Category: Pastor’s Thoughts

Matthew 19:13 – Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray…

Years in a carpenter’s shop had taken its toll on Jesus’ hands.  They were likely calloused and rough. They had felt the pain of a splinter.  Did the Son of God ever miss the nail and smash His finger? I’m not sure, but I do know His hands were the hands of a carpenter.

But, they were unlike the hands of any other carpenter.  How could hands so calloused and rough also be so gentle and tender?  How could the touch of hands so accustomed to wood, be able to reach into the spirit of a man?  When His disciples were sore afraid, He simply touched them and said, “Be not afraid” and the fear melted away.

They were no ordinary hands.  With His hands, He broke and blessed a boy’s lunch, multiplying a few loaves and fish until it was enough to satisfy a multitude. When Peter was sinking in the darkness of Galilee’s sea, it was Jesus’ hands of grace and compassion that lifted him up.  Jesus reached down and scooped up a handful of soil, mixed it with spittle, then daubed the earthy paste on a blind man’s eyes bringing him the miracle of sight.

They were not just any hands.   A heartbroken woman, with a tearful parade of grieving loved ones, was following the casket of her only son.  Jesus stopped the procession and touched the bier.  Death could not resist the life in those hands – the dead boy sat up and began to speak!  Jesus’ hands were unafraid of the dreaded disease – they touched the leper and brought healing and hope. They were the hands that touched Peter’s mother-in-law and healed her of a fever.

They were no ordinary hands.  Those hands reconnected a severed ear from a bewildered priest.  Those hands took water and towel and washed the disciple’s feet.  Those hands took up a whip and drove out the money changers who were defiling the House of God.  They were hands like none other.  They were the hands that Roman soldiers would stretch on a wooden cross and drive nails through.

It’s no wonder parents brought their children to Jesus and asked Him to put His hands upon them.  They were hands of healing and restoration.  Power and authority flowed from His hands.  Life and hope were in His hands.  Lay your hands on my children and bless them, they asked.

We’ve all commented of someone that “the hand of God is on them!”  We’ve all prayed ourselves and said, “God, put your hand on my life.”  May we never pray that prayer lightly!  It’s more than a figure of speech.  I truly believe the Carpenter of Nazareth can put His hand upon us.  If I know His hand is upon me, then I know I’ll be alright.  If just a measure of the anointing and power that flowed from His hands would be upon us, we would fear no assignment or any devil that opposed it.  In Acts 11:21, the Bible says, “And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.”  If the hand of the Lord is with us, no task would be too great and no barriers could hold us back.

If He would put His hand upon us, it would surely transform every facet of our lives – our spirit, our speech, our smile, our compassion for others, our thinking, our prayer, our worship and our calling.  I want His hand on me!  I want His fingerprints all over my life, ministry and family.  Like a master potter who shapes the clay with skillful hand, I want His hand to mold me into His image. Like wood in the hands of a carpenter, I want Him to take my life and make something glorious out of it.

Ask Him today, “Jesus, put your hand on me!”  When the disciples sent the parents away, Jesus rebuked the disciples and said bring the children to Me.  I will put My hands on their lives.  If you will ask, He will not send you away.  He is not too busy to lay His nail-scarred hands upon your life today.

~Pastor Ball

“Ashes to ashes…dust to dust….” I watched them. I watched the parents as we lowered the body of a young Marine into a freshly dug grave on the side of that Virginia mountain. You aren’t supposed to bury your children – your children are supposed to bury you. We had all prayed so earnestly for healing. But in God’s sovereign plan, it was not to be. The cancer had viciously stolen their son.

I watched them that day. In the face of grief I cannot fathom, they worshiped God. “The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, blessed be the Name of the Lord.” They lifted their hands up through the dark shroud of sorrow and confusion and praised the Lord.

Now, I know that we should praise God even for the little things – for helping us find our keys when we lose them or for that bigger-than-expected tax refund check we got in the mail. But there is something different about the worship of a person who is in affliction. When a person is walking through a dark trial that life has dealt, yet continues to bless the Lord – that is worship of a deeper sort. Sometimes God doesn’t answer prayers like we think He should or allows things to happen that we don’t understand. The worship we offer during those times is worship that is deep and rich. When the answer hasn’t come or the miracle is nowhere to be found yet praise still rises from our lips – that is worship with a fragrance unlike any other.

The incense offered to God behind the veil was unique. Into a censor filled with burning coals from the Altar, the high priest would place “incense beaten small” (Lev. 16:13). The smoke and fragrance from that burning incense would fill the Holies of Holies like a cloud and cover the Mercy Seat. This special incense produced by a crushing, beating and pressure was what was most glorious to God. Incense beaten small produced a fragrance reserved for the Holiest of All.

