Grace and Blessings

Grace is clearly undeserved, unmerited, and completely non-negotiable.  Grace is the gift of mercy and forgiveness from our Heavenly Father brought through the death and resurrection of His Son.  Grace is also an "atmosphere" if you will.   Once a person has received G-d's grace, they belong to Him, and His grace is present in them, through them, and around them . . . What we have been freely given, we are to freely give.  Although grace is free to us, Y'hshuwah paid dearly.  Those of us who have received grace are called to extend grace, as well.  We are called to be gracious.

First and foremost, we are called to be gracious back to our Heavenly Father.  A covenant relationship involves participation of both parties.  Since Y'hshuwah is our advocate, He leads us that we may properly approach the Throne of Grace.  Hebrews tells us we can come boldly; not presumptuously, and not cowering, but boldly in the Name of Y'hshuwah.  To approach a Holy and Righteous G-d, we simply must follow the Instructions.  Y'hshuwah is the Word of G-d.

In my life, the simplest form of graciousness I can extend to Abba is obedience, gratitude, and thanksgiving.  Let's face it, He doesn't need anything I have to offer.  He is the All sufficient Existing One.  Even my righteousness is as filthy rags, before Him, but . . . He inhabits the praise of His people!   Praise for Who He is, Gratitude for what He does, and Thanksgiving for His many blessings.  I don't want to sound like Victoria Osteen here, but truly, praising G-d and giving thanks leads to more blessings . . . We cannot outgive our Heavenly Father.

We are told in throughout Torah that obedience is key to the blessings of YHWH.  Joshua 1:8 states a pretty bold promise.  This book of  the law [Torah] shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.  and Messiah delivered a very harsh statement in Matthew 7:23, to those who would disregard Torah.  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.  The word "iniquity" was translated from a Greek term meaning "without law" or in contempt and violation of law.

Obedience doesn't earn our salvation.  Obedience is how we demonstrate that we want to please our Father and obedience is the only way to follow Messiah.  Obedience is the result of salvation.  Obedience does result in blessings . . . not always of earthly standard, but definitely of Kingdom standard.
 Come now, and let us reason together, says YHWH: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.  If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:  Isaiah 1:18-19

Unexpected Supply

Usually when unexpected funds come into my hands, I put them away for safe keeping until a need is made known.  About two months ago, some unexpected funds came into my hands, but at that same time the words I'd heard through morning chores back in April came into my spirit.  Considering the source of the funding, I knew Abba was reminding me of my mission.  In less than a week of this gifting and reminder, thoughts began pouring into my head, at very unexpected times.

Without going into dollar amounts here, I'd just like to share the opportunities for practical preparation that have arisen in the time frame of two months.  I check craigslist with fair regularity in the farm and garden section.  I was down to one guinea on the place, when I noticed a brand new listing.  That wasn't just any listing, however.   Upon arriving I noticed the solar panels, which opened the door to all sorts of interesting topics.  I learned a lot that day and took home a pen of guineas which are growing nicely with the last brood of chicks from the incubator.  As a matter of fact, in purchasing the guineas, there were several sizes of keets, and I was able to choose keets the same size as my chicks.  They are growing together and getting along famously.  Guineas are wonderful for natural tick control!

The reminder to take the plunge and purchase reusable canning lids came to mind quite intensely, and they arrived in days.  This is a real test of faith for me, in that I've never used them before and next year the land rests.  What is being preserved now, needs to be preserved properly, as there will be no garden planted next spring.  So far, so good!  Whether it's a collapsed economy or no buying and selling without the mark, there is a day coming in which organic homesteaders will need an alternative to disposable canning lids.

In the meantime, the hay has been abundant and I was presented with a wonderful opportunity to purchase it, in volume, and delivered straight from the field to this place.  The cost per bail was great, but it needed to be done when the opportunity was presented . . . Praise Abba, hay for the winter is already in place.

In the late summer, I always survey the herd and try to add some new blood, while that option is available.  I had already planned to purchase a new buck, but there are now three to choose from . . . At least one, possibly two will be gone by end of breeding season, but it will certainly offer the opportunity to keep many of the kids next year.  Also added are now three 2 year olds, and two doelings.  All of these new additions are headed in the direction of spotted, streaked and speckled . . .

The nudge, then became strong to make a significant move toward complete independence from the grid.  Now, here's where I may sound like the prosperity mess, and I don't mean to.  I'm not roughing it until I have to.  I have my wringer washer, but I am still using an automatic and I'd like to continue to do so.  I can cook over a fire, but I like my electric stove for now, and I have a wood-burner, but the heat pump is nice.  So, in figuring my daily use of electricity, an order was placed for a wind turbine that will meet that "current" use.  There was a great savings on solar panels as well, so that was a sizeable purchase, and yet, I still had funds . . .   There was a certain symmetry to using an unexpected "windfall" to purchase a turbine for wind power.

