Category Archives: Little Things
Take a step back….
A great lesson we have learned over the years is to recognize the perils of tunnel vision and the fixation one can get when you are in the midst of a battle. When the throngs of assaults seem relentless and it feels as though the war is unending, being cognizant of your demeanor can sometimes be a challenge. Surrounding yourself with faithful friends, or having a spouse who is strong in the Lord is a tremendous defense. We have been blessed to be that for each other. Strength joined to strength.
It starts out very innocent – anger, frustration, and disappointment are easily displaced with the faith one has that things can change. If time progresses and there is no apparent evidence of any shift in momentum, it becomes more of a challenge to overcome those natural tendencies from finding residence in our minds. When it is an all-out, prolonged war, the obstacles to faith resoundingly seem to play over and over in our head and the opportunities for grumbling and complaining seem to find an open and awaiting audience with co-workers and acquaintances.
It’s time to take a step back. Not to concede ground to the enemy, but to assess where we are spiritually and mentally. If we find that we are set off by even the smallest of interruptions, it may be a sign that we have lost our focus and need to put our faith and trust back on to our Heavenly Father. His greatest gift to us is His Holy Spirit. Praying in the Spirit during these times has been a tower of refuge to us. Being able to recognize the signs and in turn speaking words of life to one another has enabled us to walk out some of the most intense battles. In the end, we have always come out victorious.
There have been those rare occasions where things have categorically gone in the opposing direction of our desires and beliefs. We have had to buck ourselves up and stand firm – trusting the Father – in due time just recompense will be visited back upon us. Yahweh is Faithful. Stand and endure!
“A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven.” John 3:27
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!
Irredeemable?
Walking by His Holy Spirit each day yields some of the greatest adventures. When we petition Him to help us be wise, sharp, and have good ideas – it should come as no surprise – He will do just that. We testified earlier about the watches that we bought and the ensuing revelation that came later. Being inspired to do something and then this incredible insight coming after is like getting overtaken with a gift. We love those “WOW” moments. We believe that Yahweh must take great joy in our obedience and pursuant spiritual perception.
We have come to realize that Yahweh is so about even the smallest details. “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” Luke 12:7 What we may have considered insignificant or irredeemable, He is more than able to restore – and in most cases – add exponential blessing. Our Heavenly Father does all things abundantly well!!!!
We have an incredible testimony about redeeming all that has been lost, stolen, or given away and about the ability to hear. When we were first married (28 years ago) – we had only one credit card with a major banking institution. We learned the value of paying off our card in full every month, but there were a few years where we kept a balance and paid only the minimum. With our modest incomes, the bank did not collect much in interest or fees during that time. This past year we invested in a stock – that at the time – was a good value and we were at peace with the decision. Recently Holy Spirit opened our eyes to see that we had invested in the same bank that our first credit card was with when we were just married. The stock has prospered and continues to prosper. We have been blessed to almost double our money – as well as – receive the quarterly dividends it provides. We have more than redeemed what would have been the amount they collected from us and Yahweh has gone above and beyond to what would probably be years of interest since that time. Amazing!
In our faithfulness to walk out each day by His Holy Spirit, we have aligned ourselves with His purpose and plan for our lives. We have not had to strategize or scheme to redeem all that was to be ours from the beginning of time. We have positioned ourselves to honor His Holy Spirit and many times without realizing it – found ourselves looking back and seeing all that has been more than recovered. Yahweh – You do all things abundantly well! “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way.” Psalm 37:23
Continuous hearing
Yahweh’s original intent was for us to have an ongoing, daily walk. There is no action that nullifies the necessity of a keenly attuned ear to the voice of His Holy Spirit.
