Before I Could Stop Myself
Before I Could Stop Myself
My 66-year-old father stood in his Carlyss, Louisiana bedroom by the chest of drawers. He held a small compact camera in his hands that was made in the 1960’s. It was the world’s smallest full framed 35mm. The German-made Rollie 35.
I had heard him describe the camera’s virtues a number of times. It had a fast Carl Zeiss lens, which was one of the best on the market at the time. The lens was also collapsible.
One unusual thing about the little 35mm camera was that it had a half-frame option. A 35mm roll of film, could take up to 72 pictures with the twist of a dial, instead of the normal 36.
Dad had travelled all around the world with this camera. It was small and fit easily in his suit pocket. Our family had hundreds of slides taken with this camera.
The slides were all sharp and the colors were very vivid. It even took great pictures in low light settings.
Daddy always seemed to enjoy buying small things. Things like tiny Bibles, little spy cameras, very small shortwave radios, mini-cassette recorders, little ballpoint pens, and tiny pocketknives.
I stood looking at my father and the camera in his hand. I knew he had paid a good price for it when he’d bought it new.
Daddy began explaining something to me that I have long since forgotten. Somehow my mind got fixated on the little Rollei 35.
I had an urge to say something I’d never allowed myself to say before. I knew that I liked everything about that little camera. My mind began to wander far afield considering all the things I could do with it. I wasn’t right to want it. It was Dad’s. I couldn’t believe it. My strong Ballestero pride would never let me ask for anything. I almost didn’t.
I looked into the kind and gentle face of my big-hearted Father. Before I could stop myself, the feelings of covetousness prompted me to do something I’d never done before.
As soon as Daddy paused, I changed both the subject and the moment. I said, “Daddy, I sure do like that camera. I’m not asking for it now, but someday, if it’s OK with you, I’d like to have that.”
There it was. I had just said the thing I never thought I would be brave enough to say. I had just asked for one of my Father’s prized possessions, and he was a long way from dead.
My father smiled, pressed the button, and began to rewind the film in the camera. He opened the back, and took the roll of film out. He picked up the leather case, the flash attachment, a mini tripod, lens filters, a lens hood, and a small camera bag. While still smiling, Dad placed them all in my hands and gave me a hug.
He said, “I want you to have it now. I am glad that you wanted it. Enjoy!”
Whew! It had happened in seconds. The desire, the asking, and the giving took place in less time than it does to tell about it. I was still somewhat amazed at my new boldness. I didn’t think I would be holding it for another 10-15 years. But there it was in my hands, now!
It was in my hands, because I had asked. I had asked because I couldn’t get that covet thing out of my mind.
I realized anew, that this is the same manner our Heavenly Father interacts with His children.
Can your mind even imagine all the things that He desires to give us. He’s just waiting for us to want what He has.
1Cor. 12:31 But covet earnestly the best gifts:
James 4:2 …ye have not, because ye ask not.
Some Signs You Are Leaving
Some Signs You Are Leaving
There are some things about leaving that are a dead give-a-way, even to the untrained observer. Whether it’s in a marriage, a friendship or a fellowship, there are still signs.
I do not submit that all of these signs must be experienced before there is a departure. But anyone of these by itself should raise a flag of warning.
Many of these signs are the same for both men and women.
Some Signs She Is Leaving You.
- She no longer confides in you.
- She does her best to avoid you by staying out late.
- She doesn’t seem glad to see you when you get home.
- She doesn’t want to hold hands with you.
- She doesn’t want to be touched, kissed or hugged by you.
- When you try to kiss her, she turns her head so that you kiss her on the cheek.
- Her friends and family act different around you because she has told them that she plans to leave you.
- She increases her weekly workouts.
- Her hug is different.
- She gets a new cell phone.
- She leaves the room to take calls.
- If she can’t leave the room, she doesn’t answer her phone because you are there.
- She changes her dress style.
- She changes her hairstyle.
- She is more concerned about her appearance than you remember her being before.
- Her work hours suddenly change.
- She often mopes around the house, but before she goes out, she always perks up.
- She suddenly wants a new body enhancement.
- She accuses you of flirting with or wanting to be with other women.
- She’s critical of everything you do.
- She spends more hours on the computer than before.
Some Signs He Is Leaving You.
- His computer now has a password when it didn’t before.
- He now wipes out the history files on his computer.
