Make the Kingdom your bank and Yahweh your banker
Something Apostle Ball spoke about recently truly peaked our interest. He was rehearsing something he had heard about our national debt. Could our national debt and problems in this country be tied to our disregard of Yahweh? Could the amount of our debt be equal to the tithe that has been robbed from Him?
For those who believe we no longer need to tithe because we are not under the law, go outside and try to jump off a building – see if you are not under the law – the law of gravity that Yahweh established. Genesis 8:22 “While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease.” There has always been a universal law – some people liken it to karma or “what goes around, comes around.” Seedtime and harvest has always been – you just have to think about what seeds you have planted in the ground – so to speak.
A message Apostle Ball ministered on years ago was “Make the Kingdom your bank and Yahweh your banker.” We embraced this word and can testify today of His faithfulness. Apostle Ball shared incredible words of wisdom. He talked of not being stingy with your giving. There are some people who tithe 10% to the penny. He shared about rounding up – it helps you sow a little more and maybe catch some of that income you might miss. Just to reiterate – we are talking about a tithe on your gross income – not on the net. Yahweh comes before the government of the United States. He also shared about investing in people – not just things. We have learned that the return that Yahweh gives to you – i.e. favor at work, blessing the work of your hands, etc. – cannot be matched by any ROI (return on investment) in the business world. You can read the previous blogs on finance to rehearse what we believe has set us on a path to abundant blessing.
Reading the book of Malachi can give you a clear picture of how important the “first and the best” is to Yahweh. Once again, our responsibility is to give – it’s Yahweh’s responsibility to hold the ministry accountable for what they do with it. It really all comes down to stewardship. When we understand that we are stewards over what Yahweh gives us, the tithe becomes a priority.
Start out small –like Apostle Ball said – give the 10% (stay there until it becomes easy), then increase just 1% as an offering (until it becomes easy), then increase another percent. It becomes so effortless and natural. We have to testify of His faithfulness. In a time when most people have had major losses in their portfolios, because we have invested not only in our portfolio, but also in people – we have prospered in every way. Not a single investment we have has lost money – praise Yahweh! Make the Kingdom your bank and Yahweh your banker.
How will this affect me?
Some wisdom that Apostle Ball shared with us early on is to look at the decisions that we have to make and ask ourselves “where will this put me 5 or 10 years down the road; how does this fit into what I believe is the word of the Lord to me?” We still use this approach today. It has saved us on many occasions from making a spontaneous decision that could have sent us down the wrong path. While we always consider that sometimes what Yahweh calls us to do requires faith, we recognize and understand that He is not foolish. Sometimes our decisions may not make sense in the natural, but with wisdom and help from Holy Spirit, we can hopefully eliminate those “I wish I wouldn’t have” moments.
The funny thing about decisions is one can lead to another. You may think that the one decision you are making right now is so small and insignificant, but it could cascade and affect so many people. Sometimes we think we are an “island unto ourselves” – yet we touch people around us everyday by the decisions we make. Friends, family, acquaintances, and many we do not even know are watching us – whether we recognize it or not.
There is such a balance in the Kingdom. While we walk by faith – it doesn’t mean that we throw common sense out the window. Our experience over the years is that Holy Spirit has helped us to see past flowery presentations, grand illusions and slick people looking to rob the very purpose of Yahweh from us. If it seems too good to be true – it probably is. Holy Spirit helps us to be wise and sharp. The Kingdom is all about seedtime and harvest. Honestly, we would not want it any other way. What Yahweh is looking for is a good and honest heart. He does not show partiality – what He has done for one person, He will do for another.
A great testimony is that Holy Spirit has helped us to make great decisions along the way. We set ourselves to get out of debt and made decisions based on that word. We set out to redeem all of those things that were lost, stolen, or given away – made decisions to shut every door of the enemy – so he would no longer have a claim on our inheritance. We are faithful today and also looking to the future. Yahweh make Your Name great in the earth in and through us all!
Don’t get stuck on a sniff
There was one thing that our previous Jack Russell loved to do more than anything else – that was to go for a walk. Jack would bring socks to inspire us to get up off the couch and get with his agenda of being outdoors walking. He had little patience for socialization along the walk and would tug the leash if stationary too long. Our greatest joy (and his) was to allow him to be “off leash.” We had worked with him so extensively that when a vehicle would come by – all we had to say was “car” and he would come and sit by us until the vehicle had passed. We have to say that it was so enjoyable to take him to his favorite park and allow him to explore and enjoy the trails as we walked and exercised ourselves. Jack had an occasional nemesis. Every now and then there would be an alluring smell that would just overwhelm him and cause him to either lag behind or get to far ahead. The distraction would override his ability to obey our commands and keep pace. He would get “stuck on a sniff.” We would have to stop our progression and in some form or fashion get his attention.
