Fanny’s Baby Boy
Fanny’s Baby Boy
The tall slender woman knew she was dying. She was only 26. Her mother’s family hailed from Sevierville, Tennessee. Their family name was Ghan. She’d never met her real dad. She’d never even met her mom’s dad either. She was the product of two generations of illegitimate births in a row. Her mom had not been allowed to marry her father because of differences in their religions.
Before she was born, a respectable Irishman named Harrington married her mom and it helped give her a proper name. They named her Fanny Harrington. Baby Fanny was born in Tahlequah, Oklahoma on an Indian Reservation during the Harrington’s journey to California.
She grew up in the Los Angeles area. When she got older, she enjoyed visiting her older brothers in Fresno. They had migrated west too. Most of the California Ghans started attending an Assemblies of God Church pastored by Charles Price. Her brothers soon became preachers.
Fanny & Charles
Fanny met a man a few years older than her named Charles and fell in love. A major problem presented itself. Charles was Catholic. All his family was Catholic and he was determined that his children were to be raised Catholic too.
Her heart was torn. Fanny had received the Holy Ghost, but Charles was still determined to be Catholic. This may be a life long conflict, she knew. She had heard the warnings from her brothers, but still she continued to see her Charles.
Love won out, and Fanny and Charles were married in the famous Catholic Mission in Los Angeles.
Every Sunday, Charles and all his brothers went together to mass together. They were even known to crawl on their knees to church while praying the rosary. A photographer once snapped a picture of them crossing the street on their knees in front of a stopped trolley car and it was published in the newspaper. The whole family was very devout.
The second child, a son, was still a toddler when Fanny found out that she had Consumption. Her world was shattered and she was in a panic.
There was a nice Sanitarium in Fresno for the treatment of those with Tuberculosis. Fanny was admitted. The treatments didn’t seem to help much and the doctor’s finally said that they had done all they could do.
Her brothers heard Fanny’s last prayers. The very thoughts of her children growing up Catholic were now unbearable to her. She prayed aloud, “God would you save my baby boy and make him a preacher.
She prayed that prayer several times, but her baby boy was too young to know. By now he was only four.
When she died, Charles’ modest income didn’t allow for anything fancy for Fanny’s burial. Pennies were even placed on her eyes to keep them closed. The image of his mother with her eyes covered like that forever engraved itself in the young child’s mind. Fanny was laid to rest in Fresno, California in an unmarked grave.
Charles’ life immediately went downhill. He began to drink. He drank heavily and eventually drank himself into the poor house. His children soon became wards of the state.
Fanny’s baby boy got older and not only ran away from foster homes but also ran the streets. He got in trouble again and again. He ran with a gang called the Clovers and later became the leader. It was one of the oldest gangs in L.A. His life with the gang finally led him to San Quentin prison.
While visiting his mother’s folks in Fresno, he heard a gifted Assembly of God preacher named Charles Price and went to the altar. He later received the Holy Ghost.
Months later while reading a tract he received the revelation of Jesus Name Baptism. He then sought for two years until he found someone to baptize him. He also felt a call to preach the Gospel… and did. He preached it for over 50 years. He became a Jesus Name Apostolic preacher.
God had finally answered Fanny’s prayer.
He had saved Fanny’s little boy and made him a preacher.
You knew him too and enjoyed his ministry.
Only you didn’t know his mother’s name was Fanny.
Fanny had named her son, Carl.
Carl Ballestero.
If You Gotta Fight, Fight Fair!
I pray that your Marriage be filled with peace and love. May all of your days include tenderness and sweet nothings. Disagreements may happen, however. So remember, if you have to fight, fight fair!
Don’t Let Your Sacrifice Become Your Downfall
Don’t Let Your Sacrifice Become Your Downfall
William Stanford loved working at the church. Everyday he stopped by there on his way home from the factory. It seemed like there were always little things that he could fix or clean.
- He repaired cracked window panes.
- He pulled weeds in the flowerbed.
- He replaced burnt out light bulbs.
- He mowed the grass.
- He picked up trash around the property.
- He raked the fallen leaves.
- He kept the baptismal tank clean and full.
