Get A Car, Sell A Car
Get A Car, Sell A Car
Get a car, sell a car
Get a house, sell a house
Get a boat, sell a boat
Get a trailer, sell a trailer
Get a dog, sell a dog
Get a gun, sell a gun
Get a couch, sell a couch
Get a motorcycle, sell a motorcycle
Get honor, lose honor
Get respect, lose respect
Get confidence, lose confidence
Get hope, lose hope
Get a horse, sell a horse
Get a cow, sell a cow
Get a collectible, sell a collectible
Get a computer, sell a computer
Get a suit, sell a suit
Get an iPhone, sell an iPhone
Get a farm, sell a farm
Get an ATV, sell an ATV
Get passion, lose passion
Get peace, lose peace
Get contentment, lose contentment
Get purpose, lose purpose
Get an iPad, sell an iPad
Get a diamond, sell a diamond
Get a camera, sell a camera
Get a golf club, sell a golf club
Get an airline ticket, sell an airline ticket
Get a Rolex, sell a Rolex
Get a baby bed, sell a baby bed
Get an idea, sell an idea
Get a job, lose a job
Get an inheritance, lose an inheritance
Get a dream, lose a dream
Get an opportunity, lose an opportunity
Get A Wife, KEEP A Wife
Holy Ghost Radio
Holy Ghost Radio
A humble man with a smile as big as Texas sat across the aisle from me on the airplane. We also had a mutual friend on board who helped us carry the introductory conversation. Thus began a friendship.
Little did I know that this big man would be one of the greatest blessings to Pentecost in the last twelve years and would also be an unsung hero of our day!
He tenaciously promotes this Apostolic ministry and the Acts 2:38 message of Salvation. His name is Brother Jeff Hoffer. Once you meet him, you’ll instantly love him too. He’s a man with a burden, he a man on a mission. He is doing a God-Thing for our generation. We will always be indebted to him for what he freely has made available to us.
Because of him, Pentecostals and the rest of the whole world can listen to special services, important conferences and wonderful preaching and stirring music twenty-four hours a day.
I listen on my computer while on-line. My iPhone and iPad both have the Holy Ghost Radio Apps that can be downloaded for free. It is available for Android phones as well. The quality has always great! They even have channels One and Two for listening options.
Last night I listened to HGR and it was being broadcast from Desert Hot Springs, CA where Bro. Royce Walker is the Pastor. A special conference there is currently in progress.
I tuned in a bit late, but it was like I was in church with them. I caught Bro. Timothy Spell in the middle singing a favorite old song. He does such an amazing job of praising the Lord in worship filled songs, that it will quickly bring you to your feet.
Bro. Kenneth Bow, my favorite preacher in the world… hands down, preached. No, I mean he PREACHED! Not only was the sermon masterfully put together and thought-provoking, it was packed with so much heavy anointing that I couldn’t help myself. I cried. I prayed. I never heard Bro. Bow preach any better than he did last night!
I was two-time zones and 1,800 miles away. But because of the burden of Bro. Jeff Hoffer I got to be in service with my friends via HGR.
What I did a long time ago on The Ballestero Blog was put a link connecting my readers to HGR. If I were a pastor today, I would place a link on my Church website as well.
I noticed last night that it is possible to become a sponsor to HGR. I can only imagine how many amazing testimonies and feedback sent in by it’s listeners.
Holy Ghost Radio. That says it all, really. It’s our Radio. It’s THE radio for the Holy Ghost filled. It promotes what we believe. It continually blesses the work of God around the world.
May we never take it for granted. May we always be appreciative of this phenomenal gift to the whole world and us Holy Ghost filled Apostolics in particular.
I offer major thanks to Br. Jeff Hoffer and mega kudos for a doing a first class job representing truth in an untoward generation.
I pray that if possible, every one of my readers will choose to do what I just did, and become a regular sponsor of this ministry. You will never be sorry, but you will be continually blessed.
May God Bless Holy Ghost Radio!
Click The Picture Below And Enjoy!
Screen shot of Holy Ghost Radio Website
Here is the Schedule of HGR coverage of the Desert Hot Springs Conference.
When One Part Of Your Brain Hijacks The Other!
When One Part Of Your Brain Hijacks The Other!
Quite a few years ago, I was told about a new book and curiosity made me want to read it. The problem was, I was a little short of cash and not sure I wanted to spend what I had on a book instead of eat lunch.
I stopped by our local Barnes & Nobles Bookstore and asked the lady if they had the book, Emotional 
Intelligence in stock. They did, so I looked at it a few minutes and then found a nice easy chair and began to scan the pages for a bit longer. I read about fourteen pages and then I laid the book down and began to ponder on what I had just learned. I’ve never forgotten.
