If Jonathan Cahn, Israel, and myself are correct, the resetting of the balance may take place this coming autumn, around the High Holy Days. Judgment for ignoring this command could further commence, or mercy could be shown on behalf of those who did observe and interceded. We simply won't know until events unfold and even then, there will be varying explanations.
On the other hand, if those following the teaching of Joseph Dumond, that Shemitah is next year, the resetting could very well begin at the beginning of the year and coincide with those of us observing this year, or as mentioned in the first paragraph, we have no idea how few intercessors would be needed to avert judgment. Abba told Abraham he'd spare Sodom and Gomorrah if 10 righteous could be found.
While still others believe the shemitah may actually be a matter of personal maintenance of the land we work, or at least garden. I'm not arguing that thinking. That was my understanding when I first began homesteading, and now since moving here, my seventh year aligns with Israel and Jonathan Cahn.
If those who believe it unnecessary outside of Israel are correct, then whatever befalls in the next two years will be explained without referencing shemitah. Basically, America has explanations for everything, now, without referencing Scripture. Very few associate the regular recessions with a resetting of the debt. That may be because the money just continues to be printed, and the elite of this country remain untouched. All the more reason for the majority of us to seek Scripture.
Isaiah 1:19-20 speaks clearly, not only of obedience and the land, but of what so many are fearing; the sword. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth
of YHWH hath spoken it.
Sadly, these differences have actually divided folks, once again. The simple fact of the matter is the division is often more about "being right" than being obedient. With the exception of the fourth line of thinking, the first three lines of thought do place importance on the need for obedience and know the value the replenished land. This is another date and time that we'll know when Messiah returns.
Showing posts with label shemitah. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shemitah. Show all posts
Sunday, March 22, 2015
Sunday, February 15, 2015
Interesting Development
Debate and disagreement about Shemitah was really intimidating to me for a time. I have prayed earnestly in regard to this topic for many months, seeking Abba's will in the matter. I finally heard that it was time to stop asking and step out. So, I stepped out cautiously, which has also resulted in some strained relationships . . . but I stepped out. I've not been stiff necked about it, but I've also pointed out that most folks with an opinion, or even a book aren't living off the land anyway . . .
As more individuals are seeking Torah for answers, I've seen a great many posts and comments about debt being resolved in 7 years. My comment on that is simple. If you feel your debt should be resolved in 7 years, don't sign a contract that goes beyond 7 years, but that's not the point anyway in Shemitah. Jubilee is the year of debt resolution and Jubilee comes every 50 years. Back to Shemitah, and it gets interesting.
When I sold the beginning homestead, I owner financed. It wasn't until this last year that it dawned on me, that while they were very conscientious in their payments, I still held the deed to the land. As long as they were paying, the land was theirs to use as they desired; of course, but I did question my possession of the deed through shemitah . . . I didn't know how to handle that. They do not believe what I believe. I've shared my beliefs, given them a copy of "Simply Abundant" and although we have discussed some mutual disdain, such as Monsanto and Agenda 21, their choice of direction at this time is not that of being a "set apart" people. So, what to do about the "owner finance" contract?
As I looked over the paperwork, I knew the contract would be paid in full just following the planting season next year, which some claim to be shemitah. I really had no problem just calling it a "done deal" a couple of months early, releasing the deed and moving on in life, if that were the year of shemitah or the jubilee year, but . . . I believe this year is the shemitah and I didn't want any land in "my possession" to be worked this year.
It was one of those childlike moments for me. Abba had told me to stop asking, but this is a new question, so . . . early one morning in prayer toward the end of January, I simply asked if I should resolve and release the contract before planting season this year. Planting season officially begins mid February. I heard an amazing response. "Stand still and watch." So, that was my answer and nothing more was said on the matter. An unexpected town day brought an interesting development. The message light on the phone was blinking when I walked in the door, indicating a voice message. An amazing offer was contained in that voice message. The young couple who I'd financed wanted to make arrangements for an early payoff. I'd remembered the day of the closing, the young woman had asked if there would be a penalty for an early payoff. I assured them there would not!