Perhaps the worship that brings the most glory to God is the worship we give while in the crucible of affliction. There is a unique fragrance produced when we give praise to God even when we feel like tests and trials are crushing us. When you’re in tribulation or heated spiritual battle, yet rejoice and praise God, you are producing a fragrance of worship like none other. When you feel like the adversities and disappointments of life are beating you small – breaking you to a fine powder – yet you still trust and praise Him, you are giving an offering of worship that is a sweet incense to God. God doesn’t take pleasure in our suffering. But when we praise and worship Him during adversity, it must surely bring Him deep joy.

In Revelation 7, the elders asked, “Who are those people?” Who are those people worshiping before the throne with palm branches in their hands? The angel said those are people who have come through great tribulation! Adversity had not silenced their worship. Great tribulation had not dampened their praise. The elders took note! The angels remarked! Perhaps what captures the attention of the world more than the blessings of God on our lives is the praise we offer to God in the midst of life’s difficulties!

Can we still worship even when going through great tribulation? When the mortar and pestle of adversity seem to crush us to powder, can we still offer praise to God? When we feel beaten small by sorrow and disappointment, will we be faithful to God? When we don’t understand why God has not answered our prayer, will we still give glory to His Name? Worship that emanates from incense beaten small yields a fragrance unlike any other.

– Pastor Ball

I love to eat. One of my favorite pastimes is going out with friends on the weekend to try a new restaurant or to frequent an old regular like Cheesecake Factory or Mama Carollas. Living in Carmel, Indiana, doesn’t help. Our city is home to many great restaurants. Some, like Bub’s Burgers, have even garnered national attention through television shows like Man vs. Food. To further compound the problem, my travels around the world have created within me an insatiable craving for ethnic food. I could eat Indian, Thai, Mediterranean, Korean or Mandarin everyday!

But I’m not fat because I love food! I know why I’m fat. It’s not because I’m a connoisseur of fine cuisine. It’s very simple – I’m fat because I consume more than I expend! It’s true that calories from some foods are healthier than foods with “empty” calories. I’m sure genetics and metabolism play a role. I’m told the body can go into “ketosis” by cutting carbs which can result in weight loss. Complex chemistry and science have their place. But the bottom line remains – we are fat because we take in more than we burn up.

God never intended the human body to consistently consume more than it expends. When we do so consistently we become overweight which can lead to all sorts of health problems. The human body is more healthy and fit when, through exercise and activity, it burns up what it takes in. The Body of Christ is no different! God never intended on His church solely being recipients of His blessings. It was never His will that we consume more than we expend.

Too many Christians are chronic spiritual consumers who never give out. They just enjoy the blessings without ever passing them on. How many churches are full of spiritually obese Christians who, week after week, sit at the buffet of great worship and preaching? They gorge themselves on the Presence and Word of God. They fill themselves with all the rich blessings of Christianity, yet never expend what they consume. They don’t serve. They don’t pour out to others. They’ve forgotten what it means to be a servant.

Evangelist Bobbie Lewis preached Sunday at FAC a message untitled, “Will you take the towel?” At the Last Supper, while the disciples were arguing over who was greatest among them, Jesus took a towel and began to wash His disciple’s feet. He taught them that true greatness comes through serving others. He said, “You’ll be happy if you do what I’ve just taught you.” It’s been ingrained into us that happiness comes from being served. But Jesus taught just the opposite. He said true happiness comes from serving – from giving rather than receiving.

Are you fat, spiritually? Is your Christian experience centered more around what God and the Church does for you than what you do for God and His church? Being a Dead Sea with only inflows and no outflows will lead to stagnation and spiritual disease. Just like natural obesity contributes to heart disease, spiritual obesity leads to diseases of the heart – misguided affections, spiritual callousness, a lack of love for others, and on and on. What we receive from God and our church is given for the purpose of filling and empowering us to go out and serve our world.

It’s miserable being fat! Our clothes don’t fit right. Our energy levels run low! I’m currently exercising, cutting back my calories and feeling good as I’m losing some extra pounds. Some of the most miserable people in the world are Christians who don’t serve – Christians who take in more than they give out. If you’re looking for happiness in your walk with God – pick up the towel! True satisfaction comes when we give to others. You’ve been a spiritual couch potato long enough! Make a commitment today to serve God, your church and your world. You will discover a joy and satisfaction reserved only for those with a servant’s heart.

