Monthly Archives: April 2012
It’s in the “over and above”
A Kingdom truth that has not only led us down the path of redeeming all that has been lost, stolen, or given away, but has also established us in Yahweh’s purpose is the mindset of going above and beyond. Apostle Ball always inspired us to draw out of the resources of His Holy Spirit to be and become more than we ever thought we could.
Finances for us starting out were stretched to say the least. For us, we both decided – for a season – to get part-time jobs on top of our full-time positions. Little did we know (truly – the steps of a righteous man are ordered by Yahweh) it wasn’t in the full-time job that we would find our purpose, but it was in the “over and above” that Yahweh would establish us in an incredible career. Out of a part-time $4/hour extra job, Yahweh blessed it and turned it into a 26 year passion – an incredible journey that still flourishes today.
In stretching ourselves early on to give above our tithe (even the 1% to start and increasing as we became comfortable), it set us on a path of not only becoming debt-free, but also to thrive in a perpetual harvest.
Many in the world today try to get by on the least amount of effort possible. When we drive to have a higher standard and not just follow the path of least resistance, we will find ourselves soaring in Yahweh’s purpose and revealing His glory in the earth.
Excitement, expectation and anticipation
For the last 27 years, with just a few minor lapses, we have been able to maintain and exude an attitude of excitement, expectation, and anticipation in our relationship with Yahweh. From the moment we committed our lives to Christ to today, our journey has been enhanced with some of the greatest adventures – we feel so fortunate. Yahweh has helped us to become and achieve so much more than we could have ever asked or thought. He is so faithful!
While traveling through an airport one weekend, we bumped into an old friend. We had once been to each other’s houses for fellowship, prayer, and exhortation of the Word. He had been such a strong believer – full of zeal and faith. As we stood and talked, it became ever so clear and disturbing. What had happened to our friend? Where did the excitement, expectation, and anticipation for Yahweh and His kingdom go? It was so apparent to us that the challenges of everyday life had zapped the very light from his eyes. As we departed, we were sobered and saddened at the countenance of our friend. He was going through the motions, but somewhere along the way, he got disconnected from the source (Yahweh).
When we truly walk in daily fellowship with our Heavenly Father, how can we not be filled with excitement, expectation, and anticipation? He is the Creator of the universe, the Great I AM, the One who was, who is, and is to come. “The heavens are Yours, the earth also is Yours; The world and all its fullness, You have founded them.” Psalm 89:11 He is looking for us to rule and reign – to bring heaven and earth together. He has given us all that we need: redemption through Christ and the empowerment of His Holy Spirit.
When we walk in obedience to His word with clean hands and a pure heart, we can have full confidence He is working all things for our good. We should expect to have His favor, His wisdom, His knowledge, and His blessings. Increase us Yahweh, until Your Glory covers the earth…
Just don’t do it…..
Since committing our lives to Christ, we have not had to deal with the temptation of drinking, smoking, cussing (maybe a few times – only kidding), lying, or many other weakness of the flesh. It’s not that we have been without struggles. Being born again, they are just not a temptation for us and we have recognized there are just some things better left untouched.
Living in this world, there are many things we have to deal with in which we have no control – i.e. advertisements. While we may have no say in where they are placed, once we visually see their message – if bad – we do have the ability to make a conscious decision not to meditate or stare at them. We are continuously bombarded with faith-challenging TV commercials and sitcoms pressing the boundaries of what is at the core of our faith. While we may have been drawn in with great episodes, once they cross the line, we have made the choice to quit watching and change the channel at the first hint of impropriety. We have walked out on movies at the theater – even though we had taken the time and paid quite a bit of money for the opportunity – it’s just not worth it.
When it comes to our eating habits and controlling our weight, we have determined that there are just some things we do not need to buy at the store. We cannot buy “Cadbury mini eggs” (at Easter) 🙂 – they are better left on the shelf for someone else – we have no self-control in that department. In the battle of the bulge – we just can’t do it. Keeping a few lower calorie snacks helps us to appease that sweet craving without being out of control. We really try to watch what we keep in the house to eat. If we don’t have it, there is no temptation to eat it.
While we rely on Holy Spirit to be our compass on those things that are detrimental to us, we recognize there are just common sense decisions we can make so He won’t have to intervene. We try not to put ourselves in compromising or questionable positions. We know that one of the fruits of the Spirit is “self control” -we have come to realize that in a world where there is almost no control – we need to demonstrate it – sometimes that entails avoiding or walking away from tempting situations.
From the beginning… Part 2
While on the subject “from the beginning”, we love the words Kathryn Kent used “original intent” on a comment she left for us – our new two favorite words – thanks Kathryn. Of all the subjects, the most basic and simple revelation that has become the most complicated is Yahweh’s (God’s) original intent to speak and have an ongoing relationship with man. Throughout generations, a major stumbling block has been that Yahweh is a Spirit. Man has always wanted a tangible, touchable, visible manifestation – i.e. a king (person), or an idol (graven image).
One of the greatest gifts Apostle Ball ever gave to us was the revelation that we could have a one on one personal relationship with our Heavenly Father. By hearing His voice personally, hearing His voice within other’s voices, praying in the Spirit, and honoring Him with our first and our best, we will position ourselves to join heaven and earth together and permeate this world with the glory of Yahweh. Apostle Ball has not only preached this message fervently, but he has also lived it out before us every day. Thank you so much Apostle. You have always pointed everyone to the Father. You have been determined not to be a Moses. We are so thankful to the Father for you – you have great seed in the earth.
This walk with Yahweh for the last 27 years has been such an adventure. We really do not understand why anyone would want to have a substitute for the incredible relationship one can have with Yahweh. Although He is Spirit, if you have eyes to see and ears to hear, He makes Himself known in tangible ways every day. We can see His hand moving on our behalf with favor, great ideas, wisdom, insight, and peace. We have had so many taps on our shoulder with the words “Only I can do this for you” – times when we are amazed and overtaken with a blessing. We have so many funny, emotionally overwhelming, practical, and undeniable examples of Yahweh’s personal infusion in our lives. He knows us so well. Thank you Yahweh – we will always seek your face, hear Your voice, enjoy Your interactions, and pursue Your redemption of this earth. We will have no other god (man or graven image) before You.
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