A great attribute of Holy Spirit is His ability to reinforce Kingdom principles through these everyday situations in our lives. Just like Jack – we believe that Yahweh enjoys us walking with Him. Being able to hear His voice keeps us on pace and free from danger. Our greatest adversary has to be the alluring “smells” along the way. We don’t need to get “stuck on a sniff.” Abraham is a great example – you can become stuck – even on a word from Yahweh. Abraham would have sacrificed his son Isaac if he had not been in the place to hear the current and ongoing word from the Father and find the ram in the thicket (Genesis 22:13). Whether the sniff is peer pressure, goals, lust of the eye, pride, or being weary in well-doing we need to be vigilant and alert for any course corrections from our Heavenly Father.
It really brought us great joy to see Jack do what he was created to do and know that we just wanted him to be obedient to us to keep him safe. How much more does Yahweh rejoice over us, as we are diligent to hear His voice, keep pace, and fulfill His purpose on this earth? Your Kingdom come Yahweh, Your will be done in and through us.
See it again for the first time… (a different perspective)
There have been many times that we have questioned what was happening around us. We have found ourselves in circumstances that were unsettling, uncomfortable, and at times unpleasant. Always believing that “our steps are ordered by Yahweh,” we would press on convinced that our situation was temporary and maybe if we bombarded Heaven with enough prayer – things would change. Something Apostle Ball said years ago has come back to us many times – “hopefully Yahweh doesn’t answer some of our prayers.” We have often joked that Yahweh must sometimes shake His head and say “bless their hearts – they’ll understand soon.” Romans 8:26 “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weakness. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” Apostle Ball taught us early on the importance of honoring Holy Spirit and giving Him every opportunity to show Himself mighty on our behalf.
Having a Jack Russell, we find ourselves walking quite a bit. We enjoy the time together and it gives us opportunity to talk. On one of these walks, we were dialoging – one of us complaining (we won’t say who) – about the environment we found ourselves in. To be honest, the observations and complaints were valid – but as we walked and talked a bigger picture unfolded. All of a sudden it was if a curtain had been pulled back and the importance of our environment was made crystal clear. We could see that if circumstances were any different it would impede Yahweh’s purpose for us. We really could not be in any better place – so necessary – so purposed – we (I) just couldn’t see it until my spiritual eyes we opened. Thank you Yahweh for giving us time and bypassing some of our petitions – keeping us in Your way and full of life.
Steady on….
Life, sometimes, can be a thrilling roller coaster ride. The ups and downs can be quite dramatic. When the pace of life speeds up and your schedule is not quite your own, you can get swept into a vortex of activity where it becomes a challenge to maintain a sense of peace and control. Emotions are good, but Apostle Ball taught us long ago that if you allow your emotions to dictate your relationship with Yahweh, you often find yourself off course, unsure and sore from the whiplash of life’s circumstances.
Recently we have been traveling extensively – many special occasions just happened to fall close together and required us to maintain a high energy pace. Through it all – it has been a challenge to keep our spirit in tune and not allow all the distractions to wear us down. We were not always successful, but thanks to Holy Spirit – those gentle words of “steady on” brought us back to that place of rest in Him and the reality that our emotions and feelings do not dictate our relationship with the Father.
What Yahweh is looking for is our obedience. When we honor Him with our first and best and keep our hearts a place for Holy Spirit to abide, we can be confident before Him and know that He is working all things for our good. Even when a few storms come our way, we can know that He will bring us through. We strive to maintain that “steady on” attitude. We try to not allow our emotions to reach too high when great things happen and not get too low when we are disappointed.
Yahweh promised to order our steps – our commitment is relationship and His will. No matter what comes our way, we have purposed to stay steady on. We will not be moved by what we see, but by what we know He has purposed and planned for us. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Your will be done Yahweh – in and through us. No matter what comes our way, Holy Spirit help us to be “steady on!”
How do you start your day?
We have recognized our need over the last many years for divine intervention in and throughout our day. We have never liked to settle for the status quo. If you had access to incredible resources, wouldn’t you like to take advantage of those opportunities?