- He switches the computer screen when you walk into the room or tries to hide the screen from you.
- He starts wearing cologne.
- He changes is hairstyle.
- You catch him in a number small lies.
- He seems to have less money to do things.
- He doesn’t want to go out and do things with you.
- Your intuition is screaming at you that something is just not quite right.
- He calls you paranoid, psycho, jealous, unreasonable and crazy.
- He doesn’t instant message you as often.
- He doesn’t call or send emails as often.
- Or he starts sending more of them to cover up.
- He is unavailable when he used to available.
- You no longer receive gifts or presents, like in the old days.
- His work hours have suddenly changed.
- He now has more weekend or over night trips.
- He works later at the office than he used to.
- He has become more emotionally distant.
- When you ask what’s going on with him he says it’s just his work.
- He’s tired or he’s stressed or has a lot on his mind.
- He often mopes around the house.
- Before he goes out however, he perks up.
- He says that he is misunderstood and unappreciated at home.
- He looks for a reason to leave the house.
- When he comes home, all he wants to do is sleep.
- He buys a sports car. Maybe even a convertible, or the color red.
- He accuses you of flirting with other men.
- He criticizes the way you look or the way you do things.
- He spends more hours on the computer than before.
- He acts passive toward your affection.
Now, Let’s Take This Subject Into Another Dimension! Let’s Talk About You And Your Church.
Some Signs You’re Leaving Your Church.
- You start finding fault
- You undermine the leadership.
- You continually find ways to express your dissatisfaction.
- You express excitement over another church’s progress.
- You resign your position.
- You detach yourself from all of your commitments.
- You are no longer faithful to church.
- You don’t answer or return the pastor’s call.
- You avoid the pastor.
- Others notice how critical you are.
- Your prayer life has changed.
- Your worship is empty, it’s not the same.
- You’re not faithful with your tithe.
- You moved to the back of the congregation
- You are more excited about worldly things than godly things.
- You no longer dress the same.
- You no longer look the same.
- You stop caring what the pastor or the bible says.
- You stopped saying amen.
- You always hang around with backslidden or worldly people.
- You justify your carnal activities
- You become offended.
- You can’t stop talking about what offended you.
- You rationalize your disobedience.
- You always have an excuse not to obey standards.
- You become a lover of pleasure more than a lover of God.
- You have more friends out of church than in church.
- All you see are hypocrites in the church.
- You stop giving in the offering
- You stop giving of your time.
- You stop serving.
- You disconnect with your church friends.
- You make decisions without including the man of God.
- You made the choice to go against your pastor’s wishes.
- You resent being accountable.
- You disconnect with your pastor.
Are you showing signs of leaving?
I don’t know about you, but I’m not going anywhere. I’m not leaving!
Heaven’s Not A Sin Away
Heaven’s Not A Sin Away!
Rom. 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The following is an excerpt of an old song by The Kendalls. Their song claimed that Heaven was just a sin away.
“Heaven’s Not A Sin Away”
by
The Kendalls
Oh way down deep inside I know that it’s all wrong
Your eyes keep tempting me and I never was that strong
Devil’s got me now oh oh, gone and got me now
I can’t find him anyhow I’m think he’s gonna win
Heaven’s just a sin away oh oh, just a sin away
Heaven help me when I say I think I’m giving in
Oh way down deep inside…
Devil’s got me now oh oh, gone and got me now…
Heaven’s just a sin away oh oh, just a sin away…
≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
But, Heaven’s Not A Sin Away!
1. With Sin Comes Guilt And Condemnation.
- How long do you pay for a mistake in your mind?
- How long do you pay for a mistake in the minds of others?
- A Moment of Weakness – Will Bring A Lifetime Of Regret.
Ask David – Bathsheba
- Heaven’s Not A Sin Away!
2. With Sin Comes God’s Displeasure.
Is. 59:1 Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:
Is. 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
Ask Cain
Gen 4:13 And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear.
- Heaven’s Not A Sin Away!
3. When Sin Is Done With You, There Won’t Be Much Left.
Amos 3:12 Thus saith the LORD; As the shepherd taketh out of the mouth of the lion two legs, or a piece of an ear;
- Addictions
- Immorality
- HIV
- Reputation Lost
Ask Samson
Heaven’s Not A Sin Away!
