Last year, when my folks were planning a visit, I'd asked Daddy to pick something up for me and I'd pay him when they came down . . . He wanted a cash transaction, so . . . I went to the bank to have the cash on me. I was a bit shocked when he stood in my kitchen and counted the money I gave him. I don't remember ever short changing him. If I did, it was certainly an accident and he never said anything. Maybe he just counts every transaction, as flesh and blood seemed to be no exception. It did give me pause to ever consider doing business with him again though. He's my Daddy, so it is what it is. My parents do keep track of every dime, so it probably isn't really a personal thing, but in light of the lifestyle I have and the business I do, it does seem odd.
I've sent many orders on the promise of a check and I've never been stiffed or received a bad check. Often times, someone includes a bit extra for my trouble or appreciation for working with them. I'm an honest business woman and I just don't believe in being terribly distrustful. I believe that is also an aspect of reaping and sowing. I sow honestly, I reap honesty . . .
In the past month, I've had three financial transactions that were not small, as far as I was concerned, yet the gentlemen all said the same thing. As I handed them the cash I repeated the amount we'd agreed upon and included the statement, "count it to make sure." One said, "You counted it didn't you?" to which I responded, "Yes." He responded with, "Then there's no need for me to count it." The other two simply took the money, never looked at it, and put it in their pocket, saying, "Thank you."
These were not small ticket items either. All of these cash transactions required a trip to the bank.
First there was the new deck. The price of lumber for a 10' X 28' deck was not cheap ten years ago, when I designed one that we built ourselves. This time the project was done professionally. What can I say? You do get what you pay for and I was delighted to pay for professional. As stated previously, when it came time to pay, this was the gentleman who, when I told him to be sure and count it, asked me if I'd counted it. When I nodded and said yes, he responded that there was no need for him to do it then, and handed the bank envelope to his son.
The next project was hiring a man fell some dead trees. He's a young business man and did an amazingly efficient job. He had to reschedule once due to a conflict of completion, but he called well ahead to reschedule, so I wasn't waiting on him, and the morning of the reschedule, he called to say he'd be on the place in within the hour. He was here within the hour, done, paid, and gone within the next hour! He just stuck the money in his pocket and away he went.
The third example really isn't as unique as the other two, in that I've known and done business with my hay man for several years now. He's always been consistent with quality and delivers quite timely whether scheduled or an unexpected need. He likes my soap and his wife likes several of my products, so we do business back and forth regularly. He's lived here his entire life and is well known and respected throughout the area. In country measure, we're practically neighbors, so for him to just take my money without counting doesn't seem so unusual. The fact that we are practically neighbors and have done business for a number of years, I'm sure has enhanced our trust level, but I've known Daddy longer than I've known my hayman. I'm truly thinking it's a matter of locale and simply "the way things are done" in this region. I like it!
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Glitches
A dear brother and I were talking a couple of weeks ago about what we thought could be expected here in the states. We spoke of Operation Jade Helm 15, same sex marriage, judgment, and the warning of High Alert Terrorist's Threats the week-end of the 4th. I told him, now that good is evil and evil is good, I did think there was reason to suspect serious problems, but I expected various glitches to begin to occur that seem relatively innocuous, isolated, and just a temporary inconvenience. I didn't really look for an overhead attack, but rather a crumbling from beneath.
The grounding of American Airlines seemed to be in line with my expectations. I was also following a friend's journey and there were several glitches in his train travels . . . that seemed what I expected. I wasn't expecting what happened, also today though, at least not on this scale. The New York Stock Exchange went down for a few hours, claiming it to be a glitch. The Wall Street Journal had issues, but what I heard in town today, threw me for a definite loop. The US Mint will has ceased producing silver American Eagle coins
When I saw the price of silver posted outside a jewelry store, I stopped. It's rather low right now. They didn't have any silver American Eagle coins, or rounds, or junk silver coins for that matter. He told me I could order whatever I wanted, pay for it today, plus shipping and he'd call me when they came in. Interestingly, he never mentioned the cessation of production, but simply stated they were back ordered. I told him I'd think about it and left.
In these times were are living, I won't buy money! Dollars and precious metals are an exchange only, for me. I'm happy to exchange some dollars for silver, I would for gold too, if I could afford it, but alas . . . At any rate, I refuse to purchase precious metals that are on "back order." I don't buy "certificates" of precious metal ownership, ether. That is risky business. Prepaying or just receiving a paper stating ownership seems no different than investing second hand in panning for gold or becoming part owner in a silver mine you've never seen.
