After weathering storms and tribulations in life, we are sometimes tempted to temper our hopes, dreams and visions. After all – the way we thought it would happen only brought disappointment when things didn’t work out. Sometimes we question our ability to hear and our interpretation of confirming signs. Did we believe for too much? Does this world’s system really have the ability to deny the provision and blessing of Yahweh? OR Could our dreams have been too small and Yahweh’s purpose and plan for us bigger than we can fathom right now?

If there is one thing that we have learned over these 27 years – it is that Yahweh is a “rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 A quote from Apostle Ball’s book “Quotes from a modern day Apostle” sums up what Holy Spirit is stirring in us at this time. “I think the great shame, the great reproach upon us, is that we do not ask abundantly. We do not ask in an exaggerated way. Yahweh is wanting to do more. He is wanting to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all we can ask or think. So if we can think it, it is not too much. If we can dream it, it is not too much. Not many of us are in danger of overstepping the bounds by asking for too much. Most of us are not pushing the limits.” (Page 9)

If we are to redeem all that has been lost, stolen, or given away – we need to think big. We need to set our face in the morning, employ our ministering angels, and petition our helper – the Holy Spirit – to give us good ideas, favor and provision for our day. We need to declare the awakening of the earth’s resources to come to our aid. We need to set ourselves to be Yahweh’s tools of redemption for a lost people, government for a chaotic earth, and strength for a mighty revolution for Yahweh’s Glory to be revealed in us!!!

Part 2 of previous post.  Something we blogged about earlier and that Apostle Ball repetitively emphasized was the importance of being thankful. When we are in the crux of the battle – rehearsing all the good things and being thankful for all the great people in our lives – brings us “out of the fog” and into a state of faith and hope. We find that our spirit becomes more aligned with His Spirit and once again our resolve is renewed and our confidence boosted. The situations may not immediately change, but our perspective does. We believe that the times we have truly looked deep and chose to be thankful – even in the midst of despair – we have accelerated “through” the circumstances. Remember – situations will come to pass – how long it takes maybe up to us.

We love how Yahweh will so confirm what He is speaking. We saw this interview of a gentlemen named John Kralik – here is an excerpt from his website for his book (http://365thankyounotes.com/book-simple-act-of-gratitude.php):

“A Simple Act of Gratitude is a book that tells the story of an inspiration, the writing of 365 Thank You Notes, and how my life was changed by the people who received them.

In December 2007, I had reached what I viewed as a nadir in my life. While my life seemed full of debts and disasters, I ached for the things and the security I felt I deserved. On January 1, 2008, as this dissatisfaction pervaded my thoughts, I took a walk in the mountains above Pasadena, where I was inspired to write one thank you note a day for the next year.

Although it took more than a year to complete the writing of 365 thank-you notes, I continued writing them until 365 were completed. And then kept on. I learned to be grateful for the life I had, recognizing that the love I had for my children made my life already richer than the many people I envied. I learned to be grateful for my law firm, my practice, and for the love of friends and family that surrounded me. I became thankful for the many people around me who dealt with challenges far greater than the ones facing me, with courage and style. I learned to recognize the many people in my life who had protected and cared for me.

A Simple Act of Gratitude tells the story of how all these things happened, and could be traced to the willingness to be grateful, in fact to the grace I received from writing 365 thank you notes.”

We have not read the book yet, but were so inspired by the lengths he went to find something to be thankful for. He talked of being thankful for the barista at Starbucks who knew his name and prepared his coffee. We know that we all can find something to be thankful for – let’s divert our thoughts and attention in that direction – we many soon find our battles won and no scars on us.

Over the last 27 years a pattern has emerged.  Inevitably, before we are overtaken with incredible blessing from Yahweh, the enemy sends a barrage of attacks to rob our peace, finances and hopes. He wants to try to disqualify us from being overtaken with the provision from the Father with bitterness, anger, and frustration – his only weapons. The blessing of Yahweh can only be stopped by our own unbelief and it is our choice to stand and remain that will enable us to persevere through and claim what is rightfully ours. So many believers give up and in just before their greatest gifts and rewards are received. When we begin to understand that the enemy cannot keep the blessing of Yahweh from us – he can only persuade us to disqualify ourselves – we will meet each challenge with the courage and resolve to maintain our course and be steady on.

It’s during these times that we have learned some of these attacks are not as bad as they appear to be at first. As the dust has settled, what seemed to be catastrophic has turned out to be somewhat manageable. At times, the first words we have received – we take “with a grain of salt” (skeptical) – as the scenario is played out – the picture has always changed. Whatever the battle has cost – when we come through – the expenditure has always been reimbursed and abundance added on. Yahweh is all about – “good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over” Luke 6:38.

In order to redeem all that has been lost, stolen, or given away, we will have to be able to endure the bullying tactics of the enemy. As we position ourselves faithful over all he sets our hands to do, we can stand confident in Him. He has given us His Holy Spirit – so we are not alone. Let us have clean hands, pure hearts, resolve of spirit, confidence, passion, steadfastness, and endurance.