Our news
-
Tripped Up
One Sunday morning my family and I arrived at church. As my wife was getting out of the vehicle her foot got tangled in the strap of her Bible case. She quickly caught her balance before she fell. I jokingly told her, “don’t get tripped up on the Word.” She replied, “it wasn’t the Word…
-
Spiritual Surgery
My little Mama one day got a splinter in her hand. I was at her house that day so she asked me to get it out. I first tried to get a hold on it, but no luck. So I began to try and cut away the skin enough that I could get it. I…
-
What A Friend
Most of us have known someone that was just friendly. They were always smiling and shaking hands. They were always willing to help even at great inconvenience to themselves. Most of us also have known that “friend” that always had their hand out. They always needed something. They were never available if you needed help,…
-
It’s Not A Buffet
Don’t you love buffets? Everybody can get something that they like. If you don’t like something, then don’t get it. It’s that simple. We all like to choose what we eat. We do not like even from a young age that we have to eat something. Do we apply this same thought process to the…
-
The Destination
My family and I have gone on a few vacations now together in a large group. We have gone with at least 3 households at a time. We don’t all leave at the same time and many times we may start from different locations. We all eventually end up on the same road as…
-
Tear Down The Gates
Proverbs 17:19 KJV He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction. Transgressions can mean sin or rebellion. 1 Samuel 15:23 KJV For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft… Strife can mean contention. 1 Corinthians 11:16 KJV But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such…
-
Magnification
I was training once on a large forklift that we used to move bundles of wood that ranged from 10 feet wide to 60 feet wide. I can tell you that moving anything that was 10 to 40 feet wide wasn’t really nerve racking. When you grabbed 48 footers and above though. That was…
-
In The Way Or Just In The Way
I do not like people getting in my way, be it driving, walking through the grocery store, or even walking through my house. I get a little road rage in any instance. I just want to get around them. I’m sure you’re the same way. Now follow me and my imagination here in the book…
-
A Good thing or the Right thing
I was told a story about an older gentleman whose daughter had cooked him some cornbread and brought it to him still in the cast iron skillet. To repay his daughter for her kind act he decided to clean her cast iron skillet. Many of you just cringed right there, but it gets worse. He…
-
It’s Okay To Say No!
Most if not all of us have seen it. At a buffet or a large family function where there was a lot of food. There’s usually somebody walking around with a plate that has food nearly falling off of it. Or they sit a full plate down and go back and get another full plate.…
-
What Kind of Tree are You
To piggyback on the previous entry about Loquats and Yellow buckeyes I wanted to make a few points. The loquat is an evergreen. It is considered to be a small to medium-sized tree.It can grow up from 20 to 35 ft tall. They bloom in the fall and early winter. Then produce fruit in early…
-
By Their Fruit
I discovered a tree on the edge of our church property that I was very excited about. Because the leaves in this tree looked just like the leaves on my loquat tree (otherwise known as a Japanese plum tree) at home. I marked the tree so I could dig it up and transfer it to…
-
It’s More Than A Feeling
I was having a day in which I was feeling kinda down. It was just like I couldn’t feel God. I tried praying, I tried reading the Word, I listened to preaching and worship music. At one point a thought hit me that I’d like to share with you. I’m called by many names: John…
-
Ready or Not
If you have ever played hide and seek you’ve heard these words. “Ready or not, here I come.” We always have a certain amount of time to get ready. That time may differ depending on circumstances. Who you’re playing with, where you are, and many other things. The seeker or the person that is it…
-
The Pinocchio Disorder
I’m sure you’ve heard about the story of Pinocchio. The little boy that had been turned from wood into a real boy. He then finds himself in a situation where he thinks lying is the best way out. He gets himself in a world of trouble that he could have avoided had he just told…
-
No Room For Unforgiveness
I was having a conversation with a friend, who was having trouble forgiving someone. They knew that they needed to, but just couldn’t find it within themselves to do it. We talked for a while and as the conversation progressed, we changed subjects a few times. He later on the conversation brings up something that…
-
Honor Your Wife
I was once asked by a couple of coworkers this question. “At what point in an argument should you stop arguing with your wife?” My response was, “When you start! Because at the point that you start arguing, you’re no longer communicating, but rather trying to prove your point and win an argument. If one…