I still didn't know the mint was not producing, but thinking my friend in town might have a bargain or two since prices were low, I went in to see him. That's where I learned the US Mint isn't minting silver dollars at this time. The fact that the mint is not producing for an indefinite period of time seems questionable in correlation with Shemitah, Operation Jade Helm 15, and the general heightened tension in this country. This has raised some questions in my mind.
Are the powers that be hoarding the silver" Or is there just none available? Are our lenders getting ready to call in the note? Is our currency about to be devalued further? Is the government getting ready to call in precious metals like they did gold in the 30s? Whatever the answer to any of these questions might be, it is clear we need to be ready for a potential major change to our current economy.
The grounding of American Airlines seemed to be in line with my expectations. I was also following a friend's journey and there were several glitches in his train travels . . . that seemed what I expected. I wasn't expecting what happened, also today though, at least not on this scale. The New York Stock Exchange went down for a few hours, claiming it to be a glitch. The Wall Street Journal had issues, but what I heard in town today, threw me for a definite loop. The US Mint will has ceased producing silver American Eagle coins
When I saw the price of silver posted outside a jewelry store, I stopped. It's rather low right now. They didn't have any silver American Eagle coins, or rounds, or junk silver coins for that matter. He told me I could order whatever I wanted, pay for it today, plus shipping and he'd call me when they came in. Interestingly, he never mentioned the cessation of production, but simply stated they were back ordered. I told him I'd think about it and left.
In these times were are living, I won't buy money! Dollars and precious metals are an exchange only, for me. I'm happy to exchange some dollars for silver, I would for gold too, if I could afford it, but alas . . . At any rate, I refuse to purchase precious metals that are on "back order." I don't buy "certificates" of precious metal ownership, ether. That is risky business. Prepaying or just receiving a paper stating ownership seems no different than investing second hand in panning for gold or becoming part owner in a silver mine you've never seen.
I still didn't know the mint was not producing, but thinking my friend in town might have a bargain or two since prices were low, I went in to see him. That's where I learned the US Mint isn't minting silver dollars at this time. The fact that the mint is not producing for an indefinite period of time seems questionable in correlation with Shemitah, Operation Jade Helm 15, and the general heightened tension in this country. This has raised some questions in my mind.
Are the powers that be hoarding the silver" Or is there just none available? Are our lenders getting ready to call in the note? Is our currency about to be devalued further? Is the government getting ready to call in precious metals like they did gold in the 30s? Whatever the answer to any of these questions might be, it is clear we need to be ready for a potential major change to our current economy.
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
Earthly Economy
For those of us believing the Bible, we know the earthly economy is prophesied to ultimately exclude the remnant. The way things are looking, we probably should be working our way out of dependency and debt as quickly as possible, now. That's not to say our independence will happen overnight, but it won't happen at all if we don't start heading that direction. I personally would love to have the money to get a number of people all set up and out of debt, but money really isn't the answer. A new perspective is the foundation and the mind of Messiah is the path. We have to unlearn the programming that debt is the path to the American dream! It's time to wake up, smell the coffee, and look around! The dream has turned into a nightmare.
If I had it all to do over again, I'd of course, done a great many things differently. All glory to our Heavenly Father that He allowed me to get hold of this. It's still possible to live within one's means and remain debt free. I used to be real big on "homeownership," and I do own land and a home, but at this point in our existence, the only true advantage of home ownership is the rent can't go up. However; the taxes can and city codes can create expenses and frustration! I'm blessed to be in a very remote part of the county, and several miles from any city limits, but corporate government is gaining ground at every opportunity.
Now, as to my desire to help folks become less dependent, we have to get basic. By now, there is enough information available, I would think most of our society would see the hazards of not preparing our own food. In all the government paranoia and concern about invasion of privacy, I am absolutely offended when those same people insist upon putting my address into their GPS. We have to stop pretending there will be special protection and provision from our Creator, when we've chosen to use other means all along. Too many people think they will be ready to fend for themselves when it hits the fan, but they are still entirely dependent now. Unfortunately, I think many religious folks are scoping out their plan of moving their dependency from the government simply to another dependency.
