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.

Enough!

Living in the kingdom economy on the promises of YHWH means we have enough.  This promise is stated in Hebrew Scripture as well as New Testament references.  In the kingdom economy, though, Y'hshuwah demonstrated with YHWH's blessing there is enough to share.

I would urge everyone through this season of religious debate and faithful observance to take just a moment or two, to look through your pantry, cupboards, and closets and see if there isn't something you can share.  Most of us have at least one article of clothing that is really in pretty good condition, because we never wear it.  Donate it!  There is probably some can of something that we'd not eat by choice, but if hard times came . . . The best way to not have to worry about hard times is by obedience to YHWH.

I know groceries are expensive, but there will be some traditional sales this week.  This week, on some items, they are practically two for the price of one.  Go ahead, splurge the extra few pennies and drop that second item in the food pantry basket.  Scripture is full of promises of provision, to the people of YHWH. Pocket change for one, may truly make the difference for another.

Although I don't participate in the politically correct holidays of our society, feeding the poor and clothing the naked is always Scripturally correct.

Presumption Cleaned Up

To be honest, even in the transition of realizing the currency and provision of the Kingdom of YHWH has no dependence upon American cash, I am still stumbling as I'm learning.  I had no idea how to fully apply the Torah teaching of giving "first fruits" to YHWH.  So, like most Americans, I wandered around in my ignorance, with the first check after payday being made out to the religious institution or ministry I was supporting.

Then came the agricultural reality of first fruits, and I got some of it figured out, but I'm still learning.  I have made a point of either providing the meat for a feast from the first of the flock, or if there is a financial need, selling a kid to provide for that, and then there is the fun of giving the first of the herd or womb to other TO believers starting their homesteads.  I've also given firstlings as a gift . . . with my latest book.

As for first fruits from the garden and orchard, my grandchildren and I have had such great special dinners in honor of YHWH's blessings and special prayers for said occasion.  Such a precious awareness this has become.  Of course, sharing the produce is great fun as well as gifting some of the canned goods, as well.  That has seemed a natural learning, if I can phrase it that way.  First fruits seems easy enough as applied to garden produce and Torah is very clear as to which livestock belongs to YHWH, even with Messiah as our sacrifice, so it was actually just a matter of finding recipients.

The latest revelation has come about 18 months after my presumptive offering.  I began a soap business in late 2011.  Immediately, when a sale was made, it went to a ministry toward a need.  I didn't even give it a second thought.  It's what is done!  Then I started another business, and the same thing took place.  I never even questioned or doubted my move, until . . . the government shut down, and even after applying the principle, it still took another month to understand it!

The first fruits of my business is not the money from the first sale!  And since I did it wrong, I'll take this moment to brag as well . . . It wasn't just a tenth of the first sale, it was the entire ticket of the first sale donated, but that wasn't the first fruits of my business.  The first fruits of my business was literally, the product itself!

Until this recent government shutdown, I hadn't realized how many people struggle to have "necessities" that are not covered in assistance.  People who are struggling to make ends meet, are so grateful for soap!  People who are struggling with pain or skin issues are often financially stressed or even socially embarrassed to ask, but are so thrilled to have natural remedies!  The synagogue doesn't need my soap, and the church facility doesn't need my products, but I do know the Food Pantries and the Street Ministries know where the need is and are able to distribute accordingly.

Once the light came on, it seemed so simple.  Of course . . . first fruits of the talents He's given us, is a tangible return and increase on the product of that talent!

 

A Different Currency

Considering the fact that the American economy has absolutely no foundation, whatsoever, and our currency has no standard, perhaps it's time to seriously reconsider the meaning of "prosperity!"   Please understand, I'm not putting down our economic system, that's already been done.  We can't just blame the politicians, or the bankers, or even the greedy preachers.  Well, I guess we can, but that doesn't solve the problem or change anything!

We do need to continue to participate, as far as taxes etc. I believe, so I'm not suggesting a barter system that eliminates sales tax, I'm suggesting the idea that "currency" is simply used to exchange products or service.  It's the product or service that is the value and they need to be held in some sort of ratio standard.  The money and the tax is just the "equal sign of the equation" so to speak.  We need to assess the value of what our product or service is, compared to the things we cannot make or do for ourselves.

For instance, I don't have my own hay field, but the man who does, happens to have a wife and kids who like the soap I make.  He and I both still participate with currency, but the value of what we provide has it's own exchange rate.  It also works for donations as well.  Our local food pantry cannot accept home canned foods and fresh produce is impractical, but my soap is a welcome donation for two reasons.  One, it has an unlimited shelf life and two, it is an item that cannot be obtained with SNAP or WIC, so it's truly needed.

To this day, I'm sure I give away more books than I sell, but the words I was given to write were just that: given.  All I need to do is have a price for the book sellers to carry them, which of course raises awareness of the content.  Booksellers, sell books!  Authors can give them away . . .

Can you imagine if religious organizations actually operated as they did in the book of Acts?  If the congregation was large enough that the rabbi or pastor was needed every day, the congregation could actually practically and literally meet the needs of their "earthly leader" by providing housing, lodging, food, etc.  Years before the prosperity teaching, housing was actually provided, often, on the same property as the house of worship.

The economy of the Heaven's Kingdom doesn't have a debt ceiling and gold is merely pavement.  We have all been given at least one talent in which we can actually make a living and share in the abundance.  We are promised prosperity and abundance, but our Heavenly Father doesn't give His children things of no value.  His blessings are never without value, and He knows the American currency has no value.

A Necessary Evil?

We've all heard money referred to as a "necessary evil!"  Nobody ever admits to loving it, yet Scripture clearly says it is the love of money that is the root of all evil.  It doesn't say eating the forbidden fruit, or telling your husband to sleep with your slave girl; It says the "love of money!"  With that fact established, the next point to ponder is the concept of a necessary evil.  Is evil ever necessary?

The reason I ask this question, is the desensitization that can come from equating evil or pain with being necessary.  I remember when "medicine had to taste bad to be good."  And now nobody likes Obamacare . . . I don't know of a child who hasn't attempted to hide under office furniture to avoid a vaccination.  Now look at the reports!  The continual programming and desensitizing has resulted in many negative returns and damage that cannot be undone.

YHWH has created within each of us a way to make a life, make a living, and the ability to negotiate trades.  It is the steadfast prayer of this author that those of the kingdom would step on in to the kingdom economy.  Just like the coming cashless society, the kingdom economy doesn't run on money, HOWEVER; unlike the coming cashless society, the currency of heaven's kingdom is time and talents.

Since buying and selling is referenced for the mark, will the term "it's a necesary evil" be used to justify and rationalize?

And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.  Rev. 13:16,17