I Love You, I Just Don’t Want To Talk To You!
I Love You, I Just Don’t Want To Talk To You!
I Love You But I Just Don’t Want To Talk To You!
I really do love you though.
I wouldn’t want to hurt your feelings in anyway.
I feel like we’ve had a wonderful relationship.
You know that.
I absolutely cherish you.
I’m fearful that I am hurting you by saying this though.
I would never want that to happen.
You’ve been so good to me.
I’m hoping you understand.
I think I know what you’re going to say.
You’re going to remind me of all the nice things you’ve done for me.
I really appreciate it too.
I always enjoy listening to you talk to me.
But it’s hard for me to talk to you.
I don’t know why.
I know this all sounds crazy.
But, I love everything about you.
I would be devastated if you left me.
I would never leave you for anyone else.
It’s never crossed my mind.
You are my whole world.
I enjoy being with you.
I want to be wherever you are.
I want you to love me forever.
I want to love you forever.
I even tell my friends how wonderful you are.
I brag on you.
I sing your praises to all who will listen.
They’re really impressed.
I’m indebted to you.
I know that.
You know that.
I will never forget the first day we met.
I fell in love with you.
I’m still in love.
Thank you for loving me.
You make me so happy.
My life has changed because of you.
I don’t want to live in this world without you by my side.
I want you to know I love you.
I’m coming over to your house tonight at 7:30pm.
I won’t make it in time for the pre-service prayer though.
I love you, but I just don’t want to talk to you.
“What God Saw When He Came To Church”
Psa. 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Psa. 23:2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
Psa. 23:3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Psa. 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Psa. 23:5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Psa. 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
(This beautiful Psalm at first glance, has nothing to do with my title.)
NOTE: These are real people in real churches, with real problems. The names have been changed.
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“What God Saw When He Came To Church”
He watched them as they drove their cars into the parking lot before service.
- He knew their needs and wished to bless them tonight.
- He was coming tonight to heal all that would let Him.
- His Spirit was ready to save and uplift them as well.
- Some were coming early for prayer because they enjoyed talking to Him.
- Some came because they were asked too. He could tell the difference.
He noticed that many were not careful how they entered in His House. They did not come before His presence like they did in days gone by. He watched all manner of people walk into His house. His house became full. At the appointed time, singers and musicians began to praise Him. That pleased Him greatly.
The Lord stood on the platform and watched His people as they began sing. He carefully scanned the crowd and observed their hearts, their thoughts and their words.
- He knew their struggles, their successes and their failures.
- He knew that tonight would be difficult for Him to accomplish what He desired.
- Not every one was coming expecting to receive something from Him.
- He knew that He would have to work in spite of the efforts of Hell.
- He could see the handiwork of sin everywhere.
- This is what he saw! He didn’t like it either.
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Harold Wilson and his wife Angie had argued for the past two days.
- They had even argued in the car coming to church and had been harsh in their comments to each other.
- That’s all they could think about.
Tommy Bourne, a rebellious teen sat slumped in his pew and refused to join in.
Roger Ellis secretly smoked cigarettes and piously played his guitar.
Mary Alice was 17. She was also 3 months along and neither her parents nor her boyfriend knew yet. Her mind was in a whirl.
Tiffany Clanton had been stealing money from work.
Bob Mathis was insanely jealous of his wife.
- He had been imagining the worst.
- He made far-fetched accusations constantly.
- He watched who talked to her and for how long.
- He even watched where she glanced.
- Bob’s marriage was in trouble because of his stupidity and imagination.
- Bob didn’t need any enemies.
- His own mind was enemy enough
Victor Thomas had his car repossessed at 3:30am today and was ashamed to call anyone for a ride.
- Everyone was going to know.
- How could he hold his head up?
Larry Woods heard that, this coming Friday, his crew was going to be laid off. What would he do now?
Prentiss Duvall played the keyboard and sang with the Praise Singers.
- He noticed that Robert Mitchell looked especially cute tonight.
- He prayed that no one would find out about them.
The American Idol and Desperate Housewives was all that Joyce Proctor could think about.
- She couldn’t talk about it though to most of the people.
- Her TV was her secret.
Gary and Pam Griffith drank Margaritas with their supper at an out-of-town restaurant last night where no one knew them.
Bradley Duncan went into a strip joint 2 nights ago.
Darryl Johnson stared down at the floor. He never looked up much. He lived with condemnation and depression.
Jason Harper hadn’t paid tithes in 14 months. He wasn’t even under condemnation. He didn’t care. He couldn’t afford to pay tithes.
Ed Conner was an ex-convict and he had missed reporting in to his parole officer today. His mind was processing all of the possibilities. He expected at any time to see police officers come into the building.
Patsy Sikes disliked the pastor’s wife and said so to everyone who would listen.
