I have often read the words of the prophet, Jeremiah, to "come out of Babylon" and wondered whether I should make a personal application of his words. In the 18th chapter of Revelation, it is clear to me that the world system of business and commerce is referred to as "Babylon". It's ultimate collapse and doom is predicted. When that day comes, I don't want to have my life, my time and energy invested in a temporary worldly system. We often recognize a tension between being "in the world" and "of the world". Many times I wondered just how involved in money making activities would be approved by God. I married at age 20 and we were blessed with 4 children. It was my responsibility to provide for the family. I did that to the best of my ability. Sometimes it seemed we had more blessing on our efforts and at other times it was a struggle.
In the last few years, being mostly retired from the construction activity which I had done for most of my life, I began to look at the many "make money from home" enterprises that are offered. Although I spent much time and money to learn various strategies, I never found one that worked for me. During this season of life, I continued to read the Word of God and seek to do His will.
Around April 1, 2013, I had been reading a book by K. P. Yohannan concerning the need to support native missionaries in Asia. A native of India, converted and called to preach as a teenager, he had come to America on a scholarship to study at a seminary. The wealth of American churches and how it was being used was very disturbing to him. Considering his thoughts along with my own concern about involvement in the "Babylonian system" of this world, I made a decision that day. Although I had spent a considerable amount of time and money attempting to learn and succeed at some sort of internet marketing strategy, I decided to end that pursuit. I would continue to use the skills that God has given me in the area of construction and woodworking if there were opportunities to do so. My basic needs are being met. And I need to spend some time getting rid of much of the "stuff" I've accumulated...which I don't need.
It has been a release...a burden lifted...as a result of my decision. Already I've began to hear some "new things from God" which are very exciting to my Spirit. I will write of that as time permits.
I believe that I am being obedient to God's direction in my decision. This is not meant to provide direction for anyone else. Each of us should seek to know God's will for our lives by reading and meditating on His word with an open heart...a heart ready and willing to obey. I do believe that God's judgment on this world system is surely coming. Warning signs are given by a loving God so that we might be in the right place when the season changes.
The Father's heart is for us to walk with Him daily and to be listening for His voice. He has an exciting pathway for us to walk. I will write about that in my next post.
In the last few years, being mostly retired from the construction activity which I had done for most of my life, I began to look at the many "make money from home" enterprises that are offered. Although I spent much time and money to learn various strategies, I never found one that worked for me. During this season of life, I continued to read the Word of God and seek to do His will.
Around April 1, 2013, I had been reading a book by K. P. Yohannan concerning the need to support native missionaries in Asia. A native of India, converted and called to preach as a teenager, he had come to America on a scholarship to study at a seminary. The wealth of American churches and how it was being used was very disturbing to him. Considering his thoughts along with my own concern about involvement in the "Babylonian system" of this world, I made a decision that day. Although I had spent a considerable amount of time and money attempting to learn and succeed at some sort of internet marketing strategy, I decided to end that pursuit. I would continue to use the skills that God has given me in the area of construction and woodworking if there were opportunities to do so. My basic needs are being met. And I need to spend some time getting rid of much of the "stuff" I've accumulated...which I don't need.
It has been a release...a burden lifted...as a result of my decision. Already I've began to hear some "new things from God" which are very exciting to my Spirit. I will write of that as time permits.
I believe that I am being obedient to God's direction in my decision. This is not meant to provide direction for anyone else. Each of us should seek to know God's will for our lives by reading and meditating on His word with an open heart...a heart ready and willing to obey. I do believe that God's judgment on this world system is surely coming. Warning signs are given by a loving God so that we might be in the right place when the season changes.
The Father's heart is for us to walk with Him daily and to be listening for His voice. He has an exciting pathway for us to walk. I will write about that in my next post.