- He stacked all the songbooks on their shelf.
Bro. Bill did all of this without pay. He held no official job at the church. It felt rewarding to him to know that whatever he did, it was for God. This was God’s house. No one ever asked him to fix anything. He just did it on his own. He looked around for things to do, and when he found a need, he was quick to respond.
His wife and family understood. They knew that he would always be late coming home from work. If he wasn’t at work or at home… he could be found at the church.
One year Bill decided not to go on his yearly family vacation to Fort Lauderdale for their boat trip like they used to do, instead he took the money and bought shingles for the church roof and spent his two weeks vacation time re-roofing the church by himself.
No one had asked him or even hinted. He just saw a need and did what he thought should be done. Sacrifice was never an issue for Bill Stanford. He had done this for years.
One Sunday the pastor announced a church business meeting. A trustee had died and the vacant position needed to be filled.
To William Stanford’s surprise, his name never came up at the business meeting for consideration. Another brother in the church was chosen and with a great majority, was ratified.
Bill was crestfallen. After all the hard labor, day after day, and week after week… this was the thanks he got! His labor was not appreciated.
- Bill quit church.
- Bill really quit church.
- Bill turned his back on church.
- Bill never came back to church.
He let his sacrifice become his downfall. He let what he did for God turn into nothing if others didn’t appreciate and honor it too.
†††
Joyce Watkins heard the pastor mention the need for 20 new tables and 160 folding chairs for the fellowship hall. She approached the pastor after service and asked him how much it would cost. When he told her, she pulled out her checkbook and wrote him a check for that amount.
The pastor was very thankful and the new tables and chairs were delivered almost immediately.
The next week, Joyce left for her vacation and was gone for three weeks. When she came back home and went to church. What she saw angered her.
In attempting to clean the fellowship hall, someone had stacked the new tables and chairs in a manner that Joyce did not approve. She told several people how unhappy she was that her tables had been treated that way.
- Joyce quit church.
- Joyce really quit church.
- Joyce turned her back on church.
- Joyce never came back to church.
Joyce also made a cardinal mistake in living for God. She let her sacrifice become her downfall. She couldn’t grasp the idea that those tables and chairs were no longer hers. They now belonged to God.
†††
To my gentle reader, I thank you for what you are doing for God. Your sacrifice should always be just for God. If we wait for men to appreciate our sacrifice for God, it may quickly turn into our downfall. May we learn from Bill and Joyce.
Col. 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
They Won’t Leave Without Us, They Never Do.
They Won’t Leave Without Us, They Never Do.
I sat by the window eating a Chicago style hot dog in the Detroit Airport’s National Coney Island Restaurant. I watched as Delta’s ground crew loaded containers into the belly of their huge Jumbo Jet at Gate A50.
An Asian family intently watched the loading of the cargo. I heard them try to guess which containers were theirs.
Two Asian college students sat nearby. They all seemed to be traveling together. I finished my loaded hot dog and chips, and washed it down my Mountain Dew. The ground crew finished up and closed all the doors and hatches.
The older man at the next table hurriedly left the restaurant and in 2 minutes returned. “They’re boarding right now,” he said. “Hurry!”
The waitress sat two large salads down in front of the students. The kid that spoke English had just taken his 1st bite of chef salad with an additional topping of Thousand Island. He didn’t seem to be bothered by the news.
I wondered what response the father’s words would bring from him.
“Don’t worry,” said the teen. “They won’t leave without us. They never do.”
He continued to finish his salad. While the father hurried back toward the gate. The kids continued to sit and talk about college courses. I heard him called Brian.
I paid my check and walked out.
I was ticketed on a Delta flight to Atlanta. My Gate was A47 which was nearly straight across from A50. I could see that no one was at the gate besides the Delta people. All of the passengers were already on board.
I watched as Delta Agent made an announcement for the departure of their flight to Seoul, South Korea. She then paged a list of 20 or so passengers that had not checked in. One of the names mentioned was Brian Hong. She finished by saying, “All passengers should now be on board.”
There was no one insight hurrying toward Gate A50.
In a little bit, although there was a second announcement, there still was no Brian.
