Author Archives: kingdombizness
Twenty More Feet….
We were asked by our company to take a three-year assignment to help make a positive change in a challenging area of the country. Believing that we could make a difference, we accepted and set out for the adventure of discovering a beautiful area of the country we had never visited or lived in. We were even met with the affront of someone telling us that “this area had chewed up and spit out everyone who took the position.” Our declaration was “NOT US.” Yahweh had always blessed the work of our hands and we knew that it would be hard, but ultimately – with His help – we would prevail. The first year was ok, the second year pretty bad and by the third year we started to question if we had really heard the word to move and take on this opportunity. Nothing seemed to be going our way – in fact – it was going the opposite way. We would see glimmers of change, but the agony of misfortunes outweighed any hope that this ship was going to turn. In the heat of our perseverance and near the end of our commitment we were faced with a decision – come back home (after all that was the agreement) or request to stay for another year. Yahweh being Yahweh – we were in a church service during this time and one of the ministers (who was building a house) got up to testify about the costs and dilemmas with digging his well. They had reached water, but not his desire to have a certain amount or amount of water pressure needed (can’t remember the details exactly). The man digging the well told the minister that he could continue digging – at a cost of course – but could not guarantee that at a certain number of feet he would reach the ministers desired levels for the water. Agreeing to go twenty more feet – in an attempt to achieve what he was looking for – it only took a few feet and his desire was met. Holy Spirit began to speak to us about committing another year – committing to twenty more feet as it were. We set our face and let the company know that we wanted to stay another year. WOW – in our willingness to go above and beyond our commitment, Yahweh began to bless our area – not just a little bit – we hit a GUSHER! We had such a prosperous year on every level – at our yearly meeting – we were honored to receive a leadership award. To testify further of the blessing of Yahweh, even after we came back home – after that 4th year – that area of the country led the company for several years.
So many people give up in that 11th hour. We learned several valuable lessons:
Your provision maybe just around the corner – don’t give up or don’t give in.
Some things take a little longer, but the end result will be more than you can ask or think.
Stand strong, pray, and persevere – it’s worth it
Keeping things simple
We really should preface this post by saying that we are both somewhat obsessive compulsive – we believe in a good way though. A lot of people feel the need to hold on to things incase there is a “rainy day.” We are sure that this could be a nationwide epidemic – have you noticed people’s garages? They may have things of value in them, but they seem to get lost in the sea of unnecessary clutter. We have a litmus test for the stuff that hangs around our house. If we have not used it within a year or two – it is given away or sent to the Salvation Army. We have to war against this plague though – we currently have too many boxes in our attic. We try to purge often – the kitchen pantry, clothes, household items, paperwork, sports equipment, etc. If you are like us, you have to wonder – how does that junk drawer that I just organized a couple of months ago get so messed up? It is a constant battle, but so worth the fight. Apostle Ball had great insight on the accumulation of stuff – he would recite the to-do list: insure it, store it, maintain it, worry about it, clean it, and move it. When we have accumulated too much stuff, we notice that we start to feel anxious. There is great freedom and liberty in the ability to let go and simplify your life.
Learning how to assess value to something really helps. Unless it has a true sentimental value – and we scrutinize how precious – we have come to the conclusion that someone else could benefit from its presence more than us. By the prompting of Holy Spirit, we have even given away some of those truly special treasures. We try never to get to the place where we hold on to something too tightly – always believing that Yahweh is our source.
It has really helped us to curb our frivolous spending. Establishing a need for something will keep you on track to maybe not buy that shirt that you might wear one day – the price is so cheap – hard to pass up – only to find that shirt a year later in the closet with the tags still on it.
Keeping things neat, simple and organized is so freeing. It takes quite a bit of time and energy, but the benefits far outweigh the alternative.