Jerrod Walker was a Peeping Tom. He wasn’t cured yet.
Willy Yonts gave his wife Barbara permission to trim the dead ends of her hair a week ago. He sent her to the Beauty Salon.
- He dared anyone to say anything about it.
- Lots of Pentecostals were doing it.
Kandy Watkins had been out of a job for weeks now.
- She had submitted more applications than she could count off the top of her head. Nothing seemed promising so far.
Billy and Sharon Glovers and their two children had shared a can of creamed corn for supper today. That’s all there was. There was no more food in the house and no money to buy more.
Larry Benson was tired. He was real tired.
David and Karen West were 2 months behind on their rent. The Electric Company’s notice arrived in the mail today.
Elizabeth Stewart received a call back from her Doctor today with the results of her last biopsy. The news was devastating.
Kenneth Scott’s heart medicine made him sleepy this time of day.
- Especially when he sat down.
- His eyes were already closed.
Missy Morris kept her bedroom window unlocked at night for Brad Stanton.
- Her parents disliked him and didn’t trust him.
- If she got caught, she would be grounded for life.
Marvin Garrett had stopped taking the medicine the Psychiatrist had prescribed for him for a while now.
- He didn’t need it any more he was sure.
- He didn’t have a problem. Everyone else did.
Lela Flowers wanted a divorce.
- Her husband Steve was an idiot.
- It was time for her to move on.
- Her marriage was boring.
Clyde and Sue Armstrong were sitting crossways with the pastor. They felt he had been preaching just to them recently.
Pat Thurston’s blood sugar level was out of whack tonight and she could tell.
Marsha Cantrell was in pain. Her gall bladder had been acting up. She also didn’t have hospitalization insurance.
Becky Shaw was unhappy with the church dress standards.
- She tried to comply when she came to church.
- She wasn’t convicted.
- What she did on her own time was her business.
- She posted pictures of her vacation on MySpace.
- She was posing on the beach in her new short shorts.
- She cropped the picture to show herself just from the waist up to post on Facebook.
- A lot of the saints were on Facebook.
- Not too many knew about her MySpace account.
- She felt smug and somewhat superior.
Belinda Jones had been writings hot checks from one bank and depositing them in another.
- By hurriedly going back and forth, she was able to make it look like she had more money than she did.
- First Bank had called and left a message before service.
- She feared she would be arrested for kiting checks.
Josh Palmer had 5 days growth of mustache on his face. He knew the Pastor frowned on facial hair.
- He figured maybe Jesus even had a beard.
- Josh loved to test the boundaries.
Don and Debra Martin had both recently resigned from leading the youth group.
- They felt hurt that Paul Roberts was supporting the new youth leader so strongly.
- Paul had never offered to help them.
Kay Ellis was busy texting Elaine Howard. Kay could text without looking at her phone.
- She just stuck her hand in her purse and punched away.
- No one knew but her and Elaine.
Keith Norman had stopped to talk with a Bankruptcy Lawyer after he’d gotten off work today.
Mark and Wilma Faraday’s 14-year-old son Jerrod ran away from home yesterday.
- He’d left a note.
- The police hadn’t found him yet.
- They were beside themselves with worry.
Evelyn Conner was grieving.
- Her darling of 52 years had died 6 weeks ago.
- She was lost in her own grief.
- All she could talk about was her Joe.
- She missed him so much.
Satan stood in the back with his arms crossed.
- A smirk was on his face.
- He was pleased with his successes and accomplishments.
- His Imps were grinning from ear to ear.
- He just knew that he had made God’s work impossible.
- He had done damage to their worship.
- He had brought murmuring into their hearts.
- He had led some astray.
- He had confused the efforts of the Almighty.
- He was exceedingly happy.
NEVERTHELESS…
The Lord ignored Satan. He considered neither him nor his works an obstacle He couldn’t overcome.
- He then turned his eyes and looked the people over.
- In spite of all the problems and problem people, there were hungry hearts in the building.
- His heart melted at their interest in Him.
He was grieved by the sins of His children.
- His arm was not too short to reach them.
- His ears weren’t stopped up so that He couldn’t hear.
- They were their own problem.
- He would not force Himself tonight on them.
- If they were unwilling to reach out to Him He would look for someone who would.
There were new faces in His house tonight. Many had never received heard His Word or felt His Spirit.
In spite of the wicked:
- His hands reached out to touch those who reached out to Him.
In spite of the unbelieving:
- He healed all those that believed in Him.
In spite of Satan’s work:
- He gave strength to the weak
In spite of the unconcerned:
- He comforted the broken-hearted.
In spite of the carnal minded:
- His Glory fell on the righteous.
In spite of the ungodly:
- Conviction fell upon the sinful.