I was literally prepared myself, budgeting, and had been planning to use my own funds for these projects; although it certainly would have taken longer than two months!  In all the years of ministry, I've never had a problem with using my own funds for a project, as it all belongs to Him.  I've been very blessed in ministry to never have solicited donations.  By that same token, He has always provided what is needed and more, for what He's called me to do.  Even when I do use my own funds, He's the One who has provided!  I smile as I think, the time of the gathering must be getting close, as all of this is going into place so quickly.

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of G-d;  II Corinthians 3:5

10% - 90%

When we think of tithing, do we ever consider that really it all belongs to G-d?  He is our provider, and we are His children, so I've taken a reversed perspective now.  I remember the days of hearing, "You can do more with a blessed 90% than a cursed 100%."  I've lived that out to know it's true.  I remember the old days of working and working and not walking with YHWH.  I can testify that tithing changed my finances, but the reality is, G-d changed my life.  When I began following Messiah, my priorities changed.

Tithing was one of the first changes made in my new life.  It was nearly 20 years before I realized, not only do I give the first fruits to Abba, I'm responsible for the fact that He trusts me with 90% to be used at my discretion, which should be in accordance with what is pleasing to Him.   In glorifying Him, paying bills comes after the tithe . . . all both of them.  That's one of the blessings I've noticed about realizing "it all belongs to Him."  I don't have as many expenses.  My hobbies actually support me, which I think many of also overlook.  What we call hobbies or interests are probably really the talents we were given to provide us a way to earn a living.

A time tithe was also imperative in my walk with Messiah.  When I make time in the Word and time in prayer a genuine priority, I am aware of His presence in more of the rest of my day.  I have also discovered something that I think every believer should consider.  Quiet time is essential.  So much noise in our daily lives actually drowns out the Voice of Abba.  Whether it's time or provision, it's all in His hand.  What He entrusts to us is a gift from Him.  What we do with what He gives us, is our gift to Him!

The Balance Sheet

The gardening season is winding down and I'm aware of coming into a new season of life.  Not just autumn, not just the Holy Days, but the reality that life has forever changed around the world, and judgment is upon us.  Many of us have asked YHWH to judge us now, so we can repent before the day of judgment.  The passage in Daniel 5, of the handwriting on the wall, has been weighing heavily.

Then was the part of the hand sent from him; and this writing was written. And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.  This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; G-d hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.  TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.  PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians. 

There is a balance sheet, and it's obvious to see, as a sovereign nation, we are divided, as well as finished . . . in many ways, but the part that keeps coming to my mind and heart, is that sentence about being weighed in the balance and found wanting.  I don't want to come up short in G-d's plan for me.  Because any shortcoming would be on my part.  I don't want to be found wanting before my Heavenly Father.  I want Him to show me the balance sheet, after His forgiveness.  I want to see what He has numbered for His people, specifically myself, and to do that.

The handwriting on the wall is clear for the direction our nation has chosen, but just like Daniel, the remnant still has work to do and visions to carry out or explain.  The balance sheet of YHWH does exist.  Y'hshuwah paid the price.  There is no need for anyone to be found wanting.  This world is a mess.  So many nations are at odds with each other and divided amongst themselves, and America is no exception.  We are simply the feet of iron mixed with clay of the dispersed Roman Empire.

Come out from among them and be ye separate.  Don't be found wanting!

Time, Money, Distance and Amenities

The other day, I was on a mission.  It took the better part of the afternoon and evening, but the results are wonderful!  I showed the lovely picture of little Zinnia that evening on social media, but two new bucks came on the ride as well.  They both won't stay long, as they are related, but they came as a package deal that I just couldn't pass up.

When Adonai told me to prepare practically, I tried very hard to be diligent in my preparation.  I'll admit right now, I'm a softie when it comes to goats.  I'm not always as practical as I need to be.  I am very practical in most areas of my life, but when it comes to kids, four legged or two legged, I'm usually a pushover.  Zinnia has already discovered that fact . . . back to the mission of practicality.  As I gave great consideration to this plan of preparedness, a memory popped into play . . . From the onset of this homesteading plan, I was really feeling the desire, I can't say led, per se, but the desire to have what I call a Jacob's herd.

In reading Genesis and taking notice of things in general, it does seem the purebred animals of any species are often subject to recessive weaknesses.  I've always had a pretty good mix of breeds in the herd, but it has seemed the solid light color or white is dominant in the kid crop.  One year, amidst predominantly dark nannies, and a light silver [blue] buck who should have been named Houdini, I had light silver, almost white kids in every pen.  He made good time covering four pens beyond his own, in that one week, every doe on the place gave birth to at least one silver kid.  I got him the first week of October.  The gestation period for goats is 5 months or 150 days.  Every doe kidded the first week of March.  I truly regretted selling ol' Jerry Lee, but even when moving to Goshen, a professionally installed 4 ft. 4X4 woven goat fence wouldn't hold him.  My that was a trip down memory lane.

Since I do believe in Psalm 37:4, I gave serious consideration to make spotted, streaked, and speckled dominant in the herd.  Clearly, Zinnia is a start for spotted.

 I call this mottled, as some versions of Scripture use that term.  He's got just interesting color changes and patches all over his sides and back.