– Pastor Ball

Pastor Osborne’s recent comments at our Pastor’s prayer meeting provided the inspiration for this evening’s thoughts:

When we are first learning to read, we stick to books like, “See Spot Run” – a simple story about Dick, Jane and Spot. “See spot. See spot run. Look, Jane, look.” You get the idea! There’s really no plot. With a book like this, you are not reading to learn – you are learning to read. There is no character development or theme. There’s no lesson. You’re just learning to read.

You advance to read stories like, “The Three Little Pigs.” It’s still a simple book. It has the same characters throughout. It’s not complicated or deep. But you begin to learn something from what you are reading. There’s a plot. There’s a message or moral to the story.

We graduate as adults to books that are broken down into chapters. The chapters are about different things and have different themes and lessons. Events will happen in some chapters, but never again in the rest of the book. You’ll meet characters in one chapter who disappear altogether in the next and may never reappear in rest of the story. Things in some chapters that are very important may no longer even play a role in later chapters. But we understand the author knows the beginning from the end and is weaving together a story. In the end the author will have worked all those chapters TOGETHER into a beautiful masterpiece.

Our lives are not like the book “See Spot Run” or “The Three Little Pigs.” Our lives are comprised of chapters. People move in and out of our lives. Circumstances and settings change. Some things that are very important to us now will not even be on our radar in a year. Some chapters are filled with adversity, hardship or grief. Others are about joy, progress or accomplishment. There are chapters that seem uneventful, even boring, while others bring new faces and new places.

As Christians we hold fast to the promise that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Rom 8:28). We believe that God is the Author and Finisher of our faith and that He is blending the various chapters of our lives together into a beautiful masterpiece.

There are times when we don’t understand why things are happening. We’ve all asked God, “Why?” Why did this happen? What good can become of this? Many times life doesn’t make sense. If you were to read just one chapter of a novel, it probably would not make any sense at all. It’s only when you read the whole story that you realize every chapter played an important part of the whole. When we get to the end, we will look back and see that God used all the different chapters of our lives to create a beautiful story of grace and victory.

The important thing is to trust in God. Trust that He is in control and charge of our lives. We’ve put the pen in His hand. Now we must trust the Author. We must believe that He is working all things for our good and His glory.

The last year or so has been a difficult season, both for me personally and for our church. We’ve experienced death, loss, sickness and serious spiritual battles. It’s been a chapter about trusting God in the storm. The theme of this chapter has been about walking by faith and praising God even when you don’t understand.

At the turn of the New Year, I felt a change. In the last five weeks we’ve had INCREDIBLE services, huge crowds and guests and a great outpouring of God’s Spirit. I feel like God is turning the page and beginning to write a new chapter. I know every season has some spiritual battles and adversity, but I feel like this new chapter is going to be one filled with revival, growth and progress. I sense we’re entering a season of new faces, new places and new opportunities.

I believe 2013 will be a new chapter for you as well. God has turned the page. The pain and difficulty of the last chapter will not carry into this new season. Perhaps you feel the same anticipation. Whatever the New Year holds, I know He is the Author and is working all things together for good.

~Pastor Ball

THANKS for taking a few minutes to check out our new website.  We don’t think it’s just a coincidence that you’ve found us!  Faith Apostolic Church is an awesome place to belong and we want to show you why.  We are a church of ordinary people who are passionate about living and sharing the extraordinary life that comes through Jesus Christ!

Browsing through our web pages is a great way to find out a little more info, but to REALLY experience what we’re all about, you need to be our guest at one of our upcoming worship services.  You will be welcomed by warm and friendly people, be drawn into the presence of God through authentic worship and encouraged by some great preaching and teaching from God’s Word. I hope to meet you soon. -Pastor Ball

Deciding what local church you and your family will attend is one of the most important spiritual decisions a person will ever make!  Moving to a new area, seeking a deeper walk with God or answering the Spirit’s call to re-prioritize are a few of the most common reasons a person would be looking for a church home.  If you and your family are trying to find God’s will concerning a new church home, here are five questions to keep in mind:

1. Is the Spirit Moving and Working?

I believe there is a deep yearning in the heart of most people for the presence of God.  Statistics across all denominations confirm this notion.  When polling people who are leaving churches, the number one reason given for their departure is, “I don’t feel God there.”  Most people find dull, boring or mechanical churches services unappealing.  People are generally attracted to a church where they can feel the presence of God and engage with God’s Spirit through meaningful worship.  Jesus promised that where we are gathered together in His Name, He will be there with us.  Paul told the Corinthians that, when the church comes together, we can expect a demonstration of God’s Spirit through the Gifts of the Spirit.  Miracles of healing, deliverance and salvation were the norm in the New Testament Church and should be the norm in present day.  Is God’s Spirit moving and working in the church you’re considering? That is an important question to answer when considering a church home.