In spite of the rebellious:
- He blessed the willing.
In spite of the workers of evil:
- He gave strength to the faithful.
In spite of the disgruntled:
- He let His presence be felt.
In spite of the perverted:
- He blessed the pure in heart
In spite of the sinful:
- He let His holiness show
In spite of the downcast:
- He lifted up heads.
In spite of His disappointment in their failures:
- He gave His forgiveness.
In spite of past their failures:
- He forgave their sins
In spite of Satan’s efforts:
- Sinners repented.
In spite of Hell’s efforts:
- Seekers were filled with the Holy Ghost.
That His Word might be fulfilled:
In the presence of the enemy:
- A table was prepared
In the presence of the enemy:
- His people would fear no evil.
In the presence of the enemy:
- His rod and staff would comfort them.
In the presence of the enemy:
- He would restore their soul.
In the presence of the enemy:
- He would lead them in the paths of righteousness for His name sake.
In the presence of the enemy:
- He would anoint their heads with oil
In the presence of the enemy:
- He would fill their cups to running over.
In the presence of the enemy:
Goodness and Mercy would follow His children all the days of their life.
The Lord watched as Satan walked out the door
- The smirk was gone.
- The Imps weren’t smiling anymore.
Heaven’s Angels began to rejoice.
- Satan was defeated.
- There was joy in the camp.
- The saints were praising God for His wondrous Works.
They were singing: “There’s no God like Jehovah!”
In spite of what Hell does, God is not powerless.
in spite of who does what, God’s power can prevail.
God will do a miracle in your church, even in the presence of the enemy.
God will do a miracle with your church even in the presence of the enemy.
The Case Of The Rejected Steak House
The Case Of The Rejected Steak House
A popular new Steak House opened in South Bend. I was pleased. Many Sundays it was packed with Pentecostals from the local Oneness churches. Business was good. The food was good. The location was good. It soon became the meeting place for many of my local pastor friends and their churches.
The economy wasn’t bad, our church finances weren’t operating in the red, but no one was getting rich in my neighborhood. We were living week to week. Praying literally for a blessing on our finances, or more accurately, a miracle.
The church needed money. Most of the people in our church needed money. I didn’t NEED any money, but the people I owed, they said they did.
I found myself praying in my office one Monday afternoon. In my selfish mind, I prayed mostly about my personal finances.
I later sat down behind my desk and began to read the Bible. The phone rang. An unfamiliar voice said, “Bro. Ballestero?”
When I confirmed his inquiry, he continued.
“You may not remember me, but many years ago, I had lunch with you and your Dad in the Dallas area.”
I faintly remembered, but his description of the moment helped me recall the occasion.
“I own 15 Steak Houses around the country and I have recently opened one in your town.”
“Oh my yes, I eat there every week. It’s a great place. It’s packed every time I drive by.” I volunteered.
“Yes, I know that and I am very pleased. But that new restaurant has a problem. It has management problems. I’ve got an offer for you Bro. Ballestero, hear me out. I want you to manage that Steak House for me.”
I was completely caught off guard. I knew absolutely nothing about running a restaurant. I did know that the hours always run late into the evening. I also knew he wasn’t looking for a part-time manager.
“My brother!” I said, “I at a loss for words. I am deeply humbled by your offer and honored that you would consider me. But you do understand that I am a Pastor first and foremost. My understanding of managing a restaurant is that if I did, I would have to be married to it.”
“That true,” came the reply, “but you don’t have too. You can choose a couple in your church and let them run it and you can pay them.
I began to think of all the couples in my church. But I could not think of one that I felt comfortable risking their time away from church just for a job.
“What I would like to do my brother, is to let you run the Steak House for two years, and we split the profit 50/50. At the end of two years, I’ll give you the restaurant lock stock and barrel.”
Well sir, you could have knocked me over with a feather. (As some old timers use to say.) I was trying to choose my words carefully.
Was this God’s answer to my prayers? Was this a test to see how desperate I was to make money regardless? I had no answers. But I needed time to pray about this, because I felt a check in my spirit and the bottom line was that it was too good to be true.
“Brother, today is Monday. If you will call me back on Wednesday, I’ll have an answer for you. I want to fast and pray for a couple days if you don’t mind. Thank you again for your very generous and kind offer.”
He agreed and we exchanged goodbyes.
I didn’t eat. I did pray. While praying about the offer, I felt an impression to call the man’s Pastor in a distant state. Although we were not close, I had become acquainted with him when I was a teen. I wrestled with the idea of calling. I even asked the Lord what questions would I ask of the man. I felt like the Lord gave me one question to ask, one question and nothing more.
Tuesday afternoon I picked up the phone and called the Pastor. After I identified myself and we got past the polite formalities, I briefed him on the reason for my call and the proposal that was made to me.
