Hello everyone. Annette and I are on our way to Indy today. My father is not doing well and doctors are giving him just days to live now. If you would, please remember my mother and our family in your prayers. The KP family is a praying church and I know you will be lifting us up all the way. I love and appreciate you!
Update on Dad, 10:26 PM
Dad is resting now. He has had a lot of stimulating today...most of the family was up here throughout the day. He pretty much went to asleep around 4:30 pm and has been sleeping pretty sound. He cannot swallow at this point. So we can't give him anything to drink or eat. However, the doctor says the Parkinson disease is keeping him from realizing that he is hungry and thirsty.
Tonight, I read a little from Don Piper's new book, "Heaven is Real." He is the man that wrote "Ninety Minutes in Heaven" a few years ago that is still selling off the shelves. I read tonight where Rev. Piper said death is like a bridge between earth and heaven. He said for him the second he died he was instantly in heaven...no transition, no long tunnel, etc.
Last night as I was praying late the Lord gave me a vision of dad entering into heaven. I saw lots of familiar faces coming up and hugging him and patting him on the back. I first saw his dad and mom, Arlice and Amy Ballard. Both of which received Christ toward the end of their earthy lives. Then I saw dad's three sisters hugging him: Midge, Doris, and Helen. They were really, really glad to see him. Midge had only been there herself a few weeks and she seemed the most joyous of all of the three sisters to see dad. Then, I saw his oldest brother, Gene, who lived in Oregon, who dad never got to see very much after he left home. And then, there was Elmo Robinson, dad's best friend. Elmo died in the late sixties when he was fairly young. Him and dad were really close. We went to their house seemly every Sunday night after church. Elmo left a wife, Daisy, and four children. Dad I think kind of tried to take Elmo's place as Diane, Gary, Mary, and Sheila grew up.
In my vision the people just kept coming: Sister Silcox, Sister Wright, Pastor Jack Gambill, Pastor Rick Philpott, and many, many others. There was my grandpa and grandma on my mother's side who were waiting anxiously in line to greet and hug dad. There were many people that I didn't think he knew but they knew him. As my vision of dad in heaven ended, he seemed overwhelmed and caught up in what seemed to be a personal homecoming just for him. He had crossed the bridge and what was waiting on the other side was only the beginning. Wow!
I know I will miss him when he crosses over sometime soon. He has been a great dad and I would rather God heal him and keep him here. However, what awaits him is so much better than anything he could experience here. Someone once said, "When were born, we cry and the world rejoices. When we die, we rejoice and the world cries." Well, I would rather cry now knowing that my dad is rejoicing in heaven for eternity!
-Pastor Randy Ballard
Friday, January 23, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Top Ten Thoughts Regarding the Inauguration
10. As an American, I feel less secure today than I did yesterday. In his first day in office, Obama already is closing Guantanamo Bay and banning all torture techniques. I wonder what kind of message that will send to Terrorists around the world. About "come over and bomb us and do whatever you want...and if we capture you we promise we will put you up in an Holiday Inn Express." GOD HELP US!
9. But I do find myself praying more for Pres. Obama than I did for Pres. Bush.
8. I didn't like him (Obama) taking time to single out the Muslim world in his speech. With his Muslim roots and past Muslim associations, I don't trust him to speak or associate with the Muslim world.
7. I thought his (indirect)rebukes of President Bush was uncalled for and very unprofessional. If our nation is still in existence eight years from now, history will treat Pres. Bush very generously.
6.The booing of President Bush was classless. And what was worse than that was the media acting suprised and rebuking the booing crowd. "It was because of the media's constant criticism for eight years that caused them to boo in the first place."
5. I can appreciate the historical significance that President Obama's inauguration meant to many people, especially to African-Americans everywhere. I too am proud that our nation can vote an African-American man or woman into the highest office in the land. I just wish that person would not have been so liberal in their politics. I would have loved to have seen J.C. Watts, Supreme Court Justice Thomas, Condi Rice, or even Bill Cosby represent the African-American population as President.
4. From all reports (including Pres. Obama's), President Bush and his staff did a first-class job in making the transition. This was not true when the Clintons handed it off to the Bush administration.
3. President Bush and his wife were very gracious throughout the day until the very end. Even though he proved to be a "big-time government spender," President Bush proved to be a very principled man and a man who was not afraid to lead.