Entirely too many Americans remain in constant need of assistance while claiming it to be of G-d. We've got to get away from that programmed thinking and it's not easy. There have been years and years of it woven into the very fabric of our society. According to the Word of G-d, rain in it's season, bountiful produce, full kneading bowls, and flocks and herds defined prosperity and were the results of obedience. A good credit rating was never promised as prosperity. A fat bank account wasn't mentioned in the list of blessings. An all powerful government is actually not a blessing at all, and as we can see; is actually unfolding to be quite a curse.
Come out from her my people. Think of one thing that is costing money and not really helping your spiritual or physical health and get it out of your life. I assure you, you will live through it. I got rid of my television years before I got a computer and my computer is still a desktop. I am not continually connected. Yes, the tax man knows my address and sadly, I now know I register on GPS, but I still maintain a certain autonomy in my dependency at this time. Eliminating "earthly dependency" is the key to eliminating debt. There are a lot of folks saying "G-d is all I need" but for most of us, those are just words. We've got to start disconnecting before the dependency and connections lead to captivity.
If I had it all to do over again, I'd of course, done a great many things differently. All glory to our Heavenly Father that He allowed me to get hold of this. It's still possible to live within one's means and remain debt free. I used to be real big on "homeownership," and I do own land and a home, but at this point in our existence, the only true advantage of home ownership is the rent can't go up. However; the taxes can and city codes can create expenses and frustration! I'm blessed to be in a very remote part of the county, and several miles from any city limits, but corporate government is gaining ground at every opportunity.
Now, as to my desire to help folks become less dependent, we have to get basic. By now, there is enough information available, I would think most of our society would see the hazards of not preparing our own food. In all the government paranoia and concern about invasion of privacy, I am absolutely offended when those same people insist upon putting my address into their GPS. We have to stop pretending there will be special protection and provision from our Creator, when we've chosen to use other means all along. Too many people think they will be ready to fend for themselves when it hits the fan, but they are still entirely dependent now. Unfortunately, I think many religious folks are scoping out their plan of moving their dependency from the government simply to another dependency.
Entirely too many Americans remain in constant need of assistance while claiming it to be of G-d. We've got to get away from that programmed thinking and it's not easy. There have been years and years of it woven into the very fabric of our society. According to the Word of G-d, rain in it's season, bountiful produce, full kneading bowls, and flocks and herds defined prosperity and were the results of obedience. A good credit rating was never promised as prosperity. A fat bank account wasn't mentioned in the list of blessings. An all powerful government is actually not a blessing at all, and as we can see; is actually unfolding to be quite a curse.
Come out from her my people. Think of one thing that is costing money and not really helping your spiritual or physical health and get it out of your life. I assure you, you will live through it. I got rid of my television years before I got a computer and my computer is still a desktop. I am not continually connected. Yes, the tax man knows my address and sadly, I now know I register on GPS, but I still maintain a certain autonomy in my dependency at this time. Eliminating "earthly dependency" is the key to eliminating debt. There are a lot of folks saying "G-d is all I need" but for most of us, those are just words. We've got to start disconnecting before the dependency and connections lead to captivity.
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Management and Priorities
Have you ever heard someone talk about how generous they would be if they ever "hit it big?" I've heard people talk about how much they'd donate if they win the lottery or how much they'd give to charity if they ever became wealthy. Then there are those with a steady income, always in some sort of financial crisis, regularly relying on the kindness of others, who basically have the same income. The problem is really not in dollars and cents, but in management and priorities. I'm not preaching the trendy prosperity message here, but there are a number of Scriptures that do state our Creator will provide. I realize there are many who are perpetually in need that believe He uses their circle of influence to make that provision, but I'm not so sure I agree with that, especially when it appears to be perpetual.
My monthly income is not large, but as a rule, my expenses are not large either. What I have noticed is when Abba brings someone my way for assistance, the provision is available. Another factor that is really becoming plain, is the number of folks who really wouldn't need financial assistance if they were open to learning financial management and realign their priorities. Our nation has cheated at least three generations from good old fashioned money management skills and encouraged debt beyond what anyone can repay.
Not everyone is waiting for the powerball or an inheritance. Some folks are just sure when they get a raise, everything is going to suddenly fall into place. I've even heard folks tell me when they get a raise, then they'll be able to afford to tithe and save . . . A tithe is a percentage. I realize the current religious jury is out on determining just what we need to do in the area of tithing, but when someone thinks they need to make more money to have 10%, their base thinking is skewed. It is completely possible with US currency to have and give 10% of a dime . . . it's called a penny. A dime is 10% of a dollar, so if financial tithing is enough of a priority to mention "when it's affordable," it's time to reconsider the perspective, and factor in that perhaps the lack of giving is the cause of the financial strain. I'm not talking about a mega church building fund here, either; but giving for the glory of YHWH.
