Category Archives: Foundation
See it again for the first time… (a different perspective)
There have been many times that we have questioned what was happening around us. We have found ourselves in circumstances that were unsettling, uncomfortable, and at times unpleasant. Always believing that “our steps are ordered by Yahweh,” we would press on convinced that our situation was temporary and maybe if we bombarded Heaven with enough prayer – things would change. Something Apostle Ball said years ago has come back to us many times – “hopefully Yahweh doesn’t answer some of our prayers.” We have often joked that Yahweh must sometimes shake His head and say “bless their hearts – they’ll understand soon.” Romans 8:26 “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weakness. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” Apostle Ball taught us early on the importance of honoring Holy Spirit and giving Him every opportunity to show Himself mighty on our behalf.
Having a Jack Russell, we find ourselves walking quite a bit. We enjoy the time together and it gives us opportunity to talk. On one of these walks, we were dialoging – one of us complaining (we won’t say who) – about the environment we found ourselves in. To be honest, the observations and complaints were valid – but as we walked and talked a bigger picture unfolded. All of a sudden it was if a curtain had been pulled back and the importance of our environment was made crystal clear. We could see that if circumstances were any different it would impede Yahweh’s purpose for us. We really could not be in any better place – so necessary – so purposed – we (I) just couldn’t see it until my spiritual eyes we opened. Thank you Yahweh for giving us time and bypassing some of our petitions – keeping us in Your way and full of life.
Steady on….
Life, sometimes, can be a thrilling roller coaster ride. The ups and downs can be quite dramatic. When the pace of life speeds up and your schedule is not quite your own, you can get swept into a vortex of activity where it becomes a challenge to maintain a sense of peace and control. Emotions are good, but Apostle Ball taught us long ago that if you allow your emotions to dictate your relationship with Yahweh, you often find yourself off course, unsure and sore from the whiplash of life’s circumstances.
Recently we have been traveling extensively – many special occasions just happened to fall close together and required us to maintain a high energy pace. Through it all – it has been a challenge to keep our spirit in tune and not allow all the distractions to wear us down. We were not always successful, but thanks to Holy Spirit – those gentle words of “steady on” brought us back to that place of rest in Him and the reality that our emotions and feelings do not dictate our relationship with the Father.
What Yahweh is looking for is our obedience. When we honor Him with our first and best and keep our hearts a place for Holy Spirit to abide, we can be confident before Him and know that He is working all things for our good. Even when a few storms come our way, we can know that He will bring us through. We strive to maintain that “steady on” attitude. We try to not allow our emotions to reach too high when great things happen and not get too low when we are disappointed.
Yahweh promised to order our steps – our commitment is relationship and His will. No matter what comes our way, we have purposed to stay steady on. We will not be moved by what we see, but by what we know He has purposed and planned for us. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Your will be done Yahweh – in and through us. No matter what comes our way, Holy Spirit help us to be “steady on!”
How do you start your day?
We have recognized our need over the last many years for divine intervention in and throughout our day. We have never liked to settle for the status quo. If you had access to incredible resources, wouldn’t you like to take advantage of those opportunities?
James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” Proverbs 24:5 (NIV version) “The wise prevail through great power, and those who have knowledge muster their strength.” Our favorite: John 16:13 “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.” Wow – if there was ever a time when we needed to know what is to come – it’s now. Honoring His Holy Spirit can set you apart and on a path to uncovering your purpose and responsibility and equip you with all that you need.
We like to start our day by laying hands on each other and asking the Father for His wisdom, knowledge and good ideas. We entreat Holy Spirit to speak to us throughout our day and show us things to come. We charge our ministering angels to keep us in His way, to watch over us and keep us safe.
We can testify of His faithfulness in all of the above. We do not set limits and fully expect that we will continue to redeem all that has been lost, stolen or given away in our lives. We have resources and a mandate from our Heavenly Father. Let’s join together and unleash His Spirit and angels on this earth until all things are under His feet.
You know what…
In giving Yahweh full liberty in our lives, it should not amaze us that His Holy Spirit is faithful to touch those things in us that are hindering His fullness. While we are so appreciative, sometimes it becomes a tug-of-war between our flesh and spirit. We know the choice that we should make, but we often think – how could this really matter in the scope and scale of things? Or other people are not having any problem with this – why are you requiring this of us? Yahweh knows what He has for each of us and where we are in the process of redemption. Sometimes His Holy Spirit deems it necessary to bring around those areas of development over and over again until we get it right – believe us – we are not complaining – we are so thankful that He loves us so much. We know that our Heavenly Father is longsuffering, but we are sure that if we ignore His promptings, His voice will diminish in us until we repent. We cannot live without His voice – help us Holy Spirit to respond quickly!