The premise put forward was that we all have two brains. (I was glad to find that out. I have been told I didn’t even have one.)
The author said that we each have a brain that thinks and a brain that feels. Our life may be at peace and functioning well, but turmoil, pain and great consequences come to us when one of our brains hijacks the other.
He Explained It By Describing Murders And Murderers.
The Brain That Thinks
The brain that thinks can get out of balance and push all emotions and normal feelings aside. It will then ignore every soft and tender thought the person ever had.
- He feels his mind is superior and he won’t get caught.
- He refuses to think about regrets and the pain he will cause.
- He devises ways to lure, entrap, and murder his victims.
Society uses the term Cold Blooded, Premeditated Murder, with Malice Aforethought.
Serial Killers must plan, calculate and orchestrate their dastardly deeds while ignoring every emotion that would stop them. Their brain that thinks hijacks the brain that feels. Society is very happy to lock that person behind bars for the rest of their life. They experience no remorse.
The Brain That Feels
The brain that feels can become so overwrought with painful emotion that it takes matters into it’s own hands and goes into what it believes is an appropriate action.
A loving wife may find her husband in the arms of another and her brain that feels immediately hijacks the brain that thinks.
- She is not worried about consequences.
- She hasn’t got time, in her mind, to worry about the law.
- She can only think about the hurt she feels.
We call it a crime of passion. It was a spur of the moment action. Nothing was preplanned. Sometimes juries have been a bit understanding and even lenient in such cases.
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When A Husband Is Unfaithful To His Wife.
The part of his brain that thinks, has to ignore and hijack the brain that feels. Unfaithfulness is not a spur of the moment action.
The brain that thinks hijacks the brain that feels and he convinces himself that he is no longer in love with his spouse. He says, he doesn’t love her anymore and hasn’t for some time. He tells her that to prepare her for what’s to come. He finds illogical fault with her to justify himself.
She is devastated and angry, and rightly so. The children quickly notice changes in daddy’s behavior and they become defensive of their mother and afraid of this man they loved.
Think about the all the emotional, logical, and spiritual Stop Signs and Road Blocks an unfaithful husband must pass before he arrives at where he thinks he wants to go.
- Permitting thoughts about another woman to have access into mind.
- Letting those thoughts become lustful and pleasurable.
- Creating a moment where the two of them can actually meet and talk.
- Making plans to meet again.
- Making plans to leave and divorce his wife.
- Ignoring the fact that he has no Bible right to leave his wife for another.
- The sending of Text Messages.
- The Emails back and forth.
- The secret Cell Phone calls.
- Then Deleting those Messages and Emails.
- The actual clandestine meeting.
- Touching her for the first time.
- The first kiss.
- The Motel.
Look how many stop sign he has to ignore. Look how many roadblocks he must step over. It’s pre-meditated. It’s planned. The brain that thinks has hijacked the brain that once felt love for his wife and family.
Nothing about unfaithfulness is accidental. It’s planned. It thought out. The brain that feels for God, family, and future has just been hijacked.
It makes no difference if the unfaithfulness is emotional or actual… it’s sin and it’s wrong.
Matthew 5:27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
Matthew 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.
When his brain that thinks hijacked his brain that feels… He had to ignore every hurt and pain in his wife’s eyes, words and heart. He had to ignore the consequences for his actions. He had to ignore the damage he was doing to his home and his children.
- He had to push aside the loss of his standing with God.
- He had to ignore the loss of his participation in God’s Kingdom.
- He had to be willing to place his eternal salvation in jeopardy.
He had to arrive at a place that made him not think about how much he was throwing away.
He now had a new infatuation and he could not think about anything else but her; not even her husband or her children.
He must be proud of the fact that he is a thinker and has a high IQ. In his own mind, he is smarter than the others who are crying. He refuses to let any emotional connection with his own wife and children stop him from achieving his goals. They have only become baggage and now he wants to be free from them.
Although He Knows These Passages In Proverbs, He Totally Ignores Them.
Proverbs 6:23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:
Proverbs 6:24 To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.
Proverbs 6:25 Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.
Proverbs 6:26 For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.
Proverbs 6:27 Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?
Proverbs 6:28 Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?
Proverbs 6:29 So he that goeth in to his neighbour’s wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent.
Proverbs 6:30 Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry;
Proverbs 6:31 But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.
Proverbs 6:32 But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.
Proverbs 6:33 A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.
Proverbs 6:34 For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.
Proverbs 6:35 He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.
Proverbs 7:27 Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.
When a husband becomes unfaithful. He is not the only one now with a problem. His selfish thinking and actions have immobilized all those around him that love him. His marriage is paralyzed and may never be restored. His children will never respect him for the way he selfishly walked out on them and their mother.