2. God help us all if something happens to Pres. Obama and VP Biden or House Speaker Pilosi is running the country. Just another reason why all of us should earnestly pray daily for Pres. Obama.
1. I have never heard the name of Jesus invoked so much in a prayer. Great job, Pastor Rick Warren. Hopefully, Pres. Obama will seek after godly council from Pastor Warren throughout his presidency.
The above is a light commentary regarding the inauguration. If it makes you angry, you are probably a little too democrat and not enough Christian. Just my thoughts! Have a wonderful day.
-Pastor Randy
Monday, January 19, 2009
Sunday Wrap Up
I am sorry I couldn't get to this until now. After Sunday morning service, I had lunch and left for a Pastor's Covenant Group meeting at Higher Ground Retreat Center. PCG's are basically cell groups for pastors. Each PCG is required to have an annual retreat where pastors come together to work through a series of sessions for personal and pastoral development. Sorry if all of this put you to sleep!
Yesterday morning's service was wonderful. We had two people that were saved. One of which is already in a cell and has attended an encounter in the past. However, yesterday for the first time made a public confession.
Hundreds of unsaved names were laid at the foot of the cross yesterday. I encourage you to pray over your names daily. Remember, He is God Almighty. Nothing is too difficult for God. Believe God for your family and friend's salvation.
Please remember Chris McBeath's family. His dad passed away this evening. We rejoice with Chris that his dad is with the Lord. However, it will be a tremendous loss to Chris and so let's keep him in our prayers. Also, please remember my dad. Tomorrow the doctor will put a feeding tube in dad. He may also either go home this week or back to the nursing home. Thank you so much for your prayers.
Ken Brumfield needs our prayers too. He has been in a lot of pain lately and will be going to the doctor later in the week. Also, remember Rachael Worley in your prayers. She is having a difficult time with Asthma.
Have a wonderful week. Remember, be fruitful and multiply as a follower of Christ this week. Tell someone about Jesus! Show someone the love of Christ!
-Pastor Randy
Yesterday morning's service was wonderful. We had two people that were saved. One of which is already in a cell and has attended an encounter in the past. However, yesterday for the first time made a public confession.
Hundreds of unsaved names were laid at the foot of the cross yesterday. I encourage you to pray over your names daily. Remember, He is God Almighty. Nothing is too difficult for God. Believe God for your family and friend's salvation.
Please remember Chris McBeath's family. His dad passed away this evening. We rejoice with Chris that his dad is with the Lord. However, it will be a tremendous loss to Chris and so let's keep him in our prayers. Also, please remember my dad. Tomorrow the doctor will put a feeding tube in dad. He may also either go home this week or back to the nursing home. Thank you so much for your prayers.
Ken Brumfield needs our prayers too. He has been in a lot of pain lately and will be going to the doctor later in the week. Also, remember Rachael Worley in your prayers. She is having a difficult time with Asthma.
Have a wonderful week. Remember, be fruitful and multiply as a follower of Christ this week. Tell someone about Jesus! Show someone the love of Christ!
-Pastor Randy
Friday, January 16, 2009
Countdown to Sunday
The weekend is here. My prayer is that you have a restful and wonderful few days. I'm excited about our Sunday services. I plan to minister in Genesis 35 Sunday morning on God's command to be "fruitful and multiply." I encourage you to come hungry and ready for worhip and the preaching of God's Word.
As most of you know, our fast will be ending next Wednesday concluding 21 days of prayer and fasting. It's apparent to me that Satan hates it when the church prays and fasts. We have had all kinds of attacks upon people in the church since the fast began. 1 Peter 4:12 reads "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:" In other words, we can expect the enemy to come against us as believers especially when the church is on the offense.
What do I mean by "on the offense?" Read for yourself what the Bible says about the power of fasting and prayer.
Isaiah 58:6 “No, this is the kind of fasting I want:
Free those who are wrongly imprisoned;
lighten the burden of those who work for you.
Let the oppressed go free,
and remove the chains that bind people.
7 Share your food with the hungry,
and give shelter to the homeless.
Give clothes to those who need them,
and do not hide from relatives who need your help."
Also,Isaiah 58:9 “...Remove the heavy yoke of oppression.
Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors!
10 Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble."
