Category Archives: Another’s Things
A different spirit…..
We believe that we have rehearsed this story before, but for emphasis, it is essential to do it again. Apostle Ball, on many occasions, has reflected on the story out of Numbers concerning the children of Israel scouting out the promised land. The scriptures state that “not many went in” – when in fact – only Joshua and Caleb (2 of 12 spies) out of the adult population at that time were allowed to enter.
When you think about it again for the first time, you could equate the promised land to the land we occupy today. There are definite giants that have arisen in the United States. To Yahweh – many must sound like the 10 spies that came back and said “The land through which we have gone as spies is a land that devours it’s inhabitants, and all the people whom we saw in it are men of great stature. There we saw the giants and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.” Numbers 13:32-33
This is the report of Joshua and Caleb: “The land we passed through is an exceedingly good land. If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land which flows with milk and honey. Only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them.” At these words, the Israelites wanted to stone them.
“Now the glory of the Lord appeared in the tabernacle of meeting before the children of Israel. Then the Lord said to Moses: “How long will these people reject Me? And how long will they not believe Me, with all the signs which I have performed among them?” Numbers 14:10-11
You can read as Moses pleads for Yahweh to forgive the iniquity and transgressions of the children of Israel. “Then the Lord said: ‘I have pardoned, according to your word; but truly, as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord – because all these men who have seen My glory and the signs which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have put Me to the test now these ten times, and have not headed My voice, they certainly shall not see the land which I swore to their fathers, nor shall any of those who rejected Me see it. But My servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit in him and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land where he went, and his descendants shall inherit it.’” Numbers 14:20-24
We can testify today, after 28 years of walking out this Kingdom walk, that Yahweh is truly with us. We have wholeheartedly trusted and headed His every word to us. His protection has kept us, blessed us, prospered us, and healed us. Just recently we have been blessed to acquire a piece of land to us that would exemplify “our promised land.” Yahweh has more than demonstrated His ability to keep and prosper “those whose hearts are loyal to Him.” 2Chronicles 16:9
Let it be said of us and of those who will hear His voice – that we have a “different spirit”. That we will follow and trust our Heavenly Father fully. That we will not fear man or any giants that may rise up against us. That we trust and have confidence in the protection that Yahweh has and will provide. That we have an attentive ear to His Holy Spirit’s every word. That, in the end, we will have brought glory unto Yahweh and left an indelible mark on this earth with our faithfulness to share of His omnipotence!
The seed for your need
A principle that Apostle Ball rehearsed over and over again was that “Yahweh seldom gives you what you need, but always gives you the seed for what you need.” While there are many words and principles that govern our lives, the exercise of sowing away the seed for our need has permeated into every part of our Kingdom walk. It not only works in the financial arena, but it can also yield an amazing harvest in your body, relationships, etc. Walking this principle out has not only increased our faith, but has also magnified our Heavenly Father in our eyes. He is more than you can ask or think.
Our greatest help, ally, and wisdom throughout the decision-making process is undoubtedly His Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit is able to help us judge each and every situation. The peace that only He can bring has guided us through each and every decision we have had to make.
Yahweh started us out with a small seed. It has steadily grown. There have been times where the seed has been so unbelievable large – it has taken all the faith we could muster and then some. The Father has always been faithful to reinforce what we are hearing with confirming signs along the way. An exciting revelation is that our seed is providing the need for someone else. How amazing is that. We actually get to be a conduit for Yahweh to bring about the need of others.
After so many years of repetitively getting the opportunity to sow, we have created a garden so large that we have set ourselves to reap perpetually. It’s like the perennial garden, some seeds are so magnanimous – you will sow and reap a harvest year after year.
While we have no green thumb in the natural, by the Spirit, our garden is so lush, green, and fruitful. As we have been faithful to sow the seed for our need, we have not only been able to redeem all that was lost, stolen, or given away, but have also been able to do and be more than we ever thought or imagined we could. All for Your glory Yahweh!
Suddenly????
There are many things in life where we can see the progression of an action that culminates in a final objective being met – i.e. losing weight. It is apparent in a very natural way. We see the number on the scale getting smaller and our clothes begin to fit better. We observe with our natural eyes the fruit of being diligent to reduce calories and/or exercising. There is no suddenly in weight loss.
Suddenly, by definition is, “happening unexpectedly, and quick without warning” Dictionary App – Catlin Software, LLC. While we cannot argue with the world’s definition of suddenly, we can tell you from our Kingdom experience – most of our “suddenlies” have been predicated upon our faithful stewardship and seedtime and harvest. Just as in the weight loss example, as we have been diligent to honor Yahweh with our first and our best and kept our hearts a place for His Holy Spirit to abide and thrive, we have positioned ourselves for His provision and blessing to flow – bringing His heaven into our earth. While the suddenly maybe a job promotion, if we kept our spiritual eyes open, we would see that it was a very natural progression of our faithfulness.
There have only been a few times where we have been challenged as to whether we could believe that there ever would be that suddenly. We have had situations that have appeared to be impossible, ingrained, and entrenched. The faithfulness of His Holy Spirit to speak to us and declare that “in a moment – things can change,” has enabled us to believe and persevere – knowing that our suddenly is about to be made manifest. We can honestly say that in every circumstance our suddenly came – He is faithful and true!
For us, “suddenlies” have been an exciting time. What we have expected and hoped for has been made manifest. While we may not know the exact time of it’s arrival, having spiritual eyes to see – it is a very natural (in a spiritual way) progression of our faithfulness. “Yahweh is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6
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.