James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” Proverbs 24:5 (NIV version) “The wise prevail through great power, and those who have knowledge muster their strength.” Our favorite: John 16:13 “However, when He, the Spirit of truth has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.” Wow – if there was ever a time when we needed to know what is to come – it’s now. Honoring His Holy Spirit can set you apart and on a path to uncovering your purpose and responsibility and equip you with all that you need.
We like to start our day by laying hands on each other and asking the Father for His wisdom, knowledge and good ideas. We entreat Holy Spirit to speak to us throughout our day and show us things to come. We charge our ministering angels to keep us in His way, to watch over us and keep us safe.
We can testify of His faithfulness in all of the above. We do not set limits and fully expect that we will continue to redeem all that has been lost, stolen or given away in our lives. We have resources and a mandate from our Heavenly Father. Let’s join together and unleash His Spirit and angels on this earth until all things are under His feet.
Another Man’s Things….
Genesis 8:22 “While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Winter and summer, And day and night Shall not cease.” There have been several significant times in our lives that correlate to the principle of Seedtime and harvest. On those occasions where we have moved to be a part of helping someone else fulfill their vision – i.e. The Rock of Wilmington, The Rock of Mobile, etc. – we have been blessed and overtaken with the hopes and dreams within our own hearts. When we moved to Wilmington, NC some years ago to help Pastor Ron & Norma establish the The Rock of Wilmington, we received our first store. When we moved to Mobile to come along side of Apostle Aaron & Robbie, we were overtaken with a great promotion. We could go on, but the significant message here is that when you set yourself aside and help someone else with what they are called to do, it has been proven that our Heavenly Father is overjoyed to precipitate your own visions and dreams. Moving and joining yourself to someone is not an exclusive definition of helping someone else fulfill their dreams. Some examples maybe to give of your time, babysit, be a friend, make a meal, send a card, pray for someone, mow someone’s yard, financially contribute, etc. When you sow a seed selflessly, you set in motion the principle established by Yahweh that is a constant – it cannot help but come back and overtake you.
Apostle Ball said “Be faithful in the little things, be faithful in another man’s things, and be faithful in your money – guaranteed success” Thank you Apostle for sharing the Keys to the Kingdom. They have marked our lives and set us on a journey of abundant adventure and blessing. Who would want to live any other way?
You know what…
In giving Yahweh full liberty in our lives, it should not amaze us that His Holy Spirit is faithful to touch those things in us that are hindering His fullness. While we are so appreciative, sometimes it becomes a tug-of-war between our flesh and spirit. We know the choice that we should make, but we often think – how could this really matter in the scope and scale of things? Or other people are not having any problem with this – why are you requiring this of us? Yahweh knows what He has for each of us and where we are in the process of redemption. Sometimes His Holy Spirit deems it necessary to bring around those areas of development over and over again until we get it right – believe us – we are not complaining – we are so thankful that He loves us so much. We know that our Heavenly Father is longsuffering, but we are sure that if we ignore His promptings, His voice will diminish in us until we repent. We cannot live without His voice – help us Holy Spirit to respond quickly!
About 20 years ago we heard Ron Corzine minister at the Rock of Panama City (the details are definitely not totally word for word, but the essence of the story is still the same). He told a funny story about a parrot on a perch out in front of a pet store in the mall. A man was walking by and this parrot yelled to him – “Hey you.” The man turned around and said to the bird “What?” The parrot proceeded to say, “you’re stupid and you look funny.” The man –astonished – turned around and kept walking. The parrot continued in his rant yelling at the man “Hey you.” Once again the man turned around and responded “What?” – only to have the bird yell “you’re stupid and you look funny.” Angered, the man was determined to find the storeowner and complain about the obnoxious parrot. The owner apologized for the unruly bird. He went to the front of the store – took the bird in his hands – shook it and told it not to say those things again. Satisfied, the man went on his way. After shopping, the man had to walk back by the pet store. To his amazement and shock, the parrot once again yelled “Hey you.” Not believing his ears, the man turned to the bird and said “What?” Smugly the bird responded – “you know what!”
There are times in our lives where Holy Spirit has had to keep bringing up areas in us that have to change. After repetitive attempts to get our attention, we have said to Holy Spirit “What?” – only to have His response be “you know what…”
Continue Yahweh to surface those obstacles that would disqualify us from ruling and reigning in the earth today. Thank you Holy Spirit for Your diligence and faithfulness to us. It may take a couple of times around the woodshed – but it’s worth it.
What we value…..
