Men Of Honor To Distance Themselves From All Those Who Permit Such? Why Then Does It Separate Good Men? There’s A Reason!

What are it’s wearers trying to prove, and to whom?
Doesn’t it make its wearers look more like what they used to be?

How Does This Help Identify Us As Apostolic?

If We Took A Poll And Asked Pentecostal Men Why They Are Wearing Beards, What Would Be Their Response To:

Are you going Charismatic? No.
Are you backslid? No.
Are you in rebellion to holiness standards? No.
Are you wearing it because you think it makes you look cool? No.

If you are not wearing it out of compromise, rebellion, or from a backslidden state, and you are wearing it just because you think it looks good on you, then would you say it is pride issue with you?

Does Your Facial Hair Tell Others That You Have A Flaming Pride Issue?

If you don’t think pride is involved in wearing of facial hair, just try to preach it off of those who have it. Every wearer I’ve met is fiercely defensive.

When Apostolic Pentecostal Churches And Organizations Say It Is Ok To Wear Beards, The Question Soon Arises…

Why?
What do they hope to gain?
Does that bring revival?
Is this in anyway related to the same spirit of rebellion of the Hippies?
What is the purpose?
In some twisted way does the wearer feel it makes them more like Jesus? How?
Isn’t pride part of it?

What Other Area Of Their Live Is In Line To Be Changed Next?

Remember The Biblical Statements:

“It seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us”

“Here we have no such custom”

Where Will These Two ‘Facial Hair’ Roads Go? Where Will They Take Us?

Most doubt that the two roads will ever meet again, because at present it appears to old school observers like me, that they are not headed in the same direction. My experience has been that those who re-examine and change their church dress standards, have never grown closer to God and to Holiness, but moved further away.

What scares many men is the question of what is behind this wide sweeping occurrence. Is there a spirit behind the push? Are the changes being made a just tip of the iceberg?

The churches I find myself most comfortable in are those who say

“Here we have no such custom.” By making that statement, Paul pointed out in Scripture that, Godly Custom took precedence.

Wearing facial hair today might be lawful to some, but it has not proven itself to be expedient. It’s been divisive.

(I don’t understand this generation’s interest in tattoos or facial hair. Don’t even get me started on tattoos…)

Thanks, I feel better now! You will too… after you go shave!

Written by Martyn Ballestero

May 27, 2014 at 1:30 am

Posted in Christian Living, Old-Time Pentecost

Tagged with Beards

The Journey To “It’s Not Over”

with 4 comments

The Journey To “It’s Not Over”

Jesus – Jarius

Luke 8:41 And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus’ feet, and besought him that he would come into his house:

Luke 8:42 For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him.

Jarius was a desperate father!
His daughter needed help and needed it NOW.

Divine Interruptions – On The Way To Jairus’ House

Jesus is interrupted by the needs of a very sick woman.
Jarius is no doubt biting his lip to keep from saying anything about the new delay.

The Woman With An Issue Of Blood

Luke 8:43 And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,

Luke 8:44 Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.

Luke 8:45 And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?

Luke 8:46 And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.

Luke 8:47 And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately.

Luke 8:48 And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.

Then…They Brought Jarius The Bad News – And Said, “It’s Over”

Luke 8:49 While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.

Luke 8:50 But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.

This was the worst new Jarius could ever hear.
His world had just come crashing down upon him.
But! Jesus heard the news too, and said, “It’s not over!”
It matters not what others say, it’s not over till Jesus says it’s over!

All Family and Friends Cried Because it Was Over

Luke 8:51 And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden.

Luke 8:52 And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.

Jesus Said – It’s Not Over

Luke 8:53 And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.

They Laughed Him To Scorn –
They Were Ready To Believe The Worst

Jesus Knows What Words To Speak To Your Situation

Luke 8:54 And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.

Luke 8:55 And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.

Luke 8:56 And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.

Do You Have Bad Reports? It’s Not Over!

Do You Have Fears For Lost Loved Ones?