-
Don’t be a Rebel
I have unfortunately known a few people that once lived a life dedicated to serving God, that decided to walk away for whatever reason. I had knowledge of one particular man that did this. When he did serve God he was having a positive effect on people that no one else could reach. For some…
-
It’s Not the devil
I was sitting at our kitchen table one evening eating supper. Suddenly there was a loud roar that you could hear in the distance. I knew that it was just a truck with loud pipes. Living in the country, I’m used to the sound so I didn’t really pay any attention to it. My son…
-
Be Resolved
New year, new me. I’m sure you’ve heard that before. Yep it’s the New Year and time for people to make those New Year resolutions that they usually give up on around the third week of January. It is usually the plan to eat better, work out more, get in shape or maybe it’s to…
-
A Bad Deal Or A Good Deal
Have you ever gotten into a bad deal? It may have been that car that you really wanted. It may have been that “toy” in the form of an atv or camper. It might have even been your house. Either way, we’ve all most likely gotten into a bad deal. My oldest son Joshua once…
-
Fishermen or Fishers of Men
The great blue heron can hunt day and night thanks to a high percentage of rod-type photoreceptors in their eyes that improve their night vision. They also have great depth perception, helping them see fish deep in the water. They have long legs that enable them to wade through water. They are also very patient.…
-
What A Mess
I came across a Porta Potty that caught my attention. It had a strap going over the top of it securing it to some pallets that had concrete blocks on them. It also had a padlock on the door. Somebody went to a lot of trouble to secure that thing. It got me thinking that…
-
Nothing to See Here
Have you ever heard the phrase, “If you see a turtle on a fence post, you know he didn’t get there by himself.” The concept is if something doesn’t have the power within itself to accomplish a certain thing, then you know that it did not do it. The disciples understood this concept. Acts 3:12…
-
Breaking Bread
Luke 24:13-35 KJV 13 And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. 14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and…
-
Don’t Drown in Your Blessings
One Christmas season our church had a bunch of poinsettias set out for decoration. No one had officially been appointed the “waterer of the plants” so a few people took it upon themselves to do so. Although it was commendable that folks, without being asked, had volunteered to help. It actually created a problem. You…
-
The Perfect Gift
It’s Christmas Day! Most are gathered together with family and friends to celebrate. They’ve spent many hours searching for that perfect gift. This is often done with sacrifice of time and money all with the intention of making another person happy. Be it a child, spouse, or friend it doesn’t matter. We are trying to…
-
Getting Ready
Tomorrow is Christmas Day! Most people are getting ready for Christmas tomorrow. Many in different ways, but nevertheless they are getting ready. I’ve thought, what were Mary and Joseph doing to get ready? Were they gathering clean water and cloth? Were they clearing an area in the stable? I mean Jesus was coming the next…
-
To Be Determined
The industrial site that I work at long ago before the plant site was built had to determine where to put it. They final decided on a parcel of land in Louisiana. They began to get everything in order. Then they ran into a snag. Those that were supposed to have inherited it had never…
-
Never Forgotten
My wife was at a doctor’s appointment once and had been sitting in the examination room for a long time. Finally she decided to step out and see what was taking so long. When she did, the doctor saw her and said, “I forgot about you.” The doctor and nurses had totally forgotten that she…
-
Unknowingly Offended
I at one point had been having a personal issue when I mowed grass at our church. It seemed like every time I mowed, I got angry. I couldn’t understand why. I mean I didn’t mind mowing the grass. Yet the same thing happened every time. One particular time I was cutting grass around a…
-
If You Can Be Anything Be a Quitter
Why don’t you just give up and quit? I mean that’s a good idea right? Because quitting is easy. Just throw in the towel. Move on and just leave it all behind. Be known as a quitter. I know you’re probably thinking that I’ve fallen off my rocker. Hold on though, I didn’t say what…
-
Check Your Fruit
Imagine going to a fruit tree orchard to gather fruit. As you arrive you see fruit on the trees and you can barely wait. You reach the first tree and every piece of fruit you grab is rotten. Some even look very delicious, but when you turn it over it’s just as rotten as the…
-
Not Everybody Likes Free
I was privy to a conversation between two gentlemen once that I’d like to share with you here. One had bought a 2 part gift and presented it to the man and his wife. Once they received the gift the man receiving the gift told the other that he didn’t want part of it. They…
-
What are You Looking for?