And, “Keep the Sabbath day holy. Don’t pursue your own interests on that day,
but enjoy the Sabbath and speak of it with delight as the Lord’s holy day.
Honor the Sabbath in everything you do on that day,and don’t follow your own desires or talk idly." Isaiah 58:13
When the church unites together and does these things during a fast, look what God promises us will happen.
Isaiah 58:8 “Then your salvation will come like the dawn,
and your wounds will quickly heal.
Your godliness will lead you forward,
and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind.
9 Then when you call, the Lord will answer.
‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply."
Isaiah 58: 10 "..Then your light will shine out from the darkness,
and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.
11 The Lord will guide you continually,
giving you water when you are dry
and restoring your strength.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like an ever-flowing spring.
12 Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities.
Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls
and a restorer of homes."
Satan doesn't want God's people to be so blessed. He doesn't want God to be glorified. Thats why we shouldn't think it strange or unusual when these things happen to us when we fast. These are clearly attacks from an enemy that isn't going to roll over and play dead. However, remember, his head has been crushed at Calvary and he is a defeated foe. You and I have won the victory in Christ Jesus!
Keep up the battle!
-Pastor
As most of you know, our fast will be ending next Wednesday concluding 21 days of prayer and fasting. It's apparent to me that Satan hates it when the church prays and fasts. We have had all kinds of attacks upon people in the church since the fast began. 1 Peter 4:12 reads "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:" In other words, we can expect the enemy to come against us as believers especially when the church is on the offense.
What do I mean by "on the offense?" Read for yourself what the Bible says about the power of fasting and prayer.
Isaiah 58:6 “No, this is the kind of fasting I want:
Free those who are wrongly imprisoned;
lighten the burden of those who work for you.
Let the oppressed go free,
and remove the chains that bind people.
7 Share your food with the hungry,
and give shelter to the homeless.
Give clothes to those who need them,
and do not hide from relatives who need your help."
Also,Isaiah 58:9 “...Remove the heavy yoke of oppression.
Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors!
10 Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble."
And, “Keep the Sabbath day holy. Don’t pursue your own interests on that day,
but enjoy the Sabbath and speak of it with delight as the Lord’s holy day.
Honor the Sabbath in everything you do on that day,and don’t follow your own desires or talk idly." Isaiah 58:13
When the church unites together and does these things during a fast, look what God promises us will happen.
Isaiah 58:8 “Then your salvation will come like the dawn,
and your wounds will quickly heal.
Your godliness will lead you forward,
and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind.
9 Then when you call, the Lord will answer.
‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply."
Isaiah 58: 10 "..Then your light will shine out from the darkness,
and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.
11 The Lord will guide you continually,
giving you water when you are dry
and restoring your strength.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like an ever-flowing spring.
12 Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities.
Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls
and a restorer of homes."
Satan doesn't want God's people to be so blessed. He doesn't want God to be glorified. Thats why we shouldn't think it strange or unusual when these things happen to us when we fast. These are clearly attacks from an enemy that isn't going to roll over and play dead. However, remember, his head has been crushed at Calvary and he is a defeated foe. You and I have won the victory in Christ Jesus!
Keep up the battle!
-Pastor
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Wow, It's Cold!
I couldn't write anything yesterday due to ministering at a funeral and then traveling to Indianapolis afterwards. I visited with Tim Orr yesterday on my way to Indy at the hospital in Columbus (Indiana). He had a bleeding ulcer and lost a lot of blood. He received a blood transfusion and was released from the hospital today.
My dad is doing a little better. He has times when he is alert and can respond by smiling or trying to talk. But most of the time he is unresponsive. Thank you for all of your prayers.
Wow is it ever cold out there today. It was -5 degrees this morning in Indy with a
-20 windchill factor. I left a banana in my car overnight and today I could have used it for a hammer...ridiculous! For you that are in Florida or on your way to Florida, you are smarter then the rest of us.
Lets remember the homeless in prayer tonight as we rest in our heated homes. No doubt, there are many even in our own country that do not have adequate shelter tonight. Your prayers can make a difference. God does hear and will disperse angels to help the homeless. God is so gracious!
Have a great Friday!
-Pastor
My dad is doing a little better. He has times when he is alert and can respond by smiling or trying to talk. But most of the time he is unresponsive. Thank you for all of your prayers.