In the day and time we live in today, most individuals need to start out like we did. We had to get into debt for our home and vehicles at one time. It was not Yahweh’s perfect, but we set our heart toward a life free from the constraints of being servant to the lenders. We always tried to live within our means. Our first house was small and gradually grew in size as our financial independence increased. We shared earlier about our practice of adding a little bit more to each payment as a seed and demonstration to Yahweh of our commitment. We considered the over and above as giving Yahweh something to work with. As we consistently set our heart that direction, He met our small seed with overwhelming harvest. It did not, though, absolve us of the necessity to always hear what His Holy Spirit was saying about where and when to invest or spend our money. We have shared stories of where friends or people we respected were investing in certain situations – only to have His Holy Spirit tell us it was not for us. Our obedience to His ongoing word has kept our stewardship and us on track – our investments have and continue to prosper.
We have given sizeable sums that have stretched our faith and we have had to say no to some of the most heart wrenching situations that tore at our heartstrings. We have also had offers presented to us that – in the natural – had the potential to yield a great return, but His voice to us was to not participate. His Holy Spirit has saved us from any loss along this journey by always speaking to us a word of confirmation. If it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is. If you have to get into debt for it and it is not your home or transportation – think long and hard.
We have learned that the principle of sowing and reaping is true and sure. Giving never absolves us from the necessity to always have an ear to hear. Lastly, let it be said of us, that we are a demonstration today that “you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow. And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God….” Deuteronomy 28:12-13
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.
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!
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.
Just don’t do it…..
Since committing our lives to Christ, we have not had to deal with the temptation of drinking, smoking, cussing (maybe a few times – only kidding), lying, or many other weakness of the flesh. It’s not that we have been without struggles. Being born again, they are just not a temptation for us and we have recognized there are just some things better left untouched.
Living in this world, there are many things we have to deal with in which we have no control – i.e. advertisements. While we may have no say in where they are placed, once we visually see their message – if bad – we do have the ability to make a conscious decision not to meditate or stare at them. We are continuously bombarded with faith-challenging TV commercials and sitcoms pressing the boundaries of what is at the core of our faith. While we may have been drawn in with great episodes, once they cross the line, we have made the choice to quit watching and change the channel at the first hint of impropriety. We have walked out on movies at the theater – even though we had taken the time and paid quite a bit of money for the opportunity – it’s just not worth it.
When it comes to our eating habits and controlling our weight, we have determined that there are just some things we do not need to buy at the store. We cannot buy “Cadbury mini eggs” (at Easter) 🙂 – they are better left on the shelf for someone else – we have no self-control in that department. In the battle of the bulge – we just can’t do it. Keeping a few lower calorie snacks helps us to appease that sweet craving without being out of control. We really try to watch what we keep in the house to eat. If we don’t have it, there is no temptation to eat it.
While we rely on Holy Spirit to be our compass on those things that are detrimental to us, we recognize there are just common sense decisions we can make so He won’t have to intervene. We try not to put ourselves in compromising or questionable positions. We know that one of the fruits of the Spirit is “self control” -we have come to realize that in a world where there is almost no control – we need to demonstrate it – sometimes that entails avoiding or walking away from tempting situations.
From the beginning…
From the moment we committed our lives to Christ, we have petitioned Yahweh to help us to become what he had originally intended us to be from the beginning of time. What He had purposed a husband and wife to be. To become and accomplish what His plan was for us from the moment we were a thought in Him. We knew that we wanted to go back to the beginning – to the creation – the garden – not to the fall of man. The fall of man in Genesis 3 brought a curse to the ground whereby man would have to toil with sweat and the woman would have painful labor in childbirth and her husband would rule over her. We knew that His original intention was not that. We were on a mission to redeem all that had been lost, stolen, or given away.
Since we did not have a pattern, we trusted His Holy Spirit to speak to us and guide us in every decision we made. We gleaned best practices from couples around us. We had many passionate disagreements early on. The one thing we committed to was to pursue Yahweh and be joined together to become one. Here’s what works for us:
We handle all financial matters together. We discuss our purchases, goals and spending. This especially helped us when we were determined to get out of debt. We kept each other on track – especially when those wants somehow become needs.