Five minutes later, there was a third one was made. I marveled that Delta had even bothered to give them all a second chance, let alone a third one.
Another five minutes later they made a fourth announcement. I didn’t see anyone hurrying toward the gate. Brian was a no-show.
A Delta pilot with 24 years sonority stood next to me. I voiced my surprise at the patience of the airlines. He shook his head in lack of agreement. Sometimes he said, they even try to leave without me and I’m the pilot. We chuckled at the absurd thought.
A fifth announcement came and then amazingly, a sixth. Each time they still mentioned all of the ‘no shows.’ Brian Hong’s name was called every time.
My plane’s departure time had gotten pushed back a couple of hours. I had time to watch and wait.
The Jumbo Jet at A50 finally left.
One hour or so later, Brian Hong walked up to my gate and talked to the Gate Agent. He was trying to get a flight to Atlanta. He had been left behind. He had to make alternative arrangements.
The father had only warned him once that the flight was boarding. But Brian didn’t believe there was an urgency. He acted like he thought he was really educated in how things worked. After all, he was a college student. He was wiser than his father. He had plenty of time. He could beat the system. The rules didn’t apply to him. He would do whatever he wanted and others could wait on him.
The final line is that he missed his flight. It left without him. Brian had to make alternative plans.
I don’t know about anymore of what happened to Brian. He didn’t make it on the Atlanta flight either.
This subject brings the focus now to my one remaining question.
So… what are you going to do if you miss the rapture?
I know, I know, there are some that say He isn’t coming. There are even those that say He is, but you have plenty of time.
- But you don’t!
- Jesus is coming!
- No one seems interested in the voice that announces Jesus is coming,”
- Not very many are watching for His return.
- We won’t even be as fortunate as Brian Hong. We won’t be able to make alternative arrangements if we miss the coming of the Lord.
- God doesn’t owe us warning after warning.
- Don’t make Brian Hong’s mistake.
In the last days it has been prophesied that they will be eating and drinking (Like Brian)… acting like they’ve got a lot of time.
This generation is also saying, “They Won’t Leave Without Us, They Never Do.”
But Delta did!
The departure of the Glorious Church is now being announced.
All passengers should now be on board. Are you?
I Can’t Think Of Anything Good To Say About Him
I Can’t Think Of Anything Good To Say About Him
My youngest son Andrew just dropped me off at the Airport Shuttle. I am flying to Atlanta today to finish a revival there. He is such a wonderful and caring son. He makes me very proud to be his father. He tells me all the time how much he loves and appreciates me.
My wife and I are blessed to have one daughter, Marisa Hartzell and four sons… Anthony, Bryan, Martyn II, and Andy. My heart tells me they are the best kids in the world.
Knowing that Sunday is Father’s Day. I am content knowing I’ve gotten some Father’s Day hugs and wishes already. My children always make me tear up with their expressions of love and honor.
In savoring the moments with Andy today, I also enjoyed a momentary flashback to a Father’s Day nearly 25 years ago in Christ Temple in South Bend, Indiana where I was pastor.
The Sunday School teacher stood in front of the row of small children on the platform. Children were asked to say what the loved the most about their Daddy. They were required to start by saying… “I love my Daddy because…”
When each one finished, they passed the microphone down to the next child.
They said things like:
- I love my Daddy because… he plays ball with me.
- I love my Daddy because… he takes me fishing.
- I love my Daddy because… he helps me with my homework.
- I love my Daddy because… he likes to play games with me.
- I love my Daddy because… he buys me things.
- I love my Daddy because… he fixes my bike.
- I love my Daddy because… he reads me stories.
Then they handed the microphone to Andrew. His timid little voice said, “I love my Daddy because…
“Ahhhhh…
“Because…
“Ahhhhh…
“Ummm…”
Then he passed the microphone to the next kid as he apologetically said to the audience while shrugging his shoulders.
“I can’t think of anything, he finally said with a little smile in the corner of his mouth.”
The whole church roared with laughter.
I laughed the hardest.
A Second Class Saint In A First Class Church
A Second Class Saint In A First Class Church
He looked up at the most beautiful structure his eyes had ever seen. Of all places in town, he liked this place the best. It was considered by all to be absolutely magnificent. Thousands workers were hired just to build this section of the edifice.
