Two More Denominations of Kingdom Currency

Trust and appreciation are something that is becoming rare in this world.  The main reason for that, of course, is the love of money is moving us farther from the Kingdom Economy, all together.  The two are quite different in their use of exchange in this present world.  So often we give trust to the wrong people, and withhold it from those who have made an error, but repented.  The best example probably, is the American family.  There are parents and kids who will take their grudges to their grave.

The golden rule is the basis for this discovery.  By circumstances that begin out of our control, as we all come into this world, we become conditioned to what meets expectations, as well as developing our own expectations.  Those expectations alter somewhat along the way, but the foundation is laid, early in life.  Even when we seek to follow Messiah, we are the sum total of our experiences, to that point.  Upon repentance, we change directions and discover YHWH's standard . . . and ours is frequently in conflict with that standard.

In business we want a good deal, an exchange; as in "something for something."  In the Kingdom Economy, we are giving on behalf of our Father, the needs He sets before us, and He provides what we need.  It's a very foreign concept to our socialized way of thinking, and even stranger to describe, but it doesn't involve money at all.  I realize the internet bills and electricity bills require money, but they are only a means to an end, not a relationship.  Kingdom Economy is based upon our relationship with our Creator and He has already promised to meet our needs.  He not only meets our personal needs, but the needs of those YHWH brings into our lives.

Granted, I cannot give soap and oil away to everyone I meet, but what I've noticed about myself, is the return on the investment cannot be measured in money.  When someone asks me a natural health question, whether they buy anything or not, they are trusting me to share with them what I know, and the honesty to tell them, if I don't know.  That kind of trust cannot be put in the bank, but it has a value.

Appreciation is another one of those intangible values that is so often overlooked.  It's so easy to show and to share, but we often just brush through with a short "thank you" or even "thanks" and fail to realize how much someone's effort should be appreciated.  It's also in the lack of appreciation in which a root of bitterness can take a firm hold.  It is my belief that this spiritual and emotional condition may be directly related to the increase in diabetes in our culture.

The beauty of the Golden Rule is so simple and so applicable to the Kingdom Economy.  If we want trust, we must be trustworthy and sharing, not only of what we know and can do, but also of what we don't know.  It's really okay to not know everything!  As for trusting others, Messiah is the best example, of course.  He didn't place His trust in humanity, but He wasn't distrusting either.  He was simply busy about His Father's business.  Obviously, if we are following Him, humanity fails frequently, He doesn't.

Many of us actually put out more effort, when we are shown appreciation.  If you find yourself up against an demanding recipient that seem unappreciative, don't harbor that, just change the effort.  It's okay to do a good job, but a minimal job if extra effort is not appreciated.  It may mean our energy is to be used elsewhere.  Everything we do, we are to do unto our Messiah, and I know for a fact, He shows His appreciation in amazing ways.

Freely Given

I am often conflicted about what I do need to charge in business, because, well, many of my ideas come from our Creator, and that means they were given to me freely.  Now, the oils and herbs, I have to buy or harvest, so they have a definite cost to figure.  Bottles, containers, labels, postage, those are all real expenses and I do have to make enough to stay in business, but when it comes to books and formulas, I'm a bit hesitant.  The products of the Land of Goshen are priced according to cost, the Goshen Gazette, on the other hand; is a free publication, but I do have ad spots for sale.

I've seen various folks attempt to have unpaid contributors while charging for their product, and I don't think our Heavenly Father approves of that.  All the contributors at the Goshen Gazette graciously give of their time and talent to produce quality articles and provide needed information, so it would be an outrage to charge folks to read it.  By the way, the ad spots are very reasonably priced.  As editor, even my own companies pay for ad spots.  Along with not charging for what I've been given freely, I can't expect free advertising when there is a charge.  I think that's one of the problems in our American economy, the rules of business seem to be based upon favors and entitlements.

Back to "freely given."  I remember the first time I heard of a Bible teacher that sold tickets, or at least the event had a charge.  A woman offered me two $15.00 tickets, as a gift, because she'd already bought them but events unfolded that she would be unable to attend, and couldn't use them.  I thanked her for her kindness, but clearly stated, I didn't attend Bible teachings that sold tickets.  She was taken aback, so perhaps, my first introduction to this fee for what was freely given, was already behind the trend.  I see this "teacher" promoted from time to time, in social media, and regardless of the comments, I'm still very glad I didn't attend her conference.

I smile to YHWH when I see a situation and simply offer a practical hands on idea, without charge, without order form or donation button, I just offer what He lays on my heart.  I know this is something he put in my heart and on my heart, years ago, to bring G-d's healing to a godless nation.  Well, here I am, offering freely what I've been freely given, and I charge for what I have to pay for.  Seems an easy way to figure this.  Books, on the other hand, are tricky.

The information contained in the books I write is given to me freely, but to magnify coverage, as in book stores and book sellers, they want a price on the book to carry it and promote it.  Book sellers have to make a living to remain book sellers, so the books do have a cost of production, and a royalty fee must be covered for promotion.  Meanwhile, what I've been freely given, I will still be happy to share, freely.