4. Willful Sin Is A Major Problem.
It Was For Esau. He Couldn’t Get Right With God Again!
Heb. 12:17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.
- What Woman is worth going to hell over?
- What Man is worth going to hell over?
- What Job is worth going to hell over?
- What Friend is worth going to hell over?
- What Entertainment is worth going to hell over?
- What Sport is worth going to hell over?
- What Style of Clothes is worth going to hell over?
- What Lifestyle is worth going to hell over?
- What Unforgiven Hurt is worth going to hell over?
- What Temptation is worth going to hell over?
Matt. 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Ask Eve – She saw that the fruit of the tree was pleasant to the eye, and she gave in to temptation. That brought the curse upon us all and banished Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden.
Heaven’s NOT just a sin away!
Ask Saul
(1 Sam 26:21) Then said Saul, I have sinned: return, my son David: for I will no more do thee harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day: behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly.
5. You Better Be Glad God Is Merciful
- To God, There’s no such thing as a throw-a-way soul
- He is NOT willing that any should perish
- We Don’t Deserve His Mercy
- We ALL Deserve to be lost
The Story Of A Backslidder
Bob had backslid many times. He’d been in and out of the little Home Missions Church so many times that he’d lost track. He thought it had been maybe 13 or 14 times. He was ashamed. Why couldn’t he live for God? Maybe he just was one of those that God couldn’t help. Or maybe God had finally given up on him because of his many failures and weaknesses.
It had been nearly two years since he’d been back to church. The devil really wanted him to believe that there was no more hope for him. Bob was easily convinced. There was no point in even going back and trying anymore. He’d done that over dozen times without success. Besides, no one believed in him anymore. Bob was though with church and through with God, because he just knew God was through with him.
Bob was a good worker and men at the plant respected him for his abilities. His personality gained him many friends as well.
One day at work Bob got a chemical on his hand that left a bad stain. He tried to wash it off and even used hand cleaner. All his attempts to remove the stain were unsuccessful.
He was so embarrassed that night when he had to wear a suit to go to a fancy restaurant, that he kept his hand in his pocket so no one would see the stain.
The next day at work, Bob got too close to a machine and it sliced his hand deeply. Blood gushed everywhere.
“Call 911,” several people shouted. “Bob’s hurt bad!”
“Naw, don’t call 911, just take me to Med-Point.” Said Bob as he tried to wrap a shop rag around his hand and apply pressure to stop the gushing of blood.
“How bad is it?” Some one asked?
Bob took the shop rag off and wiped away the blood to see home deep the cut was. When he looked at the cut and then at his hands, he saw that the stain was gone. He immediately started to cry. The blood had washed away the stain.
His legs gave way and he fell to his knees. With tears running down his cheeks, Bob raised his hands in the air. The blood was still pumping profusely.
The men looked at Bob in amazement as they heard him speaking words they couldn’t understand.
“Call 911, Bob’s really hurt. We’ve never seen Bob cry!”
The men were concerned. Very concerned.
“Don’t call 911”, Bob said, “I’ll be alright! “
“Well if you’re alright, then why are you crying?”
Bob stopped long enough to say nineteen words that forever changed his life and restored his soul.
“Because I see for the first time in my life that the Blood of Jesus will wash away my sins!”
6. With Sin Comes The Need To Repent.
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 Today. Then Let The Blood Of Jesus Wash Away All Your Sins In Baptism. Jesus WILL Give You The Holy Ghost!
Heaven’s Not A Sin Away
Heaven’s Just A Prayer Away!
Don’t Put Yourself At Risk
Don’t Put Yourself At Risk
I stood in one of the many lines at Denver’s Casa Bonita, a number of years ago, waiting to order. In the adjoining line on my right was a man dressed in National Hot Rod Association racing attire, complete with his number and sponsor patches. He was the center of attention for 20 feet around. People were congratulating him on his race that day and shaking his hand. Other’s asked for his autograph. Some asked questions about the race.
One man asked, “The previous champion always used two parachutes when he raced. Why do you only use one parachute?”
He said that the other racer had already received six cornea re-attachments. He explained that the dragsters go very fast, and that while the sudden stopping of the car is good, it is bad on the eyes.
He explained that the eyes are the softest and weakest part of the body, and while the body and the car stop, the pressure pushes the cornea forward often causing a detachment. That’s why I don’t use two. They make me stop too quickly.