Wow is it ever cold out there today. It was -5 degrees this morning in Indy with a
-20 windchill factor. I left a banana in my car overnight and today I could have used it for a hammer...ridiculous! For you that are in Florida or on your way to Florida, you are smarter then the rest of us.
Lets remember the homeless in prayer tonight as we rest in our heated homes. No doubt, there are many even in our own country that do not have adequate shelter tonight. Your prayers can make a difference. God does hear and will disperse angels to help the homeless. God is so gracious!
Have a great Friday!
-Pastor
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Jacob's Ladder
When I think of the patriarch Jacob, I think of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
Jacob was a deceiver. His many-sided personality was filled with guile, meanness, craftiness and deceit. He's probably not the person you would like to have as your best friend or son-in-law.
In fact, when we meet up with him he is fleeing because he and his mother have deceived his father, Isaac, into giving him a spiritual blessing that had been destined to his older brother Esau. His own wrongdoing had driven him out of the home. When his father sent him away to Paddan-arm to seek a wife, he met his match in uncle Laban. They served deceit and guile up to one another for fourteen years.
It is on this long journey that Jacob, weary from the travel, spends the night in the open. He found a stone to ''put under his head, and lay down in that place" (Genesis 28:11).
Here is a man who is alone with God. Weary and exhausted from the hard day of walking Jacob went into a deep sleep and began to dream. His dream was profound. “He had a dream, and behold, a ladder was set on the earth with its top reaching to heaven; and behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it" (28:12).
"And behold, the Lord stood above it and said, 'I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie, I will give it to you and to your descendants'" (v. 13).
The LORD God (Yahweh) got Jacob's attention at Bethel. He demonstrated that He cared about Jacob and his miserable condition. In that dream God rehearsed to Jacob the great promises He had given to his grandfather, Abraham and his father Isaac. It is obvious he will find his mate because his “descendents shall also be like the dust of the earth" (v. 14). Moreover, “in you and in your descendents shall all the families of the earth be blessed." Yes, you read it correctly. God will bless and use a descendent of this deceiver for His eternal purpose. Remember, Yahweh is the God of grace. He will continue to pursue Jacob and work in him until He has Jacob to the place where he can bring glory to the His name alone.
The LORD makes another promise to Jacob. “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you" (v. 15).
“Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, 'Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.' He was afraid and said, 'How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven'" (vv. 16-17). He got up poured oil on the stone and named the place Bethel, “the house of God."
In a later event (Genesis 32:22ff) Jacob wrestled with the angel of the LORD and prevailed against him. Jacob clung to him and said, "I will not let you go unless you bless me" (v. 26). God changed his name from Jacob to "Israel, for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed." Israel means “He who strives with God” or “God strives." Much to his surprise, Jacob realized with whom he had wrestled and declared, "I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been preserved" (v. 30). He went away limping for the wrest of his life.
When God changes the name of a person in the Old Testament it often indicates a new relationship with that person. Jacob’s life would never the same after this encounter with God.Jacob learned that when you are walking with the Lord any place becomes your resting place. Wherever you are Yahweh is there. Jacob just happened to be at Luz. Before He ascended into heaven Jesus told His followers, “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). We have His abiding presence regardless of where we are. We are always with Him because He is the ladder into the presence of God. There is no place in this universe where our Lord is not with us. He is our dwelling place.
Moreover, there isn't anything that can separate us from our Lord. “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39).
Jacob was a deceiver. His many-sided personality was filled with guile, meanness, craftiness and deceit. He's probably not the person you would like to have as your best friend or son-in-law.
In fact, when we meet up with him he is fleeing because he and his mother have deceived his father, Isaac, into giving him a spiritual blessing that had been destined to his older brother Esau. His own wrongdoing had driven him out of the home. When his father sent him away to Paddan-arm to seek a wife, he met his match in uncle Laban. They served deceit and guile up to one another for fourteen years.
It is on this long journey that Jacob, weary from the travel, spends the night in the open. He found a stone to ''put under his head, and lay down in that place" (Genesis 28:11).
Here is a man who is alone with God. Weary and exhausted from the hard day of walking Jacob went into a deep sleep and began to dream. His dream was profound. “He had a dream, and behold, a ladder was set on the earth with its top reaching to heaven; and behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it" (28:12).