The people who are the most giving, simply give of what they have. The most generous people don't usually have the most in life, but are content with what they have. I'm reminded of the poor widow's mite. She didn't say, when she was as wealthy as the Pharisees or the tax collectors that she'd give, NO, she gave what she had.
There are a number of folks, myself included that get taken in with the idea that if we regularly help our grown kids, it's somehow righteous. Ninety percent of the time, we're operating in guilt and/or control, rather than righteous servants of the Most High. If our grown kids regularly need to be subsidised and bailed out, then we didn't teach them properly, and if we continue to subsidise we're enabling. Even with all the tithing debate, there is no way on "G-d's green earth" to even remotely label the subsidizing of grown children as ministry.
A man who made a very nice living, but was still struggling told me if he could just make so many more dollars an hour, he'd be set. When he shared the amount of his current income, it was all I could do to maintain a poker face. I couldn't imagine someone just blowing through that kind of money every month. I literally could not wrap my mind around it. It was in my moment of shock and silence, I heard the still small voice telling me. "those who are faithful in the little things will be given much." I was then able to look at him with compassion and simply state. "G-d won't give you more of what you are already struggling to handle."
For those who are hoping a windfall or a raise solves the problems, it won't. For those with "big plans" if the ship ever comes in, it likely won't. There are actually sad statistics for those who have received a windfall of one kind or another who are now bankrupt. Stewardship is almost a forgotten word in spiritual teaching, but it needs to come back. Financial management and G-dly priorities are part of our witness. Paying our bills is part of our witness. I don't believe prosperity comes from the lottery or from donating to a televangelist, but from obedient stewardship, conscientious management, and being content with what we have.
As for being a financial hero when the big money comes in . . . Yeah right. What are we doing to improve our little corner where we are with what YHWH has given us?
Whether it's entitlements or just constant complaining about one's income, it boils down to one of two things. Either G-d isn't providing or we're wanting what someone else has.
Thou shalt not covet . . .
My monthly income is not large, but as a rule, my expenses are not large either. What I have noticed is when Abba brings someone my way for assistance, the provision is available. Another factor that is really becoming plain, is the number of folks who really wouldn't need financial assistance if they were open to learning financial management and realign their priorities. Our nation has cheated at least three generations from good old fashioned money management skills and encouraged debt beyond what anyone can repay.
Not everyone is waiting for the powerball or an inheritance. Some folks are just sure when they get a raise, everything is going to suddenly fall into place. I've even heard folks tell me when they get a raise, then they'll be able to afford to tithe and save . . . A tithe is a percentage. I realize the current religious jury is out on determining just what we need to do in the area of tithing, but when someone thinks they need to make more money to have 10%, their base thinking is skewed. It is completely possible with US currency to have and give 10% of a dime . . . it's called a penny. A dime is 10% of a dollar, so if financial tithing is enough of a priority to mention "when it's affordable," it's time to reconsider the perspective, and factor in that perhaps the lack of giving is the cause of the financial strain. I'm not talking about a mega church building fund here, either; but giving for the glory of YHWH.
The people who are the most giving, simply give of what they have. The most generous people don't usually have the most in life, but are content with what they have. I'm reminded of the poor widow's mite. She didn't say, when she was as wealthy as the Pharisees or the tax collectors that she'd give, NO, she gave what she had.
There are a number of folks, myself included that get taken in with the idea that if we regularly help our grown kids, it's somehow righteous. Ninety percent of the time, we're operating in guilt and/or control, rather than righteous servants of the Most High. If our grown kids regularly need to be subsidised and bailed out, then we didn't teach them properly, and if we continue to subsidise we're enabling. Even with all the tithing debate, there is no way on "G-d's green earth" to even remotely label the subsidizing of grown children as ministry.
A man who made a very nice living, but was still struggling told me if he could just make so many more dollars an hour, he'd be set. When he shared the amount of his current income, it was all I could do to maintain a poker face. I couldn't imagine someone just blowing through that kind of money every month. I literally could not wrap my mind around it. It was in my moment of shock and silence, I heard the still small voice telling me. "those who are faithful in the little things will be given much." I was then able to look at him with compassion and simply state. "G-d won't give you more of what you are already struggling to handle."