I only using one, I have only had two retina re-attachments so far. He held up his trophy and said, “But it’s worth the risk.”
The piece of metal he held in his hands and the applause of men in his mind was worth risking his eyesight forever. Even though medical sciences are getting quite advanced and success stories from the quantum vision system are cheering hope on, nothing beats prevention. Word from the wise.
Sadly enough, some folks around our churches are risking more than their corneas. They are putting their souls at risk.
Saints Are Putting Themselves At Risk:
1. By Name Calling
(Mat 5:21) Ye have heard that it was said by them of old-time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
(Mat 5:22) But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
- “In danger of hell fire!” –if you call your brother a liar, fool, be careful!
- Name calling is dangerous.
2. By Rebelling Against Your Leadership.
- Ask Korah – he disagreed with Moses and rallied support against him.
- 200 princes stood on wrong side of the argument. They too were swallowed up with Korah.
- Don’t ever fight against your pastor.
- Don’t hang around critical (Railers) people. You’ll inherit their spirit.
3. Israel
- A Critical Spirit
- Murmur – Criticized
- God Sent Fiery Serpents because they murmured
4. By Disrespecting The Man Of God
- Bethel – 42 children mauled by bears.
- The children’s parents put them at risk for talking negative about their Prophet. Children are always put at risk, by their unspiritual parents.
5. By Becoming Holier Than The Pastor
- Once this happens, he can never teach you.
- Now, you think you know more than him.
- Your standards are higher, so he can’t ‘help’ you.
- No matter if you have convictions about something and your pastor doesn’t, that does not give you the right to disrespect him as long as he is still in the Truth.
6. Moving To Another Church For A Bad Reason
- Not every transplant is successful.
- Never TELL your pastor you are moving. ASK him what he thinks and have him pray with you about it.
- If he does not feel good about your moving, then there must be a reason.
- Make sure you have your pastor’s blessing and approval
7. Lot’s Choice Put His Family at risk.
- Your decisions in life always include those you love.
8. If You Marry The Unsaved Or Backslidden
- You are going against all of God’s Advice.
- I sincerely ask you not to make that mistake.
9. Don’t Marry The Heathen
- Lest you learn their ways and it becomes an abomination
- Marry heathen,
- Unequally yoked
- Your flesh may think it’s OK, but your spiritual man will always be affected for the worse.
10. By Robbing God
- Do you have God’s money in your bank account right now?
- Why?
- You cannot afford NOT to pay tithes.
- If you delight in the blessings of the Lord, you will NEVER have them without putting Him first.
- Give Him the first fruits of you income, The Tithe.
11. By Being Unfaithful To Church
- Your faithful attendance to God’s House has already been decided.
- Heb. 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
- The night you miss is often the night God had a Word, just for you. That’s why the devil kept you home.
12. By Prayerlessness
- Every day without prayer puts you and your family at greater risk.
- Why would you ignore the very lifeblood of your experience with God?
13. By Ignoring The Word Of God
- None of us ever get too smart or too holy to ignore God’s Commandments.
- When God says something, He means it.
- When God says something, there’s a reason.
14. By Not Responding When God Speaks To You.
- Ignoring God will always get you in trouble. Ask Jonah.
15. By Choosing To Become Offended.
- How long will you let a war go on?
- Life is too short to die bitter.
- Bitterness will destroy you and curse your family.
- Forgive, and love again.
Never Knowingly Put Your Self At Risk
A Good Day For A Vulture
A Good Day For A Vulture
Some sat on the sidelines and watched. Others from their lofty heights monitored the situation closely. It was just a matter of time. They all knew that.
They all had seen this scenario played out before. It always unfolded in slow motion. They were used to the waiting game, but it was worth the wait. The focus of their attention had made one fatal mistake and now he was badly hurt. They couldn’t take their eyes off of their victim.
They watched and they watched and they watched.
They waited and they waited and they waited.
It almost always turned out the same. They were ready for it this time. They wanted to see death come. They wanted to tear the victim apart. They couldn’t wait to get their fill of him. They couldn’t wait to pick him to pieces. They were vultures, and that’s what vultures do best.
They had watched him struggle to survive for the last mile or two across the wasteland. His weakness excited their thirst for blood. The injured traveller had struggled valiantly to make it to safety, but to no avail. Their joy was in his weakness. Their future depended on his failure.
- There was no one to help him.