I returned the call, and said I'd make inquiry at the Title Company and relay the information and time to take care of the matter. I was surprised at their request, as this late in the contract, the early payoff would save very little money in interest, so the principle and payoff were nearly the same; but that wasn't my call or my business. As of, February 11, 2015, just three days before the planting season officially began, the deed to that land is no longer in my name! I stood, I was "still," and I saw!
As more individuals are seeking Torah for answers, I've seen a great many posts and comments about debt being resolved in 7 years. My comment on that is simple. If you feel your debt should be resolved in 7 years, don't sign a contract that goes beyond 7 years, but that's not the point anyway in Shemitah. Jubilee is the year of debt resolution and Jubilee comes every 50 years. Back to Shemitah, and it gets interesting.
When I sold the beginning homestead, I owner financed. It wasn't until this last year that it dawned on me, that while they were very conscientious in their payments, I still held the deed to the land. As long as they were paying, the land was theirs to use as they desired; of course, but I did question my possession of the deed through shemitah . . . I didn't know how to handle that. They do not believe what I believe. I've shared my beliefs, given them a copy of "Simply Abundant" and although we have discussed some mutual disdain, such as Monsanto and Agenda 21, their choice of direction at this time is not that of being a "set apart" people. So, what to do about the "owner finance" contract?
As I looked over the paperwork, I knew the contract would be paid in full just following the planting season next year, which some claim to be shemitah. I really had no problem just calling it a "done deal" a couple of months early, releasing the deed and moving on in life, if that were the year of shemitah or the jubilee year, but . . . I believe this year is the shemitah and I didn't want any land in "my possession" to be worked this year.
It was one of those childlike moments for me. Abba had told me to stop asking, but this is a new question, so . . . early one morning in prayer toward the end of January, I simply asked if I should resolve and release the contract before planting season this year. Planting season officially begins mid February. I heard an amazing response. "Stand still and watch." So, that was my answer and nothing more was said on the matter. An unexpected town day brought an interesting development. The message light on the phone was blinking when I walked in the door, indicating a voice message. An amazing offer was contained in that voice message. The young couple who I'd financed wanted to make arrangements for an early payoff. I'd remembered the day of the closing, the young woman had asked if there would be a penalty for an early payoff. I assured them there would not!
I returned the call, and said I'd make inquiry at the Title Company and relay the information and time to take care of the matter. I was surprised at their request, as this late in the contract, the early payoff would save very little money in interest, so the principle and payoff were nearly the same; but that wasn't my call or my business. As of, February 11, 2015, just three days before the planting season officially began, the deed to that land is no longer in my name! I stood, I was "still," and I saw!
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Winter Blessings
Just a little winter update here.
So far, even through January, the water tubs have not needed more than a touch from my walking stick on Sabbath. HalleluYah!
This last summer, I had to really watch myself and my attitude. I confessed to Adonai, that I really was going to miss fresh tomatoes in the coming shemitah. I ate fresh tomatoes all summer and fall, at every single opportunity. Thankfully there was a great abundance, so there are a number of quarts in the cellar, but there's just nothing like a fresh juicy tomato. I got to the point of also praying that I was conscious of the fact I didn't want to make my belly a god regarding this wonderful fresh produce. It is possible to make an idol of a blessing, and/or creation. Since Torah states we can eat what the ground produces through shemitah, just no tilling and tending, I worked that into my casual conversation as well. As a child of the Creator, I interjected that I wouldn't mind and I promised I wouldn't cultivate a volunteer tomato plant this coming summer.
Regardless of what happens next summer, beyond what I would have ever thought to ask or imagine, I've been enjoying fresh tomatoes all winter, that were picked green before the frost. I've made various posts and recorded photos through this winter season, but alas, I'm now down to one . . . Our Heavenly Father truly does bless beyond what our mind would imagine. I had no idea I'd be eating fresh tomatoes from last year's garden, the end of January.
Whatever unfolds in this coming year, I have been blessed beyond measure.