“I have one question that I feel impressed to ask you my friend.” I said. “Does he pay tithes like he should or does he just give conscience money?”
“Well… uh… umm…” was all I heard on the phone.
“Say no more.” I said, “Any one that’s not honest with God wouldn’t be honest with me either.”
He agreed.
I said goodbye and hung up. I understood more clearly that every offer is not from God. I thank Him for guiding me through that decision.
When the Steak House man called on Wednesday, It felt good to say thank you, but no thank you.
Oh, by the way, I’m still not rich, but I’m still in church and I’m comforted to know my treasure is on the other side.
Epilogue
Within a matter of a few months, the Steak House closed down. One year later the Steak House was bulldozed. In my prayers God promised to supply my needs and He has.
The Boy On The Pillow
The Boy On The Pillow
My travel weary Father walked in the house and was greeted with hugs and kisses from our family. He had just returned from a trip to Brazil and had flown back to Chicago and then on to our home in South Bend, Indiana.
We all waited for him to share the news of his trip to South America and tell us what it was like there. Over one of Mom’s suppers that was fit for a king, Dad entertained us with wonderful descriptions of his experiences there.
After the meal we migrated to the living room and found comfortable places to sit while the stories continued. What is sad is that at this writing, nearly 50 years later, I’ve forgotten just about all the stories. All the stories except the last one, that is.
His last story wasn’t really even about Brazil. It was about what he saw on the plane coming home from South America. It was about a family across the aisle from him.
He said that both of the parents wore very expensive clothes. The Father was dressed in a tailored suit and the Mother had on her best as well. They appeared to be people of culture and class.
Resting in the Fathers lap was a large pillow that he had brought on the plane. His small son rested on the pillow. The son, although small, was not an infant. His face showed maturity way beyond his size. He was not a perfect child, nor a pretty one. His face looked like he might be 6 or 7 but his body looked like that of a toddler’s. His bones were brittle and easily broken. His deformities made some stare and others turn their heads away after a cursory glance.
Although it might be considered a sight that was a bit unusual, that wasn’t what really imprinted itself in my Father’s mind and in his heart. It was what the Father did that left a lasting impression upon him.
Although the Father was smiling, and gracious to those who caught his eye, his attention was almost totally directed toward the little boy on the pillow. The Father bent over and talked so sweetly to his son. He spoke softly and tenderly. He caressed him gently all the while hoping to elicit a smile or response from the boy. He fed him. He comforted him with soft-spoken words. He kissed him on the head and on the hand. His hands seemed to comfort and reassure the child.
The Father did not seem to be embarrassed because his son was handicapped or misshapen. He seemed proud of his little boy; he was oblivious of the stares and whispers. He reveled in his son’s smiles and gurgles. He was a doting Father.
With tears in his eyes, our Dad leaned back in his old green recliner, and he taught our family a truth about our Heavenly Father that night.
Dad told us that in many ways, some of God’s children are less then perfect. Yet He ignores the comments and stares on hell and He dotes on His children. Hoping to get smiles and responses from us who have been deformed by sin and are less then perfect. He comforts us with His words and by the touch of His hand. His expressions of love are unending.
That evening we all went to bed with an enlightened understanding of the love of God. Even though we are not perfect, we now understood that He still adores us.
That night and many nights since I’ve had to pray, “Thank you my Father for loving me!”
Catastrophic Bonding
Catastrophic Bonding
A catastrophe is something everyone wants to avoid. It sounds like the end of the world. For some, it no doubt seemed that way.
What do the following have in common? Most of them have reunions.
- Holocaust survivors
- 9-11 survivors and their families
- Sailors that spent WWII on a the same battleship
- Plane crash survivors
What they have in common is that their lives were in jeopardy and they survived. They came close to dying but together they survived. The only thing that bonds them together is what they have been through. It is not unusual for them to hold reunions from time to time.
Even High School and College Graduates have reunions and talk about past experiences.
Have you ever heard of the VFW? They have a meeting hall, a bar, and a club to talk about the days when they were in uniform. They relive the memory. They exchange war stories.
It’s what Psychologists call ‘Catastrophic Bonding.’ The glue that holds them together is the thing they survived together.
1. The Apostle Paul
His brethren abandoned him when he had to go on trial. He then gives God all the credit for helping him survive.
- 2Tim. 4:16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.
- 2Tim. 4:17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
- 2Tim. 4:18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Notice:
- All men forsook me
- (But) The Lord stood with me
- (He) Strengthened me
- (He) Delivered me
- The Lord shall deliver me (in the future)
- (He) will preserve me
“To whom be glory for ever and ever”… Paul was bonded to Him.
King David
Psa. 119:67 Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.
David experienced affliction. It didn’t drive him from God it drove him to God. David was bonded to Him too.