2. Is there a Commitment to Biblical, Relevant Preaching and Teaching?

Jesus taught that the Truth is what would make us free.  There is a relentless attempt of the enemy and our secular culture to water down the Word of God.  Trying to make the Word of God palatable to the tastes of secular critics is counter-productive.  While we should always be respectful and loving to all, we must have an unwavering commitment to the “faith that was once delivered unto the saints.”  Is the church you’re considering standing for truth or trying to appease its secular surroundings?  That is an important question to answer.

Not only should preaching and teaching be Biblical, but it should be relevant.  Relevant preaching and teaching helps us find our gifts and equips us to serve.  Does the church you are considering offer relevant insight into being a disciple of Jesus Christ in the 21^st Century?  Do the messages “hit home?”  Is the pastor sensitive to what God’s Spirit is saying?  Do you ever wonder, “How did he know about what’s going on in my life?”  How the Word of God is impacting people in the congregation is a consideration of utmost importance.

3. Does the Church Have an Outward Focus?

Jesus called us to “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel.”  Is the local congregation you are considering for a church home fulfilling this Great Commission?  Are they reaching out to their community with the gospel?  Is there a relentless passion to help lost people find Jesus Christ?  Do they demonstrate God’s love through acts of compassion and relief?  Are they involved in homeless ministry, feeding the poor and ministering to those in shelters, crisis centers and prisons?

Is there a heartbeat for World Missions in the church?  Our responsibility is to more than just our immediate surroundings.  Does the church support overseas missions?  Do they promote visiting and giving financially to orphanages, Bible schools and endeavors around the world?

Too many churches have become inward focused.  Their energies and resources are directed primarily to people who are already in the church.  Inward focused churches are dying churches!  Make sure the church you are considering plugging into is a church with a vision beyond its four walls.

What is a sure sign that a church has an outward focus? – When that church places a great emphasis on helping its members discover their ministries and empowering them for service. The only way to fulfill the Great Commission is to equip and release people to do the work of ministry.  A pastor and handful of paid staff cannot accomplish all that God has called the church to do.  You need to be in a church where there is an opportunity for personal involvement in ministry.

4.  Is There a Focus on Children and Young People?

If you are a young family with children or teenagers then, obviously, finding a church with great children’s and teen’s ministries is a priority.  But even if you don’t personally have children, finding a church with a healthy focus on young people and children is still important.  Regardless of your age, you want to attend a church with a great youth ministry.   A church that invests heavily in children and teens is a church that is full of life!  Children and teens add flavor, excitement and enthusiasm.  Furthermore, a church that is geared toward youth is a church that is thinking and planning for the future.  So it’s not just about whether you personally have children.  A church with a healthy youth ministry should be a sign to you – this is a church with a future!

5.  Is the Church Multicultural?

If everyone in the church you’re considering is exactly the same, beware!  The Antioch church in the Book of Acts was a diverse, multicultural church.  The Spirit of God breaks down racial and social barriers – It doesn’t build them up.  A local church made up of people of different nationalities, cultures, colors, economic statuses and religious backgrounds who are all worshiping together in love and unity is a church that is allowing the Holy Spirit to do its work!  When a person’s skin color, native language, bank account balance or educational background is a non-issue among members of a church, it speaks highly of the church and its love, vision and Kingdom focus.

I trust these questions will help you in your search for the right church.  Prayerfully seek God for His direction and guidance.  Once you find out where God wants to plant you then plug in, get involved and serve God and that local church with all your heart.

My one and only post about the 2012 Presidential Election:

How will I vote?

I will vote for the candidate who most closely demonstrates and promotes biblical morals and values because righteousness exalts a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. (Proverbs 14:34)

I will vote for the most pro-life candidate, because God hates the shedding of innocent blood (Proverbs 6:17).

I will vote for the most pro-marriage candidate, because God is for marriage as defined in Genesis 2:24.

I will vote for the most pro-Israel candidate, because God blesses those who bless Israel & curses those who don’t (Genesis 12:3).

I will vote for the most pro-debt reduction candidate, because the borrower is servant to the lender (Proverbs 22:7).

I will vote for the candidate who best encourages initiative, responsibility of individuals and a strong work ethic because God says if a man will not work, let him not eat. (2 Thessalonians 3:10)

I will vote for the candidate who most closely believes government’s purpose is to reward the good & punish the evil (Romans 13).

Please prayerful consider your choice and don’t forget to vote this Tuesday!