It’s amazing how we forfeit some of our most valuable assets by just not utilizing them. Things of value take necessary care and attention to keep them in working order. If we diligently maintain assets in our lives, they are always ready and waiting for use – much like keeping the battery charged on a cordless tool – at the time you need to use it – if the battery is not charged – it’s ineffective.
Our relationship with our Heavenly Father, by His Holy Spirit, is very much the same. Throughout history the human race has always had a difficult time with an unseen god. The most amazing thing is after having a relationship with Him for over 27 years, he is more tangible to us – as we have seen His hand in so many areas of our lives. We recognize the value and importance of a daily walk with Him – it’s crucial. Distractions from time to time draw us away, but His Holy Spirit is so faithful to “tap us on our shoulder” and we are quick to make the necessary adjustments to get back on track.
Giving His Holy Spirit the liberty and mandate to keep us in His way will not guarantee an uninterrupted journey – after all He gave us the ability to make choices. We, day after day, have to decide – what has value to us? We have learned to guard our eyes, ears and hearts. The world has tried to dilute our sensitivity to Godly things through TV shows, movies, and music. We have made the choice recently to not watch certain TV shows – allowing garbage to get into our eyes and ears eventually gets into our hearts. We want to honor Him in all that we do. When the time to perform has arrived, the time to prepare has passed……
Who’s word wins?
The world has given many labels or words to various people: ADHD, cancer, depression, physically challenged, slow, weak, useless, etc. As believers, we have the option to receive the natural word, or embrace the option of a supernatural word. We are not relegated to this tangible earth, for us there is a higher power. No matter what the world names something, there is a “name that is above every name.” Philippians 2:9
If we can receive Him, by faith, our situations can change. We cannot settle; we cannot surrender. Matthew 11:12 “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.” We have to say that for the last 27 years, we have continually had to press into the kingdom – not settling for the status quo. We have not received the negative words that have come our way, but have chosen to defer to the purpose and provision that Yahweh has prepared for us from the beginning of time. We love the statement that a friend’s son said in response to a teacher’s negative word to him: “those words are dead and they fall to the ground.” It doesn’t get any better than that! As long as time remains, let it will be said of us – “we have fought the good fight, we have finished the race, we have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4
Holy Spirit – we believe that you will help us – identify those words – inspire us to revolt – until “all things are under Your feet” Ephesians 1
Can you ever have too many friends? (Not talking about Facebook friends)
Some people say you can never have too many friends; there are others that say that there is a limit to how many friends you can have. We believe that you can definitely have any number of friends. We predicate our statement on the aspect of learning how to be a great friend. We have heard stories of some people who are “very needy.” They are high maintenance and require constant attention to keep the relationship in good standing. We like to think of ourselves as very low maintenance. We can spend years apart from friends, yet in a moment, pick up where we left off. A good friendship is all about respecting one another. Hopefully the relationship we have with our heavenly Father keeps us grounded and not always in the position of needing ministry and constant encouragement from our friends. Understand, when we go through trials – friends are happy and ready to stand in the gap when we are unable to be strong on our own. Hopefully it is sporadic and not constant. We pray that Yahweh will help us all come to that place of maturity and completeness in Him – strong in His Spirit and always ready to be a source of strength to those around us.
We have no conditions in place in order to be our friends. We do, however, stay vigilant to always step back from friendships that would cause us to violate our own personal convictions. We have had to say no to some invitations. We are strong enough in who Yahweh is in us to be bold and confident. We believe we can be fun and adventurous without compromising the values we hold dear. We do not have to agree on everything to walk together – a great lesson we have learned.
As we have traveled around the country over the past 27 years, we have been given some of the best friends that one could ever ask for. Our friends come from all different backgrounds. Some are conservative, others are more liberal, some are funny, some are serious, but the one thing they all have in common is our love. As we think about how Yahweh takes our lives and shapes us into what He wants us to become, He often uses His Holy Spirit and people to accomplish this task. Thank you to all our friends – each one of you has marked our lives and we are better for it. We ask the Father for a special blessing upon each of you – you are a treasure to us and to Him.
Is there a pattern?
We believe that there are some things that are constant and produce a desired result – i.e. tithing; other situations are so unique that they require us to be able to hear the Father’s voice. We all would like for there to be a clear-cut pattern or road to follow, but Yahweh made us all unique – what might work for you – may not work for us. Yahweh’s intention was to walk with us and guide us by His voice into all that He has purposed for us. The Father states in Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” We have always sought to remain in that place where we can hear Yahweh’s voice. There have been times that we have been distracted, tired, or discouraged. Hearing that still, small voice is so crucial to us, when it is not there, we will do whatever it takes to get back to that communion and fellowship – there is life in that place.
