Category Archives: Relationships
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!
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
“But God” Apostle F. Nolan Ball
Apostle F. Nolan Ball has used this expression so many times – “but God.” We recently heard a prayer that he said for our nation and it reminded us again of the necessity to believe that no matter what we see and hear, for those who have honored Him – He will be our redeemer. For those who believe and have faith – God will make a way.
One could look at the world we live in today and believe that we are beyond hope. The TV shows, movies, politics, healthcare, and the media are all pushing the boundaries of decency and morality. For too long those of faith have given up on many occupations deemed secular and irrelevant. We forfeited some of the greatest avenues to perpetuate the gospel of Christ. While the earth remains, it is not too late! Rise up people of stature – be unyielding to the pressures of temptation and sin.
Lately we have heard many stories of the testing and trying of our friends. We have even experienced it ourselves. We are here to testify that the power of the Holy Spirit can keep you in His way. We do not have to yield to the enticements and coercion of the enemy. We are not alone. The Holy Spirit of Yahweh can help to strengthen our fortitude and enable us to stand – He is always with us.
Holy Spirit help us to rise in the earth today. Help us to see what has never been seen. Help us to stand against the onslaught of immorality and indecency. Help us to maintain a standard of righteousness and truth. We will be Your people. “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9
Position
There are many things we do not understand about the world we live in today. You may have as many “why?” questions as we do. If we are going to have a successful Kingdom journey, we are going to have to focus less on the “why?” and more on what we have the ability to do. Doing what you can do faithfully will automatically set into motion those principles of the Kingdom that are non-negotiable.
Positioning ourselves for financial blessing is a no-brainer. Give your first and your best. The provision is not for those who give whatever and whenever they feel like it. We are firmly convinced, when we began to honor the Father immediately upon receipt of our blessings – paying our tithe and being faithful to sow the seed of offering – our path to financial freedom was sealed and set into motion. We are reaping today the abundance of faithfully sowing our first and our best perpetually.
Positioning ourselves for spiritual blessing is all about honoring His Holy Spirit. There have been only a few times we have found ourselves in the position like King David where he pleaded with Yahweh – “take not Your Holy Spirit from me” Psalm 51:11 That still small voice can easily be drown out by repetitive disobedience. Setting our minds on things above, praying in the Spirit, and guarding what we hear and see keeps us focused on what we can do. His Holy Spirit has enabled us to accomplish and become far more than we could have ever dreamed.
Positioning our bodies for the best health possible. We have chosen to try to watch what we eat and make a few healthier choices. We try to walk each day – having a Jack Russell Terrier helps. While there is no guarantee with the standard of our food and produce, by the choices we make to eat within reason and exercise – we do what we can do to give our bodies a fighting chance.
The world that we live in can throw many curve balls our way. By making some obvious choices, we can definitely position ourselves to receive all that Yahweh has for us. We have to understand that our position is one of stewardship. He has given us the ability to make choices. While there will always be events and situations happen that we may not understand at the moment, in doing what we know to do, we can severely limit or eliminate the enemy’s arsenal.
In not Of
When we understand that we can live in the world and not be of the world, we will begin to be a true demonstration of Yahweh’s Kingdom in the earth. We talked earlier about the importance of the outward expression – the benefits and provisions – of committing our life to Christ. If our surrender to and acknowledgment of Christ doesn’t produce a visible and tangible result, why would anyone want to receive the Kingdom message? Purpose, life, peace, joy, and provision are all hallmarks of Yahweh’s desire and plan for us.
As true Kingdom believers, we should express an attitude of greatness. Holy Spirit helps us to become people of excellence. For us, He has required us to be on time, give a maximum effort, be diligent, persevere, be helpful, compassionate, faithful, and lovers of truth. Through personal relationship, He has enabled us to stand and withstand the forces that would try to dissuade or discourage us along the way.
Climbing the corporate ladder does not have to be a heartless ascent. While the world may take advantage of anyone who crosses their path, as a follower of Christ, we have never had to step on anyone along the way. Yahweh can make a way even when it seems impossible. He alone has the ability to make our enemies bless us. “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.” Proverbs 21:1
“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” Psalm 34:8 The world’s provision cannot compete with the purpose and plan that our Heavenly Father has for each one of us. We are fully convinced that Yahweh wants to provide for our every need – both spiritually and financially – with enough left over to help others along the way. With the provision of His Holy Spirit, we can walk in His perfect peace.
We like to think of ourselves as fun-loving and adventurous people. Being a Kingdom believer only enhances that spirit and enables us to enjoy this journey with no ill side effects. We believe that the daily interactions with those around us will speak volumes of the faithfulness of Yahweh. The sharing of Christ will become easy once the demonstration becomes so compelling.
Need help?
Once again, we are going to remind you that we are not theologians. What we are going to share about His Holy Spirit is based on our own personal and ongoing relationship with Him. We understand that it will be impossible to portray in this blog to what magnitude and to what height His priority is in our lives. All we can say is that He is our Tower in times we have needed refuge; He has never forsaken us; He has provided everything we have needed and more; and He is an ever-present source of wisdom, strength, power, and peace.
In greeting visitors one day at church, a man who was visiting asked us a question “What is the specific gift that you bring to the body of Christ?” With no forethought or hesitation the words just flowed out “We are whatever we need to be whenever we need to be it.” Having the Holy Spirit dwelling in us enables us to access whatever resource we need for whatever situation we may face. We have always said: “there is always a Holy Ghost solution.”
