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!!!

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.