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.
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!
Principles
A friend asked us to share this encouraging word on our blog.
We wanted to encourage you with a few nuggets of wisdom we have gleaned over the years. They bless us to review often and believe they would do the same for you.
Since you have committed your life to Christ and have been baptized in His Holy Spirit, these words may help to guide and renew your thought process as the challenges of life seek to battle against you.
- Keep your hands clean and your heart pure
- Pray much in His Holy Spirit so that when you open your mouth, words of life will flow out
- Give Yahweh your first and your best and sow into those in need
- Set your face like a flint to Him and be not moved
- Honor your father and mother
- Honor those in authority above you and the elders in your life
- Keep your eyes from worthless things
- Choose to do what is right – even when no one is looking
- Make Yahweh – God of your mind, God of your will, God of your emotions, God of your appetite
- Always have an ear to hear His voice, His voice within in others and even His voice within your enemies
Believing that Yahweh’s Holy Spirit and Ministering Angels will keep you in the path He has chosen and appointed for you.
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.
Excitement, expectation and anticipation
For the last 27 years, with just a few minor lapses, we have been able to maintain and exude an attitude of excitement, expectation, and anticipation in our relationship with Yahweh. From the moment we committed our lives to Christ to today, our journey has been enhanced with some of the greatest adventures – we feel so fortunate. Yahweh has helped us to become and achieve so much more than we could have ever asked or thought. He is so faithful!
While traveling through an airport one weekend, we bumped into an old friend. We had once been to each other’s houses for fellowship, prayer, and exhortation of the Word. He had been such a strong believer – full of zeal and faith. As we stood and talked, it became ever so clear and disturbing. What had happened to our friend? Where did the excitement, expectation, and anticipation for Yahweh and His kingdom go? It was so apparent to us that the challenges of everyday life had zapped the very light from his eyes. As we departed, we were sobered and saddened at the countenance of our friend. He was going through the motions, but somewhere along the way, he got disconnected from the source (Yahweh).
When we truly walk in daily fellowship with our Heavenly Father, how can we not be filled with excitement, expectation, and anticipation? He is the Creator of the universe, the Great I AM, the One who was, who is, and is to come. “The heavens are Yours, the earth also is Yours; The world and all its fullness, You have founded them.” Psalm 89:11 He is looking for us to rule and reign – to bring heaven and earth together. He has given us all that we need: redemption through Christ and the empowerment of His Holy Spirit.
When we walk in obedience to His word with clean hands and a pure heart, we can have full confidence He is working all things for our good. We should expect to have His favor, His wisdom, His knowledge, and His blessings. Increase us Yahweh, until Your Glory covers 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… Part 2
While on the subject “from the beginning”, we love the words Kathryn Kent used “original intent” on a comment she left for us – our new two favorite words – thanks Kathryn. Of all the subjects, the most basic and simple revelation that has become the most complicated is Yahweh’s (God’s) original intent to speak and have an ongoing relationship with man. Throughout generations, a major stumbling block has been that Yahweh is a Spirit. Man has always wanted a tangible, touchable, visible manifestation – i.e. a king (person), or an idol (graven image).
One of the greatest gifts Apostle Ball ever gave to us was the revelation that we could have a one on one personal relationship with our Heavenly Father. By hearing His voice personally, hearing His voice within other’s voices, praying in the Spirit, and honoring Him with our first and our best, we will position ourselves to join heaven and earth together and permeate this world with the glory of Yahweh. Apostle Ball has not only preached this message fervently, but he has also lived it out before us every day. Thank you so much Apostle. You have always pointed everyone to the Father. You have been determined not to be a Moses. We are so thankful to the Father for you – you have great seed in the earth.
This walk with Yahweh for the last 27 years has been such an adventure. We really do not understand why anyone would want to have a substitute for the incredible relationship one can have with Yahweh. Although He is Spirit, if you have eyes to see and ears to hear, He makes Himself known in tangible ways every day. We can see His hand moving on our behalf with favor, great ideas, wisdom, insight, and peace. We have had so many taps on our shoulder with the words “Only I can do this for you” – times when we are amazed and overtaken with a blessing. We have so many funny, emotionally overwhelming, practical, and undeniable examples of Yahweh’s personal infusion in our lives. He knows us so well. Thank you Yahweh – we will always seek your face, hear Your voice, enjoy Your interactions, and pursue Your redemption of this earth. We will have no other god (man or graven image) before You.
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.”
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