Hearing His Voice
You would think after 27 years that we would be so confident in our ability to hear the Father’s voice. We have found that no matter how long you have been a believer, “Today if you will hear His voice” Hebrews 3:7. It is all about today. We have heard Apostle Ball say so many times:
It’s Yahweh’s responsibility to speak to you in a way that you will understand – you just have to keep yourself in a place to hear
Sometimes you may have too many voices around you – you may have to step away from some things in order to hear what He has to say
Don’t worry about missing it – He will bring it back around
Yahweh knows where you are – do not always be looking for a word – you might just hear one – it may not be from Him
Give Yahweh the authority to intervene if you are headed down the wrong road
About twenty years ago, we had the opportunity to adopt twins. The woman was making the decision between us and another couple, but leaning heavily toward us. We prayed and asked Yahweh if we were heading down the wrong path to intervene – He did – at the last-minute she chose the other couple. We wondered then, but know today that it was right. We may not have any natural children, but Yahweh has brought some children into our lives that are so one with us by the Spirit. We are able to sow into them – it’s a beautiful thing.
We have always recognized the most important part of this relationship is to keep our hands clean and our hearts pure. As the psalmist David said “do not take your Holy Spirit from me” Psalm 51:11. Honoring the Holy Spirit in our lives is of utmost priority. Yahshua (Jesus) said “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth: for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.” We cannot tell you how many times that the Holy Spirit has spoken or made us aware of certain circumstances – only to find out – that we would very soon be put in situations where that information was so critical. We call those times “Holy Ghost set-ups.” He is always faithful.
The hardest times for us have been the quiet times. We have experienced a few of those seasons where we have felt that He was not speaking to us at all. We have taken great solace in the words of Apostle Ball that “Yahweh knows where you are.” We do a good heart check and if we are not convicted – we trust that when it is our time, He will be faithful to speak.
We all wish that the Father would just write us a letter and spell out His perfect plan. The only problem with that is – it would not be a walk of faith and would require very little of us. Walking out His purpose day by day requires relationship – isn’t that what our Heavenly Father originally desired from the beginning of time.
You can make someone’s day
A valuable lesson we have learned through the years is the power of our voice and words. We learned that every human being longs for a measure of acceptance and recognition. We are not talking about the constant praise and adoration that self-absorbed people need. Your thought-out words at the right time can not only build up a relative or friend, but also yield great reward. Philippians 2:3-4 “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”
As a married couple – we learned the value that each of us brings to our relationship. We realized early on that we did not want a boss or friend to be the primary encourager. We learned to recognize and appreciate each other and develop such a great relationship that we believe will be enduring and solid to the end. You will not find a greater advocate than what we are for each other. We are strength joined to strength!
Appreciation takes only a moment, but can produce a prolonged effect for the person receiving it. Just because someone seems strong or has been walking in the Kingdom for quite some time, does not mean that they do not need to hear a word of encouragement from time to time. Sometimes those in ministry (especially) need to hear the good things that are happening in your life – as well as the appreciation due them for being so supportive.
There is an anomaly that happens when we practice this – we end up being blessed and encouraged ourselves. It is such an enigma – how do you get so much when you give? How do you get lifted up when you humble yourself? How do you live such a great life when you die to yourself?
Only Yahweh!
Finance for us as a couple
Throughout the years we have met many couples that handle their finances in many different ways. Some of the couples have separate bank accounts; some have their own accounts and a joint account together; some have a joint account and give each other an allowance of sorts to spend as they wish. We chose to have joint accounts. Knowing how tough it can be to sort through financial matters – we chose to do everything together. If only one spouse handles the finances, it really hinders the relationship in so many ways. We learned that we could handle financial challenges much better together – if times were tough – we both knew that we would have to curb our impulse spending. On major purchases it was important for us to both feel good about the transaction. We have never had “buyers remorse” if we were in agreement about our decision. We also try to wait on major purchases as well – we wait several days to a week to ensure that we feel good about going ahead. For us, it is a team effort. One Christmas we wanted to have some extra money – we both took on a part-time job. We always felt it was important for each other to be aware of how much money we had, where it was, and that we were on the same page of “sowing to our future.” BTW – we had to remind each other, now and then, that we needed to “sow to our future” – especially when the desire for those “wants” seemed larger than life. Being accountable to one another brought us great strength and today has helped us to be prepared for our future. Yahweh knows the desires of your heart. Proverbs 10:22 states “The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.” When you honor Yahweh with your first and your best and keep your heart a place for Holy Spirit to dwell and thrive, the best kind of financial provision – “with no sorrow” – can set you on a path to accomplish great things. When money becomes a tool and not a desire, it can be a source of great provision for making His name great in the earth.