Looking slowly up at the giant pillars, he saw that they were formed into cloisters. They were 50 cubits high. He’d heard that the weight of each pillar was so great that it took 20 men to move it into place.
They each were so large that if three men stood together with outstretched arms, they would barely be able reach around them and touch fingers.
This one cloister of pillars by itself is 100 feet longer the world famous Cologne Cathedral.
There were a total of nine of these colossal entrances. But this one outshone them all. It was the best one.
This one entrance had an arch that was 24ft wide and 45ft high. It was decorated with lilies formed out of brass from Greece. It was an absolute work of art. It was fashioned like a border highlighting the whole top of arch. It shimmered and dazzled in the bright sunlight. It’s beauty made each passerby look on with awe.
The entrance originally was named “Nicanor” after the Alexandrian Jew who built the arch. Recently a grave plaque was discovered bearing the Greek inscription: “The bones of Nicanor the Alexandrian, who made the doors.”
Its other name was “Corinthian,” because of the costly material of which it was constructed— Corinthian brass.
However spectacular this was, it still wasn’t the building. It was just the entrance to the building. The building itself was so beautiful that people had even been known to faint just looking at its beauty. But he had never gotten that close before.
Josephus gives many interesting particulars about this gate, which, he tells us, “Greatly excelled in workmanship and value above all the others. They all were plated with gold and silver, but this one was plated more richly and thickly. It was larger than the other gates too. It was 50 cubits in height, the others were 40.” Its massiveness and magnificence, therefore, earned for it the name Beautiful.
The name stuck. They called it Beautiful. It became known as the gate called Beautiful. It was just one of the entrances into the great Temple.
The beggar sat there just looking at this amazing entrance. He had never been inside. He had no idea what the Temple was like on the inside. He could only imagine. His physical handicap, his lameness, kept him out. Because of this, he was considered a second-class citizen. He even thought of himself as such.
No one seemed to know his name. He was not able to work. Begging was his only option. Everyone referred to him as… the beggar that sits by the gate Beautiful.
He lived in survival mode. He had long ago given up dreams of being called a success in life, let alone ever being a rich man. He was content to be a beggar. He was content to let others support him and allow him to maintain this level of existence. He’d accepted his lot in life. He was content to be miserable. He never believed he could ever be any different. He was just a beggar. A beggar that just happened to be sitting by the most beautiful Temple entrance in Jerusalem.
He was a Jew like everyone else. He just didn’t get to enjoy the same level of relationship with Jehovah everyone else did. He considered himself a second-class member of a first-class Temple.
But one day that changed!
Acts 3:1 Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.
Acts 3:2 And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;
Acts 3:3 Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.
Acts 3:4 And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.
Acts 3:5 And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.
Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
Acts 3:7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.
Acts 3:8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.
Acts 3:9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God
Although this story happened about 2,000 years ago, it still continues to happen throughout many Apostolic churches today on a spiritual level.
It is not unusual to notice 2nd class saints in 1st class churches.
Some are easy to spot because they don’t worship or get involved in their church. They always hold back. Something in the past handicapped them and prevented them from enjoying what others enjoy freely every day. They never “enter” into His inner courts. Something keeps them on the outside of everything wonderful. They are content to stay there.
Even in the best of churches, there can be second-class saints.
- Some don’t Worship.
- Some have a problem with Holy living.
- Some aren’t Faithful in attendance.
- Some are lovers of Pleasure MORE than lovers of God.
- Some don’t Obey.
- Some don’t Submit.
- Some don’t Forgive.
- Some don’t give God His tenth.
- Some don’t Witness.
- Some are Proud.
- Some don’t have a Teachable spirit.
- Some are still Babes in Christ.
- Some are filled with Unbelief.
- Some live in Fear.
- Some are Bitter
- Some have no Desire.
All of them COULD enjoy church on a higher level. All of them could even be a blessing to the church family.
There’s no doubt, they are attending a 1st class church. (Surely no one would CHOOSE to be a 2nd class saint and sit in a 1st class church!)