"And behold, the Lord stood above it and said, 'I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie, I will give it to you and to your descendants'" (v. 13).
The LORD God (Yahweh) got Jacob's attention at Bethel. He demonstrated that He cared about Jacob and his miserable condition. In that dream God rehearsed to Jacob the great promises He had given to his grandfather, Abraham and his father Isaac. It is obvious he will find his mate because his “descendents shall also be like the dust of the earth" (v. 14). Moreover, “in you and in your descendents shall all the families of the earth be blessed." Yes, you read it correctly. God will bless and use a descendent of this deceiver for His eternal purpose. Remember, Yahweh is the God of grace. He will continue to pursue Jacob and work in him until He has Jacob to the place where he can bring glory to the His name alone.
The LORD makes another promise to Jacob. “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you" (v. 15).
“Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, 'Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.' He was afraid and said, 'How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven'" (vv. 16-17). He got up poured oil on the stone and named the place Bethel, “the house of God."
In a later event (Genesis 32:22ff) Jacob wrestled with the angel of the LORD and prevailed against him. Jacob clung to him and said, "I will not let you go unless you bless me" (v. 26). God changed his name from Jacob to "Israel, for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed." Israel means “He who strives with God” or “God strives." Much to his surprise, Jacob realized with whom he had wrestled and declared, "I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been preserved" (v. 30). He went away limping for the wrest of his life.
When God changes the name of a person in the Old Testament it often indicates a new relationship with that person. Jacob’s life would never the same after this encounter with God.Jacob learned that when you are walking with the Lord any place becomes your resting place. Wherever you are Yahweh is there. Jacob just happened to be at Luz. Before He ascended into heaven Jesus told His followers, “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). We have His abiding presence regardless of where we are. We are always with Him because He is the ladder into the presence of God. There is no place in this universe where our Lord is not with us. He is our dwelling place.
Moreover, there isn't anything that can separate us from our Lord. “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39).
Monday, January 12, 2009
Sunday Wrap Up
Sorry, I couldn't do this yesterday (Sunday). I left the morning worship service and went straight to the hospital in Indy to be with dad. I spent the night there and left come back this morning. Dad is still in an unconscious state. Please continue to pray for him and my mom. Thank you so much for your prayers and your love!
It was good to be in God's house Sunday. I so appreciate God's presence and His mighty anointing. Sunday night Pastor Dave Dayton led the communion service and did a wonderful job. I so appreciate Brother Dayton being there when I had to be gone. Kings Point is so blessed with capable men of God who are called to preach the Word. On Sunday mornings now during Sunday School, I am meeting with some of the younger men that are called of God to preach. These men and our retired men will be joining me as we preach through the New Testament this year. I encourage you to read through the bible with us this year. This will make you more ready and hungry to receive the Word on Sundays.
Please continue to remember Chris McBeath's dad in prayer. He had a very difficult day today. Also, remember Tim Orr in prayer. He is in the hospital tonight with some interior bleeding. His doctor believes it is a reaction to some medication that he is on. Also, remember Jonathan and Kim Moore and their family in your prayers. Kim lost her father this weekend. His funeral is this Wednesday at Blue Ash with visitation from 11 am to 1 pm. The service is scheduled for 1 pm.
-Pastor
It was good to be in God's house Sunday. I so appreciate God's presence and His mighty anointing. Sunday night Pastor Dave Dayton led the communion service and did a wonderful job. I so appreciate Brother Dayton being there when I had to be gone. Kings Point is so blessed with capable men of God who are called to preach the Word. On Sunday mornings now during Sunday School, I am meeting with some of the younger men that are called of God to preach. These men and our retired men will be joining me as we preach through the New Testament this year. I encourage you to read through the bible with us this year. This will make you more ready and hungry to receive the Word on Sundays.
Please continue to remember Chris McBeath's dad in prayer. He had a very difficult day today. Also, remember Tim Orr in prayer. He is in the hospital tonight with some interior bleeding. His doctor believes it is a reaction to some medication that he is on. Also, remember Jonathan and Kim Moore and their family in your prayers. Kim lost her father this weekend. His funeral is this Wednesday at Blue Ash with visitation from 11 am to 1 pm. The service is scheduled for 1 pm.
-Pastor
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