On a recent visit with family, someone had lost something important and they needed to find it. We shared about how Holy Spirit is so faithful to help us find items we have misplaced. No sooner after petitioning Him, the item was located. It was a demonstration of His faithfulness.
It is an ongoing, daily communication. If we will honor Him, our eyes can be opened to amazing insights. He so enables us to endure all things; to have faith to believe; to stand against all odds; to rejoice with those who rejoice; to go beyond what we thought was possible; to release His word to this world; and to have the words and fortitude to be a standard of righteousness in this earth.
He has not just been a resource of help to us in times of trouble, in fact, His daily infusion of wisdom, good ideas, and peace has helped us to navigate and excel each day and to position us for Yahweh’s provision to come and overtake us.
Just like the necessity of air to breathe, we would equate our relationship with His Holy Spirit the same. How could we ever express the depth of our love, appreciation, and devotion to the Father- 1) for the faithfulness and obedience of His Son and 2) for the diligence and ongoing work of His incredible Holy Spirit?
Revealed
Sometimes when we think of something being “revealed”, we have the connotation of something bad that should have remained hidden. If we have learned anything over these many years, it has been that everything hidden will eventually be revealed – period. While our minds may go to the negative side, lately Yahweh has overtaken us with the more positive side of this equation.
Recently while strolling through Sam’s Club, a particular watch caught our eye. One of us having a watch fetish and believing it to be a good value, purchased it. We loved the look and feel of the watch so much so that we purchased two additional watches online and had them sent to two dear friends. The maker of the watch “just happened to be” “Invicta.” There is nothing in your Kingdom walk that “just happens.” Days later Holy Spirit prompted us to look up the meaning of “invicta” – it means unvanquished (not conquered, undefeated in battle, to subdue by superior force). Yahweh is so amazing about the meaning behind things. He so orders our steps. These words were relevant and timely for us and to those who received them. Sometimes you buy something you like only to find this incredible revelation just waiting on you – Holy Spirit gently speaks it and WOW!! We love walking by His Spirit.
There are so many amazing things in this world yet to be revealed. We want to position ourselves to see beyond what can be seen with the natural eye. “But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear.” Matthew 13:16 We have set ourselves to live our lives in such a way that His Holy Spirit can freely flow revelation, ideas, and reminders in and through us.
There are hidden, untapped revelations awaiting the sons of Yahweh. Let’s position ourselves to allow a free flow of His resources in and through us to change this world.
Worth it
It has been our experience over these last 27 years that this Kingdom walk is not for the faint of heart. It will even challenge the most stubborn among us. While we may have had to stand fast, grit our teeth, quiet our mind, not yield, persevere, and shake ourselves – not all the same time – the blessings of Yahweh are so above and beyond – so worth it. We have had a helper – the Holy Spirit – who has faithfully navigated us through even the most treacherous and heart wrenching situations.
When we committed our life to Christ and receive the gift of His Holy Spirit, we not only receive the fullness of forgiveness, but also the opportunity of becoming and doing more than we ever thought or imagined. Being diligent to hear and obey His voice yields the greatest peace in knowing that we have done and are doing His purpose on the earth. It is possible to come to the end of each day and know that we were faithful over whatever He had given us to do – whether at a job or at home.
It is not just receiving the peace that right relationship brings, it is also the provision to redeem all that has been lost, stolen, or given away. Out of honoring Yahweh with our first and our best and sowing the seed for our need, His promise to us has been true and is as follows: “And try Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the window of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field.” Malachi 3:10-11
There have been many opportunities along this journey for us to take shortcuts, partake of instant gratification, give in to disappointment, or believe the naysayers. As Kingdom believers, we chose to honor His Holy Spirit, walk in truth, exercise our faith, and persevere. We stand today amazed, full of joy, and extremely thankful. Yahweh is a faithful father!
“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” Psalm 34:8
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.
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!
The Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence
Maybe it has been this way just for us, but these past 27 years have been marked with a bulldogged determination and a fight for so much of the ground that we have been able to redeem. The terms “pressing in,” “violent take it by force,” Matthew 11:12 and “having done all, to stand – stand” Ephesians 6:13-14 have been our hallmarks.
We believe that one of the fruits of the Spirit has to be stubbornness –we’re guessing “longsuffering” Galatians 5:22 might just cover that. We really could do a better job on the “longsuffering” side – instead of our tenacious and unwillingness to relent attitude. It makes us wonder sometimes if we languish in our own battles with Yahweh waiting for us to relinquish our hold and put our trust in His hands, not so much in our verbal assault – although we know that we must speak.
There are times we have come to realize that we might just be in a long-term conflict. The ground that we are fighting for must have significant value to our enemy. Learning to balance our responsibility as a voice in the earth with the utilization of our Heavenly resources might just produce less anxiety, frustration, and weariness on our part.
We trust that ministering angels, His Holy Spirit, and the finished work of Christ have all positioned us for victory. We must persevere and remember the wealth of support ready, willing, and able to come to our aid. Holy Spirit help us to speak when we need to speak, but not get so caught up in the fight that we lose sight of whose ultimate battle this is – all for the Glory of Yahweh.
“John answered and said, A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven.” John3:27
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.
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