Give Yahweh(God) something to work with
Tackling debt was a major priority for us. We recognized how it tied us down and having to go to the bank and reveal every detail of our life was so invasive. We knew there had to be a better way. Yahweh’s promise for us to be the “lender and not the borrower” kept us on a path which – at times – felt very narrow. We attacked debt like we did our offerings. We would give Yahweh something to work with – even if it was as small as a grain of mustard seed. We would add some amount over and above what the bank required – even if it was $10 – adding more as He bless the work of our hands. We believed that Yahweh could bless the over and above and see that we were serious in our attempt to eradicate debt – He did. Holy Spirit also challenged us with a word that Apostle Ball spoke about “just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.” We learned that our needs and wants were two different things. We would not take elaborate vacations, buy expensive jewelry, or purchase any frivolous item – knowing that those items we had always wanted would come one day in our faithfulness – we would always say “we are sowing to our future.” Today we are living in that future – to the Praise of His Glory!!!
Why Blog?
We have been asked – so many times – “when are going to write a book about your lives?” To us – we seem pretty ordinary – although we do have to admit – we are very blessed. We walk in the blessing of Yahweh(God) in so many areas of our life. We are truly thankful for His Holy Spirit (who dwells in us) – He has kept us on a path that has led us on quite an incredible journey. Starting at the beginning, we have to thank and acknowledge Apostle F. Nolan Ball of the Rock of Panama City, FL. We started attending the Rock back in February of 1985. Through the practical and spiritual teaching of Apostle Ball, we heard a voice within a voice. We really learned to have a personal relationship with our Heavenly Father. Apostle Ball released some incredibly practical words that have marked our life today. His guaranteed success: Be faithful in little things, be faithful in another man’s things, and be faithful in your money. This word is out of Luke 16. If you are into “get rich quick” schemes – this blog is not for you. It is all about “seed, time, and harvest” and stewardship. We hope to share some of the practical things we have learned along the way – maybe you can hear “the voice within the voice” and be touched by the Father in such a way that you can say – “I am blessed in so many areas of my life” – so much so that you can pass on to others – because you have so much to give….
So here it goes – We want those who read this blog to understand that we are not theologians, we are sharing because of inquiries – please do you and us a favor – if this is not for you – quit reading and find something else to read. We will try to keep these short – but understand there is so much contained in each topic – it will be ever developing……
Tithe & Offering
Tithe & Offering: The tithe is 10% of your gross earnings – the first and the best “The Earth is the Lord’s and all it’s fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.” Psalm 24:1 We actually acknowledge Yahweh’s ownership when we tithe and give – we have truly experienced that “He will rebuke the devourer for our sakes.” Malachi 3:11 We have always been taught – which makes total sense to us – that your tithe should go to the church that you attend – where you get the nourishment from the word. Once given – we have learned to release those funds – our responsibility is to give – what the ministry does with the money – they will be accountable to Yahweh (God). As we have heard it said so many times – the tithe just rents the field for you to be able to sow seed. Apostle Ball shared a practice he & Ms. Shirley had started that helped us so much. He talked about that once you start tithing and giving – start with just 1% above your tithe as your offering. When that becomes easy (it may take a year – whatever the time length) add another 1% and continue. It made it so easy and we really looked at it as our prophetic tithe – always giving on money you hope to receive. We contribute this principle to the perpetual blessing we walk in today. We are always looking for great places to sow seed. We look for great people, worthwhile non-profits, and any avenue Holy Spirit puts in our hearts. Giving is not always monetary, we look for other ways to sow seed – our time, our talent or maybe something of value that we have.
kingdombizness 