We make decisions together. We both have the same Holy Spirit in us – if we both honor Him, it’s amazing how “one” we become in our thoughts and judgments. We have done this many times – when we believe Holy Spirit is speaking to us about something – we’ll both write it down – we cannot tell you how many times we are both hearing the same things – exactly – amazing. Especially on major decisions, we determine not to move until we both have peace about it. Like we said before – we have never had buyer’s remorse or giver’s remorse when we are in agreement.
We have so much respect for each other. You will not find a greater advocate than what we are for each other. We have purposed to be open and honest with each other – no matter the circumstance. We never have to wonder what the other is thinking – we have no secrets. That can only happen when you truly take the time to invest in one another and value the giftings and anointings each person brings to the union. No matter how scary, how hard – share thoughts – praying and trusting Holy Spirit to intervene and mediate.
We are so blessed today to walk in such a great and wonderful relationship. Truly, to us, Yahweh has honored His word and we have become “one flesh” Matthew 19:5
Be like the wind….
“The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8
Apostle Ball taught many messages on “a Spirit-filled life will cause you to be like the wind.” Our lives should not be stagnant, routine, or predictable. We should keep the enemy on his toes, always wondering what we are doing. We should keep him on edge and unable to keep his “fiery darts” steady – hindering them from hitting their mark – us. We are not talking about being reckless and irresponsible – in fact – we ought to be the ones who are most responsible and dependable. You can absolutely be unpredictable, yet steadfast and unshakable.
There have been many studies about the benefits of changing your routine regularly on just the natural level. It’s like an adrenalin rush to your brain to try to do everyday activities differently – i.e. brush your teeth with your opposite hand; drive to work a different way; try new cuisine. If it causes our brains to have to scramble and keep up, imagine the turmoil we cause the enemy when we switch things up naturally and spiritually.
Holy Spirit has inspired us to give away some things unexpectedly. He has spoken to us to change our vacation plans and sow that time as seed into others. He has challenged us to do some things differently – because they have become routine. We have learned to have open minds and open hearts – to be willing to change and be changed.
If you find yourself in a rut; if you find that your days follow the exact same routine; if you have become stagnant and bored, start small and change a few things. If you listen to music all the time, switch up and read a book. A good start would be to spend time sowing to the Spirit. Holy Spirit is ready, willing and able to inspire, incite and challenge us to become “like the wind.”
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.
When Yahweh’s heaven meets our earth…
Something we have realized throughout our Kingdom walk is that, as much as we have experienced so far, Yahweh is so much more. Most people see Yahweh as a far off; limited in His ability; waiting for someone to mess up so He can punish them; elusive; or detached. To us, He has been a faithful father – generous, interested, funny, kind, and insightful. We believe that Yahweh is for us and, if allowed, wants to infuse, infiltrate and saturate us to equip us to rule and reign on this earth. He so wants us to join Him and walk out a life full of purpose. When we begin to see the magnanimous response from Yahweh to our yielding of the most basic principles, we will begin to see that His vision of redeeming the earth is not only plausible, but also overwhelmingly inevitable with committed and faithful sons.
When you think about the process of salvation – we give up just our natural life – in return – Christ comes to abide in us and all the resources of heaven by Holy Spirit are made available to us. “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory…” Ephesians 3:20
When you think about the tithe and offering – we give our 10% (tithe) and sow our offerings. Yahweh’s measure back: “Give, and it will be given to you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over…” Luke 6:38 “And try Me now in this, says the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.” Malachi 3:10
In every area of life, as we have yielded ourselves to Yahweh, He has so overtaken us with blessing, favor and life. We so want each reader’s faith to be increased as well as their view and estimation of who Yahweh wants to be in their life. When we begin to understand that our obedience – even in the smallest measure – is met with a more generous heavenly response, we will begin to demonstrate to this world a life abundant.
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