Later in moments of reflection, he is prone to think he is the only one who needs counseling and help. That thinking is either being naïve, stupid or stubborn. AA and Al-Anon both include the addict and their family in the process. What one person did, now has become a problem for all those who once loved him.
Where Does One Turn To For Guidance And Help With Improper Thinking?
There Is Not Much Hope For Restoration To A Once Godly Marriage Or To Having A Sound Mind Again, If God And His Word Are Left Out Of The Equation. Restoration Is Of The Lord.
Psalms 16:7 I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.
AMP: Psalm 16:7 I will bless the Lord, Who has given me counsel; yes, my heart instructs me in the night seasons.
If one of your brains has hijacked the other, God will bring release and restoration to your mind if you will turn to Him. He will deliver you. Refusing God’s intervention will only set you up for more devil’s play.
Sir: If There Is To Be ANY Hope Of Restoration In Your Marriage And In Your Walk With God, It’s Up To You To:
- Choose to repent to God, your wife, and pastor.
- Choose to let God’s Word and God’s man guide you into complete restoration.
- Choose to love your wife with all your heart.
- Choose to reassure her.
- Choose to be careful about your thoughts, feeling and interaction with the opposite sex.
- Choose to clear yourself from further suspicion.
- Choose to connect with your wife, family and God like you never have before.
- Choose to live for God and not throw your soul away.
May The Lord God guide your thoughts, your actions, and your motives every day and keep you from all evil and iniquity. May your heart tenderly guide you in all the night seasons.
Now Go Do The Right Thing!
Are You Worth Fighting For?
Are You Worth Fighting For?
We have all heard uncomplimentary remarks by old timers about those people they considered
worthless and no good. They said things like:
- “Ah, they’re not worth the lead it would take to blow…”
- “They’re not worth their salt.”
We have all learned that helping some people can be an exercise in frustration and futility. In choosing our battles and those we fight for, where do we draw a line and fight? When do we throw in the towel?
Go To God’s Word And Examples For Guidance.
Moses – Israel
God was so angry at Israel because of their quickness to backslide, He wanted to kill them and start all over. He told His plan to Moses.
Exodus 32:31 And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold.
Exodus 32:32 Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin–; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.
Moses knew the wickedness of Israel and although he could never justify their actions, he refused to give up on them. He told God; if You are going to blot them out, then just blot me out too. Moses fought for Israel even in their disobedience and wickedness.
Moses Persuaded God To Show Mercy.
Samuel – King Saul
1 Samuel 15:10 Then came the word of the LORD unto Samuel, saying,
1 Samuel 15:11 It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.
Saul was reckless in his life choices and was disobedient to God’s Word. Samuel, even with all his pristine character and godliness, could not help but cry for Saul. Saul wasn’t even crying for himself. Yet Samuel fought with tear all night long.
Pastors – Saints and Sinners
Certainly we can be grateful to live at a time when God’s Mercy is so readily available. Yet, in spite of this, a pastor’s job is never done. He does his best to keep fighting for every soul. He fights for those who want help. He even fights for those who don’t seem to be fighting for themselves.
There Is No Such Thing As A ‘Throw-A-Way Soul.”
Paul – Timothy
2 Timothy 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
2 Timothy 2:26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
Paul’s advice to Pastor Timothy was, don’t be harsh. These sinful people are their own problem. They can’t blame anyone else but themselves. It just may be that God will let them repent and admit the truth about themselves. It may be that God will let them recover and be restored. So, don’t give up on them. Fight for them. They aren’t doing a very good job of fighting for themselves. They need you.
- Fight for their souls.
- Fight for their mercy.
- Fight for their forgiveness.
- Fight for their restoration.
- Fight for their marriage.
- Fight for their family.
- Fight for their future.
- Fight for their eternity.
- Fight for them…
Remember:
1 Corinthians 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
Are You Worth Fighting For? Absolutely!
Here’s Proof You Haven’t Repented, If…
Here’s Proof You Haven’t Repented, If…
For some, it is easy to say, “I’m sorry.” Yet nothing much in the way of permanent change is ever evident in their actions. That is NOT repentance. Godly Repentance ALWAYS brings change. Permanent change.
The process of repentance makes little difference whether it is to God or to your spouse. Repentance is displayed in the same manner.
The seven ways everyone shows the fruit of their repentance is outlined in God’s Word. The Bible never misses.
Here Are The Two Reference Points God And Christians Use To Define The Actions Of One Who Is Repentant:
- The Bible
- Watching how the repentant person acts after they say I’m sorry.
Read These Two Verses Very Carefully:
2 Corinthians 7:10 for godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
2 Corinthians 7:11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
The first main point is, Godly Sorrow. That will determine the end result. Godly sorrow will always bring Salvation (in regards to God) and Restoration (in regards to your spouse.)
