Monthly Archives: May 2012
Minimal Investment – Maximum Return
In a world that is so self-centered, a very powerful principle has all but disappeared from the social conscience of society today. We talked about it earlier, but want to do a little deeper dive into a scripture that has helped us to seize a key that has unlocked so much of the Kingdom to us. “And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.” Luke 6:31
Without exception, there is an innate longing in every individual to be recognized and validated. While there are those narcissistic individuals who deviate from the norm, it is a very natural part of life.
What we need to ask ourselves – my actions, words, choices, decisions – how are these going to affect the friends and family surrounding me? What would I want someone to do to or for me? If I do or say this – how will it affect those around me and am I going to be blessed with the outcome?
Investing in others – as we would want others to invest in us (whether word or deed) – takes little effort. When we begin to recognize the contribution of those around us, we sow away from ourselves and inspire and invigorate the recipient.
Try a little experiment – take note of the feeling you get when someone compliments your contribution or acknowledges your giftings and anointings. For us – we call it the – “shoot the moon” effect. You will find yourself willing to go above and beyond for someone who really appreciates who and what you are about.
In a world that centers on self-preservation, like all Kingdom principles, the opposite will set you on a path of real redemption. Change your mindset. You may just find that in investing in others and treating those around you like you would like to be treated may propel you into the fulfillment and blessing of Yahweh’s purpose.
The Illusion
We have been challenged quite a few times with an assault against the principle of seedtime and harvest. We have watched in amazement, as some around us have appeared to prosper – people who have knowingly violated this amazing principle. We have to remind ourselves each time how those that have appeared to prosper, have always had to “pay the piper” (per say) in the end.
While it may be Yahweh testing our heart toward finances, it really comes down to the illusion that our eyes are only seeing what is happening in the natural realm. There is a song that Kevin Keihn (from the Rock of NW Arkansas) wrote that reveals the truth: “At the speed of light.” If we could see by His Spirit (and we can) into the spirit realm, we would see that our obedience and faithfulness cause a vortex – swirling the blessings of Yahweh – drawing them to us at the speed of light. What is incredible about that is – unlike the wealth of the wicked – “the blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.” Proverbs 10:22
Scriptures are full of the judgment of Yahweh – Psalm 37 – a favorite. If you need encouragement read this Psalm. “I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a native green tree. Yet he passed away, and behold, he was no more; Indeed I sought him, but he could not be found.” Psalm 37:35-36
The hardest times for us have been when we see nothing happening. We have learned and observed many times those that prosper unrighteously reap their just due. You have to know that Yahweh is a just God. If you can stand – “and let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:9
Doing what is right is not always easy – sometimes it comes at great cost. Being faithful day in and day out and not taking shortcuts may seem mundane and tedious. There are days we sometimes have to overcome voices saying, “it really doesn’t matter.” In the end, the only voice that matters to us is our Heavenly Father saying “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” Matthew 25:23
Seedtime & Harvest
If there is a mantra for our lives, it would be seedtime and harvest. When we begin to understand that Yahweh said, “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease.” Genesis 8:22, we will begin to have hope that everything can change. The realization that whatever we sow – we will reap – works both ways. Apostle Ball would always say that most people are just a couple of good decisions away from success. If we really could see down the road, we would value the choices we make everyday.
There are many analogies to the growing of grass, crops, etc. The stronger and healthier the plant, the less vulnerable it is to the ever present weeds that try to creep in and take hold. In our lives, we may not always be able to control the environment around us, but we do have the ability to make righteous decisions that will leave no room for the debris to find a way in. We just need to look at each decision we make and evaluate the inevitable yield it will produce. When we begin to make great decisions consecutively, it will not be long until we look back and see a perpetual harvest overtaking us.
It’s never too late to begin to change. One of the greatest characteristics of the Kingdom is the ability to redeem all that has been lost, stolen or given away. It does not matter your age, position in life, gender, etc., Yahweh is not partial (paraphrased Romans 2:11). Apostle Ball said recently, “God does not predestine your choices, but He does predestine the consequences of your decisions.” WOW – that statement alone answers some of the questions we may have had about our responsibility in the quality of life we live.
We have the ultimate helper – His Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit help us each day to sow into the redemption of His purpose in our own lives, in the realm of responsibility appointed to us, and in the eventual recovery of the earth – all for the Glory of Yahweh!
Principles
A friend asked us to share this encouraging word on our blog.
We wanted to encourage you with a few nuggets of wisdom we have gleaned over the years. They bless us to review often and believe they would do the same for you.
Since you have committed your life to Christ and have been baptized in His Holy Spirit, these words may help to guide and renew your thought process as the challenges of life seek to battle against you.
- Keep your hands clean and your heart pure
- Pray much in His Holy Spirit so that when you open your mouth, words of life will flow out
- Give Yahweh your first and your best and sow into those in need
- Set your face like a flint to Him and be not moved
- Honor your father and mother
- Honor those in authority above you and the elders in your life
- Keep your eyes from worthless things
- Choose to do what is right – even when no one is looking
- Make Yahweh – God of your mind, God of your will, God of your emotions, God of your appetite
- Always have an ear to hear His voice, His voice within in others and even His voice within your enemies
Believing that Yahweh’s Holy Spirit and Ministering Angels will keep you in the path He has chosen and appointed for you.
The Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence
Maybe it has been this way just for us, but these past 27 years have been marked with a bulldogged determination and a fight for so much of the ground that we have been able to redeem. The terms “pressing in,” “violent take it by force,” Matthew 11:12 and “having done all, to stand – stand” Ephesians 6:13-14 have been our hallmarks.
We believe that one of the fruits of the Spirit has to be stubbornness –we’re guessing “longsuffering” Galatians 5:22 might just cover that. We really could do a better job on the “longsuffering” side – instead of our tenacious and unwillingness to relent attitude. It makes us wonder sometimes if we languish in our own battles with Yahweh waiting for us to relinquish our hold and put our trust in His hands, not so much in our verbal assault – although we know that we must speak.
There are times we have come to realize that we might just be in a long-term conflict. The ground that we are fighting for must have significant value to our enemy. Learning to balance our responsibility as a voice in the earth with the utilization of our Heavenly resources might just produce less anxiety, frustration, and weariness on our part.
We trust that ministering angels, His Holy Spirit, and the finished work of Christ have all positioned us for victory. We must persevere and remember the wealth of support ready, willing, and able to come to our aid. Holy Spirit help us to speak when we need to speak, but not get so caught up in the fight that we lose sight of whose ultimate battle this is – all for the Glory of Yahweh.
“John answered and said, A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven.” John3:27
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