It’s easy to see others getting help and all you hear is bad news. Don’t give up until He says it’s over.

Funeral at Nain

The mother of the dead boy thought it was over for her son, until Jesus passed by. Then she found out it wasn’t over.

Martha –“If you had come sooner, now it’s over, it’s too late”

Martha had watched her brother died. She had ordered him to be prepared for burial. She had mourned as they placed him in a tomb. Tears flowed as she watched them roll a stone in front of the opening.

If only Jesus had and responded when she had asked him, Lazarus would still be alive. Why where her needs and her family’s need so unimportant to the Lord that He couldn’t be there for them when they needed Him.

But! When Jesus came and ordered the stone rolled away, she heard Him speak three words that changed her life. “Lazarus Come Forth!” That’s all Jesus had to say for the miracle to happen.

Martha found out it really wasn’t over until Jesus came.

The Crucifixion Of Jesus

Jesus on the cross-said, “It is finished!”– He finished taking care of the redemption for sin. He shed His blood for all our sins.

When He died and was buried, Peter thought it was over. He said, “I go a fishing.” He thought it was all over.

The Disciples locked themselves in a room out of fear. They thought it was over. That’s when Jesus walked thru a door.

Reader? Let’s Talk About Your Situation!

You think things are hopeless in your life?
You think it’s too late?
You think it’s over?

I know it’s been a long journey waiting for your miracle… Just Hold On!

He’s Ready To Walk Into Your Room Right Now!

Written by Martyn Ballestero

May 24, 2014 at 5:38 pm

Posted in Believe, Grief, Healing, Trust

Tagged with It's Not Over

The Good News About Rubbish

with 6 comments

The Good News About Rubbish

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Definition

Rub·bish – ˈrəbiSH/

Vocabulary.com

Noun: rubbish – waste material; refuse or litter. Material that is considered unimportant or valueless.

Adjective: rubbish – very bad; worthless or useless.

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Everyone knows what rubbish is and what it looks like. I am sure that a definition accompanied by a photo is unnecessary.

Who in the world would ever give rubbish a second look? Why would someone waste his or her time trying to find good in what has been demolished?

Besides, rubbish always has an unpleasant odor about it that makes those close feel unclean.

Men call it rubbish when they have gotten all the valve the can extract from an object.
They call it rubbish when it has been damaged beyond their comfort zone.
They call it rubbish when it looks hopeless and spent.

Let Me Tell You An Unknown Bible Story About Rubbish.

Israel had been held in captivity for 70 years. When they returned to their beloved city of Jerusalem, their hearts were crushed with despair. The walls had been broken down and most of the city burned. They had to rebuild the walls immediately. Nehemiah’s burden led the workers. The enemies and critics of Israel watched and spouted their negative opinions.

Neh. 4:2 And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned?

The enemy had taken every thing of value. All that was left for Israel to rebuild the glorious walls of Jerusalem were heaps of burnt stones. They dug in the rubbish looking for damaged goods that they could restore.

Even the enemy recognized their dilemma and the futility of the idea. Yet that is exactly what happened in Jerusalem.

Workmen picked up the burnt and tarnished stones out of the rubbish heap, one by one. They no doubt did their best to wipe the stains of the fire and dirt away. Maybe they even washed them, I don’t know. One by one they cleansed each stone and applied new mortar and placed them into the wall.

The Wall Of Jerusalem Was Repaired Using Damaged Goods.

Neh. 4:7 But it came to pass, that when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem were made up, and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very wroth,

Neh. 6:15 So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days.

Neh. 12:43 Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off.

A God Moment!

When they finished rebuilding the walls, a God ‘thing’ happened. God made them to get so happy that the noise of their joy was heard a long ways away.

The walls of Jerusalem that still stand today, were rebuilt with damaged goods. Burnt stones from the rubbish heaps now fit perfectly in place in the wall.

When you look at the walls today and take pictures of its grandeur, do you ever stop and think, “That was built with damaged goods”? I didn’t think so.