So far, even through January, the water tubs have not needed more than a touch from my walking stick on Sabbath. HalleluYah!
This last summer, I had to really watch myself and my attitude. I confessed to Adonai, that I really was going to miss fresh tomatoes in the coming shemitah. I ate fresh tomatoes all summer and fall, at every single opportunity. Thankfully there was a great abundance, so there are a number of quarts in the cellar, but there's just nothing like a fresh juicy tomato. I got to the point of also praying that I was conscious of the fact I didn't want to make my belly a god regarding this wonderful fresh produce. It is possible to make an idol of a blessing, and/or creation. Since Torah states we can eat what the ground produces through shemitah, just no tilling and tending, I worked that into my casual conversation as well. As a child of the Creator, I interjected that I wouldn't mind and I promised I wouldn't cultivate a volunteer tomato plant this coming summer.
Regardless of what happens next summer, beyond what I would have ever thought to ask or imagine, I've been enjoying fresh tomatoes all winter, that were picked green before the frost. I've made various posts and recorded photos through this winter season, but alas, I'm now down to one . . . Our Heavenly Father truly does bless beyond what our mind would imagine. I had no idea I'd be eating fresh tomatoes from last year's garden, the end of January.
Whatever unfolds in this coming year, I have been blessed beyond measure.
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Coincidence?
Rather than give another folksy update of homesteading in the Land of Goshen, I'd like to present an interesting article.
When this calf first made the newsfeed on Facebook back in the fall, my initial thought was "photoshop," but . . .
the photo re-entered my awareness through the same week the Torah portion mentioned seven healthy cows, and seven starving cows. The report further piqued my interest when I realized there was a connection between this calf and "America's religion" of professional sports. The calf was named for Ben Roethlisberger, who is #7 for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
FULL STORY
As the article gave detail, the dates were fascinating. The calf was born on Sabbath, the Sabbath before Yom Teruah. The interview took place and the photo was captured the day leading into the evening of sounding the shofar. The article actually ran via Associated Press on Yom Teruah. I'm not usually one of those who reads spiritual significance into everything, but the reality is, everything on some level, is spiritual. You don't have to be looking for extra details in this story! Now, back to this calf and the timing.
This ministry has been quite vocal in proclaiming the fact that unlike ancient Egypt, America has squandered the years of plenty. Also, as in the days of Jeremiah, the Sabbath has become "open to interpretation" even by many who profess to be preachers and teachers. This has ultimately led to a mainstream disregard of the Sabbath. We've already been warned about doing things as we choose, especially in regard to the Sabbath. There is still a great deal of buying and selling and causing others to work, by the very folks who claim the day has been changed to Sunday.
So is this little bovine in the barn delivering a message we should heed? Pharaoh received dreams symbolized by agriculture. We can't forget, a donkey actually spoke . . . What is the message? Does this end the debate of which year is the Shemitah? Is this the call to remember the seventh day? Is this the warning of judgment because we didn't remember the seventh day? Or is it simply a cute little coincidence?
When this calf first made the newsfeed on Facebook back in the fall, my initial thought was "photoshop," but . . .
the photo re-entered my awareness through the same week the Torah portion mentioned seven healthy cows, and seven starving cows. The report further piqued my interest when I realized there was a connection between this calf and "America's religion" of professional sports. The calf was named for Ben Roethlisberger, who is #7 for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
FULL STORY
As the article gave detail, the dates were fascinating. The calf was born on Sabbath, the Sabbath before Yom Teruah. The interview took place and the photo was captured the day leading into the evening of sounding the shofar. The article actually ran via Associated Press on Yom Teruah. I'm not usually one of those who reads spiritual significance into everything, but the reality is, everything on some level, is spiritual. You don't have to be looking for extra details in this story! Now, back to this calf and the timing.