For those who are hoping a windfall or a raise solves the problems, it won't. For those with "big plans" if the ship ever comes in, it likely won't. There are actually sad statistics for those who have received a windfall of one kind or another who are now bankrupt. Stewardship is almost a forgotten word in spiritual teaching, but it needs to come back. Financial management and G-dly priorities are part of our witness. Paying our bills is part of our witness. I don't believe prosperity comes from the lottery or from donating to a televangelist, but from obedient stewardship, conscientious management, and being content with what we have.
As for being a financial hero when the big money comes in . . . Yeah right. What are we doing to improve our little corner where we are with what YHWH has given us?
Whether it's entitlements or just constant complaining about one's income, it boils down to one of two things. Either G-d isn't providing or we're wanting what someone else has.
Thou shalt not covet . . .
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Assistance
The last couple of weeks I've noticed a real upsurge in requests for financial assistance and spiritual advice regarding money across social media. Although I don't consider myself to be wealthy, I do know YHWH is my provider, provides well, and I'm debt free, but I am still in this world and like it or not, some things require money. I'm heading off grid to eventually pay no electric bill, but to do that requires me to purchase a battery bank, and even if I could make solar panels and wind turbines, I can't make them out of air and rocks. I do know there is a day coming in which buying and selling will not be an option without the mark, therefore; I am investing now for what I think we may need then.
I offer financial assistance in some situations and in others I offer products as a gift, but truth be told, some situations actually need financial management instruction and work ethic motivation. I do not subsidize poor money management. I can't afford to! As long as we are in this world, before Messiah returns, we have to accept the fact that life in this world is not free. Of all things the public education does not teach and parents tend to not prepare children for is budgeting. Oh, I grew up being made to have a savings account and tithe, but other than being told how much and when, I was clueless. I had to learn by trial and unfortunately error . . .
That is why I truly want to help people, not just throw money at them and certainly not judge them. Many folks have not been taught good financial planning or budgeting, and sadly today there are few examples of a good work ethic. Knowing, my entire adult life, I had to make it on my own, I really would like to help folks budget for independence and develop a strong work ethic that will carry them through their life. Yes YHWH does provide, but part of His provision is giving us talents to use to make a living. It's not about "making money" it's about using our talents to provide for our life and family. Some of that provision will involve money, but much of our life really doesn't need to. We just haven't really been taught a good way of money management and prioritizing is difficult for nearly everyone.
I realize any of us can fall on hard times and the economic condition of our country is alarming, which is all the more reason to learn a better way of money management and less dependency on our current system. I am not advising people to exchange their dollars for silver, at this time, but I wholeheartedly recommend whittling down the number of dollars you depend upon in life. We have to prioritize and the priorities are shelter and food to start with, then other things. David wrote that he'd never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging . . . Paul penned that we are to be content with what we have, where we are.
We've been programmed to believe our worth is based upon our possessions and the terms rest and entertainment have been exchanged in the connecting term "leisure." This nation has produced two generations, going on three now that are of age for the work force, but programmed to believe their leisure time should be their top priority. Scripturally, leisure time isn't even an issue and a good life provides it's own entertainment!
I offer financial assistance in some situations and in others I offer products as a gift, but truth be told, some situations actually need financial management instruction and work ethic motivation. I do not subsidize poor money management. I can't afford to! As long as we are in this world, before Messiah returns, we have to accept the fact that life in this world is not free. Of all things the public education does not teach and parents tend to not prepare children for is budgeting. Oh, I grew up being made to have a savings account and tithe, but other than being told how much and when, I was clueless. I had to learn by trial and unfortunately error . . .
That is why I truly want to help people, not just throw money at them and certainly not judge them. Many folks have not been taught good financial planning or budgeting, and sadly today there are few examples of a good work ethic. Knowing, my entire adult life, I had to make it on my own, I really would like to help folks budget for independence and develop a strong work ethic that will carry them through their life. Yes YHWH does provide, but part of His provision is giving us talents to use to make a living. It's not about "making money" it's about using our talents to provide for our life and family. Some of that provision will involve money, but much of our life really doesn't need to. We just haven't really been taught a good way of money management and prioritizing is difficult for nearly everyone.
I realize any of us can fall on hard times and the economic condition of our country is alarming, which is all the more reason to learn a better way of money management and less dependency on our current system. I am not advising people to exchange their dollars for silver, at this time, but I wholeheartedly recommend whittling down the number of dollars you depend upon in life. We have to prioritize and the priorities are shelter and food to start with, then other things. David wrote that he'd never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging . . . Paul penned that we are to be content with what we have, where we are.