Look at verse 11. There are seven major points that prove and verify your claim of repentance. If these all are not in place, your repentance is void and hollow.
Proof Number One
What Carefulness It Wrought In You
IF you have repented you are very careful. You know what your problem (sin) is, and what your weaknesses are.
If you’ve repented to God, you are careful not to go where you would be tempted to sin. For example, if alcohol is your addiction and you have repented, you will carefully avoid your old haunts and drinking buddies.
If you’ve repented to your spouse, and are sorry for your unfaithfulness (whether actual or emotional), you would be careful to delete all inappropriate email addresses from your contacts and all cell phone numbers from your phone that should not ever have been there.
You would avoid all further contact and conversation with them because you are doing your best to be careful and find salvation for your marriage.
If you have repented, you will become very careful.
Proof Number Two
What Clearing Of Yourselves
If you have repented, you willing take all the blame. You quit pointing fingers and making accusations. You will not even try to justify yourself, but you will profusely apologize and that… often.
You will make right all the wrongs you can. You will pay back; you will restore, and repair the wrong.
If you have repented you will clear yourself.
Proof Number Three
What Indignation
If you have repented, you will get mad at what Satan has done to you, to your marriage, your home, your reputation and to your future.
If you still justify yourself, you can never get mad at how stupid you were to allow the devil access to your thoughts and actions.
If you have repented, you will get mad at the devil.
Proof Number Four
What Fear
If you have repented, your every day life will be forever guided by fear.
You Will:
1. Fear And Reverence God
2. Fear Eternal Judgment
3. Fear Falling Back Into Satan’s Trap
If you have repented, your every step will be guided by the fear of God.
Proof Number Five
What Vehement Desire
If you have repented, desire will immediately surface. If you have repented from your sins, you will certainly have a desire to be at God’s House. Those Christians who are unfaithful in their church attendance show everyone they lack a good repentance experience.
If you have repented to your spouse, you will not be lackluster in your feelings and emotions towards them. You will experience a vehement desire to be with them. You world will no longer just be about you.
If you have repented, you will have a vehement desire.
Proof Number Six
What Zeal
If you have repented, your enthusiasm will immediately show. Everyone will know. Zeal is hard to hide.
If you have repented to God, you will be zealous in living for Him
If you have repented to your spouse, your zeal towards them and supplying their physical and emotional needs will automatically show.
If you have repented, your zeal will show.
Proof Number Seven
What Revenge
If you have repented, you won’t waste your storm. Not only will your reformed life be a slap in the devil’s face, but also you will do your best to save others from his grasp.
If you have repented, you will have revenge on the enemy of your soul.
If these seven things are evidenced in your life, then…In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
Here’s Proof You Haven’t Repented, If… these seven things aren’t apparent in your life and actions.
Matthew 3:8 “Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance”
Now, Go Repent And Then Do The Right Things.
For Now
For Now
Today during rush hour, I noticed the license plate on the Toyota in front of me read, “For Now.” Evidently the owner had plans for a more luxurious vehicle in his future.
The world’s message to young and old is to seize the moment. Live in the now.
For Now is a lifestyle to which most of us are accustomed. For example:
Paper And Plastic
Things made from paper and plastic were made to last mostly, for now. Paper plates are for temporary use. They quietly say that someday there will be china on the table. I’m only here for this one meal.
Some Jobs
Very few retire from a fast food job. They only took the job, for now, because the one they want is unavailable at this time. As soon as something better opens up, they are gone.
There are “Temp Employment Agencies” who specialize in the for now.
Some Relationships
Boyfriends and girlfriends come and go. They are the people you can like for now. Some day you hope to find a permanent person to love. It’s called marriage. Sadly, there are even some twisted people who rationalize that marriage is only a for now thing.
Some Homes
Real Estate Brokers sell starter homes. They don’t expect the buyer to grow old there. Those houses are for newlyweds getting a start in life. They are for now.
A Rent House is where you live for now. It’s what you have till you can buy your own house.
Even Motels
Motels are for those needing a place to sleep for now.
Sins Pleasures
Moses chose to identify with the people of God, than with the house of Pharaoh. He understood that sin’s pleasures were only for now, and then they would vanish.
Hebrews 11:24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;
Hebrews 11:25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
- Adulterers live in a for now world.
- Alcoholics, drug users and abusers are addicted to the for now feeling.
Saints of old sang: “This World Is Not My Home, I’m Just A Passing Through.” They were not focused on the for now.
Bible Illustrations
Israel was content to dwell in the for now, whether that was in Egypt or the Wilderness. She had to be pushed into the Promised Land.