My son Martyn II, was a tenderhearted child. From his toddler years on, he wanted to please me. If he heard correction in my voice or saw it in my body language, he would run to me and hug me. He never ran from me. (It’s hard to correct a child that’s loving on you and hold you tight.) Why don’t we do that with God. Run to Him, not from Him.
Sis. Bobbie Shoemake sings a song that still makes me tear up nearly every time I hear it. “I’ve Been Through Enough To Know He’ll Be Enough For Me.”
I’VE BEEN THROUGH ENOUGH” BY JANET PASCHALL
When I first began to walk with the Lord,
I did not really trust Him,
How He longed for me to understand that I could
So thru the valley, He lead me, afraid as I could be,
Until I felt His loving arms, embracing meI’ve been through enough to know, He’ll be enough for me
He’s come through too many times
That puts my mind at ease, for good
I’ll stake my very life, He’s gonna take care of me,
Cause I’ve been through enough to know, He’ll be enough for meHow could I ever doubt a God whose hands hold the universe,
Why would I ever question His ability,
There’s no place that I can go, where He doesn’t know,
The things that trouble me
He’s always aware of where I am and what I needI believe Him now, after all these years,
He’s been so faithful He’s proven to be true,
Nevermore will I doubt or question why
Cause I’ve seen them all before and I know what God can doI’ve been through enough to know, He’ll be enough for me
He’s come through too many times
That puts my mind at ease, for good
I’ll stake my very life He’s gonna take care of me,
Cause I’ve been through enough to know, He’ll be enough for me.
Financial problems? Health issues? Relationship problems? Spiritual warfare? Depression? Heartache? Disappointment? Failure?
Don’t waste your trial. Let your pain and tears draw you closer. Maybe, just maybe, He’s using your catastrophe to draw you closer and bond you securely to Him.
Courtney Ballestero’s CD Release Concert May 30th
Visit Courtney’s Website: http://www.courtneyballestero.com/
Come hear her in Concert this Sunday Night!
The Obed-Edom Interview
Several years ago, I heard one of the most amazing sermons I will ever hear in my life. It was Bro. Kenneth Bow’s sermon about Obed-Edom. It was anointed and unforgettable. His love for research and attention to historical facts makes this outstanding.
Please go to his blog and find the link or go to http://www.savecom.org/orderform.htm and get it for yourself. It will change your life.
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The Obed-Edom Interview
TBB: Welcome Obed-Edom, to The Ballestero Blog. I’m so glad you agreed to grant me a short interview today. I’m very honored to have you here. I know that you are a very busy man.
OE: I am pleased to be here. Thank you for the opportunity.
TBB: For the record, you are of the tribe of Levi, and of the family of Korhite. You’re also from Gath-Rimmon if I remember. That makes you a Gittite?
OE: That’s true.
TBB: And let’s see here…you and your wife have 8 sons?
OE: That we do, counting my sons and grandsons, there are 62 men in my family. It’s never quiet at my house.
TBB: Whew. I can imagine. Tell me, what’s a day like in the life of Obed-Edom?
OE: Well, the first thing every morning after daybreak, I get a report from my Gate Security Office concerning the activities of the past night. I report then to the King. At 9 am I go to Prayers every morning, then later in the day I have either choir practice or orchestra practice. I check on the Storehouse during the day also.
TBB: The Gate Security Office. That’s right, you are in charge of keeping the gates of the city of Jerusalem secure. Let’s talk about that first. So then, is Captain Obed-Edom your official title?
OE: (Nodding modestly) Don’t call me captain. My guards do that out of respect. My friends just call me by my name.
TBB: How many men do you command as the Keeper of the Gate?
OE: Right now, about 1,000. My sons and grandsons included. I might add that we also are in charge of the storehouse as well.
TBB: Wow. The King must really trust you to commission you to this post.
OE: We’ve been friends for quite a while now. I’m honored to do everything I can for My God, my King and for Israel.
TBB: How long have you known King David?
OE: A long time. Remember when the King was transporting the Ark to the Tabernacle and there was a problem and Uzzah touched the Ark and he died because the Lord smote him?
TBB: Yes.
OE: I know it was the Lord that my house was close by, but it didn’t hurt that out of all the houses in the area, the King chose mine as the place to put the Ark. Our friendship, no doubt, helped make that choice easier. It may have made a few of my neighbors a little jealous though.
TBB: I’m sure. How long was the Ark in your home?
OE: About 3 months.
TBB: What was it like to have the Ark in your home?
OE: It was THE biggest Blessings of my life. When I say my home was Blessed, I mean Blessed with a capital B. My finances were blessed, my herds multiplied from that time on. Our health mysteriously improved over night. Everything I touched seemed to turn to gold. It’s never stopped.