We've been programmed to believe our worth is based upon our possessions and the terms rest and entertainment have been exchanged in the connecting term "leisure." This nation has produced two generations, going on three now that are of age for the work force, but programmed to believe their leisure time should be their top priority. Scripturally, leisure time isn't even an issue and a good life provides it's own entertainment!
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Your Call is Important
When did ministry become a money making career for so many? I realize back when our society in general was more religious, rabbis and pastors were dealing with congregants nearly every day. Although rabbis often had their own homes, many pastors lived in the parsonage. Even with rabbis living in their own homes, the Jewish community was established for all be within walking distance of the synagogue on Shabbat. Parsonage, for all practical purposes has become an archaic term.
Much of the ministry in America has become politically and economically powerful with ministers living large and rabbis being quite influential. I'm not suggesting for a moment that servants of YHWH should live like squirrels in winter, not at all, but the reality of the matter is pretty simple. If the religious organizations were actually fulfilling their true purpose, a 501c3 would be unnecessary. Taking care of widows, orphans, and veterans would probably keep most religious organizations quite busy, and certainly below any tax bracket. Actually working in our specified call would eliminate a great deal of unnecessary travel and activities that are truly "uncalled" for. A great many false prophecies and teachings would be eliminated if folks actually walked and worked in their call.
Now, does that mean a pastor should not give a call to repentance and wait for the evangelist? Absolutely not, but it does mean a pastor doesn't need to be jet setting all over the world, if he is called to shepherd a flock. Evangelists and prophets should probably be the ones doing most of the traveling, and teachers should be teaching by example first, and words second! Apostles are trailblazers and missionaries, so they are usually led to establish, then outreach in meeting the needs around them, but also to welcome and work with the other four offices of ministry.
Not that I am claiming to have all the organization or administrative answers, but the duties of the five offices are explained throughout Scripture. There's no need for so much overlap and confusion, and no need for anything to be going undone. And as for widows, orphans, and folks in need, every child of G-d is called to meet those needs when they become aware of them. I do believe it would be amazing for all five calls to be working together in ministries. I continue to pray for that, here and in other areas as well.
It's time for pastors to tend the flock and live within respectable means. It's time for teachers to realize the best lesson is a good example. It's time for prophets to sound the warnings and evangelists to tell the whole Gospel which includes Torah obedience, and it's time for folks to get results from apostles and elders without the need of hospitals. A 501c3 is completely unnecessary and ministry should not be a business!
Much of the ministry in America has become politically and economically powerful with ministers living large and rabbis being quite influential. I'm not suggesting for a moment that servants of YHWH should live like squirrels in winter, not at all, but the reality of the matter is pretty simple. If the religious organizations were actually fulfilling their true purpose, a 501c3 would be unnecessary. Taking care of widows, orphans, and veterans would probably keep most religious organizations quite busy, and certainly below any tax bracket. Actually working in our specified call would eliminate a great deal of unnecessary travel and activities that are truly "uncalled" for. A great many false prophecies and teachings would be eliminated if folks actually walked and worked in their call.
Now, does that mean a pastor should not give a call to repentance and wait for the evangelist? Absolutely not, but it does mean a pastor doesn't need to be jet setting all over the world, if he is called to shepherd a flock. Evangelists and prophets should probably be the ones doing most of the traveling, and teachers should be teaching by example first, and words second! Apostles are trailblazers and missionaries, so they are usually led to establish, then outreach in meeting the needs around them, but also to welcome and work with the other four offices of ministry.
Not that I am claiming to have all the organization or administrative answers, but the duties of the five offices are explained throughout Scripture. There's no need for so much overlap and confusion, and no need for anything to be going undone. And as for widows, orphans, and folks in need, every child of G-d is called to meet those needs when they become aware of them. I do believe it would be amazing for all five calls to be working together in ministries. I continue to pray for that, here and in other areas as well.
It's time for pastors to tend the flock and live within respectable means. It's time for teachers to realize the best lesson is a good example. It's time for prophets to sound the warnings and evangelists to tell the whole Gospel which includes Torah obedience, and it's time for folks to get results from apostles and elders without the need of hospitals. A 501c3 is completely unnecessary and ministry should not be a business!
Sunday, May 31, 2015
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