This ministry has been quite vocal in proclaiming the fact that unlike ancient Egypt, America has squandered the years of plenty. Also, as in the days of Jeremiah, the Sabbath has become "open to interpretation" even by many who profess to be preachers and teachers. This has ultimately led to a mainstream disregard of the Sabbath. We've already been warned about doing things as we choose, especially in regard to the Sabbath. There is still a great deal of buying and selling and causing others to work, by the very folks who claim the day has been changed to Sunday.
So is this little bovine in the barn delivering a message we should heed? Pharaoh received dreams symbolized by agriculture. We can't forget, a donkey actually spoke . . . What is the message? Does this end the debate of which year is the Shemitah? Is this the call to remember the seventh day? Is this the warning of judgment because we didn't remember the seventh day? Or is it simply a cute little coincidence?
Sunday, December 21, 2014
He Hears When We Aren't Praying
As I prepared for Shemitah, I truly tried to keep things in perspective. I didn't want to get caught up in the "bigger barns" mentality, nor in the "G-d will provide, do nothing" mentality. I'm seeing so much "faith talk" as of late, of folks getting back on that bandwagon of telling G-d what His Word says and how it is to be fulfilled in their lives. That scares me! They sound like my kids used to when they'd say, "But Mom, you said . . ." usually out of context and always in poor timing. Yet I digress, I have good news to share.
I gave that little intro, because praying properly has always concerned me. I want to be respectful, without formality, if that makes sense. As of late, it seems I'm learning more about prayer, every time I pray. I've also learned a bit about what He hears when I'm not praying . . .
All summer, I truly enjoyed my tomatoes. I kept in mind, there would be no fresh ones this coming year. I've spoken many times over as to how much I truly enjoy my fresh garden produce and how much I will miss it for a year. It's not like I'm going without food, but fresh is wonderful, so as my garden wound down this autumn there was a note of sad obedience. I know, it sounds dramatic, and it was in a way, but I didn't whine to Abba, just kind shrugged my shoulders and harvested the last of the peppers and green tomatoes before the frost. I can't remember if it was the end of October or the beginning of November, but it's been several weeks.
In speaking and sharing with friends about Shemitah, that although I won't be having a garden next year, we can eat what the land produces naturally. I've mentioned more than once, that it wouldn't hurt my feelings if Abba brought forth a volunteer tomato vine. I would absolutely refrain from tending it . . . other than to pick the red ones. I have no idea what next spring will bring, but I have an awesome praise report, here as the end of December approaches!
I'm still enjoying ripe tomatoes. The green ones that were harvested before the frost continue to ripen all this time later. None have rotted, but the number is dwindling. They are just as juicy and fresh as the summer harvest was. This is a first to enjoy fresh pico de gallo in December with homegrown juicy tomatoes! What an amazing blessing from our Heavenly Father. This is a blessing far beyond what I would have asked or imagined.
I gave that little intro, because praying properly has always concerned me. I want to be respectful, without formality, if that makes sense. As of late, it seems I'm learning more about prayer, every time I pray. I've also learned a bit about what He hears when I'm not praying . . .
All summer, I truly enjoyed my tomatoes. I kept in mind, there would be no fresh ones this coming year. I've spoken many times over as to how much I truly enjoy my fresh garden produce and how much I will miss it for a year. It's not like I'm going without food, but fresh is wonderful, so as my garden wound down this autumn there was a note of sad obedience. I know, it sounds dramatic, and it was in a way, but I didn't whine to Abba, just kind shrugged my shoulders and harvested the last of the peppers and green tomatoes before the frost. I can't remember if it was the end of October or the beginning of November, but it's been several weeks.
In speaking and sharing with friends about Shemitah, that although I won't be having a garden next year, we can eat what the land produces naturally. I've mentioned more than once, that it wouldn't hurt my feelings if Abba brought forth a volunteer tomato vine. I would absolutely refrain from tending it . . . other than to pick the red ones. I have no idea what next spring will bring, but I have an awesome praise report, here as the end of December approaches!
 |
| December 3 |
 |
| December 21 |
Sunday, September 28, 2014
The Laid Back Time
Change is definitely coming, on many levels, I believe. This is the first shemitah I've observed in the Land of Goshen. I'm thinking back to the herd that was built in 2008 and wondering what Abba will cause the land to bring forth. I'm still unsure, but I'm going forward in hopeful obedience. Sukkot is less than two weeks away, and although the cares of the world loom ominously on the horizon, I know my Redeemer lives!