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.
If you always walk in truth……
Something we have always said since we established our relationship with Yahweh is: “If we always walk in truth, we will never have to worry about the footprints we leave behind.” H. Jordan So many men and women have fallen from grace at the pinnacle of their profession, sport, or in their personal relationships. When the enemy comes – and he will come – we want him to find nothing in us.
The enemy tries to get kingdomers to compromise their integrity all the time – whether it is using the company’s office supplies for their personal use or cheating Uncle Sam on their tax returns. Even the smallest of indiscretions or deceit leaves an open door for the enemy to enter. He seems to enjoy waiting until the most opportune time to expose – a time when the disgrace will have it’s greatest impact.
We have always purposed – if there is even the slightest question of integrity – we always want to do what is right – even if it is to our detriment. If we become aware of any lapse in judgment, we quickly repent and try to make the situation right. We have full confidence that Yahweh will always provide for us.
We are not on our own. “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.” John 16:13 We have set ourselves to give His Holy Spirit full access to every part of our lives and since He is the Spirit of Truth, we trust that He is more than capable of keeping us blameless before the enemy if we honor Him.
We long to honor Yahweh, as well as those great men He has placed in our lives, with every decision we make. Holy Spirit keep us, convict us, and save us – all for the glory of Yahweh in the earth.
Stewardship vs. Ownership
“The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.” Psalm 24:1
“A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven.” John 3:27
Understanding our position as stewards over what our Heavenly Father entrusts to us has kept us from stumbling many times in our Kingdom walk. Whether it was a promotion we didn’t get or a crack in our windshield, we learned not to sweat the circumstances we had no control over. Were we disappointed in either situation? Yes. The times when aggravation and frustration overstay their welcome, are the times we realize we might just be taking ownership of the situation and need to repent to Yahweh and release it back to Him. Our response should always be – Yahweh you know! When we truly believe that our steps are ordered, we will understand our faithfulness will ultimately produce perpetual blessing. Our reaction and state of mind will either position us for increase or we will eventually succumb to the frustration of our own futile mind.
Whether it is a job, place, idea, vision, person, pet, or thing, we must understand that Yahweh is the owner of it all – we will be judged on our stewardship over His treasures entrusted to us. We believe that it has helped us to value and maintain all that surrounds us – each other, friends, our career, finances, and all the things given to us. All we have control over is our faithfulness throughout each given day. When circumstances around us seem to get out of control, we must look to Yahweh and trust that “He is working all things for our good.”(paraphrased from Romans 8:28)
Do unto others….
Something Apostle Ball taught us early on was to rejoice with those who rejoice. If you cannot be happy for those who are receiving blessing, you’ll never sow the seed for the blessing to come to you. Some people become bitter and complain about their situations – only to prolong the agonizing wait. We have talked about it so many times – the law of seedtime and harvest applies to these situations – not to mention “the golden rule” – Matthew 7:12 “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them.” It is a great lesson to think about as you go through your day. It can really become natural as you meditate on this law and interact with people and situations. For example: for Christmas we purchased a hostess gift for someone who had invited us to their home. It was an electric grinder for salt and pepper. We noticed that it required batteries – which it did not come with. Thinking about what we would want – to be able to use it right away –we purchased batteries, peppercorns, and sea salt and put them in the bag. We wanted the receiver to not have to look for the items in their home – maybe to be disappointed and unable to use the gift. A little forethought can make someone’s day and sow a seed for blessing to come back and overtake you – so that you can have everything you need.
We know that it can be hard to overcome your mind – especially when times have been tough. You may have been faithful and waiting on your harvest. Sometimes Yahweh tests our hearts. We need to be confident – knowing that our Heavenly Father knows what we have need of and in due time (as Pastor Ron used to say – “He is seldom early, but never late”) we will receive all that He has for us. It all comes down to a choice. Make a conscious choice to be happy for those around you who are reaping blessings in their lives – soon you will find those around you rejoicing with you as you receive all that you have sown for.
Another Man’s Things….
Genesis 8:22 “While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Winter and summer, And day and night Shall not cease.” There have been several significant times in our lives that correlate to the principle of Seedtime and harvest. On those occasions where we have moved to be a part of helping someone else fulfill their vision – i.e. The Rock of Wilmington, The Rock of Mobile, etc. – we have been blessed and overtaken with the hopes and dreams within our own hearts. When we moved to Wilmington, NC some years ago to help Pastor Ron & Norma establish the The Rock of Wilmington, we received our first store. When we moved to Mobile to come along side of Apostle Aaron & Robbie, we were overtaken with a great promotion. We could go on, but the significant message here is that when you set yourself aside and help someone else with what they are called to do, it has been proven that our Heavenly Father is overjoyed to precipitate your own visions and dreams. Moving and joining yourself to someone is not an exclusive definition of helping someone else fulfill their dreams. Some examples maybe to give of your time, babysit, be a friend, make a meal, send a card, pray for someone, mow someone’s yard, financially contribute, etc. When you sow a seed selflessly, you set in motion the principle established by Yahweh that is a constant – it cannot help but come back and overtake you.
Apostle Ball said “Be faithful in the little things, be faithful in another man’s things, and be faithful in your money – guaranteed success” Thank you Apostle for sharing the Keys to the Kingdom. They have marked our lives and set us on a journey of abundant adventure and blessing. Who would want to live any other way?
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
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