- He had no water to drink.
- He had nothing to defend himself with.
- He had nothing with which to dress his wounds.
- Fever caused by infection, racked his emaciated body.
- His strength was gone.
- He had lost a lot of blood.
- A few hours earlier, he had fallen to the ground.
- He now had no strength to rise.
- He couldn’t go on.
- He was finished.
This was a good day for a vulture. The vultures began to get braver and come closer. They could barely see signs of him breathing.
Vultures passing by noticed the large gathering of their kind and excitedly joined the crowd. This would be a good day. Something or someone had fallen to the ground. That always made their day.
They wanted to see death come. They wanted to tear the victim apart. They couldn’t wait to get their fill of him. They couldn’t wait to pick him to pieces. They were vultures, and that’s what vultures do best.
There would be no restraint. There were no rules of decorum. There would be no referee or umpire to stop them. They would rip, tear, flap their wings, squawk and devour the victim without mercy. They would leave nothing but a skeleton.
Vultures do not care what they look like to the rest of the world. Their actions are just a manifestation of their degenerate nature.
Every vulture would soon gorge himself. They would soon tear the victim apart. They couldn’t wait to get their fill of him. They couldn’t wait to pick him to pieces. They were vultures, and that’s what vultures do best.
In an hour or two, his white bones would lie bleaching in the sun. This victim would only be a brief moment in time for them. He would just be a little something to help them fill their day.
Tomorrow they would be looking for another victim. They always were looking for a fresh victim. They wanted to tear the next victim apart too. They couldn’t wait to get their fill of him. They couldn’t wait to pick him to pieces. They were vultures, and that’s what vultures do best.
This Was A Good Day For A Vulture.
Things About God That Thrill Me!
Things About God That Thrill Me!
Psa. 145:5 I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works.
Psa. 145:21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.
1. It Thrills Me To Know God Is Still On The Throne!
- When dictators are dead and forgotten, God will still be God.
- He is eternal.
When stars fall from heaven and the sun grow cold and mountains crumble into dust, His Throne still rules.
2. His Blood Has Never Lost Its Power!
The blood of bulls and goats has dried up long ago, but Christ’s Blood is more powerful than sacrificed animals.
- Picture the ancient priests and the sacrifices.
- But, now we are blood washed.
- He has given us a clear record.
- We are Saved, Washed and Protected by the Blood.
3. It Thrills Me That Every Promise Is True!
- God cannot lie.
- He always keeps His Word
- He is not obligated to make us any promise.
- But once He does, He is bound to keep it.
The Character, Justice and Goodness of God stand behind every Divine Promise.
4. I Am Thrilled To Remember That Heaven Is Real!
- It is more than a city in the state of the mind.
- On the authority of God’s Word, it is an eternal City.
- It is a prepared City for a prepared people.
- He has prepared a place for us.
John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
5. I Am Thrilled That He Is Coming Back Again!
- He came the first time because the prophets said He would.
- He’s coming the second time by His own Word and Testimony.
To His Disciples the Angels said:
Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
6. None Of These Truths Could Really Thrill Me Unless I Was Convinced The Soul Is Immortal!
- My soul is going to live forever somewhere.
- It can be saved or lost.
- But it will live eternally.
7. I Am Thrilled What The Pentecostal New Birth Experience Does For Us.
- It gives us Victory
- Forgiveness
- Joy
- Power
- His Name!
- Eternal Life
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.
Playing Out Of Bounds
Playing Out Of Bounds
There have always been boundaries. Some of them God established and some of them common sense put in place. There are reasons for boundaries.
Boundaries in life are like guard rails. Every highway needs them at some point. Everyone’s flesh is weak. Quit arguing that yours isn’t. That in itself is a good reason for boundaries.
Boundaries are put in place to protect you and your good name. Your reputation is all that you have. Never let your good be evil spoken of.
A man does not have integrity because he made boundaries. He set those boundaries for himself because he has integrity.
Personal boundaries are what define your identity. Your family and friends know you well enough to know how you would respond to each situation. They count on you because they know you have set boundaries for yourself.
They’re like the property lines around a home. Yet, no one has had their property re-surveyed just because they have a 16-year-old in the house. Boundaries don’t change with the weather. They are like moral landmarks. They should never be changed or altered.
Every Nation Has Boundaries
- Every nation defends its borders vigorously.