Have you ever played Where’s Waldo? You can spend a long time looking for Waldo. Often you’ll see someone dressed like him, but it’s not him. If you stick it out though you’ll eventually find him. Why don’t you quit looking when you find a character that looks similar? Because that’s not what you’re looking…
-
Look In The Mirror
We were at church one Wednesday evening. Before service started our Pastor walked to the fellowship hall to speak with a group of young people that were eating. He told them that it was perfectly fine that they were eating here. He asked that they please clean up behind themselves, because there were a…
-
Don’t Stop Now
Have you ever tried to learn something or do something that it just became so hard that you gave up? Lot’s of people do give up. From my research the high school dropout percentage in the United States is around 5%. While the college dropout rate in the United States is around 32.9% annually. Why…
-
Don’t Pass Your Battles Down
With Christmas approaching I thought I would share this. I relayed a story to my older children when they were younger that had affected the way that they do something. Here is the story. I used to love to wrap presents differently. I may put them in extra boxes, so the person unwrapping had to…
-
Lost Following the Signs
My wife and I were headed back home from out of town after picking up a swing set for our boys. The swing set was in 2 good size boxes so I had brought my 16′ trailer to haul them on. As we were headed back we realized that we were in desperate need of…
-
Hold Your Tongue
There was a situation that happened in our little local gas station one day. My Daddy had been working all day on the farm. He raised a garden and pigs, so it was hard work and after working all day in this one doesn’t really smell pleasant. Daddy needed some gas and still had work…
-
Just One Drink
Have you ever had someone ask you for a drink of whatever you were drinking? You then pass them the drink, not paying attention to how much they are drinking. Then they hand it back empty. At this point you say, ” I thought you wanted A drink.” To which they reply, “that was A…
-
Identity Crisis
In 1 Samuel 10 Saul is anointed by Samuel to be the first king of Israel. After Samuel anoints him, he tells Saul all these things that will happen to him. He does this as a sign to affirm to Saul that he will indeed be king. Fast forward to 1 Samuel 16 where David…
-
You Need a Shepherd
Luke 2:8-18 KJV 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto…
-
Where Do You Find Joy
Have you ever heard the song: “World Didn’t Give It to Me” Well here’s a line from that song: “This joy I have, the world didn’t give it to me, The world didn’t give it and the world can’t take it away ” If this is true, why do we lose our joy so often?…
-
With God (Lesson 8)
Understand that we can only accomplish these things with God’s help. John 15:4-5 KJV 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He…
-
Praying Always With All Prayer (Lesson 7)
It’s no accident that the devil tempted Eve with food first. Notice that he doesn’t change his tactics. The children of Israel cross the Red Sea and watch their enemies perish in Exodus 15. The very next chapter starts with them complaining about food. Exodus 16:3 ISV The Israelis told them, “If only we had…
-
Press On (Lesson 6)
Galatians 6:8-9 KJV 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. We must continue…
-
Walk in the Spirit (Lesson 5)
Galatians 5:16-18 WEB 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won’t fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, that you may not do the things that you desire. 18 But if you…
-
Prayer and Fasting (Lesson 4)
Matthew 17:19-21 KJV 19 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? 20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to…
-
The Humbling Process (Lesson 3)
James 4:6-10 KJV 6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and…
-
When You fast (Lesson 2)
Jesus said in Matthew 6:16-18 KJV 16 Moreover when ye fast… The first point I’d like to make is that Jesus said, “When you fast,” not if you fast. Fasting is expected. Matthew 9:14 KJV Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples…
-
Turn on the Lights
My wife and I go back and forth playfully bantering about the lights in our house being on. It’s not over the electricity bill, she just doesn’t like all the lights on. I on the other hand want every light in the house on if I’m home and awake. I joke with her and say…
-
Faith in a Graveyard
Abraham received a promise that he would become the father of many nations in Genesis 17:5. He received the beginning of his promise as in the birth of Isaac in Genesis 21:5. So in 8 chapters he receives Isaac right. That was a 25 year span of time. Not to mention when Abraham received the…
-
The Mandela Effect
Have you ever heard of the Mandela effect? The Mandela effect is a phenomenon where large groups of people share false memories of events or details. Here are some examples. Many people remember the Monopoly Man wearing a monocle (a circular lense worn over one eye), but he actually doesn’t. Many people misremember Darth Vader…
-
Rest But Don’t Rust
My Daddy was a work horse. I mean this man worked hard his entire life. He grew up during the Great Depression so he had to work hard. I really think he had to learn how to rest because it was such a foreign concept to him. I’d like to take a moment to look…
-
Wash Your Hands
A very simple rule we hopefully all learned growing up. You go into a restaurant and there are signs that say, “employees must wash their hands.” And we want them to wash their hands. We don’t want someone touching our food or utensils if they don’t wash their hands. Rightfully so too. Did you know…
-
Living in Peace or Pieces
I remember my Uncle Fred telling about a man that had done him wrong. He was furious about it. He told his brother, my Uncle Dave, about it and he told Uncle Fred to just be nice to the man. Uncle Fred thought this sounded crazy, but he took Uncle Dave’s advice. After some time…
-
Yes It’s True
My Uncle Fred used to tell this story about when he went fishing. He said that he caught a fish on his line and when he got it on the bank, it began to walk. So he ran to his truck to get a gun. When he got back the fish had climbed a tree.…
-
The Power of the Crushing
My momma made the best pecan pies. I mean to the point that I didn’t eat other people’s pecan pies, because they didn’t measure up. One day I asked her how she made her pies. Her answer had me in stitches. She said, “I just follow the recipe on the side of the Karo bottle.”…
-
The Unquestioned Answer
Sometimes we are given an answer and we stop asking questions. We just accept the answer we are given. Nicodemus came to Jesus one night and he didn’t just accept the answer. It starts in John 3:3 KJV Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be…
-
Faith above the Fog
I got to see a sight that you don’t get to see regularly. I was on top of a structure and saw the top side of fog. This view prompted a thought. You see if you’re driving through this, you’d barely be able to see. You may have to drive slow, squint your eyes and…
-
What are the Options?