In the Bible story, the men of God invited the lame man to ‘look on us.’
Get your eyes off of every thing else. Look afresh at your Pastor and listen anew to his preaching. Then, do like the lame man did… ‘take his hand.’ You will never change without preaching. You will never be delivered on your own. You can’t even be saved without a pastor. Give your heart to God, and then give your hand to the preacher.
When we join hands with God’s man and “expect to receive something from him,” then we can expect to receive a miracle and a transformation in our life. It will happen.
Even your friends and family won’t recognize you. You’ll act differently. The next time they see you, you will be where you’ve never gone before. You will have entered into the inner courts.
Like the beggar who had never walked or jumped in his whole life, you will praise God and worship Him like you never have before. Your joy will be full for the first time in your life.
We all need to get the revelation that we don’t HAVE to be a 2nd class saint in a 1st class church. We don’t have to sit on the outside while others enter in. There is hope for all. You CAN go to places in God where you have never gone before.
You can be a 1st class Christian in a 1st class Church!
When God Takes His Children To Six Flags
When God Takes His Children To Six Flags
To Six Flags? Absolutely!
While I understand that most of us old geezers have never gone, nor may ever go, Six Flags represents to many Americans a place of fun and entertainment.
Imagine the excitement around the house as children chatter about the proposed trip. They can hardly sleep the night before. They are pumped. They talk almost non-stop and their voices can be heard in the next room.
The names of fun rides are often repeated. Someone remembers being told, “Don’t forget to go to the Majestic Pavilion or whatever it’s called. It’s the best thing out there! Or what ever you do, go on the King’s Castle boat ride.
We have all heard stories of people waiting in line for more than an hour just to get on one ride. They all act like it was worth it and would do it again.
It almost seems sacrilegious to our ‘sanctified’ minds to suggest that the good Lord would ever take His children to Six Flags.
But He does! He’s a good Father who enjoys seeing His children enjoy their life living with Him.
Remind yourself of the Biblical use of words like Flag, Banner, Ensign, and Standard. They can be used interchangeably in the Word of God, and often are in most translations.
Let me tell you about a different kind of Six Flags. The ones mentioned in the Bible.
1. A Flag Called” Love”
Song 2:4 He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.
- God wants His children to be found standing under the Banner that says, Love. Here is found not only God’s love, but the love of the brotherhood as well.
- There’s The Banqueting House too. Start the trip by being fed at God’s All You Can Eat Buffet. He serves up giant helpings of Love for those that are emotionally starved, insecure or need reassurance. Step right up, the door’s open.
2. A Flag Just For The “Outcasts”
Is. 11:12 And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth
- The eye of God is ever looking to gather His own back to Himself. He looks in every part of the world searching for those that are outcasts. (overthrown, tottering, cast down, thrust out, driven out and away from Him.)
- The Father always makes a way to come home.
- All you have to do is look in this direction, If you can see this flag, it’s God’s Welcome Home sign. It’s His invitation to all those who are weary, to come home.
3. The Flag Called Truth
Psa. 60:4 Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah.
- This Flag must be displayed. (Unfurled) God want the world to see this.
- All who gather here are not ashamed.
- Truth is on display under this flag. Keep it unfurled. Keep it on display.
- To them that fear the Lord this is a wonderful place to gather.
4. The Flag Of Defense
Is. 59:19 So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.
- The Father’s children live with great peace and assurance here. They have His promise that if things get bad in their life, that if they just come to this flag, that everything is going to be alright. There is safety here.
5. The Banner Of Rest
Is. 11:9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
Is. 11:10 And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.
- The Father adopted other children (Gentiles)
- His Gentile children all want to come here.
- It’s a place of Revelation.
- Here He opens the blinded eyes.
- It’s a place of Rest (Holy Ghost infilling.)
- There’s nothing like this Holy Ghost experience.
6. The Banner Called Worship
Psa. 20:5 We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfill all thy petitions.
- The Flag is the one the Father lets His children raise up. It’s A Banner of Praise. It’s a Flag of Worship.
- Of all places to stop by, don’t miss this one. You haven’t had a complete Holy Ghost experience until you’ve stood under the Worship Banner.