TBB: How wonderful. You’re the only man in Israel that has had that honor.
OE: I know. I am thrilled that my house was home for the Ark of God, even for a brief time.
TBB: What was it like after the Ark was moved from your house to where it is now?
OE: I don’t know. I couldn’t bear the thoughts of staying in that house without the Ark in it. So I moved too.
TBB: You moved?
OE: Yes I did. After our home was blessed like it had been because of the Ark., my wife and I decided that wherever the Ark was, that’s where we wanted to be. So we moved here and bought a house just to be close by. Here, I can look in the direction of where the Ark sits and know I am close to His presence. There’s nothing like being in the presence of Jehovah. I wish everyone could have experienced that.
TBB: I do too. That’s amazing. You mentioned about choir practice and orchestra earlier. That’s because you are the worship leader?
OE: Actually Asaph is the Chief Musician and there are 68 others that do what I do. I’m just honored to be part of the worship. We all take turns. You might laugh at me, but after my experience with the Ark, I volunteer for every opening that Asaph has. I’m willing to be a singer or a musician. Sometimes I get the job, sometimes I don’t, but they can count on my name being on the list. I do my best to stay involved.
TBB: You have one of Israel’s greatest hero’s in your lineage. Samuel, the Prophet and Judge, is one of your ancestors!
OE: That’s true!
TBB: He’d sure be proud of you if he was alive today.
OE: That’s kind, thank you. I hope he would.
TBB: It’s common knowledge that King David is proud of you too and wrote Psalm 24 in your honor. That’s a very high honor.
OE: Yes it is. It is the highest of honors the King can bestow me. It is worth more to me than great riches. I am greatly honored by that and yet humbled as well.
TBB: Can you remember any of that Psalm offhand?
OE: I sure can:
“The earth is the LORD’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
“For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.
“Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?
“He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
“He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
“This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.
“Lift up your head, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
“Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.
“Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
“Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.
TBB: That’s a beautiful Psalm. Every family has a skeleton in the closet or some dark family secret. I know you’re probably wishing I wouldn’t bring up yours, because I imagine it’s uncomfortable for you.
OE: No, actually I’m glad you did. It’s really Okay; I want to talk about it. I believe that event was what reshaped the future of our whole family.
TBB: We’re talking about Korah, your ancestor and what happened to him, Is that correct?
OE: Yes.
TBB: In respect of where you are now and the high stations your family now holds, how did you tell your sons about your family’s dark days?
OE: Well Korah, as you know, was a very prominent leader in our tribe when Israel was in the wilderness. He was quite influential as well. I just hate it that he let pride and ambition get in his heart and got crossed up with Moses and Aaron. He was wrong. His thinking led him into rebellion. His actions invited the wrath of Jehovah.
TBB: I remember the Rabbi reading about the ground opening up and swallowing the rebellious men, and fire coming out of heaven. Then there was that plague that came because some sympathizers accused Moses of getting the people of God killed. 14,000 of them died in that plague. When I first heard the story, I thought the sons on Korah perished along with their father.
OE: Those living a home did, but not all. Some of Korah’s sons were married and living in their own homes when judgment fell. They loved their father, but they did not join him in his rebellion. Our family has handed down the story that when they saw they’re lives were spared; they fell on their faces and prayed. From that time on, all the sons of Korah have been extremely careful about our attitude concerning the House of God and the man of God. We have all been very respectful of our leader and submit ourselves to him. We refuse to let God have a problem with us again. We are thankful God doesn’t hold the sins for our father’s against us. I stress the importance of the fear of God and respect for God’s man to my sons lest history should repeat itself.
TBB: An amazing story. Your life lessons to your sons are extremely powerful as well. You mentioned the sons of Korah. Word on the street is that when King David fled from Absalom and went into hiding, the sons of Korah went with him to protect him. Do you know anything about that?
OE: I’ve heard that too.
TBB: There are a number of Psalms that are written just for your family to sing. That’s a very special honor. Since that includes you, maybe you could share your thoughts on a few of them or at least tell us about them.
OE: Thank you, it would be my pleasure. Well, the first one that comes to mind is the one that starts out… “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.”
That’s from Psalms 42. I love that one. That’s how I feel. I cry sometimes when we sing Psalms 43 and it gets to the part where it says: “Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.”
When I sing those words, the memory of my family’s dark past comes to mind. Then I see that God has blessed me more than anyone. I just can’t keep quiet about it.
TBB: That’s beautiful.
OE: Psalm 46 starts out with: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
I need to sing that song some days. Then there are other days we feel like dancing while we’re singing. See if you remember this one from Psalm 47. “O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.”
I really love that one. The last one I’m going to talk about is one I can’t just quote. Would you mind if I sing a few lines?
TBB: Please do. I would love it.