Esau willingly traded his most valuable possession for a bowl of pottage. His eternal birthright was swapped straight across for something that would make him happy for now. He lost his forever in his quest for now.
Demas was once the Apostle Paul’s travel companion and fellow laborer. His thoughts turned from things above to began to the world around him. He chose to live in the for now, and abandon any hope of the forever.
The Song Writer
Jennie Wilson words that have lasted for scores of years. She warned us all to build our hopes on things eternal.
__________________________________________________________________________
“Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand”
Words: Jennie Wilson.
Music: Franklin L. Eiland
1. Time is filled with swift transition,
Naught of earth unmoved can stand,
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.
Refrain:
Hold to God’s unchanging hand,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand;
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.
2. Trust in Him who will not leave you,
Whatsoever years may bring,
If by earthly friends forsaken
Still more closely to Him cling.
3. Covet not this world’s vain riches
That so rapidly decay,
Seek to gain the heav’nly treasures
They will never pass away.
4. When your journey is completed,
If to God you have been true,
Fair and bright the home in glory
Your enraptured soul will view.
__________________________________________________________________________
Troubles Are Temporary. They are For Now Moments.
2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
2 Corinthians 4:17 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Paul Challenged Us To Not Let the For Now Separate Us From Him.
Romans 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Romans 8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
What Happens When Galaxies Collide?
What Happens When Galaxies Collide?
What happens when the gravitational pull of one Galaxy overwhelms another? In the world of suns, moons, planets, stars, and galaxies, the answer is not a positive one.
The same is true in the lives of Apostolic men and women. When our carnal world collides with our Spiritual World, what happens? Are there ever any survivors?
Some attempt to maintain the two orbiting worlds of Spirit and Flesh simultaneously, but it never has a happy ending. There will always be a collision.
Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Especially in the last days, we all have all seen an abundance of human failures. May God help us all to order our worlds aright!
The Milky Way
The Galaxy With Stronger Gravity Pulls The Weaker Galaxy Into Itself
What Would Pentecostals Post On Facebook If This Were 70 Years Ago?
What Would Pentecostals Post On Facebook If This Were 70 Years Ago?
I’m sure I don’t really know. It’s a crazy supposition, for certain. But what if there had been Internet and Facebook? What kind of posts would we read from friends and family in our FB news feed?
First of all, I am not sure how many would have even been on any social media. Some, in the 1940’s, regularly warned of the worldly influence of radio in Christian homes. Television was called a one-eyed monster.
Secondly, the whole world was at war. The saints of old actually believed they were living in the last days and most of them acted accordingly.
Thirdly, many of them had survived the great depression. Most had little money or possessions. Christ and the Church became the center of their lives.
With this in mind allow me to extract comments and excerpts from my family’s letters and wire recordings (Wire recorders preceded Cassette and Tape Recorders.) made during that same time frame.
I am sure they would have made the same type of affectionate greetings to family and friends.
We would have also read:
- Victory reports of revival and new church plantings
- Updates on our children and grand children’s lives
- Recipes and sewing tips
- But most assuredly, there would have been much talk about the coming of the Lord, the end time, Heaven, and the importance of being ready
Here are some comments taken from Carl Ballestero’s (my father) letters to Bro. Harvey Davis during WWII.
1. “I write to you, Harvey, as Jonathan would to David, with nothing but love and honor in my heart for you. I know nothing of your failures, (I have enough of my own, for we all are unprofitable servants), but I looked for Jesus in you, and bless His dear Name, I found Him in you in a very pleasing way. It really isn’t hard to see our Jesus in one another, if we would but look for Him.
2. “As I was sitting at the table thinking of what you said about going all out for Jesus, (you spoke my heart) and it seemed then, how few really want to see things done for God. Most people will go places for God when things are going good and when the message is popular, but only a handful are possessed with the “Jesus passions” for lost souls and genuine red-hot Holy Ghost revival fire to sweep not only their own hearts, but the whole community as well. I pray that God will give us a “go-through” spirit.
3. “May the Lord melt us and take away all bitterness from our hearts, for His Name’s sake.
4. “We’re strangers here, not wanted, not loved by man, we have a Heavenly City, not made with hands, and One ever beckons to the weary, tempted and tried pilgrims to “Come out from among them and be ye separate” for this world is not their home.
5. “Yes, there is hardly a preacher in Pentecost who doesn’t know how far short of the Apostolic power we are. Oh, it is true that we have the Gospel, but then too, “The letter killeth.” It is the Spirit that quickeneth, the flesh profiteth nothing.” It takes more than plain good preaching to get people saved. It takes the signs following you spoke about.
6. “…But then may we now say, not “Where is the God of Elijah,” but “Where is the Elijah of God.”