I already know, when I give of what YHWH has blessed me to have and to know, the financial return is inconsequential.  To read that someone has come to a fuller understanding, or feels better, or is able to share simplistic truth with their spouses, loved ones, and friends, is the return on what I've been freely given.  For those who purchase my products, there is a cost for my ingredients, but I do pray a blessing over them, as I prepare, wrap and package them.

Kingdom Economy is about freely giving what we've been freely given as well as making a reasonable product affordable and available.

A Glimpse

I've been doing the Daniel diet since the first of this week.  I'm not sure how long, it will go on, but probably at least the Scriptural time frame of ten days.  Some folks call it the Daniel fast, but having done it before, I've discovered I do more cooking and meal planning with this special diet, than I ordinarily do, so Daniel diet for me, it is.  YHWH has been dealing with me on several issues through this time, and to be honest, I haven't just jumped right on board.  One in particular has been a struggle, but I do want to be obedient, so I can't just end this set apart time with "Thy Will be Done" in a cavalier manner.  When His children make that statement, that's a vow to the best of our understanding . . .

Looks like I'll be working on a new writing project, as well as expanding the Goshen Essential Oils business and making kosher soap available to those who are realizing what we put on our skin goes in our body!  In my struggle with the one assignment, our Heavenly Father has also graciously shown me, it's not always about being the most outstanding.  Sometimes it's simply about being available and even more important, affordable.  This Essential Oil deal is a bit intimidating to me.  There are some big multi-level marketing companies with big coverage and many layers.  Whereas I'm a more or less a Native American religious fanatic, with some amazing products to make available, while lacking marketing skills.

It's not about the money, it's about the natural health, and the affordability of the product.  In speaking with a friend the other day who shared with me how much she was enjoying Goshen Essential Oils, gave great encouragement as I shared my little glimpse with her, regarding the Essential Oil business and competition.  I saw the two "Amways" of Essential Oils, Young Living and DoTerra.  Then I saw little Goshen Essentials.  Oddly enough, though I saw the three Essential Oil businesses with "every day" signs over them, as in what our society needs, especially as the health care take over comes into play.

I saw the Young Living expansive product line under that logo, but with that logo, I also saw the Wal-Mart logo, as in "super" supply and variety.  Next I saw the DoTerra logo, and that inventory which is not so expansive as the first, but the labels and packages seem bit more trendy or cosmopolitan.  I saw it with a red and white Target . . .  Then I told my friend, I saw Goshen Essentials under the Dollar General sign.  She chuckled and said she liked Dollar General.

This confirmed what I already knew as to the importance of these oils made from creation.  We need these for our health, and just like each of these big name chains provide every day "necessities,"  natural health products truly are necessities.  Making these available on various levels and at various prices is simply a way to reach more people of every walk of life with the solutions and Instructions provided by our Creator.

Word!

I live half way between Springfield, MO and Tulsa Oklahoma, right in the heart of the "Word of Faith" movement.  I've driven by foreclosed homes, and foreclosed church "campuses" that "named it and claimed it" then borrowed for it!  As the downtown church buildings become part of the ghost towns that are now what is known as the history of progress and expansion, and the over sized and over priced tin buildings become passe, it's obvious, the word of faith movement missed something, unless you were on the receiving end of the "offering call!"

This is not to pick on that group of folk exclusively, as seeing major manifestation of the Great Spirit of our Creator is not frequently observed or experienced en mass.  Seems so many got caught up in the "name it and claim it," "blab it and grab it," that we lost sight of what was actually being said in the Word.  I remember several years ago as I was searching, hearing the acclaimed Bible teachers proclaiming the power of words.  There is power in words.  There is power in the spoken word . . . but that's where the truth got lost.

The power is not in our faith, it is in our Creator.  Word of faith is not the same as the Word of YHWH.   The Word of Faith movement may have produced hope in humanity and promise of prosperity, but The Word of YHWH is Y'hshuwah.  He produces results!  He brought redemption.  The Word of YHWH is salvation, deliverance, healing, provision, redemption, and true hope.

When There is No Buying or Selling

Have you considered what you'll do when buying and/or selling requires the mark of the beast?  I've given some thought to this of late.  Of course, we are told earlier in the book of the Revelation that the people of YHWH will be given a mark, supernaturally.

* A word of caution here, even if it's presented under "religious" auspice, do not take a mark from any human, organization, or agency!

We also are told in the Revelation not everyone will survive not going with the "earthly plan" of that time, but in the meantime what will we do?  I'm raising a garden and livestock, as well as running a business, but when the time comes for a mark, I will no longer be able to sell.  Then what?  Here are a few thoughts I've had on this question.  I think barter will be a great idea amongst believers.  I'm hoping my product will serve as a tool of trade and I'm hoping others will want to trade their skills and products as well.