What then do you think the Body of Christ is made up of? If you’re honest, you will have to say that God knows how to use, where to put, and how to preserve damaged goods.

Does God Ever Use Rubbish? You Better Believe It! Every Day!

Don’t Be Too Quick To Give Up On People.

The Good News About Rubbish Is That God Can Still Use It For His Glory.

Written by Martyn Ballestero

May 15, 2014 at 1:57 pm

Posted in Christian Living, Recovery

Tagged with recovery, Rubbish

What Makes A Mother Happy?

with 5 comments

What Makes A Mother Happy

3 John 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

Here are some brilliant answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions!!

Why Did God Make Mothers?

She’s the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
Mostly to clean the house.

How Did God Make Mothers?

He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
Magic plus super powers, and a lot of stirring.
God made my Mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.

What Ingredients Are Mothers Made Of?

God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
They had to get their start from men’s bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.

Why Did God Give You Your Mother And Not Some Other Mom?

We’re related.
God knew she likes me a lot more than other people’s Moms like me.

What Kind Of Little Girl Was Your Mom?

My Mom has always been my Mom and none of that other stuff.
I don’t know because I wasn’t there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
They say she used to be nice.

What Did Mom Need To Know About Dad Before She Married Him?

His last name.
She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?

Why Did Your Mom Marry Your Dad?

My Dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my Mom eats a lot.
She got too old to do anything else with him.
My grandma says that Mom didn’t have her thinking cap on.

Who’s The Boss At Your House?

Mom doesn’t want to be boss, but she has to because Dad’s such a goof ball.
Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
I guess Mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than Dad.

What’s The Difference Between Moms And Dads?

Moms work at work and work at home, and Dads just go to work at work.
Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
Dads are taller and stronger, but Moms have all the real power ’cause that’s who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend’s.
Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.

What Does Your Mom Do In Her Spare Time?

Mothers don’t do spare time.
To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.

What Would It Take To Make Your Mom Perfect?

On the inside she’s already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
Diet. You know, her hair. I’d diet, maybe blue.

If You Could Change One Thing About Your Mom, What Would It Be?

She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I’d get rid of that.
I’d make my Mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.
I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.

Things My Mother Taught Me

Kisses make everything better
My Precious Mother, Content Gleason Ballestero
Tell the truth – honesty best policy
Clean-up my room
Be respectful – Adults, rich or poor
Be kind
Cleanliness is next to godliness
No shame in being poor, but there is in being dirty.
How to forgive
Importance of having my will broken
Clothes don’t make the person
The person makes the clothes.
Pretty is as Pretty does
Share
Money is not everything
Family is God’s greatest gift, 2^nd only to the Holy Ghost

She Taught Me To Respect Her House

She Taught Me The Importance Of Prayer

That prayer changes things
That prayer changes people
That she loved me enough to pray for me
She taught me about God
She taught me to respect God’s Word – Don’t play with the Bible
She taught me to respect God’s house

She Taught Me Jesus Could

Heal me
My Precious Mother-In-Love, June Starr Davis
Save me
Deliver me
Help me
Forgive me

She Taught Me To Put God First

She Taught Me That Jesus Loves Me

Mother’s Never Stop Worrying About Their Children

Health
Safety
Soul

Mother’s Never Stop Loving

Mother’s Never Stop Praying

What Makes A Mother Happy?

3 John 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

For Her Children To:

Love her
Honor her
Respect her
Obey her

To Have Her Children Become Responsible Citizens

What Makes A Mother Happy?

When she walked down the aisle to dedicate you
When you walked down the aisle at graduation
When you walked down the aisle in marriage
When you walked down the aisle and gave your life to God

She’ll Thank You For The:

Flowers
Gifts
Card
Sweet Words
Help around the house
Phone calls

But Her Greatest Joy Is When Your Heart Gets Right With God

Her Greatest Joy Is When You Obey God’s Word In Acts 2:38

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Repent Of Your Sins

Be Baptized In Jesus Name

Receive The Holy Ghost, Speaking In Tongues

A Prayer For Mothers Day