7. “We, as young ministers could blame the preachers before us for this pitiful state of God’s Body, (and we would not be too far from wrong for they have not been altogether blameless), but we have a wall to build, whether we are the men to do the job or not, I am certain God is pleased that the thought is in our hearts. Let us therefore set our minds to the immense task that lies before us, and consecrate, humble, deny and keep under the Blood every fiber of our being that we might be of a truth, “The apple of God’s eye.” Surely He cannot help but bless that one who has determined to make his time God’s time, who realizes that his members are God’s temple, his very life and breath, a loan from a loving Friend who sticks closer than any brother.
8. “I can truthfully say, that my joy is to do the will of my Father in Heaven, yes, that is also my meat, it sustains me, gives me life, for Jesus is truly the “Bread of Life.”
9. “Let us evermore come to Him that we might have life and that more abundantly. Jesus said, “Ye will not come to Me that ye might have life.” We have life from Him, Brother, but not many have that abundant life, the holy and sanctified breath of God in them that makes giants out of weaklings, that makes heroes out of cowards, that makes intercessors out of sluggards, yea, that makes mighty, prevailing, unconquerable, rugged, self-denying Gospel and Gift entrusted Christian men and women who can move the mountains of sin in the abominable generation of our day.
10.“What then shall we do? Shall we be sorry for our faults, or defeats? No, not sorry, but rather repent. It is harder to get a Pentecostal person to repent than a rank sinner. Yes, repent and launch out into the deep, for surely hell will be full of sorry people.
11.“Most of my time is spent in the study of God’s Word. I now am spending more time in prayer that He first might make it burn in my heart so that I can preach it from the very depths of my soul with His fire and unction. I have a wonderful book entitled “The Preacher and Prayer” by Bounds, and if I can’t find any in the bookstores, I’ll send you mine. Marvelous truth! It will fire your passion for souls and shake you into a prayerful attitude.
12.“My typewriter has been in hock for a few weeks now, so that explains the pen and ink. I pawned it so that I could buy a turkey for New Year’s Day. I am sending you all the money we have, but my Father is rich, and “I shall not want”, for truly, with food and raiment, the love of God in my heart, the hunger for more of Him and for others to know Him is more than I deserve, and if I cannot say like Paul, “I have learned …” I can say “I am learning to be content in whatsoever state I am in.”
13.“Your letter touched my heart, just made me love you so, and cry, so I just had to write you these few lines. (It doesn’t seem many to me, for they flow from my heart.) If I have ever said or done anything to harm or hinder you, please forgive me, as I do want to make Heaven my home. If I have, it was not by choice, from my head, but not my heart.
14.“We send our love to each of you, pray daily for you.
15.“Other than what I’ve mentioned, in these dark and bewildering days, all that we have to look forward to is the coming of Jesus to deliver us from this body of death. The supposedly strong ones among us have forsaken our God and their cross and left the lambs to continue on with faltering step. It seems that those who really desire to pay the price and go through must do so amidst the railings of those who make a mock of sin, who have no confidence in Christianity, (and why should they have?) Yet, still the love and the Spirit of God pulls our feet homeward, saying “This is the way, walk ye in it.”
16.“When I listen to good preachers, I begin to wonder if I’ve missed my calling or not, but when I see the way people are failing God, and faith has vanished; when I see the holy standard of Jesus Christ dragged in the gutter, and a bunch of old reprobates who live in sin, and brag about all their wonderful results, and claim to be the “fathers” of this Jesus Name movement, I take courage and make an attempt at preaching anyway,
17.“Lose your money, lose your reputation, lose your car and all your possessions, but don’t lose your character, don’t lose the anointing of God, don’t lose your soul
18.“There’s no place like the everlasting arms of Jesus when one is burdened, over-weighted with much sorrow, and about ready to abandon ship.
19.“I would rather burn out for God than rust out.
20.“I’m praying for you almost every night without fail. Might have missed you once or twice, but you’re usually upon my heart for your love and fellowship means so much to me.
Bro. Ike Terry’s Comments To My Mother, Connie Ballestero:
- “Sister Connie, I want to share with you a brand new One God Scripture that I found today…”
Various Saints From The Bakersfield Church To My Mother:
- “They carried me home drunk on the Holy Ghost last night.
- “We had an all night prayer meeting.
- “My husband finally got the Holy Ghost during this revival, Hallelujah!
- If any of the old saints had slipped off to a movie, or read a questionable book they would they have posted it or talked about it openly?
- How much Sports talk would have been posted?
- What photos would they post?
- How much flesh would be on display?
- How much would be written about Church, God and Christian living?
There would still have been fun and fellowship on the news feed of the 1940’s FB I’m sure, but I would like to think the Coming of the Lord and the End Time would have never strayed from the main focus.
