Many believe the mark of the beast will be spiritual or behavioral, rather than physical. Some believe it's the difference between keeping Sabbath or not, while others believe it could be physical. It will undoubtedly be spiritual! I've been sounding the drum beat for some time now that we need to lessen our dependence for buying and selling. We need to make some good barter connections and minimize our purchasing habits.
In 1995 I made a simple statement. The mark of the beast will not be introduced by threat and intimidation, but for convenience and safety.
Here's the next phase for our convenience and safety.
Sunday, March 29, 2015
Sunday, March 22, 2015
An Opportunity
Once in awhile, an opportunity arises that you simply dare not taint with money. That's not to say money is evil or bad, because we know it's only a tool, it's the love of money that is wrong, but I digress . . . Back to the opportunity. As a Creation Wellness Advocate, or practitioner of natural health modalities, I do have a business that involves clients and the sale of products. Through this; I also have the opportunity to minister. I've been able to do this with hands on in the area for years, but now with an internet presence, it's been interesting to see a health need on social media and simply offer to send something that might help. It's as if my business makes my formulas and solutions legit! Then I'm free to gift and donate as I am led. Naturally, every transaction is not a gift, but there is something special in each opportunity. Living agriculturally, tithing has taken on a new understanding, but in this business, products can be used in offerings as well.
Recently, I had the opportunity to administer reflexology with a formulated "Essentials and Extracts." It was received so well, I asked if I could return. The woman was quite gracious in her response and I told her I'd be dropping in within the next week or so. This offer was not for the woman, herself, but for her son and the situation has been very trying and long term. When I did get there, the young man seemed to remember me. He genuinely responded favorably again. She was sure he was aware and had remembered. There were times he was obviously responsive. As I worked, she and I chatted. We discussed kids, grandkids, G-d, small town living, and country life. All in all, I was there about an hour. Until meeting me, she was unfamiliar with reflexology, herbs and oils, so I shared some of the progress other clients had experienced. She asked me what I charged. I almost told her my rate, when out of the corner of my eye, I saw her reaching into her purse. I quickly said this was my offering and changed the subject.
As I was preparing to leave, I showed her the product applicator I'd brought for her convenience to use and she immediately went for her purse again, offering to pay. It was then, that I knew, money could not enter the circumstances. I've prayed for this young man for quite some time now, and I felt compelled to "lay hands on him and anoint him with oil." She hadn't asked me to come, I'd contacted her. This was pure ministry and one simply does not charge for that. I don't know what Abba has planned in this situation, but I do know a few dollars in my pocket would not compare with the joy of seeing this young man back up and active.
Recently, I had the opportunity to administer reflexology with a formulated "Essentials and Extracts." It was received so well, I asked if I could return. The woman was quite gracious in her response and I told her I'd be dropping in within the next week or so. This offer was not for the woman, herself, but for her son and the situation has been very trying and long term. When I did get there, the young man seemed to remember me. He genuinely responded favorably again. She was sure he was aware and had remembered. There were times he was obviously responsive. As I worked, she and I chatted. We discussed kids, grandkids, G-d, small town living, and country life. All in all, I was there about an hour. Until meeting me, she was unfamiliar with reflexology, herbs and oils, so I shared some of the progress other clients had experienced. She asked me what I charged. I almost told her my rate, when out of the corner of my eye, I saw her reaching into her purse. I quickly said this was my offering and changed the subject.
As I was preparing to leave, I showed her the product applicator I'd brought for her convenience to use and she immediately went for her purse again, offering to pay. It was then, that I knew, money could not enter the circumstances. I've prayed for this young man for quite some time now, and I felt compelled to "lay hands on him and anoint him with oil." She hadn't asked me to come, I'd contacted her. This was pure ministry and one simply does not charge for that. I don't know what Abba has planned in this situation, but I do know a few dollars in my pocket would not compare with the joy of seeing this young man back up and active.
Sunday, March 15, 2015
Safe Keeping
Most of us have done this, I'm sure. We put something "up" where we won't lose it, then forget where we put it . . . Or we do have a special place for safe keeping, use it, know where it is, yet overlook what we're looking for . . . The past couple of weeks, I've not been operating at full capacity. I'd liked to have been benched on the injured reserve list, but a lot has been going on here at the homestead, so that wasn't possible. Between a pounding headache, blurred vision, terribly sore ribs, and a weak and painful leg, I've not been at my best in focusing.