- Ignoring the boundaries of any nation will lead to arrest and deportation.
Every Sport Has A Boundary
In sports, the referee blows a whistle and declares to everyone when you have gotten out-of-bounds.- Baseball calls it a foul ball.
- Football and Basketball says a player was out-of-bounds.
- If you want to stay in the game and not be penalized, stay within the boundaries.
God Set Natural Boundaries
The Sea
- God set boundaries to the sea, saying thus far shall ye come and no more.
- Prov 8:29 (NIV) When he gave the sea its boundary so the waters would not overstep his command, and when he marked out the foundations of the earth.
God Set Spiritual Boundaries
The Tree In The Garden
God set boundaries in the very beginning. He told Adam and Eve they could enjoy everything they could see and touch, except one thing; the tree of life. That tree was God’s. It was out-of-bounds to them.
The first thing Satan did was to question the boundaries. He asked, “Hath God said…?” That’s how Satan started out with man, and he’s never stopped.
He makes man ask himself, “How could it be wrong when it looks so good and feels so right?” The devil can’t wait for us to step out-of-bounds.
Boundaries In Relationships
Married – Married Boundaries
I asked that the men in the church I pastored to be careful. When they called the house of a brother and his wife answered. I asked them to say, “Praise the Lord” to her. That helps keep the conversation on a spiritual level.
Solomon instructed men to focus on their wife and not someone else’s. He said, “You’ve got your own cistern to refresh and nourish you. Don’t go to the neighbor’s house for a drink.”
Prov. 5:15 Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well.
Job wouldn’t look at another woman. He set an important boundary for himself.
Job 31:1 I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?
Dating
When I showed romantic interest in my wife Marcia, her father, Pastor William R. Starr took me aside for a man-to-man talk. He said, “When a couple dates, it’s the man who should know when to draw the line. It’s the man who should know what boundaries not to cross.”
No one wants their daughter to be courted by a young man who has no boundaries or understands some areas are off-limits.
Neither does a parent wish for their son to be alone with a girl who has no lines she is afraid to cross.
Babies are being born out-of-wedlock because either no one set a boundary or no one paid attention to it. Disregarding boundaries always lead to pain and regret.
Those Without Boundaries Do Not Fear God!
Singles – Marrieds
Facebook has become a worldwide communications phenomenon. Pentecostals have taken full advantage of its availability. In most part, it’s for the good.
All its interaction is enjoyable and fun until someone crosses the line. The bad news is that everyone on Facebook then sees him or her as they show the world how void their life is of boundaries.
- Why would a single girl keep commenting on a married man’s page?
- Why would a single guy make constant comments on a married woman’s page?
- They refuse to recognize boundaries in their life. They also refuse to set them.
- It’s dangerous.
- It is hazardous to a marriage.
- It’s explosive.
- It’s wrong.
Things can get out of line quickly. I recommend against playing even innocent games like Words With Friends between members of the opposite sex. It causes way too much familiarity. Be very afraid.
- I also can find no occasion for chitchat texting between members of the opposite sex.
- Why would a child of God have email addresses on their computer that they know are out of line and serve no spiritually productive purpose?
- Surely there are no cell phone numbers of a single or married member of the opposite sex on your phone. Or of a single or married member of the opposite sex, if you are married.
- Nothing good will come of it if you are guilty. You are playing with fire.
Dress
This is a day of no boundaries or limits in dress. Carnal people do not want standards.
Sadly, many beautiful young ‘Pentecostal’ ladies have been seen parading around camp meetings and conferences lately with their dresses several inches above their knees.
What happened at home? Where’s Mom? Where’s Dad? Where are the boundaries of dress? Why haven’t they let modesty set a boundary of dress for them?
With all of the above being said, I thank God for every person, young and old that has boundaries in their life. That let God’s Word order their steps. That realize Boundaries are not made to hurt anyone. They are put in place to keep everyone safe.
Boundaries… Don’t Leave Home Without Them!
Boundaries…Don’t Get On The Internet Without Them!
The God Of Seven Chances
The God Of Seven Chances
Prov. 24:16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again:
Everything about God speaks of Mercy. That doesn’t mean he tolerates sin. It sure doesn’t mean He approves of our wrongdoings. Yet His Mercy is everlasting. It NEVER runs out.