Some of our decisions, at times, may have been viewed as unorthodox or unwise. We purchased a home in a subdivision that was struggling. There were only 5 homes built – 4 of which were for sale. Most people would say that it was an unwise decision, but we knew that it was what we were supposed to do. Within two years, the subdivision was built-out and all the homes were sold. Sometimes you may hear a word to do something out of the ordinary – conventional wisdom may go against it – but be faithful to hear and obey – Yahweh’s provision and blessing might just be in it.
Apostle Ball has always talked about the difference between a river and a canal. A river that Yahweh has made will have many turns and bends. A canal that man has made is a straight line – the shortest distance possible. Our life together has definitely mirrored a river. We are sure that people around us have sometimes questioned the turns and bends that we have encountered. We can testify to the amazing adventures that have been at every turn – great new friends, beautiful scenery, and His provision.
If there is a pattern in our lives – it is – “honor Yahweh with our first and our best and keep our hearts a place for His Holy Spirit to abide……”
It’s not just what you say…..
We have discovered that the greatest witness to winning people over might just be in what we do, not so much in what we say. If this Kingdom revelation doesn’t translate into a productive life-changing metamorphosis, why would any one want to accept Christ as their savior and repent of their sins. Being a believer is not about poverty, sickness, and sorrow. A true Kingdom witness is about excellence, wisdom, and integrity. We try to be excellent in everything we do. If it is a project at work, we dedicate the time necessary and try to go above and beyond what is required. We are on time, dressed appropriately, and being blessed by having Holy Spirit abide in us, look to have the next best idea or solution to problems that arise.
The wonderful thing about walking in the Kingdom is that, unlike the world, you don’t have to step on people on your way up the corporate ladder. Yahweh has a better way. Genesis 12:2-3 “I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” We are fully aware that this is a blessing to Abram, but we took hold of this word because it is so characteristic of who Yahweh is. This blessing of Abram has marked our life in so many ways. Yahweh has blessed those who have blessed us and many who have set themselves against us have fallen by their own deceptive ways.
The world is looking for an alternative to their chaotic lives. Most have to dull their stress and pain with drugs or alcohol. When they see that we can walk in peace – even in the midst of a storm – they may begin to ask how that is possible. John 14:16-17 “and I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He many abide with you forever – the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither see Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.” Holy Spirit has kept us and blessed us on this journey. He has given us insight and has allowed our lives to be marked with honor, blessing and peace.
Our prayer continues to be “Yahweh mark our life in such a way that those around will have to ask – how is it that you are so blessed – even in this troubling time?” 2 Chronicles 16:9 “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.”
Relating….
One thing that we appreciate about our relationship is that we are truly best friends. There is no subject off-limits for us to discuss. We realized early on that if we had a problem with one another, talking with someone else about the issue was not going to change things. By being open and honest with each other, there is nothing hidden. Stress does not build up in our relationship – which we believe keeps our marriage healthy. If one of us struggles with an issue – we purpose to join together to help one another through. It’s another reason we need to be strong in the Spirit and our spirit. If we both keep ourselves in right relationship with our Heavenly Father – as a couple – we can be strength joined to strength. A sign and a wonder.
Yahweh – You Know….
We have always said if we ever wrote a book, one chapter would have to be titled “Yahweh – You know.” Have you ever been treated unfairly? Have you ever had a situation where you believed for one thing, only to have something else be the outcome instead? Have you ever been disappointed? We have had all of the above happen to us. The only response that seemed to come out of our mouth was “Yahweh, You know.” These words encapsulate our thought process of – nothing happens on this earth for us that is not purposed and authorized by our Heavenly Father. Recently we realized that in saying this phrase, we actually are saying – Yahweh – we trust You with our lives – we give the situation and our frustration over to You. The great thing about releasing our anxiety to Yahweh is – in our experience – He has always come through for us in the end. In those times that we have been treated unfairly, in the long run, Yahweh has always made things right for us and in most cases vilified the offender. The times that we have been disappointed – we have often said that we suffered short-term disappointments, but in the long run, Yahweh has always provided more than we could ask or think. When we have believed one thing – by Holy Spirit providing a different perspective – we have seen that He had a better way for us ahead.
Just a word of encouragement – next time things are not going the way you thought they would or you’ve been treated unfairly – instead of complaining about the situation – just say “Yahweh – You know.” Trust and release all your frustration to Him – Romans 8:28 “and we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
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