Through the course of this, I celebrated a birthday and in that "celebration," I receive a few cards, one being from my parents with a check included. I placed the check in my "safe keeping" place in my purse so I'd have it when I went to the bank. There was an entire week between receiving the check and going to the bank, so as it turned out, I forgot about the check. In the next couple of days, it crossed my mind, so I went to my place of "safe keeping" in my purse and couldn't find it!
I didn't panic, but I did get serious about finding that check. I looked through the birthday cards, but it wasn't there. I even checked the glove compartment in the buggy and over the visor, still no check . . . I went back to my "safe keeping" place again and still nothing. I'm not usually careless and forgetful, but it did cross my mind that perhaps my memory had been affected by my fall.
I poured a cup of coffee and began thinking about the fact I wasn't having to rush around to go work and that I didn't really need the money for anything pressing, I began giving thanks. There was a time when that check would have been needed, really needed, to pay a bill or an actual provision. There were about seven lean years in my late teens through mid twenties in which every dollar that came into my possession was needed for provision . . . I, like so many, wasn't operating in any sort of financial wisdom. Life cost just a little more than I actually made, it seemed. By the age of thirty, I had gained a considerable amount of wisdom in money management. When I became a believer and actually began tithing as well as seeking Abba in all income and spending, my finances changed dramatically. My income didn't increase, but my expenses decreased dramatically, and that has remained consistent all these years later.
At the age of 36, twenty-one years ago, Abba showed me that debt does not lead to the American dream and He had a much better plan for me than the American dream. As I looked for that check, I was aware and thankful that I don't have a gas heating bill. I don't have a water bill, and my electric bill is amazingly low by comparison to what I read and hear from others. My grocery bill is practically non-existent. I chose to live simply years ago, which included no mortgage or car payment. The worst thing that crossed my mind about that missing check was if I didn't find it, I'd have to tell Daddy I lost it . . .
That single missing check brought a cavalcade of thanksgiving to my heart. I had one small moment of thinking Mr. B should have dropped whatever he was doing to help me look, but I gained victory over that thought without verbalizing it, by reading in a devotional. As I was reading, he did offer to go through the trash before he burned it, and for that I was grateful. He offered to look one more place, and with that, I said I was going to go through my purse one more time. Since I'd recently changed purses, I decided to go through every pocket and compartment. When I got to the "safe keeping" place, I noticed a couple of pages were stuck together. Sure enough, between those two pages was that missing check! I immediately gave thanks for the discovery, but then found myself so thankful for the things I'd become aware of, through that time of searching.
Kingdom Economy isn't about bigger houses and fancy jets, it's about how little of the world's wealth we really need and how amazing the provision of our Heavenly Father truly is.
Through the course of this, I celebrated a birthday and in that "celebration," I receive a few cards, one being from my parents with a check included. I placed the check in my "safe keeping" place in my purse so I'd have it when I went to the bank. There was an entire week between receiving the check and going to the bank, so as it turned out, I forgot about the check. In the next couple of days, it crossed my mind, so I went to my place of "safe keeping" in my purse and couldn't find it!
I didn't panic, but I did get serious about finding that check. I looked through the birthday cards, but it wasn't there. I even checked the glove compartment in the buggy and over the visor, still no check . . . I went back to my "safe keeping" place again and still nothing. I'm not usually careless and forgetful, but it did cross my mind that perhaps my memory had been affected by my fall.
I poured a cup of coffee and began thinking about the fact I wasn't having to rush around to go work and that I didn't really need the money for anything pressing, I began giving thanks. There was a time when that check would have been needed, really needed, to pay a bill or an actual provision. There were about seven lean years in my late teens through mid twenties in which every dollar that came into my possession was needed for provision . . . I, like so many, wasn't operating in any sort of financial wisdom. Life cost just a little more than I actually made, it seemed. By the age of thirty, I had gained a considerable amount of wisdom in money management. When I became a believer and actually began tithing as well as seeking Abba in all income and spending, my finances changed dramatically. My income didn't increase, but my expenses decreased dramatically, and that has remained consistent all these years later.
At the age of 36, twenty-one years ago, Abba showed me that debt does not lead to the American dream and He had a much better plan for me than the American dream. As I looked for that check, I was aware and thankful that I don't have a gas heating bill. I don't have a water bill, and my electric bill is amazingly low by comparison to what I read and hear from others. My grocery bill is practically non-existent. I chose to live simply years ago, which included no mortgage or car payment. The worst thing that crossed my mind about that missing check was if I didn't find it, I'd have to tell Daddy I lost it . . .