Although there is much happening in this world that is terrible, I also believe we will begin to see some truly great moves of our Creator in the lives of His people. While the land is resting, I believe I'll be getting some other aspects of this Holy Homesteading strengthened, like the "Holy" part. Honestly, I'm going to miss my fresh salads next year, but I also know Abba causes the land to produce some wonderful greens. The blackberries were already here and I don't tend them, anyway. The fruit trees will be in their third year and it will be a surprise to see what herbs come forth next year.
I will be maintaining my potted plants with water, but there'll be no transplanting, etc. next year. I truly am excited about this! What an opportunity! Much of the Torah agricultural Instruction has been all but lost or modified. I'm trying to just take The Word literally, and practically apply the Instructions. This feels like an adventure!
Although there is much happening in this world that is terrible, I also believe we will begin to see some truly great moves of our Creator in the lives of His people. While the land is resting, I believe I'll be getting some other aspects of this Holy Homesteading strengthened, like the "Holy" part. Honestly, I'm going to miss my fresh salads next year, but I also know Abba causes the land to produce some wonderful greens. The blackberries were already here and I don't tend them, anyway. The fruit trees will be in their third year and it will be a surprise to see what herbs come forth next year.
I will be maintaining my potted plants with water, but there'll be no transplanting, etc. next year. I truly am excited about this! What an opportunity! Much of the Torah agricultural Instruction has been all but lost or modified. I'm trying to just take The Word literally, and practically apply the Instructions. This feels like an adventure!
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Preparing
In reading many things about preparing for everything from Shemitah to apocalypse, I see a continual propensity toward the extremes. Many are speaking of a second Exodus, so many are "planning" on manna. That particular perspective confuses me, so I don't really have a yea or a nay about it at this time, but the children of Israel did not leave Egypt planning for manna to fall. A second Exodus is not what I'm feeling led to prepare for, at this time. I don't have a bug-out bag.
By the same token, I've read and heard the Scriptural reference about the man building bigger barns as a warning against preparing and stocking up. Since I'm preparing for Shemitah, I'm not about to let anything go to waste, at least I'm trying to make sure everything that grows is used or put in a jar until it is needed. There have been times I've suffered "preparation overkill" which is nothing more than fear on my part. I have been planning to share the fruits of my labor all along, in establishing a homestead for a community to gather, so bigger barns for me, is simply not the case.
It was not raining when Noah built the ark and the Babylonian army wasn't standing at the gate in Jerusalem when the prophets first began sounding the warning . . .
Since Messiah said the end of days would be as in the days of Noah, I'm continuing to stand, working on a refuge with at least a year's supply of food for people and animals. As I began sorting through tomatoes and jars the other day, I realized once again, I'm truly not doing this for me. If my numbered days continue through this winter, I'll eat well, but I truly pray I'm sharing it with someone or several someones who are likeminded. On the other hand, if my numbered days are up, this will feed others.
That is what is so simple and beautiful about serving our Creator on this homestead. I'm doing it for Him, so I seek His direction, purpose, and plan. I pray before I buy a goat! I give thanks for the new kids and the delicious milk. I pray as I till the soil. I pray as I plant the seeds. I definitely pray in sheer delight and thanksgiving as I harvest the produce. I definitely pray over the meal. I truly do seek Him in the daily operation of this homestead. I've been called here, I have the privilege of working here and tending the place, but it belongs to Abba.
I've even shared with a friend the idea that this may serve as a rest stop for those who will be traveling through to join other communities, as I believe there will be several as these end of days unfold. It could be, since He is so creative, we may be blessed with Him stretching what is in the warehouse. Deuteronomy tells us, not only did the children of Israel receive manna and quail, but their shoes didn't wear out . . .
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)