- “Rejoice, and again I say, Rejoice!”
Have you gone with your Father to Six Flags lately?
I Hate Wheelbarrows
I Hate Wheelbarrows
Oh, I guess there are some good things that could be said about them. But that still doesn’t change my mind. I hate wheelbarrows. I hate them for any number of reasons, some of which I will tell you.
First, I hate wheelbarrows because they’re too much work. Entirely too much effort has to be expended to make them go.
Second, I hate wheelbarrows because they are prone to become “lopsided” easily which demands additional effort to correct. They get off balance too easily.
Third, I hate wheelbarrows because they all have to be pushed. They won’t do one thing by themselves. They’ll never budge unless made to. They’ll never go forward unless someone wears their self out pushing them. Then, just as soon as the pusher stops, the wheelbarrow stops too.
Some folks are like wheelbarrows. They’ll carry the load, but you have to push them. They only respond to pressure. And even them, you’ve got to watch them in case they get lopsided.
They have to be pushed to worship God.
They have to be pushed to find the prayer room.
They have to be pushed to live right.
They have to be pushed to dress right.
They have to be pushed to witness.
They have to be pushed to testify.
They have to be pushed to trust God.
They have to be pushed to forgive.
They have to be pushed to be faithful.
They have to be pushed to give.
They have to be pushed to read the Bible.
They have to be pushed to make progress at all.
They have to be pushed in everything.
I hate wheelbarrow Christianity.
I hate what you’ve done to yourselves.
I hate what you’re doing to others.
I hate what you’re doing to you’re church.
I hate what you’re doing to the ministry.
I hate the fact that your spirit is contagious.
I hate the fact that your children may be just like you.
I hate the fact that you can’t ‘have church’ without the preacher pushing you.
I hate the fact you don’t love God enough to progress on your own.
Do you know what we need? I’ll tell you. We simply need a good old-fashioned case of the “I want to.”
I want to have church.
I want to live for God.
I want to have liberty.
I want to have to victory.
I want to worship.
I want to pray.
I want to live holy.
I want to have revival.
I want to be a blessing.
I want to be faithful.
I want to give.
I want to obey the Word of God.
I hate wheelbarrows! I wonder what God thinks about them. I wonder what you think about them. I hope you hate them too. Hate them enough that you refuse to be one. Hate them enough that you will refuse to wait until you are pushed before making progress in God.
That Was A Lousy Performance
That Was A Lousy Performance
per·for·mance
n.
1. The act of performing or the state of being performed.
2. The act or style of performing a work or role before an audience.
3. The way in which someone or something functions.
4. A presentation, especially a theatrical one, before an audience.
5. Something performed; an accomplishment.
Our carnal minds are impressed with performance, be it speed, strength or skill. We use words like ‘Awesome’ to describe a ‘performance’ we enjoyed.
All of us love a song and a singer that pleases our ears. The skillful playing of an instrument fascinates us. It is easy for us to go away feeling awed because of the performance of the musician, singer or speaker.
It’s not that it’s so wrong. It’s actually very normal. Even the Psalmist said in Psalms. 33:3 Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.
From this scripture, it even looks like heaven enjoys a good performance.
≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
Yet it’s possible that we bring that mindset over into the area of preaching, testifying and special singing.
Nothing deflates our ego any quicker than to feel like we weren’t at our best, or that the crowd response was less than we’d hoped for.
Most every preacher knows what’s it’s like to want to just leave the building as soon as he finished a sermon that didn’t ‘go over’ well. There have been times when a trap door hidden behind the pulpit seemed like a good idea to me.
I’ve seen young singers cry after they went down off of the platform because their song didn’t come out as good as they’d planned.
The devil has told some that stood and testified in a church service that they had made a mess of their testimony and they should never testify again.
Remember the story of the Sower? (Actually the parable is more about the soil than the sower.)
He sowed everywhere he could on his property. He didn’t get good results everywhere. Nevertheless he was faithful in the sowing of the seed.
Performance never entered his mind when he walked into the field that morning. It didn’t make any difference if he sowed with his right hand or his left hand. All he had to do to get a crop was sow the seed. He was just going to sow the seed until he had planted everywhere he could. The power was in the seed, not in him.