If You Really Believed Jesus Was Coming Soon…
If You Really Believed Jesus Was Coming Soon…
What Would You Do?
I grew up in a generation accustomed to hearing sermons about the coming of the Lord. Since I was born during World War II, my parents truly believed they were in the last days and did their best to live and pray accordingly.
My Mother said that when I was born she never dreamed the Lord would tarry long enough for me to even start Kindergarten, but that was 70 years ago.
No one knows the day or the hour that He will come again. Yet, everything within me chooses to focus on the hope that today will be the day.
When I proposed to my beloved, we settled on the date of August 28, 1965. However, within weeks of our engagement, we heard a series of sermons on the coming of the Lord. We moved our wedding up to August 14, to beat the rapture… and we did.
Desert Storm brought backsliders back by the droves. Some of them didn’t wait for the preaching, but walked straight from the door to the altar. After the scare of the war was gone, so were they.
The reality is, folks who don’t believe that the return of Jesus is imminent, have a tendency to live like He is not coming soon.
If I really believed that Jesus was coming, what would I do? How would I respond to that news?
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Imagine: If the Lord loved you dearly enough to give you a private ‘heads up’ that He was coming back for His church in one week, what would you do? How would you plan each day in preparing for the rapture?
These are quite possibly some things that I would do. Not necessarily in this particular order.
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Day One – I Would Really Repent!
The first thing I would do is repent to God for everything I have done, said, thought or felt. I would repent for my wrong spirit, my bad attitude and every thing I can think of that would be displeasing to the Lord.
· I wouldn’t just pray, I would pray through.
· I mean really pray through.
· Not just a two-dollar tune-up but rather a complete major over haul.
When I finished, I would look in my mirror and see if I could find anything about the way I looked or the way I dressed that was displeasing to Him. I would make sure that my body was not adorned with things the Bible warned me about that would keep me from going up.
· I would walk through my house and remove anything and everything that had a carnal base or worldly flavor and influence upon it.
· I would make sure that every music album in my house would be something He would approve of.
· I would not want any thing in my house that I would not want Jesus to see or hear.
· I would clean my closet and remove anything I would not want to be wearing when Jesus came.
· I would look at my magazines and books.
· If I found anything that I didn’t want to be in my hand when the rapture took place, I would throw away.
I Would Repent. I Mean, Really Repent… Jesus Is Coming!
Day Two – I Would Apologize To My Brother And Sister In Christ!
· I would quit fighting with my brother and sincerely apologize.
· Even if I thought he was the one that should be apologizing first.
· I would choose not to be offended any more.
· I would ask him to forgive me for everything I had done and said.
And, if I had taken anything from him, I would restore it and pay extra for damages and them give him the Biblically required usury.
· I would tell him that I loved him.
· I would strive for unity in the Body of Christ.
I Would Want To Love My Neighbor As Myself… Jesus Is Coming!
Day Three – I Would Consecrate Like Never Before
· I would surrender my will to His Will.
· I would humble myself before the Lord.
· I would pray, not my will but Thine be done.
· I would no longer have a problem with Pastoral authority.
· I would ask my pastor if he saw anything in me I needed to change or improve before the Lord came.
· I would no longer have a problem with Doctrine.
· I would no longer have a problem with Holiness Standards.
· I would make sure that my attitude towards the things of God was right.
I Want My Heart To Be Right… Jesus Is Coming!
Day Four – I Would Focus On My Church Attendance
· I would make sure I made it to the mid-week services.
· I would get there early for prayer.
· I would sit as close to the front as I could.
· I would worship like I never had before.
· I would sing with all my heart.
· I would sing loud and clap my hands and say Amen.
· During the invitation, I would come to the altar and pray with seekers.
· I would even ask if I could sing in the choir. (I would like to be singing in the choir when the Lord comes.)
I Would Put My Heart Into Having Church… Jesus Is Coming!
Day Five – I Would Gather My Family Around Me
I would apologize and express my love to my spouse. I would speak gentle and loving to the members of my home.
· I would apologize for all the arguments and harsh words that caused hurt feelings.
· I would apologize to my children.
· I would apologize to my parents.
· I would apologize to my siblings.
· I would apologize to my in-laws.
· I would adjust my grumpy attitude.
I Would Wrap My Family Up In Love… Jesus Is Coming!
Day Six – I Would Have A Financial Review
· I would go through my bills and make sure they were paid.
· I would look at my Pay Check Stubs and my W-2’s and then look in my check book to make sure I was current with my tithes and offerings.
If Not, I Would Catch Up and Add The Biblically Required Twenty Percent To My Tithe… Jesus Is Coming!