About 20 years ago we heard Ron Corzine minister at the Rock of Panama City (the details are definitely not totally word for word, but the essence of the story is still the same). He told a funny story about a parrot on a perch out in front of a pet store in the mall. A man was walking by and this parrot yelled to him – “Hey you.” The man turned around and said to the bird “What?” The parrot proceeded to say, “you’re stupid and you look funny.” The man –astonished – turned around and kept walking. The parrot continued in his rant yelling at the man “Hey you.” Once again the man turned around and responded “What?” – only to have the bird yell “you’re stupid and you look funny.” Angered, the man was determined to find the storeowner and complain about the obnoxious parrot. The owner apologized for the unruly bird. He went to the front of the store – took the bird in his hands – shook it and told it not to say those things again. Satisfied, the man went on his way. After shopping, the man had to walk back by the pet store. To his amazement and shock, the parrot once again yelled “Hey you.” Not believing his ears, the man turned to the bird and said “What?” Smugly the bird responded – “you know what!”
There are times in our lives where Holy Spirit has had to keep bringing up areas in us that have to change. After repetitive attempts to get our attention, we have said to Holy Spirit “What?” – only to have His response be “you know what…”
Continue Yahweh to surface those obstacles that would disqualify us from ruling and reigning in the earth today. Thank you Holy Spirit for Your diligence and faithfulness to us. It may take a couple of times around the woodshed – but it’s worth it.
Who’s word wins?
The world has given many labels or words to various people: ADHD, cancer, depression, physically challenged, slow, weak, useless, etc. As believers, we have the option to receive the natural word, or embrace the option of a supernatural word. We are not relegated to this tangible earth, for us there is a higher power. No matter what the world names something, there is a “name that is above every name.” Philippians 2:9
If we can receive Him, by faith, our situations can change. We cannot settle; we cannot surrender. Matthew 11:12 “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.” We have to say that for the last 27 years, we have continually had to press into the kingdom – not settling for the status quo. We have not received the negative words that have come our way, but have chosen to defer to the purpose and provision that Yahweh has prepared for us from the beginning of time. We love the statement that a friend’s son said in response to a teacher’s negative word to him: “those words are dead and they fall to the ground.” It doesn’t get any better than that! As long as time remains, let it will be said of us – “we have fought the good fight, we have finished the race, we have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4
Holy Spirit – we believe that you will help us – identify those words – inspire us to revolt – until “all things are under Your feet” Ephesians 1
Is there a pattern?
We believe that there are some things that are constant and produce a desired result – i.e. tithing; other situations are so unique that they require us to be able to hear the Father’s voice. We all would like for there to be a clear-cut pattern or road to follow, but Yahweh made us all unique – what might work for you – may not work for us. Yahweh’s intention was to walk with us and guide us by His voice into all that He has purposed for us. The Father states in Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” We have always sought to remain in that place where we can hear Yahweh’s voice. There have been times that we have been distracted, tired, or discouraged. Hearing that still, small voice is so crucial to us, when it is not there, we will do whatever it takes to get back to that communion and fellowship – there is life in that place.
Some of our decisions, at times, may have been viewed as unorthodox or unwise. We purchased a home in a subdivision that was struggling. There were only 5 homes built – 4 of which were for sale. Most people would say that it was an unwise decision, but we knew that it was what we were supposed to do. Within two years, the subdivision was built-out and all the homes were sold. Sometimes you may hear a word to do something out of the ordinary – conventional wisdom may go against it – but be faithful to hear and obey – Yahweh’s provision and blessing might just be in it.
Apostle Ball has always talked about the difference between a river and a canal. A river that Yahweh has made will have many turns and bends. A canal that man has made is a straight line – the shortest distance possible. Our life together has definitely mirrored a river. We are sure that people around us have sometimes questioned the turns and bends that we have encountered. We can testify to the amazing adventures that have been at every turn – great new friends, beautiful scenery, and His provision.
If there is a pattern in our lives – it is – “honor Yahweh with our first and our best and keep our hearts a place for His Holy Spirit to abide……”
Relating….
One thing that we appreciate about our relationship is that we are truly best friends. There is no subject off-limits for us to discuss. We realized early on that if we had a problem with one another, talking with someone else about the issue was not going to change things. By being open and honest with each other, there is nothing hidden. Stress does not build up in our relationship – which we believe keeps our marriage healthy. If one of us struggles with an issue – we purpose to join together to help one another through. It’s another reason we need to be strong in the Spirit and our spirit. If we both keep ourselves in right relationship with our Heavenly Father – as a couple – we can be strength joined to strength. A sign and a wonder.
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……
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