A similar stripe on my previous herd sire has already been proven to be dominant in the herd, so next year, with the blessing of Yah, we'll see what the kids look like.  None of the does are a single color.













I got so excited in all the color and variables, I almost forgot.  Getting to the previous homes of all these fine creatures took a little over two hours in the traffic.  I travelled a little over 200 miles round trip and gave a little over $200 and 2 bars of soap, for the three of them.  It seems such a small investment for the potential.  I pray I'm planning according to Abba's purpose.

A Matter of Time

The other morning I awoke with "time on my mind," once again.  Some may have a better grasp on the concept of eternity than I do, but the idea of never ending time, really eludes me.  I do have a pretty good grasp of time in this life though and here in this country much of it is wasted, by Scriptural standards.  I'm not suggesting that anyone can earn their salvation.  This information is simply what I believe is the standard for which we should consider "whatsoever we do, do all to the glory of G-d."  Time is how we spend our life.  Are we spending wisely?  When everything that doesn't count for eternity is burned away, what of our time on earth will have brought Abba pleasure?

It's easy to get busy doing all sorts of things that have no purpose.  I think that is our national pastime!  As I consider the way I spend my time, I realize there is still much room for improvement.

I am of the group that believes the day begins at sunset, and that's about the time evening chores are finished.  I don't think I'm spending my evening time in a way that brings Abba pleasure and that needs to change.  I don't have a television, so I don't spend the evening watching shows, but it seems after chores, I just schlep around, doing this or that, but not really focused.  I want to be busy about my Father's work through every waking hour.  I'm thinking beginning the day in the evening with the Psalms and Proverbs sounds exquisite.  Then perhaps some research and development of product.  In reading the headlines, I'd say the remnant is going to be pulling away from mainstream medicine very soon, or at least should be.  I'm getting to the point in life that I do need at least six hours of sleep at night, and seven doesn't hurt a couple of times through the week.  Abba has been blessing me with quality communion time between 3 and 4 am.  It's quite precious.  The names of many of my friends and clients come up through that time.

Each morning begins with prayer, personal hygiene, coffee, devotion time, and chores.  Usually I'm up before dawn, so that's the order.  If I sleep in past sunrise, coffee and devotions come after I let the chickens out, but that also means I "spent" more time unconscious.  I'm pretty sure the prayer time and devotions do bring Abba pleasure.  It certainly makes my days go well.  As for tending to myself and the critters, that's the responsibility for the life in which I've been blessed.  It's easy for me to get busy and not get back to serious time in the Word through the week.  I pray throughout the day, and listen intently for His Voice, but I have a Bible study time that has not been well established in the afternoon.  It's been sort of hit and miss, and I want to change that.  Debating Scripture and interpretations on social media is not the same thing as genuinely studying to show myself approved unto G-d.

As I watch the growing concern about the very violent religion of Islam, I am also aware of their dedication and devotion to "their god."  That same time spent in devotion and dedication to my G-d who is love and above all gods is what I need.  I believe it's what all True believers need.

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of YHWH.  I Corinthians 10:31

Added That Day

Education, money, tax exempt status, and "the Lord will provide"  are all topics of discussion in religious groups, while also discussing "signs of the times" and end of days.  It just doesn't all fit in the same conversation any more.  If we really believe these are the end of days and tribulation is at hand, why all the peripheral issues?  I admit it, I find myself sucked into at least one useless discussion nearly every day.  Times are turbulent and we aren't sure what's coming next, but as I consider the book of Acts, they didn't know what was coming next, either.  At least we can turn the page to see.

We've got numbers in the wrong "column" so to speak.  While we speak of membership, building funds, and offerings, the real numbers mentioned in Acts were people who actually came into the community of believers.  The "religion" in the book of Acts wasn't any hourly weekend gathering.  Those who were "added that day" got involved and stayed involved.  Some sold land for the cause, others prepared food, some taught, some took notes, many still worked and maintained their businesses, while contributing.

I realize this is a touchy subject, but I'm delving headlong.  Clearly James did not share the Gospel in a politically correct way as he was put to death by sword, pretty early.  Stephen, stoned to death in chapter 8.  Peter and John were in and out of prison and Paul spent a great deal of his ministry before the magistrates or behind bars.  None of these guys were popular like the big names are now.  Herod didn't like Peter the way President Johnson liked Billy Graham.  Can you imagine Paul in an interview with Oprah?  Picture if you will, if that is even possible; John the Baptist moderating a presidential candidate's debate.

I'm not against education, money, or comfort, but to spend the end of days in debate and call it fellowship is ridiculous.  I thought I was establishing a place of refuge for the remnant in the end of days, and I still think I am, but I don't think it's going to be the crowd I first imagined.  We have to really get serious about what we believe "as in the days of Noah" truly were.  Most of the time when I hear "the Lord will provide . . ." I discern that to mean it's business as usual, until . . . I think we have already passed business as usual.  The disciples dropped their nets to follow Messiah, and it was never "business as usual" again.

The time of choosing to come out from among them to be separate, is coming to a close.  The time to stand up and be counted is upon us.  When the line in the sand becomes a chasm, to which group will we be added that day?