Day Seven – I Would Wake Up In A Panic Thinking About The Lost!
At daybreak I would be at my friend’s house inviting myself to teach him a home Bible Study.
I would scramble around all day looking for every relative I could talk to and every acquaintance doing my best to talk to them about the coming of the Lord.
I Would Try To Take Everyone I Could To Heaven With Me… Jesus Is Coming!
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So… What would you do if you believed Jesus was coming? Would you change anything about the way you live, talk, think, act, dress or believe?
Would you correct the things in your life that need correcting?
Would you do everything in your power to be ready for That Day?
Then Just Do It. He Really Is Coming!
Whatever Happened To Carefulness?
Whatever Happened To Carefulness?
Modern Pentecostalism, as a whole, seems to enjoy flaunting its perceived new liberties in the face of all caution. To them who have lived their whole lives in spiritual carefulness before God, this mindset is repulsive, dangerous and scary.
Why Does One Generation Feel Freer And Less Cautious Than Another?
- Are they more enlightened in the Word?
- Is this a New Day in the Kingdom of God?
- Has God waited nearly 2,000 years to remove every Biblical principle and restriction?
- Why are things considered right today that were wrong yesterday?
- Are they backslidden in heart?
- Why is there an absence of Holiness and things HOLY among those who profess the HOLY Ghost?
There is a horrible price to pay if what our forefathers said is right. Old school preachers said things like: “When you lose your revelation of Holiness, it won’t be long before you lose your revelation of the Oneness of the Godhead.” That dear reader is a very fearful thing.
It appears as if the spirit of the age is one that wants to see how much one can do and still feel saved and justified.
Too many church folks have been influenced by the style and fads of this present world. Sadly, whatever the new style of the world is on display, it soon will be seen in some churches. It quickly appears in:
· Men’s clothing
· Men’s hairstyles
· Men’s facial hair
· Women’s clothing
· Women’s hairstyles
· And even makeup
- Can anyone else remember when it was uncommon to see Pentecostal women wearing form-fitting and revealing attire?
- Can anyone else remember new converts changing how they dressed and lived soon after they got saved?
- Can anyone else remember when makeup was not acceptable?
- Can anyone else remember when women considered long hair their glory?
- Can anyone else remember when men didn’t dress in a manner that questioned their masculinity?
- Can anyone else remember the day when Consecration services were not uncommon?
- Can anyone else remember when no one who claimed to be in church wanted to look like or dress like they were in the world?
- Can anyone else remember when there was an absence of facial hair on the men that were in the church?
- Can anyone else remember when no one heard of young girls kissing other young girls?
- Can anyone else remember when the saints lived their lives carefully, lest they displease the Lord?
- Can anyone else remember when saints were not addicted to prescription drugs?
- Can anyone else remember when TV was a bad word?
- Can anyone else remember when saints didn’t go to movies?
- Can anyone else remember when jewelry was not seen on church folks?
- Can anyone else remember when church services times were not scheduled around a Super Bowl Sunday?
- Can anyone else remember saints being careful about what they read, what they listened to, where they went and whom they went with?
- Can anyone else remember when folks repented to each other and before God because they wanted to be saved?
- Can anyone else remember hearing sermons on Hell and Judgment?
· What changed?
· Did God change?
· If God changed, not everyone got the memo.
Carefulness Is Produced By Repentance.
That’s The First Thing True Repentance Does. It Makes You Careful.
2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
2 Corinthians 7:11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
- Too many are not careful about giving God the tithe of their increase.
- Too many are not careful to manifest the Fruits of the Spirit.
- Too many are not careful about what they say, or whom they say it to.
- Too many are not careful about what comes into their homes.
- Too many are not careful to honor their parents.
- Too many are not careful to honor their pastor.
- Too many are not careful about their attendance to the House of God.
- Too many are not careful about their attitude.
- Too many are not careful to keep their marriage vows.
- Too many are not careful about their friend’s negative influences.
- Too many are not careful about where they allow themselves to go visit.
- Too many are not careful about the necessity of the Acts 2:38 Doctrine.
Sadly, We Have Gone From Carefulness To Carelessness.
I will have to answer to God some day. So, when I read verses such as these I feel cautioned to be careful.
Hebrews 2:1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
Ephesians 5:15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
1 Timothy 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them:
The Holy Spirit Warns Us All About The World’s Influence Upon The Church.
1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2 Peter 3:1 This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:
2 Peter 3:2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:
2 Peter 3:3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
I am sure most will continue to do as they please and feel very justified. That will be between you and the Lord on Judgment Day.
As For Me, I Choose To Finish My Days Walking Before The Lord As Carefully As I Can.
Oh, by the way, are you doing your best to be careful in your walk with God? If not, please join me.
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 