That single missing check brought a cavalcade of thanksgiving to my heart. I had one small moment of thinking Mr. B should have dropped whatever he was doing to help me look, but I gained victory over that thought without verbalizing it, by reading in a devotional. As I was reading, he did offer to go through the trash before he burned it, and for that I was grateful. He offered to look one more place, and with that, I said I was going to go through my purse one more time. Since I'd recently changed purses, I decided to go through every pocket and compartment. When I got to the "safe keeping" place, I noticed a couple of pages were stuck together. Sure enough, between those two pages was that missing check! I immediately gave thanks for the discovery, but then found myself so thankful for the things I'd become aware of, through that time of searching.
Kingdom Economy isn't about bigger houses and fancy jets, it's about how little of the world's wealth we really need and how amazing the provision of our Heavenly Father truly is.
Sunday, March 8, 2015
Render Unto Caesar . . .
As I am preparing my taxes this year, the reality has finally settled in. I am not calling it persecution, but there is a price to pay for standing by my convictions and beliefs. Even though I have been standing on full faith regarding my health for 14 years now, I can no longer do that in this country without being penalized. Since America has billed itself a nation based upon Judeo-Christian values, all religious objections must fall into some belief system that has been established since 1951. I've only been standing in this faith for fourteen years and I don't know any Christians or Jews who believe our Creator actually heals without assistance from modern medicine, although I'm sure there are some.
It's funny, there were physicians mentioned clear back in Genesis and Job acknowledged the presence of physicians in the society of his day. The New Testament makes more than one reference to physicians, including one account of the Gospel being penned by a physician, and yet . . . modern believers seem to think faith for healing was different in Bible times. Hebrews 13:8 tells us Y'hshuwah Messiah is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Doesn't that make anyone else wonder why Y'hshuwah would use doctors now, but didn't send anyone to Luke then?
Hebrew Scriptures, specifically Leviticus instructs the people of YHWH to present themselves with their maladies before the High Priests. Hebrews tells us, Y'hshuwah Messiah is our High Priest. So, once again, what's missing, what's been added?
And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of YHWH thy G-d, and wilt do that which is right in His sight, and wilt give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am YHWH that healeth thee. Exodus 15:26
Considering the fact, I can't find religious folks to agree with me on this, I'm not holding out a great deal of hope for the Obama administration, so as I stated back in 2010, I just have to budget for the penalty. It does seem different though, now that it's a reality on this year's taxes. In the land of the free, with a claim of Judeo-Christian principles, I have to pay a penalty for believing our Creator heals.
And Y'hshuwah answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to G-d the things that are G-d's. And they marvelled at him. Mark 12:17
So, my tax penalty I shall render unto Caesar, and the faith and glory for my health unto G-d!
It's funny, there were physicians mentioned clear back in Genesis and Job acknowledged the presence of physicians in the society of his day. The New Testament makes more than one reference to physicians, including one account of the Gospel being penned by a physician, and yet . . . modern believers seem to think faith for healing was different in Bible times. Hebrews 13:8 tells us Y'hshuwah Messiah is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Doesn't that make anyone else wonder why Y'hshuwah would use doctors now, but didn't send anyone to Luke then?
Hebrew Scriptures, specifically Leviticus instructs the people of YHWH to present themselves with their maladies before the High Priests. Hebrews tells us, Y'hshuwah Messiah is our High Priest. So, once again, what's missing, what's been added?
And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of YHWH thy G-d, and wilt do that which is right in His sight, and wilt give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am YHWH that healeth thee. Exodus 15:26
Considering the fact, I can't find religious folks to agree with me on this, I'm not holding out a great deal of hope for the Obama administration, so as I stated back in 2010, I just have to budget for the penalty. It does seem different though, now that it's a reality on this year's taxes. In the land of the free, with a claim of Judeo-Christian principles, I have to pay a penalty for believing our Creator heals.
And Y'hshuwah answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to G-d the things that are G-d's. And they marvelled at him. Mark 12:17
So, my tax penalty I shall render unto Caesar, and the faith and glory for my health unto G-d!