If he had sown the seed in our present day ‘church’ fields, we would have expected him to jump up about 2 feet high, click his heels and then power slam the seed into the ground. People would have stood to their feet and screamed ‘Amen’ and maybe a few even run the aisles.
Then all of the critics of sowers would have said, “Man, that’s really sowing the seed! That’s the kind of seed sowing we like around here. He really did an awesome job of sowing the seed.”
We’re so afraid someone will think or say, “That was a lousy performance.” We would be devastated because we are conditioned with a performance mindset.
Yet all of us know that performance has nothing to do with the sowing of the seed. In actuality it may even slow down the process. If the sowing of the seed has to wait until we get done with our performance then heaven may not be pleased.
All the sower has to do is just let go of the seed. Nature and the seed take over from there. He did his job. It didn’t have to be pretty. It didn’t have to be powerful. It didn’t have to be exciting. It just had to be released.
I’m not calling for an end to good preaching and singing. Neither am I asking for any of us to not do our best. What I am asking for is for you to not be disheartened by your own sense of ‘failure’ when your ‘performance’ doesn’t turn out like you wanted. Remember. You are sowing the seed. Seed sowing doesn’t require performance to be effective.
Just sow the seed. Sow it in a song, sow it in a testimony or sow it in a sermon. Forget about performance. Don’t let Satan steal your song, shut your mouth or make you discouraged. When it leaves your hands, God takes over.
Larry, The Confused Lamb
Larry, The Confused Lamb
Larry the lamb enjoyed the flock. What a wonderful day it was. The sun was shining, the birds were singing. The grass was green and lush. The brook was clear and flowed slowly. He happily pranced and played with the other lambs. Life in the flock was great.
He explored the meadow where they were and even listened to the older sheep tell stories. They told about the times that wolves had come close to the flock and their shepherd had protected them. He’d never seen a wolf but he’d heard them howl. It was scary. Mama told him not to worry because the Shepherd heard the wolf too and everything would be OK.
The older sheep bragged on their Shepherd. They all said that he was the best one in the world. They were all safe because of him. He had taken good care of them for many years.
Larry loved his Shepherd too. Shepherd Smith had always taken the flock to safe and comfortable places. There was always plenty to eat and drink in this flock. Shepherd Smith had seen to that.
One day Larry and his friend Simon were standing by the edge of the flock. They looked way across the meadow and saw another flock of sheep in the distance. They noticed that there were lots of lambs in that sheep fold. There were more lambs there than there were in their flock. Some cute ewe lambs were over there too.
One evening Larry and Simon decided they wanted to go visit the other flock. They were afraid to ask for permission because they’d heard that their Shepherd was reluctant to let his lambs go visit other flocks. Shepherd Smith had said he was required by his master to watch carefully over all the lambs and sheep. He didn’t want to be overbearing, but he had to be careful for their sakes.
When Shepherd Smith was looking the other way, Larry and Simon scampered to the other side of the meadow. They were warmly welcomed. Shepherd Johnson stood and announced to the whole flock that they were visiting and wanted the flock to make them feel at home.
All the lambs in Shepherd Johnson’s flock were very friendly. Larry and Simon had so much fun. They laughed and romped with the other lambs. This was a wonderful day. This was a great Lamb Group.
Later, Shepherd Johnson came over and bragged on them personally and told them that they were welcome and very needed in his flock. He didn’t try to send them back to their own flock. But he did offer Larry a job as Lamb Leader in his flock.
During the visit, Shepherd Johnson led his flock into places Larry and Simon had never been before. The curfew for bedding down here was different from Shepherd Smith’s too.
Shepherd Johnson wasn’t quite as restrictive as their Shepherd was either. He let his lambs wander a little bit closer to the edge of the meadow. Larry and Simon got closer to the Big Woods than they’d ever been before. There were more liberties here than they had ever experienced.
These lambs got to go see things the lambs in their flock had never seen. Oh this was exciting.
Simon said, “Larry, I like Shepherd Johnson, and I like Shepherd Smith. I just wish that our flock was as big as Shepherd Johnson’s and that our Lamb Group was as much fun as theirs too.”