I recently went for an eye exam. As I sat there while the doctor says, “Which is better 1 or 2, 1 or 2.” Finally we reached the end and he tells me, “Well Mr. Ballard, you could get glasses if you wanted and here is the difference.” He then has me look through the…
-
Thorns into Pearls
Pearls are made by marine oysters and freshwater mussels as a natural defence against an irritant such as a parasite entering their shell. As the oyster grows in size, its shell must also grow. This growth occurs when new material is added to the edges of an oyster’s shell. This material is produced by the…
-
Aggressive Mimicry
Aggressive mimicry is a type of communication where a predator indirectly manipulates the behavior of its prey. The predator conceals its true identity and sits and waits for the prey to come to it. Some predators use aggressive mimicry in a way that the predator resembles a nonthreatening third party. Like the American zone-tailed hawk, whose resemblance…
-
Breaking News of the Good News
Jesus broke bread with the disciples and told them this is My body. Judas broke Jesus’s heart and trust. The soldiers broke Jesus’s body. Jesus broke out of thy grave. Jesus broke the claim sin had over us. Jesus is still breaking chains in lives today. Chains of addiction, depression, anxiety, sin, etc. Jesus can…
-
Know His Voice
I went to pick up my son Levi, being just over a year old, from daycare. When I entered the room he was unaware. He was totally focused on the two toys he was playing with, one in each hand. I squatted down and said, “Hey, big guy.” His head popped up, eyes wide open…
-
Fight for your Promise (Lesson 1)
Before the children of Israel ever faced Jericho or crossed the Jordan River they had some battles to fight. Two of these important battles were with Sihon and Og. These seem to stand out among the battles that they fought. In Psalm 135 it mentions Sihon and Og by name and then bunches all the…
-
Stay Salty
Salt, commonly referred to as table salt, is made up of the elements sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl), forming the compound sodium chloride (NaCl). If you remove the sodium element from salt you are left with only chlorine, which is a gas at room temperature and would not have the same physical properties or taste as…
-
The Duty of an Armourbearer
There are probably many takeaways from the story of Saul and his armor-bearer (armourbearer in the King James), but I’d like to look at the armor-bearer for a minute. 1 Chronicles 10:4-5 KJV 4 Then said Saul to his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me.…
-
The Debt of Humanity
Have you ever gotten into a bad deal? It may have been that car that you really wanted. My oldest son Joshua once got into one of those deals. He was having trouble (not just a little) out of the truck that he owned. The opportunity arose for him to get out of it and…
-
Making An Impact
What do you see in the first picture? Some, dare I say most, would say an impact. I would say this is an obstacle, a weight , something that cannot be used. It can’t even stand up. What about the second picture? Now this is an impact, right? I would say no. It can stand…
-
Evidence of The Harvest
I was headed to work one evening and in the distance I could see a dust cloud coming up from a farming area. Well I knew what was going on. I knew there was a combine there, because the dust it was stirring up. I knew this although I could not see the combine. That’s…
-
Taste and See!
Anybody that knows me, knows that I am a coffee drinker. There is a lot to be said about a good cup of coffee. There is also plenty to be said about a bad cup. I have drank coffee with people or tasted coffee that folks have made that was nasty. Usually when you take…