I'll be honest here, I've been a bit concerned about the coffee situation, once the mark is required for buying or selling.   I have learned that roasted acorns ground are a pretty nice substitute for coffee.  So far, the acorn crop around here is pretty amazing.  Oh, I'm still buying coffee for now, but when that time comes . . .

I'm also getting very serious about chickens this next spring.  If I'm going to be obedient to Messiah's words even through that time of tribulation if it takes place through my lifetime, I need to be able to feed people without buying food.  I think the realization that we talk about our spiritual stoicism through the end of days, but we often overlook the practical living side of what we'll do.  I've realized in the last few trips to town, I just don't buy much anymore.  I don't have as many stops to make and even when a dollar doesn't go far, I'm just not spending as much.  What I'm realizing, is my lifestyle is being affected less by the economy dictated in Washington, but I've still got a ways to go to "be ready . . ."

  We all talk like the tribulation is just about upon us and we are sure we won't take the mark of the beast, but what are we doing to prepare to be witnesses unto Y'hshuwah when we have been called to feed the hungry but cannot purchase what we need to share?   We sometimes seem to forget, at least I think I do, that there were coins and currency in Bible days, and taxes, but Messiah was not dependent upon that system and there is no record that manna fell around Him.

Arriving at a Price

We do need money or some form of buying power in this world for now, but I find myself often questioning how it is we came to determine what our time is worth.  Scripture says, we are to freely give what we've been freely given, and as a servant of El Shaddai, my time is not my own.  On top of that, the ideas for my products, be they books or soaps and oils; come from Him.  I'm just never quite sure how to arrive at a price for anything!  So, I figure according to the old standard of costs + overhead + supply.  That method worked for years and years.  Probably the main place I differ from our social perspective, is in valuing my free time verses "on the clock."  As a servant of YHWH, I don't really think of leisure time at all.  I rest every Shabbat.  In the evening, especially now that it gets dark so early, I want something to do, so it's a great time to work on formulas and write.

If I were watching a movie, how valuable would that time be?  If I was playing some computer game, what value would that have?  Since my lifestyle actually produces my living, I don't figure an hourly wage or work vs. leisure.  As I study Scripture, I'm just not sure how our hourly wage even fits into the figuring.  It seems, what I find, is land, produce, spices, fish, sheep, etc. had an accepted agreed upon price.  Fishermen weren't paid by the hour, they were paid by the fish.  Shepherds weren't paid by the hour, they tended their flock. The value of the sheep and the increase of the herd was in direct correlation to their health and safety.  The time a shepherd spent with his flock reflected in their well being, thus their value, but his specific time was not figured into the price.  I can attest from my own flocks and herds, up at midnight with a new arrival, as compared to a new one in the middle of the day, are not the variables at the time of sale.

In figuring the price of my soaps and oils, the variance in pricing is based upon the ingredients and supplies, and the value is based upon a good and satisfying finished product.  Books are the most difficult to establish a price, in that I truly do believe the words are given to me by Adonai.  I name a price, so the book sellers will carry them.  

A finished product used to be the point of work.  I can't imagine Solomon figuring an hourly wage on the construction of the Temple.  A good work ethic and pride in one's work, is what contributes to the true value of any product.  Ecclesiastes 9:10a was one of the first Bible passages I learned as a child.    

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might . . .

And Another Thing

We know for certain, the kingdom of heaven does not run on American currency.  Clearly our Creator gave us talents to make a living and a life in this world.  Time is what is measured for the glory of YHWH.  How we "spend" our time is reflective of our priorities and gratitude to Him.  It has come to my attention, however; we all receive an "allowance" so to speak, when the windows of heaven open . . .

I remember back in the days of prosperity teaching, Malachi 3:10 was quoted frequently.  Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, says YHWH of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

I always thought it was funny that in the mainstream popular teaching, the only law that didn't get "nailed to the cross" had to do with tithing, but I digress . . .

Malachi 3:10 definitely addresses giving unto our Creator, but I'd like to share some insight I've discovered in His promise.  Did you know there is another passage in Scripture that refers to "open the windows of heaven" with the same words in Hebrew?  Genesis 7:11 contains those same Hebrew words.  In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.

Rain appears to be how our Heavenly Father pours His blessing.  Now that I've seen this, it makes sense, and I'm sorry I didn't see it sooner!  Rain is what causes the land to produce grass for the animals that will be meat and rain is what causes the crops to grow.  Rain provides the water we drink, the water the animals drink, and the fish live in, not to mention supported many a sea fairing journeys.

What rain "causes" doesn't necessarily provide all the things we define to be blessings, but the reality is, food and water are referenced continuously as blessings.  Flocks, herds, and harvests are the blessings of being the people of YHWH.  They always have been.  In Scripture, it was the people with flocks and herds and harvests that were wealthy and the merchants depended upon the shepherds and farmers to need their wares, rather than the other way around.

Throughout Scripture, when Israel was blessed, the crops yielded huge returns and the herds and flocks increased.  That is the standard of abundance!  The dustbowl that preceded the Great Depression bears witness as to what happens when the windows of heaven do not open to pour out a blessing.