Monday, March 2, 2015
Kingdom Skills
We speak of a new heaven and new earth. We say we are looking forward to the Messianic Reign. Several of us have also ascertained that eternity in paradise probably won't amount to harp playing on clouds. Through the years, I've heard at the time of the passing of certain folk that their loved ones can just "see them in heaven" fishing or golfing or whatever their favorite sport was, which I believe sounds a bit like what I've heard about the Mormon's own planets . . . I picture eternal paradise to be more like our Creator first design this world to be.
I could be wrong, but I see those who take on immortality in Y'hshuwah Messiah will be tending to gardens, enjoying animals, celebrating Sabbaths and Feasts, and worshiping our Creator. I have no doubt everything will be enjoyable, but I've also given consideration to a couple of new thoughts since attending the most amazing funeral I've ever witnessed. We know our bodies will be as Messiah's and there are no tears, but have we considered the concept that there will be no need for teaching, evangelizing, or any of the five fold ministries, because we'll know . . . Prophecy will be fulfilled, YHWH is our Shepherd and Messiah is The Rabbi. The Good News will have already been shared throughout the world, and there will be no need for healing or deliverance, since there will be no sickness or demons in paradise! I imagine the talents we've been given will still be of value in eternity. I know I plan to do some major foot anointing and washing . . .
As I sat at that funeral listening to some amazing tributes to an individual, and some adorable anecdotes provided by the decedent's wife, one comment stood out among so many. I would have posted it to social media, but it was just too precious to have it torn to ribbons by theological terrorists. In a service that was literally standing room only, a man's life was celebrated as a godly man who put his faith into practice. Our entire downtown could not have accommodated the parking for all of us who called this man a friend and came to offer our respectful presence to his wife and children.
This quiet man who had been born 12 miles from where he spent his entire life, was the perfect example of what it is to "love G-d and love your neighbor." Although we did not walk in the same understanding of obedience, there was a mutual respect in the practical application of what we believed. Everyone said they knew where he stood in his faith, but he never argued and as his 49 years on this earth were celebrated, nobody could remember him having ever said an unkind word!
A young man who spoke admiringly of this quiet, gentleman, dairy farmer; made a statement regarding a Scripture that really touched me heart. This isn't about soul sleep or instant presence in heaven or anything else that would detract from the beauty and simplicity of the statement the young man made. He referenced the 50th Psalm as he spoke words of comfort and eternal encouragement in his heart touching comment. "Our Father has the cattle on a thousand hills . . . and he needed someone to milk them."
What are the talents we've been given by our Creator that will be useful in the world to come?
I could be wrong, but I see those who take on immortality in Y'hshuwah Messiah will be tending to gardens, enjoying animals, celebrating Sabbaths and Feasts, and worshiping our Creator. I have no doubt everything will be enjoyable, but I've also given consideration to a couple of new thoughts since attending the most amazing funeral I've ever witnessed. We know our bodies will be as Messiah's and there are no tears, but have we considered the concept that there will be no need for teaching, evangelizing, or any of the five fold ministries, because we'll know . . . Prophecy will be fulfilled, YHWH is our Shepherd and Messiah is The Rabbi. The Good News will have already been shared throughout the world, and there will be no need for healing or deliverance, since there will be no sickness or demons in paradise! I imagine the talents we've been given will still be of value in eternity. I know I plan to do some major foot anointing and washing . . .
As I sat at that funeral listening to some amazing tributes to an individual, and some adorable anecdotes provided by the decedent's wife, one comment stood out among so many. I would have posted it to social media, but it was just too precious to have it torn to ribbons by theological terrorists. In a service that was literally standing room only, a man's life was celebrated as a godly man who put his faith into practice. Our entire downtown could not have accommodated the parking for all of us who called this man a friend and came to offer our respectful presence to his wife and children.
This quiet man who had been born 12 miles from where he spent his entire life, was the perfect example of what it is to "love G-d and love your neighbor." Although we did not walk in the same understanding of obedience, there was a mutual respect in the practical application of what we believed. Everyone said they knew where he stood in his faith, but he never argued and as his 49 years on this earth were celebrated, nobody could remember him having ever said an unkind word!
A young man who spoke admiringly of this quiet, gentleman, dairy farmer; made a statement regarding a Scripture that really touched me heart. This isn't about soul sleep or instant presence in heaven or anything else that would detract from the beauty and simplicity of the statement the young man made. He referenced the 50th Psalm as he spoke words of comfort and eternal encouragement in his heart touching comment. "Our Father has the cattle on a thousand hills . . . and he needed someone to milk them."
What are the talents we've been given by our Creator that will be useful in the world to come?
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