“Me too,” was all Larry could say as they began to scamper back toward the home flock. The sun was starting to go down and Larry knew that Shepherd Smith would be concerned and miss them.
In the next several days, Simon and Larry went visiting the neighboring flock. From time to time they would invite other lambs from their flock to go with them.
One day while visiting Shepherd Johnson’s flock, they heard some of the lambs talking about another flock in the big meadow that was led by a Shepherd named Jones. Larry and Simon caught each other’s eye. Maybe they should go check out Shepherd Jones flock too. They did.
Shepherd Jones was very nice. Larry and Simon liked the flock very much. All the sheep and lambs were kind and made them feel welcome. They were all well fed in this flock.
Shepherd Jones noticed Larry and Simon. He came over and introduced himself. He asked the lambs if their Shepherd knew that they were here?
Larry said that he didn’t ask but he didn’t think there was a problem with them visiting other flocks.
‘I’m going to have to let your Shepherd know that you were visiting over here.” Said Shepherd Jones.
“You are?”
“Yes. It’s what I always do when lambs from another flock wander over into mine.” Some Shepherds don’t always return the favor though.
“You’ve got a wonderful Shepherd, Larry. Don’t ever go visiting other flocks unless your Shepherd approves.”
“Thank you, I won’t” said Larry as he and Simon left to go back home.
They had enjoyed their visit. Shepherd Jones seemed like a wise and careful Shepherd. He didn’t let his lambs wander close to the Big Woods like Shepherd Johnson did. He seemed cautious and protective. He guided them all in places of safety.
Larry talked with Simon on the way home. He said, “Simon, I’ve noticed that all flocks are different. The Shepherds all have different rules and lead the lambs in different directions. I’m starting to get confused about which flock is the best. About which Shepherd is the best. I’m really confused.
The next day, Shepherd Smith asked to talk with Larry and Simon.
He said, “I’ve heard from some of the sheep that you’ve been visiting other flocks in the meadow and I’m becoming concerned about you. I’m concerned about what happens to you when you allow different Shepherds to lead you. It confuses you very quickly.”
Larry and Simon nodded their heads in agreement.
“The Shepherds in our meadow are good men, I’m sure, but you are only to have one Shepherd in your life to guide you. It’s his voice and his voice alone that you are to obey. Especially when you are a young lamb, it’s important that you stay close to your Shepherd.
“Before you were ever born, I told this flock, that for their own safety, I don’t want you all to make a habit of visiting other flocks. You may not understand why right now, but when you get older you will understand.
“It’s kind of like a Mother Ewe having a little lamb and after it’s born letting other Mama Ewes that wanted too, help raise it. That would be very confusing to the lamb. Each mother is different, so she parents differently.
“Or it would be like you taking a framed blank canvas around to everyone that calls themselves an artist and let them paint on it whatever they want. When they got done it would be all messed up. It wouldn’t be beautiful at all. That’s what would happen to you. Each Shepherd, with his teaching, paints on the canvass of your heart. If the painting is done by a group of different artists, it can wind up looking jumbled and confusing.
“There may be times when I announce that our flock is going to go over to another flock and visit. In the future, just wait for me to make an announcement about that. When I do , then it’s OK to go.
“If I don’t announce it when the other flocks are having something special, then it’s probably a good thing for you not to go. I may have a good reason that I can’t tell you.”
Larry said, “Thank you for talking to me Shepherd Smith. I love you and I love my flock. I don’t like being confused.
“I think you should know that Shepherd Johnson offered me a job as Lamb Leader in his flock. My father said that other Shepherds shouldn’t do that. He said that it wasn’t right and he should have talked to you first and then if you felt good about it, you would have come to me and told me what to do.”
“Your father is right Larry. He is one of the finest sheep in our flock.
“In the future,” said Larry “I won’t even go visit other flocks unless you tell us we are all to go. I don’t want to ever get confused like that again.” Said Larry.
“Me either,” said Simon.
“Thank you,” said Shepherd Smith. “If you’ll do that, you’ll never be confused again!”
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 