OE: If you know what’s happened to my family, then maybe you can understand why I love to sing Psalms 84.
TBB: Sing it.
OE: “How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts!
“My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.
“Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God.
“Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.”
TBB: Thank you for that. You have a beautiful voice.
OE: Every time I sing that last line, I am reminded how blessed I am to be close to the House of God. I thank Him everyday.
TBB: I’m about out of time. What word of wisdom or advice can you give me before you go?
OE: I’ve been honored to be here. Thank you for giving me a chance to speak about my passion. As far as imparting any wisdom to you, I can’t do much better than this. This one is from the 88th Psalm, which is another one written just for the sons of Korah to sing.
“Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.
“I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.
“For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell.”
We must walk in truth, fear God, praise Him with all of our hearts, and then God will find a way to deliver us and to bless us. That about sums it up for me.
TBB: That it does. It sums it up for me too. Thank you for coming and God bless you.
I Am An Idea
A very old article by Jack Hyles, a renowned Baptist pastor and college president from Hammond, IN. I found this nearly 20 years ago. Enjoy.
I Am an Idea
by Dr. Jack Hyles
I am an idea. I came to visit your mind. You held me for a moment and planned to capture me. You told me to wait for awhile while you did something else. I tired of waiting and took my flight. It is too bad, for I perhaps could have even changed your life or maybe I could have even changed the world or your family or your church. Maybe I was important or maybe I was unimportant, but you will never know, for you are too busy to lodge me.
I do not ask for a large place to reside– a three-by-five card is ample space for me, but I refuse to wait in the vestibule of your mind while you care for lesser things.
I am an idea. I came once to Edison, and I found lodging for me, and the Wright brothers housed me; so did Jonas Salk. I do not need to dwell on a scroll; I am not usually housed on stationery. I need no library for my walls or publication for my dwelling place. I simply ask for a three-by-five card or even a scratch paper.
I did not flee to another, for I was meant for you. God sent me, designed to be used by you, to help others, but you never stopped long enough to let me in. I knocked at the door of meditation, but it was locked. I sought entrance at the door of prayer, but it never opened. Just the slightest opening and I would have entered, but you never stopped to think, so I could not enter your mind.
I am an idea. Oh, after I left, you sought me diligently, but I was gone forever, for you placed me in your memory instead of on a three-by-five card. I cost you nothing; in fact, I will pay you rent if you will lodge me, and I will even move in with others like me on the same card, and you need not pay attention to me until you are ready, but I WILL NOT live in your memory. I will flee unless you lodge me on any kind of paper or on a three-by-five card.
If I leave, I will not come again to you or to another, and the world will never know me or the contribution I could have made. I did not ask for a home with gilded edges or leather binding or fancy parchment or gold lettering. I did not ask to be typed or printed or engraved– just to be scribbled was all that was necessary.
I do not ask that my landlord be a typist or typesetter or a commercial artist– just a doodler would have sufficed.
I sought not to be filed or be placed in an attache or a briefcase; I sought only to live and be scribbled on a three-by-five card and placed in your pocket.
Dwelling on such a card I was able to make Russell Andersons out of common men, John Beilers from normal people, Jack DeCosters from the bourgeois and Wendell Evanses from average folk.
I am an idea. My neglectors dwell in prisons, stand in soup lines and live off welfare, and many of them work for those who housed me on a three-by-five card. I have made many wealthy and many famous, and those who housed me are called leaders while many neglectors call my landlords “lucky” and those who neglect me eat from the taxes of those who house me.
I am an idea. I dwell in the pockets of architects and surgeons and businessmen and authors and poets and successful pastors. In fact, I am near the heart of all successful people.
I am an idea. I am the difference between success and failure, an A and a B, a B and a C, a C and a D, and a D and an F. I am the difference between quitting and graduating, standing and falling, passing and failing.
I am an idea. Eventually I dwell in the pockets of better shirts. I am how they are afforded, though I do not ask for silk or satin or linen. I sought not Van Heusen or Arrow or Christian Dior. Any old card in any old pocket in any old shirt would have done.
I am an idea. I did not ask for transportation by a quill or typewriter or computer or even a pen– an old pencil would have sufficed. I want only a place to dwell on a simple three-by-five card.
You know many of my keepers: Abraham Lincoln, Benjamin Franklin, Louis Pasteur, John Rice, Lee Roberson, Ronald Reagan, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, William Shakespeare, Robert Browning, Isaac Watts, George Washington, Bob Jones, and many more. My neglectors are named… I seem to have forgotten… so have you.
I am an idea. You need not be talented to keep me. I seem unimportant to talented people, and those who trust their good memories have forgotten me forever. I am born miraculously and quickly and die very soon unless placed immediately in the incubator of a three-by-five card. When I am so kept, I recommend others to you and they run to you for lodging. I never do it alone; I share my card with many like me and share my pocket with many other cards, and those who house me never seem to have pocket space for rent.