Sin still requires judgment. That’s why we must judge ourselves guilty and repent now, so we won’t have to face our sins at The Great Judgment Day.
Nevertheless, even after we have been born again of the Water and the Spirit according to Acts 2:38, our walk with God may not be one that is perfect. Mistakes are sometimes made by the best of folks. Failures may be more common than some could imagine, even in good people.
In Biblical Typology, the number Seven represents perfection and completeness. It speaks of God’s complete provision in His dealings with men. The number Seven appears though out the Bible beginning in Genesis.
- There were the 7 days of creation
- Every 7th day was a Sabbath.
- Every 7th year was a Sabbatical year.
- After the 7th Sabbatical year was the year of Jubilee.
- Every 7th month was holy and had 3 feasts.
- The Passover feast lasted 7 days.
- The feast of Tabernacles lasted 7 days.
- The blood of the sin offering was sprinkled before and upon the Mercy Seat seven times on the Day of Atonement.
By the time wise old King Solomon got done observing men’s lives, he plainly declared that even the best of people have problems too.
Prov. 24:16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again:
If the just or righteous man would fall seven times, how many times would the unrighteous fall?
No one can even guess how many times the unrighteous man will sin and do wrong. That is not ours to worry about. I willingly leave that in God’s Hands.
If Seven is God’s number of completeness, then God is not limiting your mistakes to seven. He is not saying that a man only gets seven chances (literally) and then he will not be forgiven anymore! That’s not the truth nor is it what the Scripture was trying to convey.
Solomon is telling us that God’s mercy is complete. It’s perfect. And no matter how many times we mess up, there is still hope for us.
Lam. 3:22 It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
Lam. 3:23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
If Jesus asked all of us to forgive our brother 70 times 7 in one day, (that’s 490). The Lord will forgive us, even if we ask Him 490 times in one day. All He needs us to do is repent when we fall down and get back up when He forgives us.
That dirty devil will tell you that you have messed up too many times for God to forgive you. The devil will say there is no hope for you. He is still a liar. There is hope. God is in the forgiving business.
His Mercy is waiting for you. You haven’t used up all your chances.
Thank You For Keeping A Smile On My Face For 46 Years!
I’ve been in love with Marcia June Starr Ballestero since November 29,1964. Although it was 17,060 days ago, I remember that day very well. It was the Sunday night after Thanksgiving. That was the day my heart decided there was no one else in the world for me, but her. My heart was right.
I absolutely fell head over heels in love with the girl. I love her ageless beauty. I am forever enamored with the sound of her voice. I could listen to her chatter for hours. She is my favorite singer in the whole world. Her practical wisdom has benefited our marriage too many times to count. Her children call her blessed, her grandchildren adore her, and I can’t imagine my life without her being the center of it. She still makes me beam from ear to ear when she calls me Honey.
I am so very proud to show her off in public. I delight in her company. There’s still not enough hours in the day when we are together. Her loving and tender words continue to melt my heart and turn it into mush. I’m more in love with her today, even after 46 years. Her beauty and charm still turns my head!
Some have heard me call her Sister Honey, and others have heard me call her Sugar Booger. For Forty Six years, I’ve had the great honor of calling her my wife. I still call her Baby.
We said ‘I Do’ on August the 14th 1965. Besides the day I received the gift of the Holy Ghost, marrying her was by far, the greatest day of my life.
That’s 16,802 days of married bliss, or:
- 1,451,692,800 seconds
- 24,194,880 minutes
- 403,248 hours
- 2400 weeks (rounded down)
She has voluntarily made me the King of her world and treated me accordingly. I have made her the Queen of my life. No one is like her. No one comes close. She is altogether lovely. She’s the Best!
She has held my hand, and walked faithfully through life beside me. She has been my constant support and life’s greatest pleasure. She has never complained about the hardships of our life, and ‘made do’ when there wasn’t much money to ‘do’ with. I will always be in her debt.
She sacrificed her health and placed her life on the line to give us five wonderful children that have made us both grateful to God and proud.
Marcia! Thank you for all you have done for me and for our family over the years. Thank you for every sacrifice you made in raising our family and keeping our home. Thank you for never nagging or being critical. Thank you for being so loving! You are amazing indeed!
Martyn & Marcia Ballestero
Thank you too my Darling, for keeping a smile on my face for 46 years! I Love You With All My Heart!
Happy 46th Anniversary!
Marty
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 