I am an idea. I pass by those who sleep in chapel and those who lie on activity reports and quitters and rule-breakers and gossips and critics and gluttons and sluggards and the unscheduled and the undisciplined.
In fact, this article is one like me. It was scribbled on a three-by-five card and placed in an Arrow shirt pocket worn by one who is not brilliant but who houses many like me. While I was in his pocket, I dwelt where this College once dwelt, where this building once lived, where this campus was once housed. I saw signs that said, “Books once lived here,” like BLUE DENIM AND LACE, HOW TO REAR CHILDREN, MEET THE HOLY SPIRIT and PLEASE PARDON MY POETRY.
I am an idea. Probably you did not hear me knock; I knock so softly that you did not hear me. I DO knock all day just in case you come to the door of meditation or to the window of thought and study. I did not force my way in, for those who are too busy to greet me are too busy to use me.
It would not have taken long; just let me be on a three-by-five card and forget me. I will stay there until you call, but I WILL NOT stay in your memory.
I am an idea. I wanted you; I needed you. I will soon die for lack of my natural habitat, and the world will never know me because of you, and to think that I did not ask to dwell ‘neath a Hart, Shaffner, Marx, but just on a three-by-five card near your heart.
I am an idea. Now I am dying. I will soon be carried to a grave of uselessness by pallbearers of neglect. My grave will never be visited, for none knew me. I sigh for those who could have been known by millions if you could have taken thirty seconds and used an old pen and put me on any old three-by-five card. Millions could have met me and I could have had eternal life, but I was kept from the world… by you.
I am an idea. I did not ask for your I.Q. or for a financial report; I did not see what you look like, for beauty was not required. I did not notice your size or ability nor did I check your intelligence– I just wanted you. I did not even ask to live in your mind or in your heart or in your soul or even in your memory– just on a three-by-five card in your pocket.
I am an idea. I could have changed your life; I could have made you successful; I could have made you a blessing or perhaps even renowned or important or prosperous. But I came to you one day– you played, you partied, you slept, you even met me, but I was not important enough for immediate attention. You casually asked me to wait for a few minutes, but when you came for me, I was gone– gone forever– and to think I would have stayed if you had only taken a minute to house me on a three-by-five card.
I WAS an idea. I died in infancy. I now rest with many others of your children. My death was so needless. I wanted to live. We could have been so happy together. Now soon you will also die and few will remember you either, for the world will remember BOTH or NEITHER of us.
And to think, we both could have lived and been remembered if you had only housed me in any old pocket of any old shirt on any old paper.
Oh, by the way, have you noticed the epitaph on my tombstone? It reads, “He died for the lack of a three-by-five card.”
— Jack Hyles
The Haman Syndrome
The Haman Syndrome
Why is it common among us humans to focus on what we don’t have instead of what we do have? How did we slide from the place where we used to sing, “Count your many blessing name them one by one…” to just counting the blessing we don’t have?
I’m serious.
I was a pastor for many years. It was easy to sit on the platform and make mental notes about who wasn’t there and how many were absent. Often I would catch myself focusing on the absentees instead of the attendees. Then I would always feel chagrined when I caught myself doing that.
That’s the same problem Haman had. Here was a man who had the King’s blessing, his ear, and his backing. He had unlimited power and was honored by all of the King’s subjects. Except for one.
- Esth. 3:2 And all the king’s servants, that were in the king’s gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence.
- Esth. 3:3 Then the king’s servants, which were in the king’s gate, said unto Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the king’s commandment?
- Esth. 3:4 Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai’s matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew.
- Esth. 3:5 And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.
Haman couldn’t enjoy the honor and respect of a whole kingdom. The ONE person that didn’t bow down erased all the pleasure in his mind. He was fixated on that one negative event in his world.
His emotions wound up leading him to his own death. The Haman Syndrome may not kill you today, but there are other things it will kill.
In a marriage you may have 95% of what you like and what pleases you. If you are not careful, you can go stupid and focus on the 5% you don’t have. Why not enjoy the 95% you do have? Do you truthfully think that your spouse got a 100% deal? (If you do, this Blog can’t help you. Feel free to go read something else.)
The Haman Syndrome will always surface at your Job, at you Church, in you Marriage and most every other area of your life. You have a choice of letting it take over and obsessing you, or you can do what I talked about earlier.
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It may sound too ‘Old School’ for some of you to sing today.
But the lyrics of the old song written by Johnson Oatman Jr. in 1897 aren’t out of date in 2010.
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Count Your Blessings
- When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.- Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
*Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
[*And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.]
- Refrain:
- Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by. - When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high. - So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
*Alternate text.
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 